Evaluation of canal patency and cleanliness following retreatment of bioceramic sealer-obturated root canals using three different irrigant activation protocols.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of three different irrigant activation techniques in cleaning and establishing patency during retreatment of root canals obturated with gutta-percha and bioceramic sealer. 60 extracted premolars with oval-shaped canals were instrumented and obturated with gutta-percha and EndosequenceBC sealer using the 'warm hydraulic condensation' technique. The teeth were retreated using Protaper Universal Retreatment and XP-Endo Shaper system and divided into four groups according to the irrigant activation protocol used: control, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), Endovac irrigation (EVI) and XP-Endo Finisher R (XPFR). Apical patency was achieved in all the samples of the XPFR group (100%), which showed a significantly higher success rate compared with the control (73.3%) and EVI groups (73.3%) (p < 0.05). The scanning electron microscopic evaluation revealed significantly cleaner middle and apical third root canals in the PUI and XPFR groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that XPFR effectively cleans and establishes patency in root canals filled with bioceramic sealers.

Non-surgical and guided-bone-regeneration surgical management of Type-3b dens invaginatus with an apico-marginal defect: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Dens invaginatus (DI), an unusual developmental anomaly is a challenge for the operating dentist with regard to its diagnosis and treatment. This case report presents the successful management of a Type-3b DI in a permanent maxillary lateral incisor associated with a large radicular cyst and communicating apico-marginal defect (Von Arx type IIb). METHODS AND RESULTS: A 19-year-old female patient reported pain and palatal swelling. During the clinical examination, tooth #12 exhibited tenderness to percussion, and presented a deep periodontal pocket depth (PPD) of 12 mm, along with grade I mobility. Radiographic examination revealed a large peri-radicular radiolucency with atypical tooth morphology. Cone beam computed tomography clarified the complicated root canal anatomy to be Type-3b DI associated with an apico-marginal defect. The case was managed successfully by non-surgical endodontic therapy followed by surgical intervention utilizing a guided bone regenerative (GBR) approach. Eighteen-month follow-up showed an asymptomatic and functional tooth with a significant reduction in pocket depth. The periapical radiographs showed continued healing of the osseous defect. CONCLUSIONS: The successful healing outcome of a challenging case, characterized by a complex DI morphology, a large peri-radicular lesion, a through-and-through defect, and a combined endodontic-periodontal apico-marginal defect was achieved through accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and execution using contemporary endodontic and periodontal treatment techniques. The application of GBR techniques during the surgical phase of treatment may have contributed to the improved regenerative healing outcome in this case, which was initially considered prognostically questionable. KEY POINTS: Why is this case new information? Type-3b DI exhibits a complex root canal structure, each case displaying unique characteristics, necessitating a case-specific treatment plan. In this case report the Type-3b DI morphology was associated with a large peri-radicular, through and through defect and combined endodontic periodontal apico-marginal defect. The treatment approach involved incorporating guided bone regenerative (GBR) principles during the surgical phase. This case report contributes to the existing evidence on the diagnosis and successful management of Type-3b DI with a concurrent apico-marginal defect. What are the keys to successful management of this case? The successful management of a prognostically challenging case was achieved through a closely integrated multidisciplinary coordination between the endodontist and periodontist. Utilization of contemporary techniques and tools contributed to the successful management The use of three-dimensional radiological examination through cone beam computed tomography enabled a precise preoperative assessment, facilitating the formulation of a treatment plan for managing both the Type-3b DI morphology and the associated peri-radicular lesion. Employing GBR techniques in peri-radicular surgery may have assisted in the healing of through-and-through periapical defects with concurrent apico-marginal defects (Von Arx type IIb). What are the primary limitations to the success of this case? A complex root canal anatomy associated with Type-3b DI morphology A large peri-radicular through and through defect with concurrent apico-marginal defect. Difficulty in weekly and long-term follow-up of the patient.

Comparative evaluation of digital radiography, electronic apex locator and simultaneous working length determination on postoperative pain after root canal treatment: a randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: The study aimed to compare postoperative pain after root canal preparation using three different methods of working length determination. Materials and methods: 60 patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomly divided into three groups based on the method of working length (WL) determination. Group 1: digital radiograph (DRG), Group 2: electronic apex locator (EAL), Group 3: the simultaneous working length control (SLC) method using an endomotor with an integrated apex locator. The root canal treatments were completed in a single visit, and patients were asked to record their pain response using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Results: Group 1 (DRG) recorded the highest postoperative pain score, while the lowest was recorded by Group 3 (SLC). There was a statistically significant difference in the VAS pain scores between DRG and SLC (p<0.05) at 6-, 24- and 48-hour intervals. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the SLC can be a helpful working length determination technique to reduce postoperative pain.

