Evaluation of the Joypex 5 and Root ZX II: an in vivo and ex vivo study.

AIM: To evaluate in vivo and ex vivo the accuracy of the multifrequency electronic root canal length measurement device (ERCLMD) Joypex 5 and compare it with the Root ZX II. The ex vivo methodology for evaluation of the accuracy of ERCLMDs was also validated by comparison with in vivo results. METHODOLOGY: Twenty single-rooted human teeth that were scheduled for extraction were selected. Working length measurements were performed in vivo with the Joypex 5 and Root ZX II. After the teeth were extracted, each canal was measured with the ERCLMDs ex vivo. Then, a size 15 K-file was used to determine the reference working length (RWL), which was established 0.5 mm from the major foramen by direct observation. The measurements of working length obtained with the different methods and ERCLMDs were compared by analysis of variance and Tukey's test at P < .05. Statistical correlations were also performed. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between in vivo and ex vivo measurements or the different types of ERCLMDs. The Bland-Altman plot confirmed the agreement of different methods and ERCLMDs to measure canal length. The R(2) coefficient obtained in both situations, comparing the ERCLMDs, was close to 1, denoting a strong agreement between measurements obtained with the Joypex 5 and Root ZX II and between in vivo and ex vivo methodologies. CONCLUSION: The Joypex 5 and Root ZX II had similar accuracy in determining working length of root canals. The ex vivo methodology for evaluation of the accuracy of ERCLMDs was validated when compared with the in vivo results.

The effect of the canal-filled area on the bacterial leakage of oval-shaped canals.

AIM: To compare the sealing ability and the canal-filled area (gutta-percha + sealer) of three current filling techniques in oval-shaped canals. METHODOLOGY: A total of 50 oval-shaped root canals were prepared and root filled as follows: G1: lateral condensation (n = 10), G2: System B (n = 10) and G3: Thermafil system (n = 10). All teeth were mounted in a two-chamber apparatus and the coronal access was exposed to human saliva. The appearance of turbidity in the BHI broth over a 15-week period was observed. A cross section of each tooth was made 5 mm from the apex and the samples were prepared for microscopic analysis. Digital image measurements of the cross-sectional area and the area filled by gutta-percha and sealer were performed. Log-rank and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse the leakage data. Student's t-test was used to analyse the filled-area data. RESULTS: Overall, 30% of the specimens of G1 and G2 and 20% of G3 demonstrated leakage after 15 weeks and no significant difference was found amongst the groups (P > 0.05). The percentage of canal-filled area was 68, 70 and 78%, respectively (P > 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed no significant relation between the pattern of bacterial leakage and canal-filled area (P = 0.128). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in apical sealing and canal-filled area in oval-shaped canals was seen between the three filling techniques. No significant correlation was found between the quality of the apical seal and the filled-area of the root canal space.

Comparison of the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area obtained by Thermafil and System B.

The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (GPFA) obtained by Thermafil and System B techniques using light microscopy and digital image processing. Forty-five human mandibular first molars were prepared and obturated as follows: Group 1: lateral condensation (n = 15); Group 2: System B (n = 15); and Group 3: Thermafil system (n = 15). Horizontal sections were cut 4 and 6 mm from the apical foramen of each tooth. The samples were metallographically prepared and taken through photomicrographs. Using digital analysis, the cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha areas were measured. The GPFA data obtained for the three groups were analysed using the non-parametric Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks tests. Significant differences were found between Group 3 and Group 2-Group 1. No significant difference was found between Group 2 and Group 1. The Thermafil system produced significantly higher GPFAs than lateral condensation and System B techniques (P < 0.01). This result suggests that the Thermafil system can reduce sealer and voids.

The use of white Portland cement as an apical plug in a tooth with a necrotic pulp and wide-open apex: a case report.

AIM: To present a case in which substantial periapical healing occurred with the use of white Portland cement (WPC) to create an apical plug in the root of an immature tooth. SUMMARY: Radiographic examination indicated an immature tooth (35) with a wide-open apex and a periapical radiolucency. The canal was mechanically cleaned using intracanal instruments and 5% NaOCl irrigation. Small pieces of resorbable collagen sponge were packed beyond the root apex with the aim of creating a periapical barrier for the compaction of filling material. WPC powder was then mixed with sterile water and delivered to the apical portion of the canal (approximately 3 mm). The patient was asked to return 1 week later for the continuation of treatment but he did return as planned. Seven months after the intervention the patient returned and another radiograph was exposed to reveal complete radiographic healing of the periapical region. The remainder of the canal was filled with thermoplastic gutta-percha. Clinical follow-up 1 year later revealed adequate clinical function, absence of clinical symptoms and no signs of periapical rarefaction. KEY LEARNING POINT: The positive clinical resolution of this case is encouraging for the use of WPC as an apical plug in immature teeth with necrotic pulps and wide-open apices.

