Discriminatory performance of the pulpal inflammatory biomarkers; Interleukin-8 and TNF-α in patients with symptoms indicative of reversible and irreversible pulpitis: A diagnostic accuracy study.

AIM: The success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) procedures is dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the pulpal inflammatory condition. Compared with current subjective pulpal diagnostic tests, inflammatory molecular biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis represent potential objective indicators of the degree of pulpal inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify level of inflammatory biomarkers - Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and TNF-α in patients diagnosed with reversible pulpitis (RP), irreversible pulpitis (IR) and normal pulp (NP) and investigate their diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between healthy and inflamed conditions. METHODOLOGY: This prospective, cross-sectional study enrolled 72 patients aged 14-53 years with extremely deep carious lesions after establishing a clinical diagnosis of RP (n = 42), symptomatic IR (n = 22) and NP (n = 8). 50 µL of pulpal blood sample was collected from all the patients using a micropipette after pulpal exposure. The level of IL-8 and TNF-α was assessed in pg/mL using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to establish the association between IL-8/TNF-α level and degree of pulp inflammation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was carried out to calculate area under the curve (AUC) for RP versus IR. Cut-off values were established using Youden's index. RESULTS: IL-8 and TNF-α levels differed significantly between RP and IR groups (p ≤ .001). The median value of IL-8 in RP and IP groups was 259.8 pg/mL [187.5-310.0] and 1357.8 pg/mL [1036.7-2177.6] respectively. The AUC-ROC curve for RP versus IR was 0.997 with 95.5% sensitivity and 99.76% specificity. The median value of TNF-α in RP and IR groups was 75.4 pg/mL [62.7-95.8] and 157.6 pg/mL [94.1-347.3]. The AUC-ROC curve for TNF-α was 0.812 with a sensitivity and specificity of 59.1% and 92.1%, respectively. IL-8 and TNF-α levels were below detection levels for all NP samples. CONCLUSION: This study showed that pulpal blood could provide an excellent medium for establishing pulpal diagnosis under extremely deep carious lesions. The selected cytokines, IL-8 and TNF-α, demonstrated excellent discriminatory performance for reversible and irreversible pulpitis. Future studies should correlate the IL-8/TNF-α levels with VPT treatment outcomes.

Comparison of Dentin Microstructure and Its Correlation to the Direction of Fracture Line in Mandibular Molars of Young and Older Individuals: In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the presence and extent of sclerotic dentin and to study its impact on the direction of fracture lines in extracted mandibular first molars of young (20-44 years) and older age groups (45 and older). METHODS: Extracted permanent mandibular first molars were collected along with the related demographic details. A total of 40 teeth were included in this study, 20 each from young age group (YA group) (20-44 years) and older age group (OA group) (45-70 years). All molars were decoronated, and the sectioned mesial roots were embedded in acrylic blocks. They were subjected to vertical force in a universal testing machine. Fractured roots were then examined under the stereomicroscope at ×8 magnification to determine the direction and pattern of the fracture line. The roots were then sectioned and evaluated at ×10 and ×20 magnification to assess the dentin microstructure and its correlation with the direction of the fracture line. Statistical analysis was done by using χ2 test (P < .05). RESULTS: A greater incidence and degree of sclerotic dentin were found in the OA group as compared with the YA group, which was statistically significant. The sclerotic dentin was distributed predominantly mesiodistally and the fracture line propagated buccolingually in both young and older groups, which was statistically significant (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of sclerotic dentin mesiodistally may impede crack propagation in this direction for both young and older age groups, causing the fracture line to extend buccolingually in coronal third of the root.

Three-dimensional Assessment of Two-rooted Maxillary Central Incisor with Labiogingival Groove: Endodontic and Periodontal Surgical Management.

