Does Diabetes Increase the Frequency of Root-Filled teeth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Background: The indicated treatment in cases of apical periodontitis (AP), a disease very prevalent in diabetic patients, is root canal treatment (RCT). This study aims to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to answer the following PICO question: In adult patients, does the absence or presence of diabetes affect the prevalence of root filled teeth (RFT)"? Material and Methods: PRISMA Guidelines have been followed to carry out this systematic review. A literature search was undertaken in PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase and Scielo. All studies reporting the prevalence of RFT in diabetic patients and control subjects using radiographic examination were included. Study characteristics and risk ratios with 95% CIs were extracted. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. Results: Five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Prevalence of RFT were estimated with 701 people and 15,882 teeth. Among diabetic patients, 6.1% of teeth had undergone RCT, while in controls this percentage was 3% (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.0 - 2.9; p = 0.065). Among diabetic patients, 65% had at least one RFT, while in controls this percentage dropped to 55% (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 0.5 - 3.7; p> 0.05). The certainty of evidence was low. Conclusions: The prevalence of RFT in diabetic patients is almost double that in the control population, however this result is only marginally significant. Dentists must take into account the high prevalence of RFT in diabetic patients, investigating the presence of diabetes in those patients in whom a high frequency of RCT is observed. Key words:Diabetes, endodontics, epidemiology, root canal treatment, root filled teeth, prevalence, survey, population-based study.

Prevalence of Dens Invaginatus assessed by CBCT: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Dens invaginatus is a developmental dental anomaly resulting from an invagination of dental tissues folding from the outer surface towards dental pulp. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of dens invaginatus using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA statements. The research question was: What is the prevalence of dens invaginatus in the adult population assessed by CBCT? The MeSH terms were used to search articles published in the electronic database PubMed. Studies were selected considering predetermined eligibility criteria. The Robins-I tool developed by Cochrane was used to assess methodological quality and risk of bias. Results: Four studies were included in this systematic review, including 2009 CBCT images. The overall prevalence of dens invaginatus was 9.0% (95% CI = 7.2 - 10.8%; p< 0.001). Three studies were considered of low risk of bias. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that prevalence of dens invaginatus using CBCT was higher than previous estimations carried out with conventional radiographs. Therefore, an early identification and a correct management of invaginated teeth is essential for improving the prognosis of these teeth. It can be concluded that teeth with dens invaginatus should always be studied using CBCT. Key words:Dens invaginatus, Dens in dente, Dental anomalies, CBCT, Cone beam computed tomography.

Prevalence of root canal treatment worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of root filled teeth (RFT) worldwide will inform about the amount of clinical activity of dentists dedicated to treat endodontic disease. OBJECTIVES: To carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis answering the following question: What is the prevalence of RFT around the world? The percentage of people with at least one RFT was also investigated. METHODS: A systematic review including population-based studies using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo. Studies related to prevalence of RFT were included. The outcome of interest of the study was the prevalence of RFT. The meta-analyses were calculated with the Open Meta Analyst software to determine the global prevalence of RFT. Subgroups analyses were performed comparing geographical distribution, radiographic method and year of the study (classified in 20th or 21th century). The prevalence of people with at least one RFT was also analysed. RESULTS: Seventy-four population-based studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight, forty-four and two studies reported high, moderate and low risk of bias, respectively. No obvious publication bias was observed. Prevalence of RFT was estimated with 1 201 255 teeth and 32 162 patients. The calculated worldwide prevalence of RFT was 8.2% (95% CI = 7.3%-9.1%; p < .001). The global prevalence of people with at least one RFT was 55.7% (95% CI = 49.6%-61.8%; p < .001). In 20th century, the prevalence of RFT was 10.2% (95% CI = 7.9%-12.5%; p < .001), whereas in the 21st century the overall calculated prevalence of RFT was 7.5% (95% CI = 6.5%-8.6%; p < .001). Brazilian people (12%) and the European population (9.3%) showed the highest prevalence of RFT. In Europe, 59.6% (95% CI = 52.4%-66.8%) of people has at least one RFT. CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that root canal treatment is a very common therapy throughout the world. More than half of the studied population have at least one RFT. A limitation of the present study is that most of the studies did not consider random sampling for population selection. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Systematic review registration number: (CRD42022329053).

