Epoxy vs. Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealers for Different Clinical Scenarios: A Narrative Review.

This study aimed to review the considerations for choosing a suitable sealer according to various endodontic scenarios. An electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science was undertaken for the keywords of 'sealer choosing', 'appropriate sealer', 'suitable sealer', 'sealer for clinical scenario', and 'sealer for clinical situations'. However, the literature review revealed a lack of studies with practical clinical recommendations regarding the choice of appropriate endodontic root canal sealers for particular clinical situations of root canal treatment. Therefore, a narrative review was undertaken under the basis of the characteristics of an epoxy resin-based sealer (ERS) versus a calcium silicate-based sealer (CSS). Based on the evidence found through the review, the choice of an appropriate sealer in a variety of clinical scenarios was proposed. An ERS is recommended for one-visit non-vital cases, teeth with periodontal involvement, cracked teeth, and internal root resorption without root perforation. A CSS is recommended for vital or non-vital cases in multiple visits, teeth with internal root resorption with perforation or internal approach for external cervical resorption, teeth with open apices, and teeth with iatrogenic aberrations.

The ability of different compositions of calcium silicate and epoxy sealers to withstand gutta percha removal via in vitro pull-out testing.

OBJECTIVE: examination of the influence of chemical composition changes on the ability of sealers to withstand a pull-out test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty distal or palatal canals of extracted teeth were prepared by Dc Taper files. The teeth were divided into five groups: AH Plus, BJM RCS, Total Fill BC,AH Plus Bioceramic and a group with Gutta Percha with no sealer added. Ten days after obturation, each cone was subjected to the "pull-out test" with the Shimadzo Universal Testing Machine until it was torn or removed from the canal. A force to Stroke graph was generated and the maximum vertex of this graph was recorded. The number of times the cone was torn or removed was recorded. RESULTS: The amount of force needed to remove or rupture the cone was significantly higher in all sealer groups compared to the AH Plus Bioceramic group. The force needed for the AH Plus group was double that needed for the AH Plus Bioceramic group 4 (1.87 ± 0.53 N vs 0.93 ± 0.48 N, respectively, P < 0.001). All of the cones (n = 10) in the AH Plus Bio Ceramic Sealer group were removed in their entirety (P = 0.01 compared to each of the other groups). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of macromolecules to epoxy sealer does not change the material's ability to withstand the pull-out test. Decreasing the amount of tri- and di-calcium silicate compounds combined with increasing amounts of zirconium oxide in a Bioceramic sealer significantly decreased the material's ability to withstand the pull-out test.

Systemic antibiotics in endodontics-International questionnaire study: Choice of types, dosage, loading and duration.

The aim of the study was to investigate the systematic antibiotics (SAs) prescribing practices in the endodontic practice worldwide. 7500 general practitioners, postgraduate students and endodontists from Israel and the former Soviet Union (FSU) states were invited to fill in an online questionnaire. The first-choice SA was amoxicillin (80.12%) among the Israeli (p < 0.05) and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (88.92%) among the FSU respondents (p < 0.05). The first-choice SA for patients with penicillin allergy was clindamycin (78.2%) among Israeli and azithromycin (35.96%) among the FSU respondents (p < 0.05). Most of the respondents from Israel as well as from the FSU reported prescribing SA for 5-7 days. Only 6.24% of the former and 2.59% of the latter reported prescribing SA until the symptoms disappeared (p > 0.05). The usage of SAs is often not in accordance with existing international guidelines and differs among different dentist's populations.

Retrograde peri-implantitis: incidence and possible co-existing factors: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of retrograde peri-implantitis (RPI) generally and the incidence of RPI with an endodontic-treated adjacent tooth and/or a periapical radiolucency. METHOD: The retrospective case-control study included the follow-up periapical images of single dental implants. Two calibrated graduate endodontic residents evaluated simultaneously the presence of RPI and the adjacent teeth status (a previous root canal treatment (RCT) and the periapical status). RESULTS: Six hundred and eleven dental implants were included in this study. Twenty-three implants with RPI were detected (the incidence of RPI was 3.7%). Thirty-one adjacent teeth to the implants with RPI were recognized. Out of them, seven teeth had a previous RCT and periapical radiolucency or no RCT and periapical radiolucency. The odds ratios for RPI in an implant with periapical radiolucency or with RCT at the adjacent tooth are 6.67 (95% CI 2.7-16.5), P < 0.05; and 0.11 (95% CI 0.007-1.9), P > 0.05 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on periapical radiographs, the RPI incidence was 3.7% in the present study. The incidence of RPI increased in cases with adjacent teeth that had periapical radiolucency. Previous RCT in teeth adjacent to implants without apical radiolucency is not correlated with RPI.

