Micro-CT evaluation of the removal of root fillings using rotary and reciprocating systems supplemented by XP-Endo Finisher, the Self-Adjusting File, or Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single-file reciprocating system (WaveOne Gold, WOG) and a multi-file rotary system (ProTaper Universal Retreatment, PTUR) in removing canal filling from severely curved canals and to evaluate the possible adjunctive effects of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), and an erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser using micro-computed tomography (µCT). Materials and Methods: Sixty-six curved mandibular molars were divided into 2 groups based on the retreatment technique and then into 3 based on the supplementary method. The residual filling volumes and root canals were evaluated with µCT before and after retreatment, and after the supplementary steps. The data were statistically analyzed with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of covariance, and factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: PTUR and WOG showed no significant difference in removing filling materials (p > 0.05). The supplementary techniques were significantly more effective than reciprocating or rotary systems only (p < 0.01). The supplementary steps showed no significant differences in canal filling removal effectiveness (p > 0.05), but XPF showed less dentin reduction than the SAF and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The supplementary methods significantly decreased the volume of residual filling materials. XPF caused minimal changes in root canal volume and might be preferred for retreatment in curved root canals. Supplementary approaches after retreatment procedures may improve root canal cleanliness.

Influence of sodium hypochlorite/etidronic acid combination and SmearOFF on push-out bond strength of fiber posts to root dentin.

The aim was to evaluate the effects of different irrigation protocols on the bonding ability of fiber posts on root canal dentin through push-out test and the dentin tubule penetration of luting cement by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Forty-eight single-rooted premolars were divided into six groups (n=8) based on post space irrigation protocols: Saline 0.85%; Etidronate 18% (HEBP); EDTA 17%; NaOCl 5.25%+EDTA 17%; NaOCl 2.5%/HEBP 9% combination; SmearOFF. Two specimens per group were assessed with CLSM. The push-out test and the failure analysis were performed. Whilst EDTA had the highest bond strength at the coronal and middle thirds, it was not statistically significant compared to saline, HEBP, and NaOCl/HEBP at the middle third (p>0.05). Cement/dentin adhesive failures were predominant (41.9%) and the intratubular fluorescence intensity was significant among the groups (p<0.05). EDTA resulted in highest bond strength values and dentinal penetration.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of cetrimide and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm grown on dentin discs in comparison with NaOCl.

This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of NaOCl, cetrimide, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. extract against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms on dentine discs. Broth microdilution method was used to determine minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the agents. A biofilm susceptibility assay was performed using E. faecalis biofilms grown on dentine discs. Minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of NaOCl (0.5%), cetrimide (0.015%), and G. glabra L. extract (0.25%) were applied for 1, 3, and 5 min, and the mean viable cell counts were recorded and statistically analyzed. There was no significant difference between cetrimide and NaOCl at 1 min (p>0.05). NaOCl was the most effective agent at 3 and 5 min (p<0.05) while G. glabra L. extract was the least (p<0.05). The MBCs of NaOCl, cetrimide, and G. glabra that eliminated the planktonic E. faecalis did not eradicate the biofilms grown on dentin discs.

Ankylosed maxillary incisor with severe root resorption treated with a single-tooth dento-osseous osteotomy, vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis, and mini-implant anchorage.

Dentoalveolar ankylosis interferes with the vertical growth of the alveolar process, which can lead to an open bite, an unesthetic smile, and occlusal disharmony. This case report presents a new treatment protocol for an ankylosed tooth with severe root resorption using a combined surgical orthodontic management protocol involving a single-tooth dento-osseous osteotomy and vertical alveolar distraction osteogenesis with intraoral elastics and mini-implant anchorage. After distraction and active orthodontic treatment, the patient's anterior open bite was corrected. A Class I dental relationship was achieved, overjet was decreased, and a normal incisor relationship was obtained.

Survey of attitudes, materials and methods preferred in root canal therapy by general dental practice in Turkey: Part 1.