Understanding the diversity of root canal systems and their anatomical/morphological variations helps in achieving improved outcomes of root canal treatment. The outcome of endodontic treatment depends on a thorough knowledge of dental anatomy and its variations. Maxillary central incisor with two roots is a rare entity, so a complete clinical and radiological examination is important before initiating the treatment. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) radiography has improved the diagnosis and treatment planning in endodontics. So, the current report describes the endodontic and periodontal surgical management of traumatized discolored maxillary central incisors with two separated roots and root canals identified by two-dimensional (2D) and 3D radiographic examination. How to cite this article: Prasad P, Galani M, Nawal RR, et al. Three-dimensional Assessment of Two-rooted Maxillary Central Incisor with Labiogingival Groove: Endodontic and Periodontal Surgical Management. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):528-533.

The influence of calcium silicate-based cement on osseous healing: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of commercially available calcium silicate-based bioactive endodontic cement (BEC) on treatment outcome when used as root repair material in human permanent teeth and to compare it with traditional materials. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until June 2020. Randomized clinical studies and observational studies with a minimum 1-year follow-up and sample size of at least 20 were included. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using Cochrane's ROB tool and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Results: Thirty-nine studies were included in the systematic review. Majority of the studies used mineral trioxide aggregate. The pooled success rate for BEC was estimated by a random-effects method as 90.49% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.4992.34, I2 = 54%). Eleven studies comparing BEC with traditional materials were included in the meta-analysis. The use of BEC significantly improved the treatment outcome when compared to traditional materials with odds ratio (OR) = 2.15 (95% CI: 1.57-2.96, I2 = 0.8%, P = 0.433). Conclusion: Very low-to-moderate-quality evidence suggests that the use of BEC as root repair material enhanced the treatment outcome. High-quality studies are required for the newer BEC to establish their clinical performance. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020211502.

Outcome of partial and full pulpotomy in cariously exposed mature molars with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the clinical and radiographic outcome of partial pulpotomy and full pulpotomy using Biodentine in cariously exposed mature molar teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. METHODOLOGY: This study is an unicentric, double-arm, randomized superiority clinical trial with parallel experimental groups, registered under CTRI (CTRI/2019/12/022559). Fifty mature permanent molar teeth with carious exposures with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated equally into two groups. Partial pulpotomy (PP) and full pulpotomy (FP) were performed in the first and second group, respectively, following standardized protocols. Exposed pulp tissue was removed up to a depth of 2-3 mm for partial pulpotomy, whereas complete coronal pulp tissue was removed up to the level of root orifices for full pulpotomy. Haemostasis was achieved with placement of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite-moistened cotton pellets placed on amputated pulp tissue for a maximum of 10 min. Biodentine was used as the pulp capping material. Pain scores were evaluated using 11-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively, at 24 h, 48 h and 7th day after the intervention(s). Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The data were statistically analysed using chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The significance level was pre-determined at p < .05. Cumulative survival probabilities were assessed at 12 months using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Intra-group analysis of pain scores revealed significant reduction in pain scores preoperatively and at 24 h, 48 h and 7th day in both the groups. However, the difference in the pain score(s) reduction between both the groups was not statistically significant at any time interval (p > .05). At 1-year follow-up, the success rate was 88% (22/25) and 91.6% (22/24) for PP and FP respectively (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Partial pulpotomy showed comparable results to full pulpotomy in terms of clinical/radiographic treatment outcome. If the long-term results remain the same, partial pulpotomy can be proposed as an alternative treatment modality for mature teeth with cariously exposed pulp tissue presenting with signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Evaluation of the satisfaction level of patients visiting dental emergency services.

Context: Inadequate data is available of patient satisfaction in dental emergency departments in India. Aim: This study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the satisfaction level of patients visiting emergency services of a dental institute in an Indian city. Settings and Design: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional exploratory study was designed over a period of 2 months. Subjects and Methods: A total of 51 subjects visiting the dental emergency services after routine working hours participated in this questionnaire-based study and submitted their responses. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: A statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) was observed between effectiveness of the treatment given in terms of relief from complaints with the experience at reception, rating the hospital in terms of overall waiting time for any service with ambience (P = 0.031), between effectiveness of the treatment given in terms of control/relief from complaints (P = 0.00), 'rating patient's experience with "on-duty doctor" (response time, behavior, appearance, attitude etc.), rating the hospital in terms of overall waiting time for any service (P = 0.010), experience' with nursing staff (responsive, courteous, polite) and rating the hospital in terms of overall waiting time for any service. Conclusions: Emergency care where patients were satisfied included reception, greeting while entering the department, ambience of the hospital and the Emergency Department, and good experience with the on-duty doctor, nursing staff, and security. Waiting time for treatment at emergency care was less. Recommending this hospital to others was statistically significant with the experience of the patient with the staff.