Combined surgical and conservative endodontic management of Oehler's type 3b dens invaginatus aided by guided tissue regeneration.

The present case describes the successful healing of a periapical lesion associated with the left maxillary lateral incisor (# 22, Federation Dentaire Internationale) having a type 3b dens invaginatus tooth morphology. The treatment was complicated by the presence of blunderbuss root apex and large periapical lesion (>10 mm) with through and through bone defect (Bucco palatal cortical bone perforation, Von Arx Type 1b). An adolescent boy reported palatal swelling and pus discharge in relation to tooth #22. A thorough clinical and radiographic examination revealed tooth #22 as having a type 3b dens invaginatus with an open apex and a diagnosis of pulp necrosis and acute apical abscess. The case was managed by non-surgical root canal treatment followed by endodontic surgery using principles of guided tissue regeneration. A 5-year recall revealed an asymptomatic functional tooth with complete healing.

Comparative evaluation of the apical leakage of different bioceramic retrofilling materials with and without smear layer: A stereomicroscopic study.

Objective: Present in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the apical leakage of different bioceramic retrofilling materials with and without smear layer. Materials and Methods: : Sixty human single-rooted teeth were decoronated at a standardized root length of 13 mm, chemo-mechanically prepared and obturated. After obturation, root-end resection was done and root-end cavities were prepared using ultrasonic tips. The specimens with prepared retro cavities were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 30) based on the smear layer removal protocol used. Each group was further subdivided into 3 subgroups (n = 10) based on the bioceramic retrofilling material MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate; Proroot Dentsply/Tulsa), CEM (Calcium-Enriched Mixture; Bionique Dent, Tehran) and ERRM (EndoSequence® Root Repair Material; Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA). The extension of dye (2% Rhodamine B) penetration was measured in millimetre using a stereomicroscope at 10× zoom. Results were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) test and unpaired Student's t test. Results: In the presence of smear layer, MTA demonstrated maximum mean apical leakage value (1.70 ± 0.30), followed by CEM (1.40 ± 0.37) and ERRM (1.40 ± 0.23), which was statistically not significant. Without the smear layer, ERRM demonstrated the least mean apical leakage value, which was statistically significant as compared with CEM (P <.05) and MTA (P <.01). Conclusion(s): : All bioceramic retrofilling materials demonstrated apical leakage irrespective of the presence or absence of the smear layer. The presence of a smear layer is beneficial for the sealing ability of MTA and CEM, whereas, the absence of the smear layer is advocated while using ERRM.

Time series study of the sales of non-subsidised contraceptives in Kenya at times of public sector shortage: implications for future sustainability.

This paper describes volume trends of non-subsidised contraceptive commodities (NSCC) in Kenya between 2016-2019. We hypothesise that if non-subsidised contraceptive commodities volumes increased at times of public sector shortage then then we might hope for a similar response should public sector supplies reduce in response to an expected decline in donor funding. We find that non-subsidised contraceptive commodities contribute only 2% of total volume, and that these volumes are dominated by emergency contraceptives (EC) and combined oral contraceptives (COC). EC and COC volumes increased significantly during the 2017 nurses' strike, but not during those periods when the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) was out of stock. Increases in NSCC volumes were not of sufficient size, however, to compensate for the decline in public sector volumes. In short it appears that the market for NSCC is small and constrained. We recommend that further research is needed to understand why distributors of NSCCs are not able to take advantage of continuing public sector supply shortages.

Minimal intervention treatment of crown-root fracture in a mature permanent tooth by MTA pulpotomy and Fragment Reattachment: A Case Report.