Biomaterials in periapical regeneration after microsurgical endodontics: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this narrative review was to analyze the available scientific evidence regarding the application of biomaterials in endodontic microsurgery and its influence in post-surgical tissue repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The review question was Do biomaterials used in endodontic microsurgery influence post-surgical tissue repair and regeneration? Systematic MEDLINE/PubMed review was used to evaluate and present the results. RESULTS: The search yielded 131 references, 82 of which were selected for full text review after reading the abstracts. After a manual search in the references of the articles selected, 52 references were eliminated. Finally, 30 articles were selected. CONCLUSIONS: Bone grafts, membranes and bioceramics, especially MTA, are biomaterials with the ability to stimulate periapical tissue regeneration. This is one of many reason why bioceramics are the best choice as retrograde sealing materials. However, microsurgically treated periapical lesions can heal completely without the need to use bone grafts or membranes. Those techniques are indicated in endodontic microsurgery when additional stimulation of tissue regeneration is required, or when bone collapse needs to be prevented. Key words:Bioactive endodontic cements, endodontic surgery, periapical repair.

Use of contemporary technologies and new materials in undergraduate Endodontics teaching.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to analyze the use of contemporary technologies and materials in undergraduate endodontic teaching in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The survey was sent to the undergraduate endodontic programme leads in the 23 Spanish dental schools. The survey asked about the use of magnification, ultrasonic devices, electronic apex locator, rotary instruments, root-filling techniques, and bioceramic cements in the teaching of endodontics. RESULTS: The response rate was 91%, and the final number of schools included in the study was twenty. Only two schools (10%) used magnification (loupes or operative microscope). Five schools (25%) used ultrasonic devices to prepare the access cavity, and four (20%) to activate the irrigation solution. In 14 dental schools (70%) no type of ultrasonic instrument was used. Electronic apex locators in working length determination was used in 19 schools (95%). All schools used rotary instrumentation in the teaching of endodontics, and 45% of schools used reciprocating instruments. Five schools (25%) used warm vertical compaction technique, four (20%) single cone gutta-percha technique, and four (20%) thermoplastic injection techniques. No school used carrier-based gutta-percha. Bioceramic cements were used in 19 of the schools (95%). CONCLUSIONS: Spanish dental schools have incorporated some of the new endodontic technologies and materials, including the electronic apex locator, rotary instruments, and the new bioceramic cements; however, the modern root filling techniques, magnification, and ultrasonic instruments are not yet used in most dental schools. Key words:Bioceramic materials, dental schools, endodontic curriculum, magnification, online survey, rotary instrumentation, ultrasonic devices.

Smoking and Radiolucent Periapical Lesions in Root Filled Teeth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between smoking habits and the prevalence of radiolucent periapical lesions (RPLs) in root-filled teeth (RFT). METHODS: The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) question was: in adult patients who have RFT, does the absence or presence of a smoking habit affect the prevalence of RPLs associated with RFT? Systematic MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science, Scopus, and PRISMA protocol were used to evaluate and present the results. Studies comparing smokers with control non-smoker subjects, including RFT, and providing data on the prevalence of RFT with RPLs, were included. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for certainty in the evidence. The risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane Collaboration common scheme for bias and ROBINS-I tool. Cumulative meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model. PROSPERO registration code: CRD42020165279. RESULTS: Four studies reported data on inclusion criteria, representing data from 9257 root-filled teeth-4465 from non-smokers and 4792 from smoker patients. The meta-analysis provided an odds ratio indicating a significant association between smoking and higher prevalence of root filled teeth with radiolucent periapical lesions (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.07-1.26; p = 0.0004). The certainty of the literature assessment was moderate per GRADE. The ROBINS-I tool classified three studies as low risk of bias, and the fourth as moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate, quality scientific evidence indicates a weak but significant relationship between smoking and the prevalence of RPLs in RFT. Smoking can be considered a negative prognostic factor for the outcome of root canal treatment. Endodontic providers should be aware of the relationship between smoking and persistent apical periodontitis, assessed as RPLs, in RFT.