Nonsurgical Management of a Large Periapical Lesion Following Instrument Retrieval From the Apical Third: A Case Report With a Three-Year Follow-Up.

Instrument separation in the apical third of the tooth, which is associated with a large periapical lesion, presents an arduous task for the clinician. This case report presents nonsurgical endodontic management of a maxillary central incisor associated with a large periapical lesion and a separated instrument in the apical third of the root canal. A 28-year-old male patient presented with pain and labial swelling in the left maxillary central incisor region. Pulp sensibility testing showed no response. The radiograph revealed the presence of a separated instrument in the apical third of the root canal and periapical radiolucency. A diagnosis of previously initiated therapy with acute apical abscess was made. In the first visit, instrument retrieval was done using ProUltra Endo tips (Dentsply Sirona, York, Pennsylvania) under a dental operating microscope. In the subsequent visit, obturation was done as the patient was asymptomatic. The patient was recalled for follow-up at six, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. Complete healing of the periapical tissues was evident on the radiograph, and the tooth remained functional for the entire follow-up period of three years. The successful outcome seen in this case shows that even large periapical lesions can be managed conservatively by nonsurgical endodontic treatment.

Evaluation of Endosequence Root Repair Material and Endocem MTA as direct pulp capping agents: An in vivo study.

The study aimed to assess the human pulpal response to direct pulp capping using Endosequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) and Endocem MTA against ProRoot MTA as control. Intentional direct pulp capping was done using the three materials in 30 caries-free human premolars. After 30 days, the teeth were extracted, fixed and decalcified. Sections were prepared for histologic examination using light microscopy. Thickness and quality of dentine bridge formed and level of inflammation were evaluated. Difference between dentine bridge thickness of the three groups was statistically significant. Mean thickness of dentine bridges formed in ProRoot MTA group was greater than other two groups, and difference was statistically significant. Difference in dentine bridge thickness between ERRM and Endocem MTA was statistically significant. No significant difference was observed between the 3 groups with respect to inflammation. Results indicate ProRoot MTA performed best with ERRM giving better results than Endocem MTA.

Effect of C-factor on Micro-tensile Bond Strength of Bulk fill V/S Micro-hybrid Composite in Class II Restorations - An In-Vitro Study.

Background: High Configuration factor (C-factor) results into increased polymerization shrinkage causing stress at resin-dentin interface leading to failure of the restoration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of C-factor on micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) of bulk fill composites in class-II cavities when restored in 4mm of bulk as compared to conventional composite. Methodology: A total of 90 carious, crack free extracted human mandibular permanent molars were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=30). On all samples, class II cavities (3.5X 3.5cm) were made by single operator and divided as Gp1 (2.5mm), Gp2 (4mm), and Gp3 (6mm) on the basis of depth of cavities. Sampling units of 30 in each group were further randomly subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=10 each subgroup), according to the type of composite resin systems to be used for restoration. Experimental Subgroup includes SubGp1 restored with SDR Surefil (Dentsply, caulk, USA) and SubGp2 restored with Sonic fill (kerr, orange, CA, USA), whereas SubGp3 restored with FILTEK Z250 served as control. After storage in water at 37◦C, the teeth were sectioned perpendicular to the restorative tooth interface as 1×1 mm non-trimmed rectangular micro-specimens for micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) testing. Beams (n=30 max) from each SubGp were fixed to a metal jig and subjected to micro-tensile bond strength testing. The data collected for micro-tensile bond strength (expressed in Mpa) were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. Results: In class II cavities with high C-factor, SDR Surefil showed better µTBS than SonicFill and micro-filled composite when filled in bulk of 4mm, as compared to micro-hybrid composite filled incrementally. Conclusion: There is no effect of high C-factor on µTBS of tooth restored with both SDR Surefil and Sonic Fill in class II cavities as compared to microhybrid composites.

