Root canal curvature influences uncontrolled removal of dentin and cleaning efficacy after ultrasonic activation.

This study evaluated the correlation between root canal curvature and the effects of ultrasonic irrigation in the following parameters: volume of uncontrolled dentin removal (UDRVol), maximum depth of dentin defects, removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD), and canal transportation in prepared curved root canals. Twenty-four human permanent mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to root canal curvature: moderate curvature (MC: mean 25°); and severe curvature (SC: mean 48°). The specimens were scanned using an X-ray microcomputed scanner (Skyscan 1172) before and after cleaning and shaping and after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation. There was a moderate correlation between the degree of root canal curvature and the volume of remaining AHTD (p<0.05) and between the degree of root canal curvature and maximum depth of defects due to uncontrolled removal of dentin (p<0.05). The teeth in the SC group had a greater maximum depth of defects on the dentin wall in the apical third than the teeth in the MC group (p <0.05). Both groups had a significant reduction of AHTD in all canal thirds, but the amount of remaining AHTD in the middle and apical thirds and the whole canal was significantly greater in the SC than in the MC group (p <0.05). Canal transportation was not influenced by the canal curvature in all thirds (p >0.05). This study concluded that root canal curvature affects significantly the uncontrolled removal of dentin and remaining AHTD volume after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation.

Root canal curvature influences uncontrolled removal of dentin and cleaning efficacy after ultrasonic activation

Abstract This study evaluated the correlation between root canal curvature and the effects of ultrasonic irrigation in the following parameters: volume of uncontrolled dentin removal (UDRVol), maximum depth of dentin defects, removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD), and canal transportation in prepared curved root canals. Twenty-four human permanent mandibular molars were divided into two groups according to root canal curvature: moderate curvature (MC: mean 25°); and severe curvature (SC: mean 48°). The specimens were scanned using an X-ray microcomputed scanner (Skyscan 1172) before and after cleaning and shaping and after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation. There was a moderate correlation between the degree of root canal curvature and the volume of remaining AHTD (p<0.05) and between the degree of root canal curvature and maximum depth of defects due to uncontrolled removal of dentin (p<0.05). The teeth in the SC group had a greater maximum depth of defects on the dentin wall in the apical third than the teeth in the MC group (p <0.05). Both groups had a significant reduction of AHTD in all canal thirds, but the amount of remaining AHTD in the middle and apical thirds and the whole canal was significantly greater in the SC than in the MC group (p <0.05). Canal transportation was not influenced by the canal curvature in all thirds (p >0.05). This study concluded that root canal curvature affects significantly the uncontrolled removal of dentin and remaining AHTD volume after the final irrigation protocol with ultrasonic irrigation.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a correlação entre a curvatura do canal radicular e os efeitos da irrigação ultrassônica nos seguintes parâmetros: volume de remoção não controlada de dentina (UDRVol), profundidade máxima do desgaste de dentina, remoção de debris de tecido duro acumulado (AHTD) e transporte em canais radiculares curvos. Vinte e quatro molares inferiores humanos permanentes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a curvatura do canal radicular: curvatura moderada (MC: média de 25°); e curvatura acentuada (SC: média de 48°). Os espécimes foram digitalizados usando um scanner microcomputador de raios X (Skyscan 1172) antes e depois da limpeza e modelagem e após a irrigação ultrassônica. Houve uma correlação moderada entre o grau de curvatura do canal radicular e o volume de AHTD remanescente (p<0,05) e entre o grau de curvatura do canal radicular e a profundidade máxima de defeitos devido à remoção descontrolada de dentina (p<0,05). Os dentes do grupo SC apresentaram maior profundidade máxima de defeitos na parede dentinária no terço apical do que os dentes do grupo MC (p<0,05). Ambos os grupos tiveram uma redução significativa de AHTD em todos os terços do canal, mas a quantidade de AHTD remanescente nos terços médio e apical e em todo o canal foi significativamente maior no grupo SC do que no grupo MC (p <0,05). O transporte do canal não foi influenciado pela curvatura do canal em todos os terços (p > 0,05). Este estudo concluiu que a curvatura do canal radicular afeta significativamente a remoção descontrolada de dentina e o volume remanescente de AHTD após a irrigação ultrassônica.

Extrusão apical de irrigantes em dentes imaturos utilizando diferentes dispositivos de irrigação por pressão negativa / Apical extrusion of irrigants in immature teeth using different negative pressure irrigation devices