Treatment of crown-root fracture can be complicated, time-consuming and expensive. This paper presents a treatment approach that minimises intra-operatory intervention and preserves the biologic tissue. A 15-year-old boy reported for treatment of an oblique crown fracture in the left permanent maxillary central incisor (#21, Fédération Dentaire Internationale) with mature root apices. The treatment presented an endodontic, periodontal and restorative challenge as the crown fracture exposed the pulp and extended subgingivally. The patient also had accompanying generalised enamel hypoplasia due to dental fluorosis (grade 3 Deans Fluorosis index), making the aesthetic rehabilitation difficult. The case was managed by preserving the vital pulp by MTA pulpotomy, followed by the adhesive bonding of autogenous crown fragment. A three-year follow-up revealed healthy vital pulp tissue and retained bonded fragment with acceptable aesthetics and periodontal health.

Resol based chitosan/nano-hydroxyapatite nanoensemble for effective bone tissue engineering.

It is the first report where different amounts of resol resin (RS) were incorporated with chitosan-hydroxyapatite (CHA) to develop a triconstituent nanoensemble CHA-RS(0.5,1,2), via simple co-precipitation method. The results of SEM, TEM, TGA and mechanical analysis revealed irregular interconnected rough morphology with homogenous distribution of needle shaped particles having average size ranging between 12 and 19nm, possessing higher thermal stability and mechanical strength, respectively relative to CHA (binary) nanocomposite. The CHA-1RS nanocomposite showed enhanced protein adsorption and ALP activity with excellent apatite formation ability compared to CHA-RS(0.5,2) and CHA nanocomposites. Thus, CHA-1RS nanocomposite was selectively tested as bare implant in the repair of critical-size calvarium defect (8mm) in albino rat. The histopathological and radiological investigations indicated that CHA-1RS prompted the bone regeneration ability as early as 2 weeks postimplantation demonstrating remarkably faster healing of calvarial defect relative to Cerabone. These findings have placed CHA-1RS on the pedestal to be employed as a potential alternative biomaterial for bone tissue engineering.

Mechanical reduction of the intracanal Enterococcus faecalis population by Hyflex CM, K3XF, ProTaper Next, and two manual instrument systems: an in vitro comparative study.

AIM: In the present study, the effectiveness of three rotary and two manual nickel titanium instrument systems on mechanical reduction of the intracanal Enterococcus faecalis population was evaluated. METHODS: Mandibular premolars with straight roots were selected. Teeth were decoronated and instrumented until 20 K file and irrigated with physiological saline. After sterilization by ethylene oxide gas, root canals were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. The specimens were randomly divided into five groups for canal instrumentation: Manual Nitiflex and Hero Shaper nickel titanium files, and rotary Hyflex CM, ProTaper Next, and K3XF nickel titanium files. Intracanal bacterial sampling was done before and after instrumentation. After serial dilution, samples were plated onto the Mitis Salivarius agar. The c.f.u. grown were counted, and log10 transformation was calculated. RESULTS: All instrumentation systems significantly reduced the intracanal bacterial population after root canal preparation. ProTaper Next was found to be significantly more effective than Hyflex CM and manual Nitiflex and Hero Shaper. However, ProTaper Next showed no significant difference with K3XF. CONCLUSION: Canal instrumentation by all the file systems significantly reduced the intracanal Enterococcus faecalis counts. ProTaper Next was found to be most effective in reducing the number of bacteria than other rotary or hand instruments.

Double Dens Invaginatus with Multiple Canals in a Maxillary Central Incisor: Retreatment and Managing Complications.

Dens invaginatus is a developmental anomaly that often presents a perplexing challenge to the endodontist. It involves the maxillary central incisor less commonly than the maxillary lateral incisor. Double dens invaginatus is even rarer. Herein a unique case of dens invaginatus in a maxillary central incisor is presented. The tooth had an inadequate previous root canal treatment. On retreatment, multiple canals and double dens invaginatus were found. The invaginations were Oehlers type 3b and type 2. The complex morphology was diagnosed and confirmed with cone-beam computed tomography imaging and managed with a combined surgical and orthograde approach. Four canals and a blind sac along with an open apex were found. There were many intercommunications between the canals. During the treatment, a complication of a separated instrument occurred, which was managed successfully. The 1-year follow-up shows successful outcome of the treatment. Dens invaginatus may be more complicated than it seems. It needs meticulous treatment by a specialist. Failure or a delay in referring the case to a specialty setting may further increase the complications. With the advancements in equipment and materials, it is possible to save even severe cases of dens invaginatus.

