Multipopulation evaluation of the internal morphology of mandibular first premolars from different South American countries. A micro-computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare several anatomical parameters of mandibular first premolars from individuals from different Latin American countries using micro-computed tomography. DESIGN: Five hundred extracted mandibular first premolars from Brazilian, Argentinian, Chilean, Colombian, and Ecuadorian individuals were scanned using micro-computed tomography (n = 100 teeth/country). Root canal configurations were classified according to established parameters. Analyses also included: canal volume and surface area, structure model index, distances from the apical foramen to the root apex or the cementoenamel junction, major/minor apical canal diameters, canal orifice shape, and prevalence of ramifications. RESULTS: A single root was the most common anatomy in all countries (range, 97%-100%). Vertucci's type-I canal was the most frequent configuration (range, 36%-66%), followed by C-shaped and type-V canals. The oval-shaped canal orifice was the most predominant in all countries (range, 34%-58%), followed by the circular shape (range, 16%-47%). C-shaped canals occurred in all subpopulations (range, 14%-26%), always associated with radicular grooves. Ranges for canal ramifications were as follows: accessory canals, 36%-73%; lateral canals, 4%-12%; and apical delta, 4%-14% of the teeth. Many anatomic parameters differed significantly between countries (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Vertucci's types-I and -V, and C-shaped canals were the most prevalent configurations in the subpopulations investigated. Accessory canals and several complex anatomies were found, with some significantly different frequencies between countries.

The effect of orthodontic forces on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the human periodontal ligament and its relationship with the human dental pulp.

Background: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of moderate and severe orthodontic forces on Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the healthy human periodontal ligament (PDL) and its possible relationship with the human dental pulp. Material and Methods: Ninety human periodontal ligament samples were obtained from healthy premolars where extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. Prior to extraction, teeth were divided in 3 groups of 30 samples each: I) Untreated teeth control group; II) Moderate force group: A 56 g force was applied to the premolars for 24 hours; and III) Severe force group: A 224 g force was applied to the premolars for 7 days. All periodontal ligament samples were processed and CGRP was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Greater CGRP expression was found in the severe force group, followed by the moderate force group. The lower CGRP values were for the untreated teeth. Kruskal-Wallis test showed statistically significant differences between groups (p<0.001). LSD post hoc tests showed statistically significant differences in CGRP expression between the untreated teeth and the severe forces group (p<0.001). Differences between the moderate and severe force groups were statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant differences between the untreated teeth and the moderate forces group (p<0.261). Conclusions: CGRP expression in human periodontal ligament increases when teeth are submitted to severe orthodontic forces. This elevated expression of CGRP, which is proportional to the applied force, may affect the way the dental pulp responds to different stimuli from the orthodontic forces. Key words:Calcitonin gene-related peptide, orthodontic force, human periodontal ligament, neurogenic inflammation.

Antibiotic indication in endodontics by Colombian dentists with different levels of training: a survey / Indicação dos antibióticos em Endodontia por dentistas colombianos com diferentes níveis de formação: uma pesquisa por questionário