Comparative Evaluation of Dentinal Microcrack Formation before and after Root Canal Preparation Using Rotary, Reciprocating, and Adaptive Instruments at Different Working Lengths-A Micro-computed Tomographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare root dentinal microcrack formation after root canal shaping using rotary, reciprocating, and adaptive instruments at different working lengths using micro-computed tomographic imaging. METHODS: One hundred eighty extracted mature mandibular molar mesial roots with 2 separate canals were selected. The mesial roots were resected at the cementoenamel junction and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 45) based on the nickel-titanium file system used: ProTaper Universal (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Maillefer), Twisted File Adaptive (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), and Reciproc Blue (VDW, Munich, Germany). Each of the 4 groups were then subdivided into 3 groups (n = 15) depending on the working length used for root canal preparation (ie, instrumentation 1 mm short, flush, and 1 mm beyond the major apical foramen). The roots were imaged with micro-computed tomographic scanning before and after root canal preparation. The cross-sectional images generated were screened to detect the presence of new microcracks. RESULTS: The ProTaper Universal system significantly increased the number of postinstrumentation microcracks at all working lengths (P ≤ .05). No significant increase (P > .05) in postinstrumentation microcracks was observed in the ProTaper Gold, Twisted File Adaptive, or Reciproc Blue groups. CONCLUSIONS: Rotary instrumentation induced a higher number of dentinal microcracks compared with reciprocating and adaptive instruments. Instrumentation at different working lengths did not significantly influence the formation of dentinal microcracks.

Effect of revascularisation and apexification procedures on biomechanical behaviour of immature maxillary central incisor teeth: a three-dimensional finite element analysis study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effects of revascularisation and apexification procedures on biomechanical behaviour of immature teeth using 3-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five 3D FEA permanent maxillary incisor models were developed from CBCT scans and available literature data: Model MT: Mature tooth, Model IT: Immature tooth (Cvek's stage 3), Model AT: Apexified tooth-mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification, Model RTB: Revascularised tooth with blood, and Model RTS: Revascularised tooth with supplementary scaffold. Using FEA, a masticatory load of 240N at 120° was simulated, and the Von Mises and maximum principal stresses within the models were evaluated. Failure index (FI) and weakening% were also calculated for each model. RESULTS: On dentinal stress analysis, model MT (96.16MPa) and IT (158.38MPa) had lowest and highest stress values, respectively. Among the experimental groups, model RTS (131.12MPa) had lower stresses than AT (136.33MPa) and RTB (133.7MPa), with no significant difference among the three. Peak dentinal stresses in all the models were observed in the cervical third of the root and near the apical opening in model IT. The extent of high dentinal stress area in model RTB and RTS was lesser than that of AT. The FI and weakening% values were highest for model AT followed by RTB and RTS, among the experimental groups. However, all these treatments strengthened an immature tooth by more than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: AT, RTB, and RTS treatments lowered the stress values and risk of fracture in immature teeth with no significant difference among the three groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stress distribution evaluation following revascularisation/apexification was essential, with potential to influence clinical decision-making. MTA apexification and revascularisation with blood clot/supplementary scaffold lowered the stresses in immature teeth, with no significant difference among the three.

Endodontic management of mandibular second molar fused to odontome with 12-month follow-up using cone beam computed tomography: A case report.

Fusion is a developmental anomaly characterised by the union of two adjacent teeth or tooth-like substance. Odontomes are malformation of the dental tissue which arise during normal tooth development. They are usually asymptomatic but often associated with tooth eruption disturbance. In this paper, we report a rare case of fusion involving permanent mandibular second molar with an odontome, which led to a partial eruption of the molar as well as its devitalisation. Successful endodontic management was carried out in this case with a supplementary disinfection procedure using XP Endo finisher (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland). The use of high-end diagnostic imaging modalities such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) helped in making a confirmatory diagnosis; determining the treatment plan before undertaking the actual treatment; for better understanding of the fused tooth's complicated root morphology; and for its effective management and to follow up this unusual case for 12 months.