Management of grossly destroyed endodontically treated teeth with lock and key custom modified cast post and core design: A case series.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a more retentive custom modified lock and key design of metal cast post and core for the restoration of grossly destroyed endodontically treated molar tooth. The lock and key metal cast post consists of two parts, one in the distal canal (primary post) and the other one in mesio-lingual canal (secondary post). The primary post has a lock design, while the secondary post contains the key design, both of which interlock together. Lock and key cast post, mentioned in this report can be an effective design for the management of grossly destroyed molar teeth.

Mental nerve paresthesia secondary to initiation of endodontic therapy: a case report.

Whenever endodontic therapy is performed on mandibular posterior teeth, damage to the inferior alveolar nerve or any of its branches is possible. Acute periapical infection in mandibular posterior teeth may also sometimes disturb the normal functioning of the inferior alveolar nerve. The most common clinical manifestation of these insults is the paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve or mental nerve paresthesia. Paresthesia usually manifests as burning, prickling, tingling, numbness, itching or any deviation from normal sensation. Altered sensation and pain in the involved areas may interfere with speaking, eating, drinking, shaving, tooth brushing and other events of social interaction which will have a disturbing impact on the patient. Paresthesia can be short term, long term or even permanent. The duration of the paresthesia depends upon the extent of the nerve damage or persistence of the etiology. Permanent paresthesia is the result of nerve trunk laceration or actual total nerve damage. Paresthesia must be treated as soon as diagnosed to have better treatment outcomes. The present paper describes a case of mental nerve paresthesia arising after the start of the endodontic therapy in left mandibular first molar which was managed successfully by conservative treatment.

Effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation and manual dynamic irrigation on smear layer removal from root canals in a closed apex in vitro model.

AIM: To compare the effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation with manual dynamic irrigation on smear layer removal from root canals using a closed apex in vitro model. METHODS: The root canals of 45 freshly-extracted human single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were prepared by the Pro-Taper rotary system to an apical preparation of F4 size. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into three groups; two experimental groups and one control group (n = 15) on the basis of the type of activation of final irrigation as follows: (a) Group A, 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), no activation received; (b) Group B, 3% NaOCl and 17% EDTA, ultrasonic activation with a small file; and (c) Group C, 3% NaOCl and 17% EDTA, manual activation with a master gutta-percha point. The prepared teeth were decoronated and split into two halves longitudinally, and observed under a scanning electron microscope to assess the removal of the smear layer. RESULTS: In the apical-third region, the mean smear scores for groups B and C were significantly less than those of Group A (control group) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both activation techniques are important adjuncts in removing the smear layer, with manual dynamic activation being a simpler, safer, and more cost-effective technique.

Effect of manual dynamic activation on smear layer removal efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and SmearClear: an in vitro scanning electron microscopic study.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of manual dynamic activation (MDA) with a master gutta-percha point on the smear layer removal efficacy of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and SmearClear. Fifty freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared using ProTaper rotary system up to F3 size. The prepared teeth were divided into five groups on the basis of final irrigation received. Group A: 3% NaOCl solution (negative control group). Group B: 5 mL of 17% EDTA. Group C: 1 mL of 17% EDTA + MDA for 2 min + 4 mL of 17% EDTA rinse. Group D: 5 mL of SmearClear. Group E: 1 mL of SmearClear + MDA for 2 min + 4 mL of SmearClear rinse. Prepared samples were decoronated and then longitudinally split into two halves and evaluated under scanning electron microscope. Representative images at coronal, middle and apical third level were taken and scored for the amount of smear layer present, using a three-score system. The data were analysed through Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test. The root canal surfaces of samples of group C and group E (where MDA was done) were significantly cleaner in apical third regions than those of group B and group D (P < 0.05).

Retrieval of a separated nickel-titanium instrument using a modified 18-guage needle and cyanoacrylate glue: a case report.

During root canal preparation procedures, the potential for instrument breakage is always present. When instrument breakage occurs, it leads to anxiety of the clinician and as well as a metallic obstruction of the canal which hinders further cleaning and shaping. Separated instruments must always be attempted for retrieval and if retrieval is not possible bypass should be tried. With the increased use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments the incidence of separated instruments has increased. A considerable amount of research has been done to understand the various factors related to the fracture of NiTi instruments to minimize its occurrence. This paper presents a review of the literature regarding the fracture of NiTi instruments and also describes a case report showing the use of a modified 18-guage needle and cyanoacrylate glue to retrieve a separated NiTi instrument from the mesiolingual canal of a mandibular first molar.