Cigarette Smoking and Root Filled Teeth Extraction: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the possible association between smoking habits and the occurrence of root-filled teeth (RFT) extraction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) question was in adult patients who had RFT, does the absence or presence of smoking habits affect the prevalence of extracted RFT? Systematic MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science, and PRISMA protocol was used to evaluate and present the results. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for certainty in the evidence. The risk of bias was assessed according to Cochrane Collaboration common scheme for bias and ROBINS-I tool. Cumulative meta-analysis was performed with a random effects model. PROSPERO registration code: CRD42020165279. RESULTS: After search strategy, 571 articles were recovered, seven were selected for full-text analysis, and two reported data on inclusion criteria, including 516 RFT, 351 in non-smokers, and 165 in smoker subjects. The meta-analysis provided an odds ratio indicating significant association between smoking and the prevalence of extracted RFT (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.17-10.05, p = 0.02, I² = 64%). The certainty of the literature assessment was low per GRADE. Both studies were considered as moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking should be considered a negative prognostic factor for the outcome of root canal treatment, although the quality of the evidence is low. RFT of smoking patients are three times more likely to be extracted. Continuing to smoke after endodontic treatment may increase the risk of treatment failure. However, the overall strength of evidence is low. This must be considered a limitation of the present study and the conclusion should be valued with caution.

Comparison of diode laser - Oral tissue interaction to different wavelengths. In vitro study of porcine periodontal pockets and oral mucosa

BACKGROUND: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of diode lasers at different wavelengths and power settings in handmade incisions in periodontal pockets and in oral mucosa of porcine tissue considering thermal damage, necrosis and the affected area of the soft tissue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Combining the following laser wavelengths, 445 nm, 532 nm (KTP), 810 nm, 980 nm, 1064 nm and 1470 nm, and a power range from 0.5W to 2.0W in a continuous wave mode (CW), we made handmade incisions in porcine periodontal pockets and oral mucosa. After histological processing, we measured the area of lost tissue, the area of thermal damage and the area of necrosis. Then, we performed ANOVA to evaluate the difference between groups and two-way ANOVA to identify the influence of the laser-type variables and the power on the results. RESULTS: We applied an ANOVA test to evaluate the results, where statistical analysis showed clear differences between the 1470nm and 810nm laser groups that refer to thermal damage and necrosis in the periodontal pocket surface. Regarding the oral mucosa surface, the 1064 nm laser showed differences in the analysis of lost tissue. According to the applied power, all the variables we studied (lost tissue area, area of thermal damage and necrosis) showed higher values when using a power of 2.0W instead of 0.5W. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the 810nm diode laser for oral soft-tissue biopsy using power ranges between 0.5W and 2W would be the best choice to avoid thermal damage in peri-incisional margins

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Tratamiento de la periodontitis apical persistente: cirugía periapical versus retratamiento endodóncico no quirúrgico / Treatment of persistent apical periodontitis: periapical surgery versus nonsurgical retreatment

Se denomina Periodontitis Apical Crónica Persistente (PACP) al proceso inflamatorio periapical que se desarrolla o persiste tras el tratamiento de conductos. Las opciones terapéuticas en el tratamiento de la PACP, cuando el diente puede conservarse, son el retratamiento de conductos por vía ortógrada o la cirugía periapical, e incluso puede ser necesaria una combinación de ambos tratamientos. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido buscar respuesta a la siguiente pregunta: ¿En un paciente con un diente al que se le ha realizado tratamiento endodóncico que ha fracasado y sufre periodontitis apical crónica persistente (PACP), se obtiene mayor tasa de curación del proceso inflamatorio periapical mediante el retratamiento por vía ortógrada o con la cirugía periapical? La búsqueda realizada proporcionó 7 artículos: 3 ensayos clínicos aleatorios, 3 revisiones sistemáticas y 1 revisión no sistemática. La evidencia científica disponible sugiere que no existen diferencias significativas en las tasas de éxito a largo plazo del retratamiento endodóncico por vía ortógrada y la cirugía periapical, en casos de periodontitis apical crónica persistente tras el tratamiento endodóncico. El retratamiento endodóncico por vía ortógrada obtiene mejores resultados a largo plazo, mientras que la cirugía periapical tiene una tasa de curación más rápida. El retratamiento ortógrado conlleva un mejor postoperatorio para el paciente, mientras que la cirugía periapical implica una mayor necesidad de trata-miento analgésico y antiinflamatorio en los primeros 7 días

