Effect of the timing of primary endodontic treatment and dosage of radiation therapy on the filling material removal.

This study investigated the effect of the timing of primary endodontic treatment and dosage of radiotherapy on the remaining filling material (RFM) during endodontic reintervention. 60 single-rooted human mandibular premolars were distributed into five groups (n = 12), according to the timing and dosage of radiation (55Gy or 70Gy): NegativeCG-non-irradiated teeth; Endo-pre-RT55/70-obturation before irradiation (55Gy or 70Gy); Endo-post-RT55/70-obturation and reintervention after irradiation (55Gy or 70Gy). Roots were cleaved and analysed under stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscope to quantify (%) the RFM. Experimental groups had a significantly greater amount (p < 0.05) of RFM in the middle and apical thirds than the control group, except for Endo-pre-RT55 in the middle third (p < 0.0001). The apical third had greater amount of RFM (p < 0.05). Radiation therapy, before and after primary endodontic treatment, increased the amount of RFM, regardless of the dose delivered. When necessary, reintervention preferably must be performed before radiation therapy.

Assessing push-out bond strength in re-irradiated teeth: Universal resin cement performance in self-etch and self-adhesive modes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of cumulative doses of radiation on the pushout bond strength (BS) of a universal resin cement used in the self-etch (SE) and self-adhesive (SA) modes to the intraradicular dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight human teeth were distributed into three groups (n = 16) according to the radiation therapy dose (RT): NoRT (no-radiotherapy), 70RT (70 Gy), and 70 + 70RT (70 Gy + 70 Gy). The teeth were redistributed into two subgroups (n = 8), according to the adhesive mode: SE (NoRT-SE, 70RT-SE, and 70 + 70RT-SE) and SA (NoRT-SA, 70RT-SA, and 70 + 70RT-SA). Data were statistically compared after BS test (ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc test, and Fisher's exact test). RESULTS: In the SA mode, BS was significantly higher in nonirradiated teeth compared with 70RT and 70 + 70RT (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between SE and SA modes in nonirradiated teeth (p = 0.14). In the 70RT group, SE mode increased BS compared with SA mode (p < 0.0001). Most specimens had adhesive and mixed failures in SA and SE modes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The universal resin cement in the SE mode had greater BS to the irradiated dentin. When teeth were re-irradiated, the universal resin cement had similar performance in terms of BS, regardless of the adhesive approach. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There is no research establishing a correlation between radiotherapy and its impact on the BS of a universal resin cement used in SE and SA modes to intraradicular dentin.

Ultrasonic activation of the endodontic sealer enhances its intratubular penetration and bond strength to irradiated root dentin.

To evaluate the effect of ultrasonic activation of the endodontic sealer on its intratubular penetration and bond strength to irradiated root dentin. Forty human teeth were distributed into 4 groups (n = 10), according to the radiation therapy (RT) exposure-70 Gy-and ultrasonic activation (UA) of the endodontic sealer: RT/UA-irradiated teeth and sealer UA; RT/no-UA-irradiated teeth and no sealer UA; no-RT/UA-non-irradiated teeth and sealer UA and no-RT/no-UA-non-irradiated teeth and no sealer UA. Push-out bond strength test was performed in a Universal Testing Machine. Failure modes and adhesive interface were analyzed under Scanning Electron Microscopy. The data were statistically compared (two-way-ANOVA and posthoc Games-Howell test; Fisher's exact test - α = 5%). The different experimental conditions (radiation and UA) and the root third had a significant effect on push-out bond strength, and the interaction of these factors was significant (p < 0.05). UA of the sealer significantly increased its bond strength to both irradiated and non-irradiated dentin (p < 0.05). The irradiated groups mostly presented adhesive-type failure of the sealer (p < 0.01). Regardless of the irradiation, the ultrasonically activated groups showed a more homogeneous adhesive interface, with the presence of sealer tags in greater density and depth. Ultrasonic activation enhanced the intratubular penetration and the bond strength of the endodontic sealer to irradiated dentin. The impact of ultrasonic activation of the endodontic sealer on teeth undergoing radiotherapy is a gap in the scientific literature that needs to be bridged.

Effect of radiation therapy on fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to root reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: The literature is scanty regarding the effect of radiation therapy (RT) on the mechanical properties of immature permanent teeth. AIM: To evaluate the effect of RT on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth submitted to different types of root reinforcement. DESIGN: Sixty-four human teeth simulating the Cvek stage 3 of root development were distributed into eight groups (n = 8), according to exposure or not to RT (70 Gy) and the root reinforcement method: Group NR (control)-no reinforcement/no RT; Group NR + RT (control)-no reinforcement/RT; Group PO-tricalcium silicate-based cement (TS) apical plug/canal obturation/no RT; Group PO + RT-TS apical plug/canal obturation/RT; Group TS-canal filling with TS/no RT; Group TS + RT-canal filling with TS/RT; Group FP-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/no RT; and Group FP + RT-TS apical plug/fibreglass post/RT. Fracture resistance was determined using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). RESULTS: In the intergroup comparison, nonirradiated teeth had higher fracture resistance (p < .05). Groups FP and FP + RT had higher fracture resistance (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy affected the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth. Reinforcement with fibreglass posts increased the fracture resistance, regardless of the radiation.

Effect of the timing of radiation therapy on the push-out strength of resin cement to root dentine.

