Antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles on polypropylene and acrylic resin denture bases.

Background: The investigation of the antimicrobial action of Ag solutions in different surfaces has been performed, however, there is little data on the direct addition of those particles to the polypropylene denture base. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles in Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans colonization in acrylic resin and polypropylene denture bases. Material and Methods: Twenty test bodies (10×13×3 mm) were fabricated with (heat-polymerized) poly methyl methacrylate acrylic resin (group 1), (heat-polymerized) poly methyl methacrylate acrylic resin with silver nanoparticles (group 2), polypropylene (group 3) and polypropylene with silver nanoparticles (group 4). Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans colonization were performed. A colony count was performed in Colony Forming Unit (CFU/ml) and registered to calculate the arithmetical mean of the duplicate values of each sample. Data was analyzed by Lilliefors test and since samples did not present a normal distribution, Kruskal-Wallis for variance analysis with the value of significance set at p<0.05. Results: For Candida albicans colonies, when comparing nano-Ag in polypropylene, there were statistical difference between groups 3 and 4. For the same type of growth in heat-polymerized PMMA resin with and without nano-Ag, no statistical differences were found. The presence of nanoparticles did not affect Streptococcus mutans growth in the heat-polymerized PMMA resin. Value differences of S. mutans were not significant for comparisons between groups 1-2 and 3-4. Conclusions: Silver nanoparticles presented antifungal activity against C. albicans in polypropylene surfaces, but not in the heat-polymerized PMMA resin. Silver nanoparticles did not present antibacterial activity against S. mutans in any of the analyzed surfaces. Key words:Removable Partial Denture, Candida, Streptococcus mutans.

Evaluation of the WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation in Reducing Enterococcus faecalis from Root Canal.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation systems regarding the bacterial removal from root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis by comparing them to the conventional WaveOne and One Shape systems. Forty-eight distobuccal root canals of maxillary molars sterilized with ethylene oxide were infected with E. faecalis for 21 days, and then root canal initial bacterial sample was collected with paper cones and plated on M-enterococcus agar. The specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the instrumentation: WaveOne Gold, One Shape New Generation, WaveOne and One Shape. After instrumentation, samples were collected with use of scraping and paper cones at immediate and 7 days after instrumentation. The bacterial reduction was calculated and then made intragroup analysis by Friedman test and intergroup analysis by Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post-hoc test, all at 5% significance. All techniques significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the root canal (p<0.05). WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation promoted higher bacterial reduction than WaveOne and One Shape systems (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found between WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation or between WaveOne and One Shape (p>0.05). Novel single-file systems promote better bacterial removal than the conventional single-file systems.

Evaluation of the waveone gold and one shape new generation in reducing enterococcus faecalis from root canal

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation systems regarding the bacterial removal from root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis by comparing them to the conventional WaveOne and One Shape systems. Forty-eight distobuccal root canals of maxillary molars sterilized with ethylene oxide were infected with E. faecalis for 21 days, and then root canal initial bacterial sample was collected with paper cones and plated on M-enterococcus agar. The specimens were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the instrumentation: WaveOne Gold, One Shape New Generation, WaveOne and One Shape. After instrumentation, samples were collected with use of scraping and paper cones at immediate and 7 days after instrumentation. The bacterial reduction was calculated and then made intragroup analysis by Friedman test and intergroup analysis by Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post-hoc test, all at 5% significance. All techniques significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the root canal (p<0.05). WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation promoted higher bacterial reduction than WaveOne and One Shape systems (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found between WaveOne Gold and One Shape New Generation or between WaveOne and One Shape (p>0.05). Novel single-file systems promote better bacterial removal than the conventional single-file systems.