ABSTRACT Aim: This study investigated how Colombian dentists with different academic levels indicate antibiotics with therapeutic purposes in endodontics. Materials and method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 559 dentists in the form of an online questionnaire. Results: Three hundred and twenty questionnaires were answered (57.2%). There were significant differences among respondents. For irreversible pulpitis, 140 dentists (43.7%) said they prescribe antibiotics (57.5% of general practitioners, 20.1% of specialists and 38.9% of those with Master's and/or PhD degrees), while for symptomatic apical periodontitis, 183 (57.2%) did so (74.1% of general practitioners, 28.4% of specialists and 50.0% of those with Master's and/or PhD degrees) (p < 0.05). Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic, and its association with clavulanic acid was the most often cited for acute periradicular abscess with systemic involvement. Conclusions: The greatest misunderstandings in prescribing antibiotics occurred among general practitioners. Considering all clinical conditions that do not require antibiotics, 60% of general practitioners and 34% of specialists, on average, indicated antibiotics.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo investigou como dentistas colombianos com diferentes níveis acadêmicos indicaram antibióticos com fins terapêuticos em Endodontia. Materiais e método: Realizou-se um levantamento transversal com 559 dentistas. Foi enviado um questionário online. Resultados: Foram respondidos 320 questionários (57,2%). Houve diferenças significativas entre os profissionais com diferentes níveis de formação. Para pulpite irreversível, 140 (43,7%) dentistas afirmaram indicar antibióticos (57,5% clínicos gerais, 20,1% especialistas e 38,9% com mestrado e/ou doutorado), enquanto para periodontite apical sintomática, 183 (57,2%) prescrevem estes medicamentos (74,1% clínicos, 28,4% especialistas e 50,0% com mestrado e doutorado) (p < 0,05). A amoxicilina foi a mais indicada entre os profissionais, e sua associação com ácido clavulânico foi a mais referida para abscesso perirradicular agudo com acometimento sistêmico. Conclusões: Os maiores equívocos na prescrição de antibióticos ocorreram com os clínicos gerais. Considerando todas as condições clínicas que não requerem antibióticos, 60% dos clínicos gerais e 34% dos especialistas, em média, indicaram estes medicamentos.

Antibiotic indication in endodontics by Colombian dentists with different levels of training: a survey.

AIM: This study investigated how Colombian dentists with different academic levels indicate antibiotics with therapeutic purposes in endodontics. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 559 dentists in the form of an online questionnaire. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty questionnaires were answered (57.2%). There were significant differences among respondents. For irreversible pulpitis, 140 dentists (43.7%) said they prescribe antibiotics (57.5% of general practitioners, 20.1% of specialists and 38.9% of those with Master's and/or PhD degrees), while for symptomatic apical periodontitis, 183 (57.2%) did so (74.1% of general practitioners, 28.4% of specialists and 50.0% of those with Master's and/or PhD degrees) (p<0.05). Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic, and its association with clavulanic acid was the most often cited for acute periradicular abscess with systemic involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest misunderstandings in prescribing antibiotics occurred among general practitioners. Considering all clinical conditions that do not require antibiotics, 60% of general practitioners and 34% of specialists, on average, indicated antibiotics.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investigou como dentistas colombianos com diferentes níveis acadêmicos indicaram antibióticos com fins terapêuticos em Endodontia. Materiais e método: Realizou-se um levantamento transversal com 559 dentistas. Foi enviado um questionário online. RESULTADOS: Foram respondidos 320 questionários (57,2%). Houve diferenças significativas entre os profissionais com diferentes níveis de formação. Para pulpite irreversível, 140 (43,7%) dentistas afirmaram indicar antibióticos (57,5% clínicos gerais, 20,1% especialistas e 38,9% com mestrado e/ou doutorado), enquanto para periodontite apical sintomática, 183 (57,2%) prescrevem estes medicamentos (74,1% clínicos, 28,4% especialistas e 50,0% com mestrado e doutorado) (p < 0,05). A amoxicilina foi a mais indicada entre os profissionais, e sua associação com ácido clavulânico foi a mais referida para abscesso perirradicular agudo com acometimento sistêmico. Conclusões: Os maiores equívocos na prescrição de antibióticos ocorreram com os clínicos gerais. Considerando todas as condições clínicas que não requerem antibióticos, 60% dos clínicos gerais e 34% dos especialistas, em média, indicaram estes medicamentos.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of root canal morphology in mandibular first premolars from a Colombian population.