This study investigated the effect of radiation timing on the bond strength of resin cement to intraradicular dentine. Fifty human teeth were distributed into 5 groups (n = 10): Control (nonirradiated teeth), Before-RCT (teeth irradiated before root canal treatment), After-CH (teeth irradiated after canal preparation and placement of calcium hydroxide intracanal dressing), After-RCT (teeth irradiated after completion of root canal treatment) and After-FPL (teeth irradiated after luting of a glass fibre post). Each tooth received 70 Gy irradiation. The roots were sectioned for push-out strength testing. After-RCT and After-FPL groups had significantly lower push-out strength than the control at the middle third (p < 0.05). Control and After-CH groups had a higher percentage of cohesive dentine failure. Radiotherapy after root canal obturation and post luting adversely affected the adhesiveness of resin cement to intraradicular dentine. Teeth irradiated before root canal treatment and after placement of calcium hydroxide had the best performance.

Prevalence of dental alterations in patients under bisphosphonates therapy: a systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to estimate the prevalence and describe dentoalveolar lesions associated with bisphosphonates therapy. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, SciElo, and Grey Literature. Quality of individual studies analysis was performed by using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Certainty of cumulative evidence was achieved by applying Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. The software R Statistics version 4.0.5 (The R Foundation) was used for proportion estimations per study and corresponding confidence intervals were estimated through the Clopper-Pearson method. Four articles were included for the qualitative synthesis. Two studies were considered of good quality, one of fair, and one of poor quality. A total of 231 patients were encompassed. Widening of the periodontal ligament space (22.2-39.7%), periradicular radiolucencies (20-22.9%), and pulp calcifications (33.3-69.2%) were the most frequent alterations. Certainty of evidence was rated as very low. Based on limited evidence, this systematic review reports a variety of dentoalveolar alterations in patients under bisphosphonate therapy. These features might impact on dental clinical practice. However, the level of evidence is considered very low due to important limitations.

Prevalence of radiographic findings on jaws exposed to antiresorptive therapy: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES:: Determine the prevalence of radiographic findings (RF) on both jaws among patients receiving antiresorptive bone therapy. METHODS:: Six electronic databases and partial grey literature were searched. Data was collected based on predetermined criteria. The key features from the included studies were extracted. The MAStARI tool assessed the potential risk of bias (RoB) among the studies, while the GRADE approach determined the level of evidence. RESULTS:: 29 studies were identified and included in the qualitative analysis, totalling 1133 patients. 27 studies had sufficient data to be included in a series of meta-analysis reporting 12 types of radiographic findings, and were split in two groups based on their study design. G1 comprised descriptive observational studies and G2 analytical cross-sectional studies. Two studies presented a high RoB, 16 had a moderate RoB, and 11 had low RoB. The overall level of evidence identified was very low. The most frequent RF were mixed lytic-sclerotic areas (73.88%), followed by osteolytic changes (66.18%), osteosclerosis (65.75%), cortical bone erosion (50.83%), persisting alveolar socket (45.77%), periodontal ligament (PDL) widening (44.69%), and inferior alveolar canal (IAC) involvement (43.40%). Less frequent, but equally important, were the periosteal reaction (34.27%), lamina dura thickening (32.97%), sequestrum (29.94%), pathologic fracture (20.90%), and density confluence of cortical and cancellous bone (16.61%). 20 patients reported no signs. CONCLUSIONS:: RF prevalence was high and mainly included mixed lytic-sclerotic areas, osteolysis, osteosclerosis, cortical bone erosion, persisting alveolar socket, PDL-widening, IAC-involvement. Due to the very low level of evidence (GRADE) caution should be exercised when considering these findings.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws: case series treated with adjuvant low-level laser therapy and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is the most severe and complex sequel of head and neck radiotherapy (RT) because of the bone involved, it may cause pain, paresthesia, foul odor, fistulae with suppuration, need for extra oral communication and pathological fracture. We treated twenty lesions of ORNJ using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The objective of this study was to stimulate the affected area to homeostasis and to promote the healing of the oral mucosa. METHODS: We performed aPDT on the exposed bone, while LLLT was performed around the bone exposure (red spectrum) and on the affected jaw (infrared spectrum). Monitoring and clinical intervention occurred weekly or biweekly for 2 years. RESULTS: 100% of the sample presented clinical improvement, and 80% presented complete covering of the bone exposure by intact oral mucosa. CONCLUSION: LLLT and aPDT showed positive results as an adjuvant therapy to treat ORNJ.

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaws: case series treated with adjuvant low-level laser therapy and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy

Abstract Background: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is the most severe and complex sequel of head and neck radiotherapy (RT) because of the bone involved, it may cause pain, paresthesia, foul odor, fistulae with suppuration, need for extra oral communication and pathological fracture. We treated twenty lesions of ORNJ using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). The objective of this study was to stimulate the affected area to homeostasis and to promote the healing of the oral mucosa. Methods: We performed aPDT on the exposed bone, while LLLT was performed around the bone exposure (red spectrum) and on the affected jaw (infrared spectrum). Monitoring and clinical intervention occurred weekly or biweekly for 2 years. Results: 100% of the sample presented clinical improvement, and 80% presented complete covering of the bone exposure by intact oral mucosa. Conclusion: LLLT and aPDT showed positive results as an adjuvant therapy to treat ORNJ.

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws: A Low-Level Laser Therapy and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy Case Approach.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) can be considered an inability of the alveolar bone to respond to an injury, which frequently leads to severe local and systemic complications. Once the problem is installed, dentist must use all therapeutic approaches recommended. This manuscript reports a successful management of MRONJ handled with antibiotics, conservative debridement, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) up to 12 months. As healing of MRONJ may be very slow, combined therapeutic approaches are required. Besides the recommended conventional treatment protocol, LLLT and PDT are important tools to contribute to healing and improvement of patient's quality of life.