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Use of antibiotics by spanish dentists receiving postgraduate training in endodontics.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of endodontic infections is high. The contribution of Endodontics to the global problem of antibiotic resistance could be significant. The ESE, together with the World Health Organization, are promoting the World Antibiotic Awareness Week (13-19 November 2017) to promote the appropriate use of systemic antibiotics in Endodontics. The objective of this study was to determine the prescription pattern of antibiotics in the treatment of endodontic infections of Spanish dentists attending specialization programs in Endodontics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dentists from five Spanish endodontic postgraduate programs were requested to answer a one-page questionnaire surveying about antibiotics indications. Seventy-three dentists were required to participate in this investigation, and 67 (91.2%) fulfilled satisfactorily the survey and were included in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square test. RESULTS: The average duration of antibiotic therapy was 6.8±1.2 days. All respondents chose amoxicillin as first choice antibiotic in patients with no medical allergies, alone (40%) or associated to clavulanic acid (60%). The first drug of choice for penicillin allergic patients was clindamycin (72%). For cases of irreversible pulpitis, 22% of respondents prescribed antibiotics. For the scenario of a necrotic pulp, symptomatic apical periodontitis and no swelling, 37% prescribed antibiotics. A quarter of dentists prescribed antibiotics for necrotic pulps with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and a sinus tract. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that postgraduate training in Endodontics provides greater awareness of the correct indications of antibiotics. Dentists who have received specialized training in Endodontics have a prescription pattern of antibiotics more adjusted to the guidelines recommended by international organizations and by scientific societies. Key words:Antibiotics, apical periodontitis, dental curriculum, endodontic infections, postgraduate endodontic training.

Comparative study of debris and smear layer removal with EDTA and Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate in vitro, the ability in removing debris and Smear Layer of 17% EDTA and Er,Cr:YSGG laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 58 unirradicular teeth were instrumented with MTwo® and divided into 3 groups according to irrigation protocol: 17%EDTA, laser and a combination of 17%EDTA and laser. All samples were analyzed in the apical and middle third with Scanning Electron Microscope. The Chi-cuadrado and McNemar tests were used to determine the statistical analysis and data processing and analysis was performed with the statistical package StatGraphics Centurion XVI. RESULTS: Debris analysis showed statistical significant differences when compared EDTA vs laser and EDTA vs EDTA+laser in the middle third. The Smear Layer removal showed statistical significant differences in the middle third when compared EDTA vs laser and EDTA vs EDTA+laser. CONCLUSIONS: Laser showed a greater cleaning capacity than EDTA in the middle third; the cleanliness was even better when combined laser with EDTA, so the effect is accumulative. Key words:Root canal treatment, Smear Layer, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, debridement.

Effectiveness of Nd:YAG Laser on the elimination of debris and Smear Layer. A comparative study with two different irrigation solution: EDTA and QMix® in addition to NaOCl.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness in dentin debris and smear layer removal from root canal walls using EDTA and QMix® alone and also activated with Nd:YAG laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 single-rooted teeth were instrumented and divided in 5 groups according to irrigation protocol: 17% EDTA, QMix®, Nd:YAG laser alone, and combination of 17% EDTA - Nd:YAG laser and QMix® - Nd:YAG laser. Samples were evaluated using SEM. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-Square Fisher exact test and McNemar test. RESULTS: Dentinal debris analysis showed statistically significant differences when comparing 17% EDTA vs Laser and Laser vs QMix® in combination with Laser at the apical third. The Smear Layer analysis also showed statistically significant differences at the apical third when comparing 17% EDTA vs Laser, QMix® vs QMix® in combination with Laser and Laser vs QMix® in combination with Laser. CONCLUSIONS: 17% EDTA was the most efficient irrigant showing the best results. Laser alone was not effective removing either dentinal debris or smear layer. Key words:Laser, endodontics, Smear Layer.