OBJECTIVE: To gather information on the materials and methods employed in root canal treatment by dentists in Turkey. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to 1,527 dentists who attended the Turkish Dental Association Congress. Respondents were asked to choose one or more suitable answers for the questions. Data was gathered for demographic and professional information regarding stages, materials, and methods commonly used in endodontic therapy. The collected data was analyzed using the statistical package SPSS. Descriptive statistics were given as frequencies (n) and percent (%). Chi-square (χ(2)) test was used to investigate the influence of gender and the years of professional activity for the materials and techniques employed. RESULTS: The response rate was 49%. A total of 97% of respondents were working in a general dental practice. Of respondents, 44% were using an agent containing arsenic or aldehyde. Only 5.1% of the respondents preferred the rubber dam isolation method. Sodium hypochlorite was the most popular choice (73%) as a root canal irrigation solution. Calcium hydroxide was the most commonly used medicament (53%). Most of the practitioners (77%) preferred radiographs for working-length determination. Root canal preparation done solely with K-Files or in combination with other instruments was preferred by 73.1% of the respondents. Ni-Ti hand or rotary files were used by 79.7% of the practitioners. Polymer based root canal sealers were the sealers most frequently chosen (48.4%). The majority of the respondents (66.2%) preferred cold lateral condensation as an obturation technique. Gender affected the preference of intracanal medicament, periapical radiographs for working-length determination, root canal instrument, root canal sealers, and root canal obturation technique (P<.05). Years of professional experience affected the preference of devitalizing agents, irrigation solutions, intracanal medicament, root canal instrument, root canal sealer, and root canal obturation technique (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is clear that a number of dentists, irrespective of the time elapsed since their graduation, relied on techniques, and used products and materials that are currently favoured by expert opinion. Unfortunately, it was noted that some practitioners are still using arsenic- and aldehyde-containing devitalizing agents, and most did not use rubber dam as an isolation method.

Quality of root canal fillings performed by undergraduate dental students.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic quality of root canal fillings performed by first and second clinical year dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry in Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey. METHODS: The technical quality of 833 root canal fillings was evaluated by three examiners according to the density of the filling and the distance between the end of the filling and the radiographic apex. A root canal with acceptable filling length and homogeneous root filling was defined as being good quality endodontic work (GQEW). A treated tooth was defined as having good quality endodontic work tooth (GQEW-T) when all its canals had a GQEW rating. RESULTS: A Chi-square (χ(2)) test at the 0.05 significance level was used for the statistical analysis of the data. Of a total of 833 root canals, 662 (79.47%) root fillings were classed as GQEW. Two hundred fifty canals (73.4%) (135 teeth) treated by first clinical year dental students were defined as GQEW-T while 412 canals (204 teeth) (73.9%) treated by second clinical year dental students were defined as GQEW-T (P>.05). Most of the GQEW-T were defined in anterior teeth (90.1%), whereas the fewest were in molar teeth (46.6%) for both first and second clinical year dental students (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of root canal fillings in anterior teeth performed by undergraduate dental students in Isparta, Turkey was satisfactory. However, to improve the success with molar teeth, education about newer techniques and instruments must be incorporated into the preclinical and clinical curriculum.

Corono-apical leakage of various root filling materials using two different penetration models--a 3-month study.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the sealing ability of various filling combinations in a 90 days period using fluid transport and glucose penetration models. Premolars (n = 108) were filled with either gutta-percha (groups 1-4) or Resilon (groups 5-8) core materials combined with AH Plus (groups 1, 3, 5, 7) or Epiphany (groups 2, 4, 6, 8) sealers by using cold lateral compaction (groups 1, 2, groups 5, 6) or System B with Obtura II (groups 3, 4, groups 7, 8). The sealing ability of each sample was evaluated through glucose and fluid penetration models. Penetration values of 90 days were statistically analyzed with three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)and Duncan's Multiple Range tests (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the penetration values when the fluid filtration model was used (p > 0.05). On the contrary, statistically significant differences were obtained among the groups with the glucose penetration model (p < 0.05). AH Plus/Resilon/cold lateral compaction group had better sealing ability than the other combinations tested with the glucose penetration model.