Prevalence of Periapical Radiolucency and Conventional Root Canal Treatment in Adults: A Systematic Review of Cross-Sectional Studies.

Cross-sectional studies assess a population's health state and the prevalence of diseases or treatments. Few systematic reviews regarding the prevalence of periapical radiolucency (PARL) and nonsurgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) were conducted in the last decade. The goal of this study was to collect and review all updated and available cross-sectional studies that focus on the prevalence of both PARL and NSRCT in adult populations. It involves a systematic literature review of cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of PARL and NSRCT published from 1987 to 2022 in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus with specific keywords used in the search process. A total of 52 articles were included in this systematic review. The majority of the included articles were from different populations. The overall prevalence of teeth with PARL was 43,522 (6.40%), while the prevalence of NSRCT teeth was 52,149 (7.67%). On the other hand, the overall prevalence of PARL in teeth that have received endodontic treatment and teeth that have not received endodontic treatment were 22,110 (3.25%) and 21,412 (3.15%), respectively. A meta-analysis was not performed due to underreporting of publication bias and the high degree of heterogeneity between studies. The overall risk of bias assessment revealed a low risk of bias in 25 (48%) of the included studies. The prevalence of NSRCT was higher at 7.67%, followed by PARL at approximately 6.40%. However, future studies are recommended to investigate the prevalence of both PARL and NSRCT in different patient populations.

The Potential Association Between Periodontal Diseases and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Preceding studies have demonstrated that periodontitis might increase the liability of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, low birth weight, and perinatal fatality in pregnant women. Nonetheless, there is no convincing testimony that periodontitis is related directly to adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. This systematic review intended to assess and review all the available randomized clinical trials that concentrated on the association between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the impact of periodontal disease therapy on adverse pregnancy outcomes. The databases like Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were consumed to explore relevant and suitable studies after adopting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search included articles with no time restrictions and certain keywords were utilized in the databases. The investigation was done through four independent reviewers employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Twenty-three studies fulfilled the exclusion and inclusion criteria and were used and included in this systematic review. The above-mentioned studies assessed the association between periodontal diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes and the effect of periodontal disease treatment in reducing the influence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review revealed that there is a relationship between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and periodontal treatment has a reducing impact on adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with periodontitis. Prospect studies are warranted to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and different adverse pregnancy outcomes and to decide the best type and the most effective therapy to treat periodontitis in pregnant women.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis in endodontically-treated maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth in a Saudi Arabian population: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) in root canal-treated maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth in a Saudi Arabian population based on findings from images taken using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The sample included 300 CBCT images from patients (150 females and 150 males) aged between 18 and 80 years old and they were analyzed to detect AP in endodontically treated maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars. Also, the correlation between the prevalence of AP and gender along with location (right/left side of jaw) were analyzed. Periapical lesions were defined as lamina dura gaps appearing disrupted around the width of periodontal ligament and apex at the apical third of the roots. RESULTS: There was higher prevalence of AP in maxillary (19.1%) when compared to mandibular posterior teeth (17.3%). Mandibular first and maxillary second molars were the most affected teeth with AP (P = 0.05 and P = 0.04, respectively). Also, there was higher prevalence of AP cases with a predilection toward males (Maxillary P = 0.005; Mandibular P = 0.00) and on the right side of the mandibular jaw (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this study, the prevalence of AP had a significant association between gender with a predilection in males and location with a tendency to occur on the mandibular right side as observed in endodontically treated maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth using CBCT.

Assessment of the Sterility of New Endodontic Files Received From the Manufacturer Using Microbial Culture and Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis: An In Vitro Study.

Background As endodontic hand files are essential tools for root canal instrumentation and treatment, these instruments have been a constant source of debate regarding whether to reuse them or use them just once. The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the sterility of five brands' new endodontic files received from manufacturers without sterilization before clinical use via microbial culture (bacteria and fungi) and bioburden using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Methodology This study included 25 K-type hand files with equal numbers from five brand groups (n=5; groups 1 to 5), named Tia Dent, Prevalent, Mani, Thomas, and Dentsply, respectively. The new files were exposed to microbial culture prior to clinical use and SEM analyses. A Fisher's exact test was performed to compare the differences in contamination among the five tested groups. Results In the SEM, all the five brand groups showed one contaminated file out of five files (20%). Fisher's exact test findings revealed statistically significant variations between the five brand groups, as nine out of 25 (36%) files of the tested groups had positive contamination in the microbial culture experiment. Bacterial contamination was present in three (60%) of the five Tia Dent group files, four (80%) in the Prevalent group files, and two (40%) in the Mani group files. Those with fungal contamination were one (33%) in the Tia Dent group and one (25%) in the Prevalent group (P=0.027). The bacterial culture showed that 100% of the new K-files tested negative in both the Thomas and Dentsply groups. Conclusions This study concluded that there was a bioburden on new endodontic K-type hand files of different brand groups before sterilization or when immediately used.