Geminación y fusión: un desafío en la práctica clínica / Gemination and fusion: a challenge for clinical practice

Los términos geminación y fusion dentaria son utilizados para describir dos anomalías dentarias por unión en las que se afectan el número, la estructura, la forma, y el tamaño dentario. Su diagnóstico diferencial es muy complicado, a pesar de los numerosos casos que se pueden encontrar en la literatura. Es por ello, que muchos autores denominan a este grupo de anomalías como «diente doble» o «diente gemelo», considerándolos así como términos sinónimos. El diagnóstico y tratamiento del «diente doble» es un desafío para el dentista, así como su nomenclatura. Debe llevarse a cabo un diagnóstico diferencial con la macrodoncia. Los dientes afectados representan frecuentemente un problema estético, siendo más susceptibles a la caries y a la enfermedad periodontal. Es necesario llevar a cabo un examen clínico y radiográfico exhaustivo, para obtener un diagnóstico correcto que permita alcanzar un tratamiento temprano, en caso de que sea necesario. La opción de tratamiento del «diente doble» depende del tipo de dentición afectada, la repercusión estética, la morfología del arco dental y el patrón de oclusión. Cuando se requiere tratamiento endodóncico, es obligatorio prestar más atención durante determinadas fases, especialmente en el diagnóstico radiológico, y en el acceso y localización de conductos. Este artículo discute la prevalencia, etiología, patogenia, diagnóstico diferencial y tratamiento del diente doble mediante cuatro casos clínicos

Gemination and fusion are terms used to describe two dental anomalies by union, where number, shape, structure and tooth size are affected. Differential diagnosis is complicated, in spite of numerous cases described in literature. Thereby, many authors describe this group of anomalies as «double teeth» or «twin-teeth», considering them as synonymous terms. «Double teeth» diagnosis and treatment are a challenge for dentist, as well as its nomenclature. Differential diagnosis with macrodontia must be carried out. Affected tooth frequently show poor aesthetic, being more susceptible to caries and periodontal disease. It is necessary to carry out an exhaustive clinical and radiographic examination to provide a correct diagnosis for achieving an early treatment, if necessary. Treatment choice in double-teeth depends upon the type of affected dentition, aesthetic involvement, dental arch morphology and occlusion pattern. When requiring endodontic treatment, more attention during certain stages, especially in diagnostic radiology, and in access, and location of roots canals are compulsory. This article discuss the prevalence, etiology, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment of double-teeth through four clinical cases

Effect of the Nd:YAG laser on sealer penetration into root canal surfaces: a confocal microscope analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the use of the Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser as part of the root canal treatment on the penetration of sealer into dentinal tubules. METHODS: Eighty extracted lower premolars were randomly assigned to two groups (n=40 each): Control group (CG), subjected to a conventional protocol of endodontic instrumentation and obturation; and Laser group (LG), in which Nd:YAG laser irradiations were combined with conventional preparation and obturation. Endodonted samples were sectioned at 3 and 5 mm from the apex and observed under a confocal scanning microscope (CLSM). The penetration depth into the dentinal tubules and the extension of the intracanal perimeter infiltrated by sealer were measured. The Student-Newman-Keuls test was run for between-group comparisons (α=.05). RESULTS: The depth of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules did not differ among groups. LG samples showed the significantly highest percentage of penetrated perimeter at 3 mm from the root apex. Within each group, the greatest depth of penetration (P=.0001), and the major percentage of penetrated perimeter (P<.001), were recorded at 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The application of the Nd:YAG laser after instrumentation did not improve the depth of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. The laser enlarged the total penetrable perimeter near the apex. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Nd:YAG laser may be an appropriate complement in root canal treatment, as it enhances the sealer adaptation to the dentinal walls in the proximity of the apex.