Antimicrobial evaluation of polytetrafluoroethylene used as part of temporary restorations: An ex vivo study.

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape as the base layer of temporary restorations had gained popularity mainly due to the ease of manipulation. The aim of this study was to assess whether this method changes the potential for bacterial growth and leakage of temporary restorations. The direct contact test and live/dead fluorescent staining were used for comparing Enterococcus faecalis growth and biofilm formation on PTFE, composite, intermediate restorative material (IRM) and Coltosol F. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to evaluate E. faecalis penetration through 2 mm of PTFE, IRM or Coltosol F placed on the bottom of the pulp chamber and into radicular dentinal tubules in extracted maxillary third molars. The results demonstrated that E. faecalis grows on and penetrates through PTFE significantly more than it does with IRM and Coltosol F, revealing its comparably reduced overall antimicrobial sealing ability when placed as the base part of temporary restorations.

Use of Cone-beam Computed Tomography as a Critical Component in the Diagnosis of an Infected Nasopalatine Duct Cyst Mimicking Chronic Apical Abscess: A Case Report.

Nasopalatine duct cysts (NPDCs) and other nonodontogenic lesions of the oral cavity may mimic odontogenic pathoses. We present a case of a 22-year-old man with a history of dental trauma and a lesion displaying the typical clinical and radiographic signs of a chronic apical abscess- a buccal sinus tract that was traced to a radiolucent area in the periapex of a maxillary central incisor. A comprehensive diagnostic process that included a cone-beam computed tomographic scan and a histopathologic examination of the lesion after complete enucleation led to the final diagnosis of an infected NPDC. The adjacent tooth was vital at the 1-year posttreatment follow-up, and a radiograph demonstrated complete healing of the periradicular structures. This case demonstrates the ability of NPDCs to present clinical and radiographic signs similar to apical inflammatory lesions and the need for a meticulous diagnostic process in order to avoid unnecessary endodontic intervention. The article also discusses the differential diagnoses of nonodontogenic lesions in the premaxillary area.

Accuracy and stability of electronic apex locator length measurements in root canals with wide apical foramen: an ex vivo study.

The aim of the current study was to determine the accuracy of electronic apex locator (EAL) measurements when using files of different sizes in roots with wide apical foramina while considering a new parameter of stability of EAL reading. Ten teeth with straight roots were subjected to a sequential widening of the apical foramen to 0.6, 0.7, and 0.8 mm. The roots were embedded after each enlargement stage in an alginate mold and subjected to EAL readings. Measurements were done using sequential K-file sizes and the self-adjusting file (SAF). Measurement stability was introduced as a new additional parameter. As the difference between the file size used and the apical diameter of the canal decreases, the results obtained were more accurate and stable. The stability and accuracy of the measurements coincided with each other in a statistically significant manner. Within the limitations of the present ex vivo study, it may be concluded that in straight canals with wide apical foramina of 0.6-0.8 mm, both SS K-files which fit snugly to the walls of apical foramen and the SAF file may offer both accurate and stable EAL measurements.

Age-dependent root canal instrumentation techniques: a comprehensive narrative review.

The aim of this article was to review age-dependent clinical recommendations for appropriate root canal instrumentation techniques. A comprehensive narrative review of canal morphology, the structural characteristics of dentin, and endodontic outcomes at different ages was undertaken instead of a systematic review. An electronic literature search was carried out, including the Medline (Ovid), PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The searches used controlled vocabulary and free-text terms, as follows: 'age-related root canal treatment,' 'age-related instrumentation,' 'age-related chemo-mechanical preparation,' 'age-related endodontic clinical recommendations,' 'root canal instrumentation at different ages,' 'geriatric root canal treatment,' and 'pediatric root canal treatment.' Due to the lack of literature with practical age-based clinical recommendations for an appropriate root canal instrumentation technique, a narrative review was conducted to suggest a clinical algorithm for choosing the most appropriate instrumentation technique during root canal treatment. Based on the evidence found through the narrative review, an age-related clinical algorithm for choosing appropriate instrumentation during root canal treatment was proposed. Age affects the morphology of the root canal system and the structural characteristics of dentin. The clinician's awareness of root canal morphology and dentin characteristics can influence the choice of instruments for root canal treatment.