Dental anatomy can vary significantly between different populations from different countries. Dental anatomical variations are of great interest to the dental professional, especially to endodontists, since they can influence the outcome of endodontic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to describe the anatomical variations of the root canal in mandibular first premolars in a population from Colombia, using micro-computed tomography. Fifty mandibular first premolars were scanned on a SkyScan 1174 and the microcomputed tomographic images were reconstructed. Anatomy was assessed using three-dimensional models. The parameters used were: Vertucci's classification, area and volume, perimeter, circularity, and major and minor diameter at 1, 2 and 3 mm from the apical foramen. According to the Vertucci's classification, teeth were classified as: types I (40%), V (24%), VII (4%) and III (4%), with 28% not classifiable. C-shaped canals were found in 1.8% of the sample. Mean evaluations at 1, 2, 3 mm of the foramen were as follows, respectively: perimeter 1.07 ± 0.57, 1.27 ± 0.78 and 1.57 ± 0.84 mm; circularity 0.59 ± 0.19, 0.57 ± 0.20 and 0.56 ± 0.22; maximum diameter 0.41 ± 0.23, 0.48 ± 0.33 and 0.60 ± 0.37 mm; minimum diameter 0.24 ± 0.10, 0.26 0.11 and 0.21 ± 0.13 mm. Mean total area and volume were 61.27 ± 16.47 mm2 and 12.47 ± 4.95 mm3, respectively. There was wide anatomical variation in mandibular first premolars from Colombian individuals, reinforcing the need for proper anatomical knowledge to establish more effective strategies for endodontic treatment.

A anatomia dentária pode variar significativamente entre diferentes populações, de diferentes países. As variações anatômicas dentais são de grande interesse para o profissional da odontologia, principalmente para os endodontistas, pois podem influenciar no resultado do tratamento endodôntico. Descrever as variações anatômicas do canal radicular dos primeiros prémolares inferiores em uma população da Colômbia, usando a micro tomografia computadorizada. Cinquenta primeiros prémolares inferiores foram digitalizados em um SkyScan 1174 e as imagens tomográficas foram reconstruídas e a anatomia foi avaliada por meio de modelos tridimensionais. Os parâmetros utilizados foram: classificação de Vertucci, área e volume, perímetro, circularidade e diâmetros maior e menor a 1, 2 e 3 mm do forame apical. De acordo com a classificação de Vertucci, os dentes foram classificados em: tipos I (40%), V (24%), VII (4%) e III (4%), sendo 28% não classificáveis. Canais em forma de C foram encontrados em 1,8% da amostra. As avaliações médias em 1, 2, 3 mm do forame foram as seguintes, respectivamente: perímetro 1,07 ± 0,57, 1,27 ± 0,78 e 1,57 ± 0,84 mm; circularidade 0,59 ± 0,19, 0,57 ± 0,20 e 0,56 ± 0,22; diâmetro maior 0,41 ± 0,23, 0,48 ± 0,33 e 0,60 ± 0,37 mm; diâmetro menor 0,24 ± 0,10, 0,26 ± 0,11 e 0,21 ± 0,13 mm. A média da área total e do volume foram 61,27 ± 16,47 mm2 e 12,47 ± 4,95 mm3, respectivamente. Houve uma grande variação anatômica nos primeiros pré-molares inferiores de colombianos, reforçando a necessidade de conhecimento anatômico adequado para estabelecer estratégias mais eficazes para o tratamento endodôntico.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of root canal morphology in mandibular first premolars from a Colombian population / Avaliaçao microromográfica da morfologia interna de canais de primeiros pré-molares de uma populaçao colombiana

ABSTRACT Dental anatomy can vary significantly between different populations from different countries. Dental anatomical variations are of great interest to the dental professional, especially to endodontists, since they can influence the outcome of endodontic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to describe the anatomical variations of the root canal in mandibular first premolars in a populationfrom Colombia, using micro-computed tomography. Fifty mandibular first premolars were scanned on a SkyScan 1174 and the microcomputed tomographic images were reconstructed. Anatomy was assessed using three-dimensional models. The parameters used were: Vertucci's classification, area and volume, perimeter, circularity, and major and minor diameter at 1, 2 and 3 mm from the apical foramen. According to the Vertucci's classification, teeth were classified as: types I (40%), V (24%), VII (4%) and III (4%), with 28% not classifiable. C-shaped canals were found in 1.8% of the sample. Mean evaluations at 1, 2, 3 mm of the foramen were as follows, respectively: perimeter 1.07 ± 0.57, 1.27 ± 0.78 and 1.57 ± 0.84 mm; circularity 0.59 ± 0.19, 0.57 ± 0.20 and 0.56 ± 0.22; maximum diameter 0.41 ± 0.23, 0.48 ± 0.33 and 0.60 ± 0.37 mm; minimum diameter 0.24 ± 0.10, 0.26 ± 0.11 and 0.21 ± 0.13 mm. Mean total area and volume were 61.27 ± 16.47 mm2 and 12.47 ± 4.95 mm3, respectively. There was wide anatomical variation in mandibular first premolars from Colombian individuals, reinforcing the need for proper anatomical knowledge to establish more effective strategies for endodontic treatment.