Microscopic and elemental characterization of hydrated dental pulp capping agents.

Context: Characteristics of dental pulp capping agents may influence its interaction with the pulpal cells and can impact the treatment outcome. Aims: This study aims to microscopically characterize various pulp capping agents following hydration. Settings and Design: Original research. Materials and Methods: Disk-shaped specimens of five calcium silicate-based materials, i.e., mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, Biodentine, TheraCal LC, ApaCal ART, and Endocem MTA were prepared. After final set, the materials were immersed in 10 mL of deionized water for 14 days at 37°C. The set materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis along with pH analysis of the storage solution using pH meter. Results: On SEM analysis, all the materials showed crystalline deposition on the cement surface with Biodentine exhibiting the most dense and homogenous microstructure. Calcium-silicate-hydrate and calcium hydroxide (CH) were observed as dark-grey and light-grey matrix material, respectively. EDX analysis revealed a high concentration of calcium. The other major elements were oxygen and carbon. The surface calcium concentration in the tested specimens was as follows: Biodentine (42.59 wt.%) > MTA Angelus (38.51wt.%) > Endocem MTA (30.24wt.%) > TheraCal LC (27.51wt.%) > ApaCal ART (22.02wt.%). On XRD analysis, all the materials exhibited peaks for tricalcium silicate and CH, after 14 days of hydration. Conclusions: The higher surface calcium level in Biodentine and MTA Angelus may enhance reparative dentin formation. The surface calcium concentration of Endocem MTA and ApaCal ART was found to be lesser than that of MTA Angelus, but with the added advantage of fast-setting property. Hence, they are potential alternative materials for vital pulp therapy.

Assessment of Quality of Root Canal Filling with C Point, Guttacore and Lateral Compaction Technique: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of root canal filling of C Point, GuttaCore and lateral compaction using confocal laser scanning microscopy. METHODS: Ninety recently extracted human mandibular incisors with single canal were selected. Canals were prepared with ProTaper instruments to size F3 and obturated using C Point, GuttaCore or lateral compaction technique. Endosequence BC sealer was labeled with Rhodamine B dye to allow analysis under a confocal microscope. The percentages of gutta-percha filled area (PGFA), sealer filled area (PSFA), voids (POV) and interfacial adaptation (IA) was assessed at 2, 5 and 8 mm from the apex, using image analysis software. Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann Whitney U tests were used for data analysis, and the P value was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was seen among the three groups at 2 mm level for PGFA, PSFA and voids (P>0.05). At 5 and 8 mm levels, canals filled with GuttaCore had significantly higher PGFA and lower PSFA than lateral compaction and C Point. Highest POV was seen for lateral compaction group followed by C Point and GuttaCore. CONCLUSION: Out of the three techniques examined, best results in terms of quality of root canal filling were observed for GuttaCore. C Point system was found to be associated with internal defects such as tears and delamination which may adversely affect the long term performance of this system.

Endodontic Management of Maxillary Central Incisor with Rare Root Canal Anatomy.

A maxillary central incisor presenting with more than one root or root canal is an exceptionally rare scenario considering the fact that most of the anatomic studies describe maxillary central incisor as a single rooted tooth with single canal. However, several case reports have shown the presence of up to four canals in maxillary central incisors. The aim of this article is to present a case report of maxillary central incisor with a rare anatomic variation, i.e. Vertucci's type V root canal anatomy. Failure to locate and clean additional root canal system may lead to post treatment disease. Hence, an astute clinician should be aware of possible anatomic variations this tooth might present with.

Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasonic tips versus the Terauchi file retrieval kit for the removal of separated endodontic instruments.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasonic tips versus the Terauchi file retrieval kit (TFRK) for the removal of broken endodontic instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 extracted human first mandibular molars with moderate root canal curvature were selected. Following access cavity preparation canal patency was established with a size 10/15 K-file in the mesiobuccal canals of all teeth. The teeth were divided into 2 groups of 40 teeth each: the P group (ProUltra tips) and the T group (TFRK). Each group was further subdivided into 2 smaller groups of 20 teeth each according to whether ProTaper F1 rotary instruments were fractured in either the coronal third (C constituting the PC and TC groups) or the middle third (M constituting the PM and TM groups). Instrument retrieval was performed using either ProUltra tips or the TFRK. RESULTS: The overall success rate at removing the separated instrument was 90% in group P and 95% in group T (p > 0.05) The mean time for instrument removal was higher with the ultrasonic tips than with the TFRK (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both systems are acceptable clinical tools for instrument retrieval but the loop device in the TFRK requires slightly more dexterity than is needed for the ProUltra tips.