Radicular Grooves and Complex Root Morphologies of Mandibular Premolars Among Israeli Population.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular premolars usually have one root and one root canal. Different studies found that up to 30% of mandibular premolars have more than one root canal, and up to 24% of mandibular premolars have C-shape canals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the root anatomy and the prevalence of complex root canal morphology in mandibular premolars in Israeli population. METHODS: A total of 1020 Israeli patients' cone-beam computed tomography scans were screened and evaluated. A total of 1835 mandibular first premolars and 1678 mandibular second premolars were examined. Irregular root anatomy and different root canal morphologies were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of complex root morphology (types II-VIII) in mandibular first and second premolars was 21% and 2.8%, respectively. The bilateral prevalence of complex root morphology in mandibular first and second premolars was 46% and 29%, respectively. The prevalence of radicular grooves in mandibular first and second premolars with complex root morphology was 48% and 36%, respectively. No significant difference was found according to gender or the side of occurrence. However, complex root canal morphology was significantly found in mandibular premolars with radicular grooves. CONCLUSIONS: Complex root canal morphology frequently occurs in mandibular first premolars in the population of Israel. Radicular groove existence in mandibular first and second premolars is significantly related to complex root canal morphology.

Cone-beam Computed Tomography as a Noninvasive Assistance Tool for Oral Cutaneous Sinus Tract Diagnosis: A Case Series.

An oral cutaneous sinus tract is a relatively uncommon condition that is generally associated with long-standing periapical inflammation. The traditional process of oral cutaneous sinus tract diagnosis is an invasive method based on the insertion of a lacrimal probe or wire. The present article describes the use of cone-beam computed tomographic imaging as a noninvasive assistant tool for the verification of the odontogenic origin.

External invasive resorption: Possible coexisting factors and demographic and clinical characteristics.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the coexisting factors for EIR and to characterise EIR clinically and demographically. All cases of EIR that were referred to the endodontic department between 2011 to 2016 and diagnosed by an endodontist were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and evaluated. Thirty-eight cases of EIR diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 were included in the study. Seventy-one percent of EIR cases were misdiagnosed by general practitioners. The most affected teeth were the maxillary central incisors (29% of cases) and mandibular molars (26%). Sixty-eight percent of EIR cases were diagnosed in teeth with clinically normal pulp. Pulp necrosis was observed mainly in the advanced stages (class 3 and class 4) of EIR (75%) and in teeth with a history of trauma (63%). Histories of previous trauma and orthodontic treatment were reported in 29% and 23% of cases, respectively.

Ludwig Angina after First Aid Treatment: Possible Etiologies and Prevention-Case Report.

Ludwig angina is a life-threatening type of soft tissue cellulitis involving 3 compartments on the floor of the mouth including the submental, sublingual, and submandibular spaces bilaterally. Prevention, early recognition, and treatment of Ludwig angina are critical because this is a clinical diagnosis with unpredictable progression. This article describes a rare case of Ludwig angina that evolved from an odontogenic infection and the specific microbiology and clinical course and discusses possible etiologies and prevention.

Relationship between Root Apices and the Mandibular Canal: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Comparison of 3 Populations.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the difference in the location of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in relation to the apices of mandibular molars in 3 different populations using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging and to assess the proportion of teeth in close proximity (a distance of 1 mm or less) to the IAN. METHODS: Random CBCT images (N = 1224, Israel = 408, South Korea = 416, and India = 400) were examined. The shortest distance to the mandibular canal was measured by imaging software. RESULTS: The mean distance was 4.81 ± 2.15 mm. The mean distances for Israel, South Korea, and India were 4.60 ± 2.37 mm, 5.45 ± 2.13 mm, and 4.35 ± 1.76 mm, respectively. The distance in samples obtained from South Korea was significantly larger than the distance in samples obtained from Israel and India (P < .05). Samples from Israel exhibited close proximity in 6.6% of samples versus 3% in samples from India and 0.7% of samples from South Korea, a statistically significant difference (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although variation in tooth morphology in different populations was widely researched, the variation in the location of the IAN in relation to tooth apices of different populations was not addressed in the literature. Our study reveals that a difference in the distance of the apices to the IAN exists between populations as well as a difference in the proportion of teeth in close proximity to the IAN.

Root Canal Morphology Evaluation of Central and Lateral Mandibular Incisors Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography in an Israeli Population.

INTRODUCTION: Central and lateral mandibular incisors usually have 1 root canal. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of additional root canals in central and lateral mandibular incisors and to investigate the prevalence of oval and long oval canals in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of cases with 1 root canal. METHODS: A total of 1016 Israeli patients' cone-beam computed tomography scans were screened and evaluated. A total of 1472 central mandibular incisors and 1508 lateral mandibular incisors were examined. The root canal morphology and cross-sectional shape were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of more than 1 root canal in mandibular central and mandibular lateral respectively was 40.5% and 37.9%. The bilateral incidence of more than 1 root canal in mandibular central and mandibular lateral respectively was 69.8% and 68.7%. The root canal separation in type II to type V central and lateral mandibular incisors was found in the middle third of the root in 81.5% and 79.0%, respectively. The septum was smaller than 1 mm in 37% of central mandibular incisors and one-third of lateral mandibular incisors. In central and lateral incisors with 1 root canal, long oval canals were found in the middle third of the root of central and lateral mandibular incisors in 36.8% and 48.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of more than 1 root canal in central and lateral mandibular incisors is approximately 40% (type III was the predominant canal type). In central and lateral incisors with 1 root canal, long oval canals are common.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Class 4 Invasive Cervical Resorption with Internal Approach: A Case Series.