Partial Pulpotomy as an Applicable Treatment Option for Cariously Exposed Posterior Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

The major focus of this systematic review is to assess how effective partial pulpotomy is in managing carious vital pulp exposures in permanent posterior teeth. An electronic search for studies published between January 2011 and December 2021 was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were followed during the search process. We selected human randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the success rate of partial pulpotomy for the treatment of cariously exposed vital permanent posterior teeth and the success rate of decayed exposed vital human permanent posterior dentition managed with a partial pulpotomy. Exclusively, randomized clinical trial papers were considered for assessment. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was applied to assess the risk of bias. Four papers were selected for the final analysis from the 321 identified during the initial search. Our results showed that after six, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, the success rate was 94%, 93%, and 90%, respectively. The preoperative pulp state was the only significant predictive factor. Teeth with the presumptive diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis had the worse outcome. The treatment outcome was not influenced by the final restoration, pulp capping agent, apex closure, or patient age. Finally, the available data indicated that partial pulpotomy showed a high success rate in treating cariously exposed permanent posterior teeth for up to 24 months. When assessing the effectiveness of a partial pulpotomy, six months of maintenance is deemed adequate. To enhance treatment success, additional clinical and radiological measures are needed.

Microbial Culture and Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Endodontic Hand Files: An In Vitro Study.

Background Endodontic hand files are used during root canal treatment in the cleaning and shaping step of the procedure. Whether endodontic instruments should be single-use or reusable is a topic of debate. This in vitro study aimed to analyze the bioburden on used and new sterilized endodontic hand files. Methodology A total of 30 K-files (15 used, 15 new) and 30 H-files (15 used, 15 new) were studied. After clinical use, the used and new files were subjected to phloxine B staining, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, and microbial culture. We used a Fisher's exact test to investigate the significant difference in contamination and bioburden between new and used endodontic files. Results The chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference between new and used groups in staining. In the used group, 20% of the H-files and 6.7% of the K-files were positive for bioburden (p > 0.05). The SEM analysis showed that all used files (100%) were contaminated with biological debris. All new files and most of the used files (86.7%) were negative for bacterial culture. Conclusions Used K-files and H-files (sizes 25 and below) had greater contamination and bioburden than new files. Our results highlight the inadequacy of cleaning methods (mechanical/ultrasonication pre-cleaning and heat sterilization) employed between re-usage of files in this study. Appropriate decision-making on either adapting an evidence-based and effective reprocessing strategy or single-use files can be considered by dentists.

The Association Between Oral Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Complications: A Comprehensive Review.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is linked to chronic gastritis, duodenal or gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer (GC). Because the oral cavity is the first component of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the entrance point for H. pylori, it has been proposed as a possible reservoir of H. pylori. As a result, a putative oral-oral transmission pathway of H. pylori poses the possibility of whether personal contact, such as kissing or sharing a meal, might trigger H. pylori transmission. As a result, several investigations have been done on this issue using various approaches for detecting H. pylori in oral and stomach samples. Furthermore, the relationship between H. pylori and gastrointestinal disorders has yet to be studied. The evidence for the association between H. pylori and gastric diseases and their complications is still a controversial subject due to the existing literature in this review. The goal of this comprehensive review was to collect all available published articles and critically evaluate existing investigations looking into the relationship between oral H. pylori contamination and the danger of gastric complications. Few studies indicated an association between H. pylori and gastric diseases. Furthermore, more longitudinal randomized clinical studies to further investigate the association between H. pylori and gastric diseases are warranted.

Current Trends in Irrigation Solution and Adjunct Use During Endodontic Therapy Among Dental Professionals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction  Chemical irrigation is a crucial component of endodontic therapy, and irrigation adjuncts increase the efficiency of non-surgical root canal system disinfection, reduce microbial loads, and enhance the penetration of irrigants throughout the root canal system. This study aimed to determine the current trends in chemical irrigation and its adjunct use during root canal therapy by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in both government and private sectors in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study used a self-administered survey sent to GDPs and endodontic specialists in both government and private sectors in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Responses were accepted from November 2019 till May 2020. The survey was randomly distributed to consenting participants. The results are presented using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 302 participants responded to the survey, with a 44% response rate. The majority of responses were from GDPs (54%), while 46% were from endodontic specialists. Regarding the workplace, 59% of respondents were public sector professionals, 25% were private sector professionals, and 16% were both public and private sector professionals. Around 30% of the respondents used sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) as their primary irrigation solution during root canal treatment, with 52% using it at its full-strength concentration and 18% and 17% preferring to use it in combination with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) only or EDTA and saline, respectively. When asked to rank the reasons for choosing their irrigant of choice during therapy; antibacterial capability and tissue dissolution were the most crucial factors to 80% and 57% of participants, respectively. Half of the respondents irrigated the canal to 2 mm from the apex and 21% irrigated to 1 mm from the apex. Three-quarters of participants aimed to remove the smear layer during root canal treatment. Only 47% of respondents used adjuncts to irrigation, and 71% reported that their choice of irrigation solution would differ depending on whether the apex is open or closed. Conclusion Most respondents used full-strength NaOCI concentration as the main irrigation solution and routinely removed the smear layer during root canal treatment. Only 47% of respondents used irrigation adjuncts such as ultrasonics.