Resumo A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar os sistemas WaveOne Gold e One Shape New Generation em relação à remoção bacteriana de canais infectados com Enterococcus faecalis, comparando-os com seus sistemas convencionais WaveOne e One Shape. Quarenta e oito canais disto vestibulares de molares superiores esterilizados em óxido de etileno foram contaminados com E. faecalis por 21 dias, e então acoleta bacteriana inicial foi feita com cone de papel e plaqueadas em M-enterococcus agar. Os espécimes foram aleatoriamente divididos em quarto grupos de acordo com a instrumentação: WaveOne Gold, One Shape New Generation, WaveOne e One Shape. Após instrumentação, amostras foram coletadas utilizando limagem e cones de papel imediatamente e 7 dias após o preparo. A redução bacteriana foi calculada e então feita análise intra grupos com teste de Friedman, e entre grupos utilizando Kruskal-Wallis e teste de Dunn, todos a 5% de significância. Todas as técnicas reduziram significantemente o número de bactérias do canal radicular (p<0.05). WaveOne Gold e One Shape New Generation promoveram maior redução bacteriana que WaveOne e One Shape (p<0.05), mas nenhuma diferença significante foi encontrada entre WaveOne Gold e One Shape New Generation ou entre WaveOne e One Shape (p>0.05). Novos sistemas de lima-única promovem melhor remoção bacteriana que seus sistemas convencionais.

Instrument Design May Influence Bacterial Reduction During Root Canal Preparation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial reduction promoted by ProTaper Next and Twisted File by comparing to ProTaper Universal and manual technique. Sixty distobuccal root canals of maxillary molars sterilized with ethylene oxide were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis broth culture. After incubation for 21 days, bacterial samples were collected and cultured on m-Enterococcus agar plates. The root canals were divided into 4 groups, according to the system used for instrumentation: ProTaper Next, Twisted File, ProTaper Universal, and crown down manual technique. Other 8 uncontaminated root canals were control asepsis. Bacterial samples were collected immediately and 7 days after instrumentation. The bacterial reduction was calculated and then made intragroup analysis by paired t-test and intergroup analysis by ANOVA and Tukey tests, all at 5% significance. All techniques significantly reduced the bacterial number in the root canal (p<0.05). ProTaper Next and Twisted File resulted in more bacterial reduction than ProTaper Universal and manual technique (p<0.05). ProTaper Next and Twisted File were similar (p>0.05). It can be concluded that ProTaper Next and Twisted File promote a higher bacterial reduction than Protaper Universal and manual technique.

Instrument Design May Influence Bacterial Reduction During Root Canal Preparation

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial reduction promoted by ProTaper Next and Twisted File by comparing to ProTaper Universal and manual technique. Sixty distobuccal root canals of maxillary molars sterilized with ethylene oxide were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis broth culture. After incubation for 21 days, bacterial samples were collected and cultured on m-Enterococcus agar plates. The root canals were divided into 4 groups, according to the system used for instrumentation: ProTaper Next, Twisted File, ProTaper Universal, and crown down manual technique. Other 8 uncontaminated root canals were control asepsis. Bacterial samples were collected immediately and 7 days after instrumentation. The bacterial reduction was calculated and then made intragroup analysis by paired t-test and intergroup analysis by ANOVA and Tukey tests, all at 5% significance. All techniques significantly reduced the bacterial number in the root canal (p<0.05). ProTaper Next and Twisted File resulted in more bacterial reduction than ProTaper Universal and manual technique (p<0.05). ProTaper Next and Twisted File were similar (p>0.05). It can be concluded that ProTaper Next and Twisted File promote a higher bacterial reduction than Protaper Universal and manual technique.

Resumo A proposta deste estudo foi avaliar a redução bacteriana promovida pelos sistemas ProTaper Next e Twisted File comparando-os ao sistema ProTaper Universal e técnica manual. Sessenta raízes disto vestibulares de molares superiores esterilizadas com óxido de etileno foram contaminadas com Enterococcus faecalis. Após incubação por 21 dias, amostras foram coletas e cultivadas em m-Enterococcus agar. Os canais foram divididos em 4 grupos de acordo com o sistema de instrumentação: ProTaper Next, Twisted File, ProTaper Universal, e técnica manual crown-down. Outros 8 canais não contaminados foram utilizados como controle de assepsia. Amostra bacteriana foi coletada imediatamente após o prepare e aos 7 dias. A redução bacteriana foi calculada, e então feita a análise intergrupos utilizando teste t-pareado, e análise entre grupos utilizando os testes ANOVA e Tukey, todos com 5% de significância. Todas as técnicas reduziram significantemente o número de bactérias no canal radicular (p<0.05). ProTaper Next e Twisted File resultaram em maior redução bacteriana que ProTaper Universal e técnica manual (p<0.05). ProTaper Next e Twisted File foram semelhantes (p>0.05). Pode-se concluir que ProTaper Next e Twisted File promovem maior redução bacteriana que Protaper Universal e técnica manual.