RESUMO A anatomia dentària pode variar significativamente entre diferentes populagoes, de diferentes países. As variagoes anatómicas dentais sao de grande interesse para o profissionai da odontologia, principalmente para os endodontistas, pois podem influenciar no resultado do tratamento endodóntico. Descrever as variagoes anatómicas do canal radicular dos primeiros pré-molares inferiores em uma populagao da Colómbia, usando a micro tomografia computadorizada. Cinquenta primeiros pré-molares inferiores foram digitalizados em um SkyScan 1174 e as imagens tomográficas foram reconstruidas e a anatomia foi avaliada por meio de modelos tridimensionais. Os parámetros utilizados foram: classificagao de Vertucci, área e volume, perímetro, circularidade e diámetros maior e menor a 1, 2 e 3 mm do forame apical. De acordo com a classificagao de Vertucci, os dentes foram classificados em: tipos I (40%), V (24%), VII (4%) e III (4%), sendo 28% nao classificáveis. Canais em forma de C foram encontrados em 1,8% da amostra. As avaliaçoes médias em 1, 2, 3 mm do forame foram as seguintes, respectivamente: perímetro 1,07 ± 0,57, 1,27 ± 0,78 e 1,57 ± 0,84 mm; circularidade 0,59 ± 0,19, 0,57 ± 0,20 e 0,56 ± 0,22; diámetro maior 0,41 ± 0,23, 0,48 ± 0,33 e 0,60 ± 0,37 mm; diámetro menor 0,24 ± 0,10, 0,26 ± 0,11 e 0,21 ± 0,13 mm. A média da área total e do volume foram 61,27 ± 16,47 mm2 e 12,47 ± 4,95 mm3, respectivamente. Houve uma grande variaçâo anatómica nos primeiros pré-molares inferiores de colombianos, reforçando a necessidade de conhecimento anatómico adequado para estabelecer estratégias mais eficazes para o tratamento endodóntico.

Periradicular status and quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations in an urban Colombian population.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of apical periodontitis in 1086 root canal-treated teeth from an urban Colombian population and evaluated the association of several factors with the periradicular status. METHODS: Periapical radiographs were used for analyses, and teeth were classified as healthy or diseased according to the periradicular status. Other factors were also evaluated for their association with the periradicular conditions, including gender, quality of both endodontic treatment and coronal restoration, apical level of filling, and presence of post restoration. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of the treated teeth were classified as healthy. Only 33% of the teeth had endodontic treatment rated as adequate. The quality of both endodontic treatment and coronal restoration significantly influenced the periradicular conditions (P < .001). Combined data revealed that teeth with both adequate endodontic treatment and adequate restorations showed significantly better periradicular status than the other combinations (P < .01), except for teeth with adequate treatment and inadequate restoration (P = .08). Canals filled up to 0-2 mm short of the apex had a significantly higher number of teeth rated as healthy than overfilled or underfilled cases (P = .02). Regression analysis showed that the quality of endodontic treatment was the most significant factor influencing the periradicular status (P < .001). Gender and presence of post restoration had no association with the periradicular conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this Colombian population showed a relatively high prevalence of apical periodontitis in root canal-treated teeth. This was largely due to an equally high prevalence of treatments performed under substandard technical quality. The quality of the endodontic treatment was the most determinant factor for healthy periradicular status.