Root canal morphology and symmetry of mandibular second premolars using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to investigate the morphology and symmetry of root canals of mandibular second premolar teeth via Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) among a sample of the Saudi population. METHODS: A total of 1200 CBCT images were examined in the study. The number of roots in the mandibular second premolars was identified, and canal configurations were classified according to Vertucci classification. Bilateral symmetry and association between gender and number of roots and root canal configuration were investigated using a chi-square test was utilized for data analysis and p value was set at 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: Of the total 2400 Mandibular second premolars, 98.33% were single rooted and 1.67% were double rooted. The prevalence of double roots in females on the right side was significantly higher than that on the left side (p = 0.017), but the opposite was found among males. Only Type I and II canal configurations showed significant differences regarding gender and sides. 98.0% of teeth showed the symmetrical number of roots in both genders. The symmetry in canal configuration was 96.7% in males and 97.3% in females and 99.1% was Type I in both sides, 0.5% Type III, and 0.3% Type IV in both sides. CONCLUSIONS: The root morphology of mandibular second premolars in the Saudi population demonstrated a high degree of variability. The vast majority of mandibular premolars have a single root with one canal and a low prevalence of two rooted teeth. Contralateral mandibular second premolars exhibited great symmetry of roots and root canal configuration.

Chronic Endodontic Infections and Cardiovascular Diseases: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association?

Previous studies have shown that endodontic infections might increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no conclusive evidence that endodontic infections are associated with cardiovascular diseases among individuals with cardiac conditions. This systematic review aimed to collect and evaluate the current evidence on the relationship between chronic endodontic infections and cardiovascular diseases. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched, and Google Scholar was used to retrieve relevant clinical studies within the past 10 years (2011-2021). Observational studies (prospective cohort, retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies), which investigated the impact of endodontic infections and apical periodontitis in individuals with cardiac conditions at risk of cardiovascular disease, in English were considered. Review papers, duplicates, animal studies, and other irrelevant studies were excluded. Four investigators independently carried out the study selection and data collection processes. Quality assessment was performed in this review. Fourteen studies with 960,652 human subjects were included in this review. No association between endodontic infections and cardiovascular diseases among individuals with cardiac conditions was noted. Most of the studies showed a moderate overall risk of bias by 57.14% (n=8). There is weak evidence regarding the association between cardiovascular diseases and chronic endodontic infections. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to determine the association between cardiovascular diseases and endodontic infections.

Regenerative Endodontic Therapy in the Management of Immature Necrotic Permanent Dentition: A Systematic Review.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar were used to search the literature for relevant studies after applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies that fulfilled both the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. The search was conducted by two independent reviewers following the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Only 46 studies that fulfilled both the inclusion and exclusion criteria, which were conducted within the last 10 years, were included in this systematic review. These studies investigated different aspects of regenerative endodontic therapy including different types of scaffolds, intracanal medications, pulpal space/barriers, root maturation stage, follow-up duration, and updated studies on their use in the management of immature necrotic permanent teeth. CONCLUSIONS: This review concluded the compiled data observed that endodontic regenerative therapy was more efficient in treating immature necrotic permanent teeth and offered a greater advantage that should lead to wider acceptance among endodontists for effective results compared to different treatment options. However, more clinical trials with a standardized protocol and defined clinical, radiographic, and histopathological outcomes with longer follow-up periods are warranted.

Head and Neck Cancer in Saudi Arabia: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the ninth most common cancer worldwide, and has a poor 5-year survival rate averaging 50%, which has not changed for decades. A high prevalence of HNC has been reported in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, as compared to other areas of the country. However, data in regards to HNC are scattered and not well documented. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to gather all available and updated important information regarding HNC in Saudi Arabia, and highlight the gaps of knowledge in our country with regard to this disease. In addition, suggestions of solutions to overcome the current status and improve our future standard of care to fight HNC are also highlighted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar using English-language literature were used for this systematic review, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and keywords. The search was performed in April 2016 and updated in June 2016. RESULTS: Our search revealed twenty-one studies that fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria and that were conducted in Saudi Arabia. These studies investigated different aspects of HNC, including prevalence, risk factors, biomarkers, and assessed knowledge and awareness of both public and practitioners with regard to HNC. CONCLUSIONS: This review uncovered a big gap in our epidemiological data in cancer information in general, and head and neck cancer in particular. In addition, a lack of knowledge and awareness of both the public and health care practitioners hinders the early diagnosis of disease and negatively impact the prognosis, treatment and outcome. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia should develop a more systematic way and adapt policies to gather cancer information in general, and head and neck cancer in particular, from all governmental and private sectors from all over the kingdom, and develop educational programs to raise the knowledge and awareness of HNC in the country.