Ex vivo evaluation of three instrumentation techniques on E. faecalis biofilm within oval shaped root canals.

The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of reciprocating instrumentation in disinfecting oval-shaped root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Forty-five human lower premolars were infected with a culture of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) for 28 days. Five other teeth that were neither contaminated nor instrumented were used as controls. The 45 specimens were divided into three experimental groups (n = 15) based on the root canal preparation technique used: manual (K-type, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland); rotary (MTwo, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany); and reciprocating (Reciproc R50, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) instruments. During chemomechanical preparation, 21 mL of 2.5% NaOCl was used as the irrigating solution. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and immediately after (S2) the chemomechanical preparation using sterilized paper points. Specimens were then cleaved, and 0.02 g of dentine chips was collected from the root thirds to verify the presence of microorganisms in dentinal tubules. All three preparation techniques reduced the number of microorganisms in the root canal lumen and dentine chips from the root thirds, but no significant differences were observed between the three groups (p > 0.05). Reciprocating instrumentation with Reciproc R50 was effective in reducing the number of microorganisms within the root canal system. Although this technique involves the use of only one file to perform the root canal therapy, it is as effective as conventional rotary instrumentation in reducing the E. faecalis biofilm from the root canal system. However, further clinical investigations are warranted in order to ratify these results.

Ex vivo evaluation of three instrumentation techniques on E. faecalis biofilm within oval shaped root canals

The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of reciprocating instrumentation in disinfecting oval-shaped root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Forty-five human lower premolars were infected with a culture of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) for 28 days. Five other teeth that were neither contaminated nor instrumented were used as controls. The 45 specimens were divided into three experimental groups (n = 15) based on the root canal preparation technique used: manual (K-type, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland); rotary (MTwo, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany); and reciprocating (Reciproc R50, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) instruments. During chemomechanical preparation, 21 mL of 2.5% NaOCl was used as the irrigating solution. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and immediately after (S2) the chemomechanical preparation using sterilized paper points. Specimens were then cleaved, and 0.02 g of dentine chips was collected from the root thirds to verify the presence of microorganisms in dentinal tubules. All three preparation techniques reduced the number of microorganisms in the root canal lumen and dentine chips from the root thirds, but no significant differences were observed between the three groups (p > 0.05). Reciprocating instrumentation with Reciproc R50 was effective in reducing the number of microorganisms within the root canal system. Although this technique involves the use of only one file to perform the root canal therapy, it is as effective as conventional rotary instrumentation in reducing theE. faecalis biofilm from the root canal system. However, further clinical investigations are warranted in order to ratify these results.

Bacterial removal promoted by 2 single-file systems: Wave One and One Shape.

INTRODUCTION: Different single-file systems are available for endodontic treatment; however, comparative studies are scarce. Thus, the present study evaluated bacterial reduction promoted by 2 single-file systems: Wave One (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and One Shape (Micromega, Besancon, France). METHODS: Forty-five distobuccal root canals of upper molars sterilized with ethylene oxide were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days, and then root canal initial bacterial sample was collected with paper cones and plated on M-enterococcus agar. The specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups according to instrumentation (n = 15): Wave One, One Shape, and the crown-down manual technique (control group). The other 6 specimens without contamination were control asepsis. After instrumentation, samples were collected with the use of scraping and paper cones. The bacterial reduction was calculated, and then intragroup analysis was performed using the paired t test and intergroup analysis using analysis of variance (both at 5% significance). RESULTS: All techniques significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the root canal (P < .05), with no significant difference between them (P > .05). The aseptic control group did not show any bacterial growth. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the single-file systems Wave One and One Shape significantly reduce the bacterial number in the root canal and that there is no significant difference in their bacterial reduction abilities.