Consideraciones sobre el uso de antibióticos en endodoncia / Considerations on the use of antibiotics in endodontics

Los antibióticos son substancias producidas por un microorganismo (generalmente bacteria u hongo) o una similar desarrollada total o parcialmente por síntesis química, que, en bajas concentraciones, inhiben el metabolismo o destruyen microorganismos. En la mayoría de los casos las defensas del organismo actúan controlando las agresiones bacterianas, siendo el papel de los antibióticos sólo de terapia coadyuvante. Como el uso indiscriminado de los antibióticos ha incrementado la resistencia bacteriana en todas partes del mundo, hay que limitar el uso de estos medicamentos solo para situaciones clínicas que lo ameriten. Este artículo presenta una revisión de los antibióticos más frecuentemente indicados en Odontología y sugiere los medicamentos de primera elección para su empleo en la práctica endodóntica, así como las situaciones clínicas donde se indica su uso.

Antibiotics are substances produced by microorganisms (usually bacteria or fungi) or a similar substance totally or partially synthesized in laboratory, and they must be able to inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms in low concentrations. In most cases, antibiotics are useful to help the host defenses to control bacterial infections. However, due to their abusive employment, antibiotics have generated an alarming increase in bacterial resistance throughout the world. Thus, the prescription of these drugs should be restricted to conditions where they are actually needed. This paper reviews the antibiotic drugs more commonly used in Dentistry and suggests the drugs of first choice as well as the indications for employment in endodontic practice.

The effect of orthodontic forces on calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in human dental pulp.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of moderate and severe orthodontic forces on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in healthy human dental pulp. METHODS: Thirty human dental pulp samples were obtained from healthy premolars in which extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. Before extraction, teeth were divided into 3 groups of 10 premolars each: (1) the control group: healthy premolars without application of orthodontic forces; (2) the moderate force group: a 56-g force was applied to the premolars for 24 hours; and (3) the severe force group: a 224-g force was applied to the premolars for 24 hours. All dental pulp samples were processed, and CGRP was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Greater CGRP expression was found in the severe force group followed by the moderate force group. The lower CGRP values were for the control group. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed statistically significant differences between groups (P < .0001). Least significant difference (LSD) post hoc tests showed statistically significant differences in CGRP expression between the control group and the severe force group (P < .0001) but not with the moderate force group (P = .06). Differences between the moderate and severe force groups were statistically significant (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: CGRP expression in human dental pulp increases when teeth are submitted to severe orthodontic forces.

Disinfecting oval-shaped root canals: effectiveness of different supplementary approaches.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the ability of different approaches to supplement the antibacterial effects of chemomechanical preparation in oval-shaped root canals. METHODS: Long oval canals from extracted teeth infected with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) were chemomechanically prepared up to a 40/04 rotary BioRaCe instrument using 2.5% NaOCl irrigation and then subjected to two supplementary protocols. In the passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI)/chlorhexidine (CHX) group, canals were subjected to PUI for the activation of NaOCl followed by a final rinse with 0.2% CHX digluconate solution. In the Hedström group, canals received additional Hedström filing directed towards the buccal and lingual canal recesses. Bacteriological samples were taken before and after preparation, after PUI or Hedström instrumentation, and after CHX final rinsing. RESULTS: Chemomechanical preparation and the supplementary steps promoted a highly significant bacterial reduction (P < .001). Quantitative (reduction in levels) and qualitative (frequency of negative cultures) analyses showed that PUI alone or Hedström filing did not significantly increase bacterial reduction (P > .05). Further rinsing with CHX also failed to significantly increase bacterial elimination when compared with post-PUI samples. However, the cumulative antibacterial effects of PUI and CHX final rinse were effective in significantly reducing bacterial counts to levels below those achieved after preparation (P = .03). This combined PUI/CHX approach also resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of negative cultures (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that there may be a benefit of using the PUI for the activation of NaOCl followed by a final rinse with CHX as supplementary steps in the treatment of infected oval-shaped root canals.