Low-level laser therapy for management of large periapical lesions associated with open apex cases.

CONTEXT: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an established method to accelerate wound healing through the phenomenon of biostimulation. AIMS: This case study presents a novel approach for management of open apex cases associated with large peripapical lesions using 980-nm diode laser for biostimulation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Case report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients presenting with open apex associated with periapical lesion were selected. After access opening, canal disinfection was carried out with sodium hypochlorite and 980-nm diode laser. Calcium hydroxide was given as intracanal medicament for 1 week. When patient was asymptomatic, apical plug of 4-5 mm MTA was placed. In addition, seven sessions of LLLT were administered transcutaneously around the apices of involved teeth every alternate day for 15 days. RESULTS: One year follow-up radiograph revealed remarkable healing of the lesion. CONCLUSION: The combination of increased cellular proliferation with laser biostimulation and meticulous canal disinfection with lasers has the potential of accelerating healing of the periapical lesions.

Influence of Final Apical Width on Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Xp Endo Finisher and Endodontic Needle: An Ex Vivo Study.

Objective: Chemical disinfection along with mechanical instrumentation, is required to achieve debridement, especially in apical third of root canal. Thus, this study aimed to compare the influence of final apical width on the smear layer removal efficacy of XP Endo Finisher and Endodontic Needle, in mandibular premolars. Methods: 40 single-rooted mandibular premolars were included in the study, prepared using K3 XF rotary files (SybronEndo, Orange, CA). The samples were equally divided into 4 groups: Group 1: Master apical file 30/0.06 taper, final irrigation with endodontic needle (30G Max I probe, Dentsply International, York PA); Group 2: Master apical file 40/0.06 taper, final irrigation with endodontic needle; Group 3: Master apical file 30/0.06 taper, final irrigation with XP-Endo Finisher (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland); Group 4: Master apical file 40/0.06 taper, final irrigation with XP-Endo Finisher. Smear layer and debris scores were given using SEM. Results: Group 3 and 4 performed significantly better than group 1 & 2 (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in Group 1&2 (P>0.05); and Group 3&4 (P>0.05). Significantly higher scores were observed in the apical third, as compared to other sections of the root canal, in all the 4 groups. Conclusion: Increase in the final apical width did not significantly improve root canal cleanliness for both XP Endo Finisher and endodontic needle. However, XP endo finisher proved to be significantly better than the endodontic needle.

Novel application of a calcium silicate‒based cement and platelet-rich fibrin in complex endodontic cases: a case series.

Three-dimensional sealing of root canals is essential for long-term endodontic success. It is sometimes difficult to achieve a fluid-tight seal in cases such as furcation defects, resorption lesions, open apices, and root fractures. Such cases require restorative materials that not only are biocompatible and well accepted by the surrounding periodontium but also will set in the wet oral environment without losing their properties. This case series describes management of an open apex, a furcal perforation, and a horizontal root fracture with a bioactive calcium silicate‒based cement (Biodentine) as root repair material. To prevent extrusion of the cement, platelet-rich fibrin was used as an external matrix. The patients were followed for 2-3 years, and the teeth demonstrated remarkable healing.

Demystifying the Complexity: A Case Report on the Management of Mandibular Canine with Two Roots.

Mandibular canine often presents with only one root and one root canal in most of the cases. However, approximately 15% of the mandibular canines have two root canals and even less frequently two distinct roots. This article presents a case of root canal treatment in mandibular canine with two roots and two root canals. Meticulous cleaning and shaping followed by three-dimensional filling help in the successful treatment of such anatomical aberrations. Failure to do so may lead to post-treatment disease and further complications.