Comparison of three obturation techniques with regard to bacterial leakage

AIM: To compare bacterial leakage in root canals obturated with the modified single-cone, lateral condensation, and continuous wave of condensation techniques. METHODS: Distobuccal root canals of maxillary molars were shaped up to ProTaper F2 and obturated with modified singlecone, lateral condensation or continuous wave of condensation technique. Two-chamber bacterial model using Enterococcus faecalis was employed for bacterial leakage evaluation for 30 days. The chi-square test was applied to evaluate differences between turbid and non-turbid samples, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for evaluating the time necessary for microleakage. A significance level of 5% was set for all analyses. RESULTS: The modified single-cone technique showed leakage in 73.3% of samples, lateral condensation in 66.6%, and continuous wave of condensation in 53.3%, but there were no significant differences among the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the modified single-cone technique shows similar sealing efficacy to that of lateral condensation and continuous wave of condensation technique.

Clinical and microbiological evaluation of high intensity diode laser adjutant to non-surgical periodontal treatment: a 6-month clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized split-mouth clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of scaling and root planing associated to the high-intensity diode laser on periodontal therapy by means of clinical parameters and microbial reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 chronic periodontitis subjects, of both genders, were selected. One pair of contralateral single-rooted teeth with pocket depth >5 mm was chosen from each subject. All patients received non-surgical periodontal treatment, after which the experimental teeth were designated to either test or control groups. Both teeth received scaling, root planing and coronal polishing (SRP) and teeth assigned to the test group (SRP + DL) were irradiated with the 808 ± 5 nm diode laser, for 20 s, in two isolated appointments, 1 week apart. The laser was used in the continuous mode, with 1.5 W and power density of 1,193.7 W/cm(2). Clinical and microbiological data were collected at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months after therapy. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of all the clinical parameters-clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI) and Bleeding on Probing (BOP)-for both groups (P < 0.001), with no statistical difference between them at the 6 weeks and the 6 months examinations. As for microbiological analysis, a significant reduction after 6 weeks (P > 0.05) was observed as far as colony forming units (CFU) is concerned, for both groups. As for black-pigmented bacteria, a significant reduction was observed in both groups after 6 months. However, the difference between test and control groups was not significant. There was no association between group and presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans at any time of the study. CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months of evaluation, the high-intensity diode laser has not shown any additional benefits to the conventional periodontal treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high intensity diode laser did not provide additional benefits to non-surgical periodontal treatment. More studies are necessary to prove the actual need of this type of laser in the periodontal clinical practice.

Decontamination of dental implant surfaces by means of photodynamic therapy.

Several implant surface debridement methods have been reported for the treatment of peri-implantitis, however, some of them can damage the implant surface or promote bacterial resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new treatment option for peri-implantitis. The aim of this in vitro study was to analyze implant surface decontamination by means of PDT. Sixty implants were equally distributed (n = 10) into four groups and two subgroups. In group G1 there was no decontamination, while in G2 decontamination was performed with chlorhexidine. G3 (PDT - laser + dye) and G4 (laser, without dye) were divided into two subgroups each; with PDT performed for 3 min in G3a and G4a, and for 5 min in G3b and G4b. After 5 min in contact with methylene blue dye (G3), the implants were irradiated (G3 and G4) with a low-level laser (GaAlAs, 660 nm, 30 mW) for 3 or 5 min (7.2 and 12 J). After the dilutions, culture media were kept in an anaerobic atmosphere for 1 week, and then colony forming units were counted. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) between G1 and the other groups, and between G4 in comparison with G2 and G3. Better decontamination was obtained in G2 and G3, with no statistically significant difference between them. The results of this study suggest that photodynamic therapy can be considered an efficient method for reducing bacteria on implant surfaces, whereas laser irradiation without dye was less efficient than PDT.