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a type of external resorption that can involve the coronal, middle, and apical parts of the root in its advanced stages. The diagnosis and treatment of ICR depend on the extent of the resorption into the dentin. The treatment of advanced ICR is challenging, and these teeth have poor prognoses. This article describes 4 cases of class 4 ICR diagnosed by using cone-beam computed tomography and treated with a minimally invasive internal approach with sodium hypochlorite irrigation and calcium hydroxide dressing. All cases were followed for at least 3 years.

Use of Cone-beam Computed Tomography during Retreatment of a 2-rooted Maxillary Central Incisor: Case Report of a Complex Diagnosis and Treatment.

A double-rooted maxillary incisor is an extremely rare anatomic variation. Only a few case reports describe this abnormal anatomy. In recent decades, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging has become more common for endodontic purposes. This case report describes the retreatment of double-rooted maxillary central incisors using CBCT imaging. In 2012, a 20-year-old man was referred to our department because of asymptomatic periapical lesions in teeth #8, #9, and #10. During the evaluation of a periapical radiograph, a rare anatomic variation, in the form of an additional root of tooth #9, was detected, and it was impossible to decide about the source of the lesion between teeth #9 and #10. During retreatment, after gutta-percha removal, CBCT imaging was performed; this allowed proper treatment of the additional root and a final diagnosis of normal periapical tissue of tooth #10 with no treatment needed. The 18-month follow-up revealed a healing lesion in tooth #9 and normal periapical tissue in tooth #10. During the treatment of teeth with an anatomic variation, CBCT imaging can serve as an auxiliary tool for 3-dimensional evaluation that influences treatment steps and techniques. CBCT scanning can be very useful in assessing the actual location of a periapical lesion, which influences diagnosis and treatment planning.

Self-adjusting file (SAF) separation in clinical use: A preliminary survey among experienced SAF users regarding prevalence and retrieval methods.

CONTEXT: The self-adjusting file (SAFs) is reported to be resistant to file separation in laboratory tests. No information is currently available regarding SAF separation during clinical use. AIM: To conduct preliminary clinical survey among experienced SAF users in order to establish the prevalence of SAF separation during clinical use and to study how were such cases treated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to experienced SAF users to make inquiries regarding incidence of SAF separation and how were such events treated. Only responses from operators who had used 50 SAFs or more were included in the present study. Fisher's exact test was used to compare file separation occurrence. RESULTS: A total of 2517 SAFs had been used by these operators, and 15 cases of file separation were reported (0.6%). Twelve of these 15 separated files could be retrieved within a few minutes using Hedström files, with no additional dentine removal required. In the three cases in which the separated files could not be retrieved, the separated file segment was successfully bypassed. CONCLUSIONS: The SAF might separate during clinical use, but the incidence of such an event was low. In most such cases, the separated file segment was easily and quickly retrieved without additional removal of dentin.

Prevalence of 3- and 4-rooted first and second mandibular molars in the Israeli population.

INTRODUCTION: Three-rooted mandibular molars are 1 of the anatomic variations of mandibular molars. The location of the additional root is distolingual (radix entomolaris) or mesiobuccal (radix paramolaris). The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of 3- and 4-rooted mandibular first and second molars in the Israeli population and to classify them according to dimension, curvature, and location of separation from the main root. METHODS: A total of 1020 Israel patients' cone-beam computed tomographic scans were screened and evaluated. The incidence of 3- and 4-rooted first and second mandibular molars were recorded and analyzed. One thousand four hundred sixty-five mandibular second molars and 1,229 mandibular first molars were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall incidence of patients with 3-rooted mandibular first and second molars was 2.6% and 1.78%, respectively. The bilateral incidence of 3-rooted mandibular first and second molars was 26%. The incidence of 4-rooted mandibular second molar was 0.55%. No significant difference was found regarding sex or side of occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of 3-rooted mandibular first molars in the Israeli population was rare, but clinicians should be aware of the special characteristic of this anatomic variation to modify accordingly the form of pulp chamber opening and choose appropriate instrumentation.