A laboratory analysis of gutta-percha-filled area obtained using Thermafil, System B and lateral condensation.

AIM: To determine the percentage of gutta-percha-filled area (PGFA) in the apical third of root canals when filled with either Thermafil, System B or lateral condensation. METHODOLOGY: Sixty extracted human maxillary central incisor teeth were root filled as following: G1: lateral condensation (n = 20), G2: System B (n = 20) and G3: Thermafil system (n = 20). A horizontal section was cut 2 and 4 mm from the apical foramen of each tooth. The samples were prepared for microscopic analysis and photomicrographs of each apical surface were taken at a magnification of 50x. Through digital image analysis, the cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha was measured. The PGFA was calculated. The PGFA data obtained in the three groups were analysed using a nonparametric Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Significant differences in PGFA were found between the Thermafil System (G3) and both System B (G2) and lateral condensation (G1) (P < 0.01). The greatest PGFA occurred in the Thermafil group. No significant statistical difference was found between System B and lateral condensation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The coated carrier gutta-percha system Thermafil produced significantly higher PGFAs than lateral condensation and System B techniques.

MTA versus Portland cement as repair material for furcal perforations: a laboratory study using a polymicrobial leakage model.

AIM: To compare the ability of Portland cement and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to prevent coronal leakage through repaired furcal perforations in molar teeth. METHODOLOGY: The pulp chambers of 36 human mandibular molar teeth were accessed and the root canal orifices were located. The roots were horizontally sectioned in the middle third. Composite resin was used to fill the root canal orifices and the apical end of the roots. Perforations were created in the centre of the pulp chamber floor using a size 3 round bur. Thirty teeth were divided into two groups (n = 15) and a further six teeth served as controls. In G1, all 15 perforation defects were repaired with MTA while in G2, Portland cement was used. Each tooth was inserted in a silicone tube (bacterial reservoir) with the region containing the perforation protruding through the end. The system was sterilized and placed in a glass flask containing sterile brain heart infusion medium (BHI). The reservoirs were filled with human saliva mixed in BHI and system was incubated at 37 degrees C and checked daily for the appearance of turbidity in the BHI broth during the following 50 days. The leakage data were analysed statistically by a log-rank test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Eight (53%) of the 15 samples of the MTA group (G1) and nine (60%) of the 15 samples of the Portland cement group (G2) were fully contaminated at 50 days. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Portland cement and MTA demonstrated a similar ability to seal furcal perforations.

Cytotoxicity of MTA and Portland cement on human ECV 304 endothelial cells.

AIM: To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of two brands of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Pro-Root MTA and MTA Angelus) and Portland cement (PC) on the human ECV 304 endothelial cell line. METHODOLOGY: Endothelial ECV 304 cells were incubated at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere of 95% air, 5% carbon dioxide and 100% humidity for 7 days and grown in F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum with 50 microg mL(-1) of gentamicin sulphate. Effects of the materials on mitochondrial functions were measured by a colorimetric assay. At each experimental time interval (24, 48 and 72 h), a dimethyl-thiazol-diphenyl tetrazolium bromid assay was conducted to measure cell viability. All assays were repeated three times to ensure reproducibility. Results were expressed as average absorbance (A(570/nm)) +/- SD and the data were analysed statistically by one-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post-test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was shown between any of the experimental materials (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two brands of MTA analysed, as well as the PC, initially showed a similar elevated cytotoxic effect that decreased gradually with time allowing the cell culture to become reestablished.

Retrieval of a broken endodontic instrument using cyanoacrylate adhesive. Case report.

The purpose of this work is to report a clinical case of removal of a fractured endodontic instrument in the root canal of a maxillary molar, when part of this fragment extended through the apical foramen. In the present case, many methods were tried without satisfactory results. Therefore, an alternative device utilizing cyanoacrylate adhesive was tested with success. This method proved to be practical, and the advantages it offers should make it a useful device in the dentist's office.