FE-SEM Evaluation of Dental Specimens Prepared by Different Methods for In Vitro Contamination.

Objective. To evaluate through FE-SEM the cleanliness and dentinal alterations promoted by different methods of dental sample preparation. Methods. Twenty-five human single-rooted teeth were used. The teeth were cleaned and autoclaved in wet medium and randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 5), according to the preparation methods employed-control group: no solutions applied; group 1: cement removal and irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl + 17 % EDTA for 4 minutes each; group 2: 17% EDTA + 2.5% NaOCl (4 minutes ultrasonic bath); group 3: cement removal and 17% EDTA + 5.25% NaOCl + phosphate buffer solution + distilled water (10 minutes ultrasonic); group 4: 17% EDTA + 5.25% NaOCl (3 minutes ultrasonic bath). Specimens were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), at 1500x magnification. Data were submitted to qualitative analysis according to a scoring system and submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test. Results. In ascending order, as to bind parameters, (i) cleanliness: control, group 2, group 3, group 5, and group 4, (ii) dentinal alterations: group 1, group 5, group 2, group 3, and group 4. Conclusion. The proposed protocol was suitable for subsequent microbiological contamination, because it showed less dentinal morphological alterations with increased removal of organic waste.

Microbiologic endodontic status of young traumatized tooth.

Traumatic dental injuries could expose the dentin and, even the pulp, to the oral environment, making possible their contamination. The presence of microorganisms causes pulpal disease and further a tecidual clutter in the periradicular region. The therapy of periradicular pathosis is the consequence of a correct diagnoses which depends on the knowledge of the nature and complexity of endodontic infections. As there is no information on the microbiology of primary endodontic infection in young teeth, the aim of the current study was to investigate the microbiologic status of root canals from permanent young teeth with primary endodontic infection. Twelve patients with the need for endodontic treatment participated in the study. The selected teeth were uniradicular and had an incomplete root formation. They had untreated necrotic pulp. After the access preparation, nineteen microbiologic samples were obtained from the root canals with sterile paper points. Afterwards, the paper points were pooled in a sterile tube containing 2 ml of prereduced transport fluid. The samples were diluted and spread onto plates with selective medium for Enterococcus spp. and for yeast species and onto plates with non-selective medium. A quantitative analysis was performed. The mean number of cultivable bacterial cells in the root canals was 5.7 × 10(6). In four samples (21.05%) black pigmented species were recovered and the mean number of cells was 6.5 × 10(5). One specimen (5.25%) showed the growth of Enterococcus species and the mean number of cells in this case was of 1.5 × 10(4) . The results showed a root canal microbiota with similar design as seen in completely formed teeth.

Histomorphometric and microbiological assessment of photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant treatment for periodontitis: a short-term evaluation of inflammatory periodontal conditions and bacterial reduction in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in periodontal tissue when it is used as an adjuvant treatment for periodontitis. BACKGROUND DATA: PDT has been used as an adjuvant in the combat of local infections, such as periodontitis, and combines a photosensitizer (PS) with a light source to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and kill microbial cells. METHODS: Fifty healthy male rats were used in this study. Periodontitis was induced by placing a cotton ligature around the upper left second molar in a subgingival position. Posterior maxillas were removed and histologically prepared with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining techniques. PDT was performed with a diode laser (λ=660 nm) with an output power of 100 mW. Methylene blue aqueous solution (100 µM) was used as the PS while control group used phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Collagen organization, inflammatory infiltrate, and bone loss were evaluated. Bacterial samples were collected before and immediately after treatment to determine bacterial reduction. RESULTS: The experimental group that was treated with PDT presented better periodontal healing, as measured by collagen organization, inflammatory infiltrate, and bone loss. Significant bacterial reduction was achieved following treatment with or without PDT compared to control, with a higher microbial reduction observed in the PDT group. CONCLUSIONS: PDT used as an adjuvant treatment showed effective short-term control of periodontitis infection.

