Influence of different agitation techniques on bacterial reduction in curved root canals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of agitation techniques on bacterial reduction in curved root canals. Eighty human mandibular molars were prepared, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated at 37°C for 60 days. Then, specimens were randomly separated into two test groups (n = 36) and two control groups (n = 04) according to agitation technique: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI, Irrisonic) and XP-endo Finisher (XPF). Microbial samples were collected before and after instrumentation and after final agitation using sterile paper points. Bacterial growth was analysed by turbidity of culture medium and UV spectrophotometry. The Wilcoxon rank test was used for the paired analysis, while the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the non-paired analysis. The samples collected after final agitation were significantly different between test groups (p < 0.05). Bacterial reduction was greater in the PUI than in the XPF (p < 0.05) group. The irrigant agitation provided significant bacterial reduction. The use of the PUI showed better results.

A three-dimensional finite element analysis of permanent maxillary central incisors in different stages of root development and trauma settings.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Differences in dental maturation may affect the prognosis and clinical management of traumatized teeth. However, evaluation of the outcomes of dental trauma to the tooth and support structures in an in vivo model involves major methodological and ethical implications. Thus, the aim of the present study was to perform a three-dimensional finite element analysis of permanent maxillary central incisors in different stages of root development under different trauma settings. METHODS: The study factors included two trauma conditions (B, buccal; I, incisal) on upper permanent central incisors showing three different stages of root development (CR, complete rhizogenesis; IRA; incomplete rhizogenesis in the apical third of the root; and IRM, incomplete rhizogenesis in the middle third of the root) to yield six models. The complete rhizogenesis model was obtained with a cone-beam computed tomography examination of an extracted tooth. The two incomplete rhizogenesis models were modeled on the basis of similar examinations of patients. Trauma was simulated by applying a 300 N static surface to surface load on the incisal edge or perpendicular to the buccal surface of the tooth. The displacement and equivalent von Mises (σvM) stress values were obtained for alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, apical papilla, and dentin for the quantitative analysis. A σvM color-coded scale was used for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The force direction had a greater influence on the stress than the root-formation stage. Buccal forces resulted in higher stress concentration in the bone and periodontal ligament, especially in B-CR. Lower stress was found on the periodontal ligament as the root formation progressed (decrease of 8% from B-IRA to B-CR and 11% from B-IRM to B-CR). The incomplete rhizogenesis models showed higher σvM stress peak values in dentin in comparison with complete rhizogenesis (increase of 52% from B-CR to B-IRA and 56% from B-CR to B-IRM). CONCLUSIONS: Buccal forces yielded greater stress values regardless of the stage of rhizogenesis. Teeth with fully formed roots showed a higher stress concentration in the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament in comparison with immature teeth, with the latter presenting high stresses in the tooth crown.

Detection of Procedural Errors during Root Canal Instrumentation using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated procedural errors made during root canal preparation with nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 human mandibular molars were divided into five groups (n = 20) according to the NiTi system used for root canal preparation: Group 1 - BioRaCe, Group 2 - K3, Group 3 - ProTaper, Group 4 - Mtwo and Group 5 - Hero Shaper. CBCT images were obtained to detect procedural errors made during root canal preparation. Two examiners evaluated the presence or absence of fractured instruments, perforations, and canal transportations. Chi-square test was used for statistical analyzes. The significance level was set at a=5%. RESULTS: In a total of 300 prepared root canals, 43 (14.33%) procedural errors were detected. Perforation was the procedural errors most commonly observed (58.14%). Most of the procedural errors were observed in the mesiobuccal root canal (48.84%). In the analysis of procedural errors, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the groups of NiTi instruments. The root canals instrumented with BioRaCe had significantly less procedural errors. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT permitted the detection of procedural errors during root canal preparation. The frequency of procedural errors was low when root canals preparation was accomplished with BioRaCe system.