Efficacy of high intensity diode laser as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment: a randomized controlled trial.

The high intensity diode laser has been studied in periodontics for the reduction of subgingival bacteria in non-surgical treatment. Our study evaluated the bacterial effect as well as changes in periodontal clinical parameters promoted by root scaling and planing associated with this wavelength. Twenty-seven patients randomly assigned in two groups underwent root scaling and planing on the tested sites, and only the experimental group received the diode laser irradiation. Among the clinical parameters studied, the clinical probing depth (CPD) and the clinical attachment level (CAL) resulted in significant enhancement in the control group when compared with the experimental group (P = 0.014 and P = 0.039, respectively). The results were similar for both groups regarding the plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BP). No significant difference in the microbiological parameters was observed between the control and experimental groups. It was possible to conclude that the high power diode laser adjunct to the non-surgical periodontal treatment did not promote additional effects to the conventional periodontal treatment.

Avaliação da capacidade de descontaminação da terapia fotodinâmica no pós-operatório imediato de implantes: estudo piloto / Efficiency of photodynamic therapy in the immediate postoperative of dental implants: pilot study

Em todo ato cirúrgico para instalação de implanttes dentários ocorre uma contaminação inerente ao procedimento que pode prejudicar a cicatrização. Este projeto foi proposto para encontrar uma forma de reduzir a microbiota da área peri-implantar com a terapia fotodinâmica (PDT, do inglês photodynamic therapy). Após triagem (critérios de inclusão: normorreativos, com espaço intercalar superior, sem histórico de doença periodontal grave), cinco pacientes foram selecionados e reabilitados com implantes Standard Plus da Straumann®. Ao término da cirurgia, uma primeira coleta microbiológica peri-implantar foi efetuada (controle). Aplicou-se o corante azul de metileno a 0,005% por 5 minutos. Em seguida, a área peri-implantar foi irradiada com laser diodo de baixa potência (AsGaAl, 660 nm, 40mW), por 2 minutos, totalizando 120 J/cm(2) de densidade de energia, dividida em 4 pontos (2 na vestibular e 2 na palatina). Ao término da PDT, outra coleta microbiológica foi realizada (teste). Todo o material coletado passou pelo seguinte processo: diluições seriadas; semeadura em meios de cultura; incubação em meio anaeróbio por sete dias e contagem do número de unidades de colônias totais (UFC). O teste estatístico de Wilcoxon mostrou haver diferença significante (p < 0,001) na redução bacteriana para as UFC, tendo como mediana dessa redução 93,67%. Os resultados permitem afirmar que a PDT é um método eficaz de descontaminação da área cirúrgica no pós-operatório imediato de implantes dentários.

Comparison of two rotary systems in root canal preparation regarding disinfection.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to determine the disinfection of preparations carried out by using the Protaper or MTwo system in canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. METHODS: Twenty-eight distobuccal canals of upper molars were used, in which the canals were sterilized after being enlarged to #20 file and then contaminated with an inoculation of a culture of E. faecalis. After the incubation period, bacterial samples were collected and were seeded on plates for analysis of colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The teeth were divided into 2 groups according to the rotary system used for instrumentation; 2 noninstrumented teeth served as the control group. Then bacterial samples were collected and were seeded on plates for analysis of CFU/mL again. The data obtained were evaluated by the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Bacterial reduction was 81.94% and 84.29%, respectively, in ProTaper and Mtwo systems, and there was no statistically significant difference (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both systems, ProTaper and Mtwo, reduced the amount of bacteria in the mechanical disinfection of the root canal system, demonstrating that they are suitable for this purpose.

Apical sealing ability comparison between GuttaFlow and AH Plus: in vitro bacterial and dye leakage / Comparação da capacidade de selamento apical entre os cimentos GuttaFlow e AH Plus: infiltração bacteriana e de corante in vitro

Objective - The success of the endodontic therapy demand a complete filling with maximum root canal system sealing, therefore the ideal filling should have a main and plentiful gutta-percha core associated to an endodontic sealer. In the effort to achieve an ideal filling material, arose the idea to incorporate gutta-percha powder and the sealer in a unique product, the GuttaFlow. Methods - Using 30 human teeth, the present study compared the marginal sealing capacity of the sealers GuttaFlow and AH Plus using the dual-chamber leakage model with E. faecalis during the experimental period of 60 days. Another leakage analysis was made by linear infiltration of the 1% methylene blue dye. Results - The results obtained from bacterial leakage showed no statistical difference under Fisher's exact test (p = 0.500). Similar results were founded from dye leakage that showed no statistical difference under ANOVA (p = 0.575) followed by t Test (p = 0.1492). Conclusion - These two sealers present similar behavior under booth marginal leakage methodologies.

Objetivo - O sucesso do tratamento endodôntico requer uma obturação completa do sistema de canais radiculares, assim, a obturação ideal deve ter uma grande e principal massa de guta-percha associada a um cimento endodôntico. Na tentativa de se alcançar este material obturador ideal, surgiu a idéia da união da guta-percha em pó e do cimento em um só produto, GuttaFlow®. Métodos - Este estudo avaliou comparativamente a capacidade de selamento marginal do cimento endodôntico GuttaFlow e do cimento AH Plus, utilizando para tal o método de infiltração da bactéria E. faecalis em modelo experimental de dupla câmara pelo período de 60 dias complementado em seguida pelo método de infiltração do corante azul de metileno a 1% em 30 dentes humanos unirradiculares. Resultados - Os resultados obtidos pela metodologia de infiltração bacteriana foram analisados estatisticamente através do teste Exato de Fisher e demonstraram não haver diferença significante entre os dois cimentos utilizados (p = 0.500); o mesmo aconteceu para a metodologia de infiltração de corante aonde verificou-se ausência de diferença estatisticamente significante diante dos testes de análise de variância ANOVA (p = 0.575) e testet (p = 0.1492). Conclusão - Os dois cimentos apresentam comportamento semelhante no que diz respeito à capacidade de selamento marginal frente às duas metodologias.

High-power diode laser in the disinfection in depth of the root canal dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the disinfection degree of dentine caused by the use of diode laser after biomechanical procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty teeth were sectioned and roots were autoclaved and incubated for 4 weeks with a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis. The specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10): G1, instrumented with rotary files, irrigated with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA-T, and then irradiated by 830-nm diode laser at 3 W; G2, the same procedures as G1 but without laser irradiation; and G3, irrigation with saline solution (control). Dentin samples of each third were collected with carbide burs and aliquots were sowed to count viable cells. RESULTS: The disinfection degree achieved was 100% in G1 and 98.39% in G2, when compared to the control group (G3). CONCLUSION: Diode laser irradiation provided increased disinfection of the deep radicular dentin in the parameters and samples tested.

Nd:YAG laser clinical assisted in class II furcation treatment.

The Nd:YAG laser efficacy associated with conventional treatment for bacterial reduction has been investigated throughout literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bacterial reduction after Nd:YAG laser irradiation associated with scaling and root planning in class II furcation defects in patients with chronic periodontitis. Thirty-four furcation lesions were selected from 17 subjects. The control group received conventional treatment, and the experimental group received the same treatment followed by Nd:YAG laser irradiation (100 mJ/pulse; 15 Hz; 1.5 W, 60 s, 141.5 J/cm(2)). Both treatments resulted in improvements of most clinical parameters. A significant reduction of colony forming unit (CFU) of total bacteria number was observed in both groups. The highest reduction was noted in the experimental group immediately after the treatment. The number of dark pigmented bacteria and the percentage of patients with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans reduced immediately after the treatment and returned to values close to the initial ones 6 weeks after the baseline for both groups. The Nd:YAG laser associated with conventional treatment promoted significant bacterial reduction in class II furcation immediately after irradiation, although this reduction was not observed 6 weeks after the baseline.