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a extrusão apical de irrigantes em dentes imaturos simulados, comparando a irrigação convencional com outros dispositivos de irrigação por pressão negativa. Materiais e Métodos: 48 amostras de dentes imaturos simulados foram montadas em um modelo adaptado para conter o irrigante extravasado e distribuídas igualmente em 4 grupos (n=12) de acordo com o dispositivo de irrigação utilizado: Grupo Irrigação Convencional (IC), Grupo EndoVac (EV), Grupo Pulp Sucker (PS) e Grupo Ivac (IV). As amostras foram irrigadas com 15mL de solução irrigadora, sendo 10mL de NaOCl a 2,5% e 5mL de EDTA a 17% intercalados. As amostras foram pesadas em balança de precisão antes e depois dos procedimentos de irrigação, sendo a diferença entre os pesos final e inicial considerado o volume de irrigante extravasado. Os dados foram coletados e analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de Kruskal-wallis e exato de Fisher. Resultados: Os grupos que utilizaram pressão negativa promoveram significativamente menor volume de irrigante extravasado que o grupo IC (p<0,05), não havendo diferenças significativas quando comparados entre si (p>0,05). Houve diferenças significativas na associação entre os grupos e a extrusão de irrigante, sendo o grupo PS menos associado a extrusão de irrigante (p<0,005). Discussão: Estudos anteriores apontam os dispositivos de pressão negativa como opções seguras diante de extravasamento de irrigantes quando comparados à irrigação convencional. Conclusão: A irrigação convencional promoveu significativamente maior volume de extrusão de irrigante quando comparada aos dispositivos de irrigação por pressão negativa. O sistema PulpSucker mostrou extravasamento de irrigante em um número significativamente menor de amostras.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical extrusion of irrigants in simulated immature teeh, comparing convencional irrigation with other negative pressure irrigation devices. Materials and methods: 48 samples of simulated immature teeth were set up in an adapted model to contain the extravasated irrigant and evenly distributed into 4 groups (n=12) according to the device used: Convencional Irrigation Group (CI), EndoVac Group (EV), Pulp Sucker Group (PS) and Ivac Group (IV). The samples were irrigated with 15mL of irrigant solution, consisting of 10mL NaOCl 2,5% and 5mL EDTA 17%, in na alternating sequence. The samples' weights were measured using a precision scale before and after the irrigation procedures, with the difference between de final and initial weights considered the volume of extravasated irrigant. Data were collected and statistically analyzed by Kruskal-wallis and Fisher exact tests. Results: The groups that used negative pressure devices significantly promoted a lower volume of extruded irrigant than the CI group (p<0,05), with no significant differences between the negative pressure groups (p>0,05). There were signficant differences in the association between the groups and irrigant extrusion, with the PS group showing significantly less association with irrigant extrusion (p<0,005). Discussion: Previous studies have indicated that negative pressure devices are safe alternatives to convencional irrigation when considering irrigant extrusion. Conclusion: Conventional irrigation promoted a significantly greater volume of irrigant extrusion when compared to negative pressure irrigation devices. The PulpSucker system showed irrigant extravasation in significantly fewer samples.

The use of cone beam computed tomography by brazilian endodontists: A questionnaire-based survey.

Background: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of Brazilian endodontists regarding the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontic therapy. Material and Methods: An invitation to participate in the research was sent to 3256 professionals through class groups on social networks and via email. Participants answered an online questionnaire consisting of 11 questions about the clinical situations in which they used CBCT and whether they had any knowledge of the technical protocols such as parameters of field of view (FOV) and voxels of the CBCT equipment. The questionnaire was answered by 742 endodontists who represented 22.7% of the invited professionals. Results: The data obtained indicate that 76.7% of the participants use or have used CBCT during endodontic treatments. The most often reported clinical conditions for using the CBCT were: root fractures (64%), locating the canals (58.7%), perforations (53.9%), and root resorption (42.1%). More than 60% of the participants stated that they do not have information about the voxel, FOV, and the CBCT system used in their requests. Only 34.1% reported using CBCT to the performed endodontic treatments follow-up. Conclusions: CBCT was a tool widely utilized by the participants, with root fracture being the clinical condition with the highest indication for CBCT. Many professionals were unaware of the technical protocol used in the exams. Key words:Endodontics, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Endodontic Therapy.

Odontometria eletrônica em dentes decíduos: revisão de literatura e relato de caso / Eletronic working length determination in primary tooth: review of literature and case report

Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão dos principais artigos encontra-dos na literatura acerca do uso dos Localizadores Eletrônicos Foraminais (LEF) em dentes decíduos e representar através de um relato de caso clínico, a importância do uso destes dispositivos durante o tratamento endodôntico em dentes decíduos. Revisão da literatura: Foi realizada uma busca nas principais bases de dados, e selecionados 13 artigos consi-derados mais relevantes. Todos os estudos mostraram que a determinação da odontometria em dentes decíduos utilizando o LEF é bastante segura e com boa acurácia, podendo ser utilizado o localizador para esta finalidade. Relato do caso:No caso clínico apresentado, o uso do LEF foi fundamental para a obtenção de uma odontometria precisa, além da diminuição do tempo de cadeira e identificar reabsorções não detectáveis radiograficamente. O caso foi conduzido em duas sessões, onde na primeira foi realizada a cirurgia de acesso, odontometria eletrônica, preparo manual dos canais e utilização de medicação intracanal de hidróxido de cálcio. Na segunda sessão foi removida a medicação intracanal e os canais foram obturados utilizando pasta iodoformada. Discussão: O uso do LEF no tratamento endodôntico de dentes decíduos tem se mostrado uma ferramenta segura e eficiente, tendo melhor performance na determinação do comprimento de trabalho quando comparado a outros métodos. Conclusão: De acordo com os estudos apresen-tados na revisão de literatura e o caso clínico apresentado, pudemos constatar que o uso do LEF contribui positivamente ao tratamento, principalmente quanto ao ganho de tempo e determinação confiável e segura do comprimento de trabalho.

Aim: To review the main articles found in the literature on the use of Electronic Apex Locators (EAL) in deci-duous teeth, and to represent, through a clinical case report, the importance of using these devices during endodontic treatment in deciduous teeth. Review of literature: A search was performed in the main data-bases, and 13 articles considered most relevant were selected. All studies showed that the determination of odontometry in deciduous teeth using LEF is quite safe and with good accuracy, and the localizer can be used for this purpose. Case report: In the clinical case presented, the use of EAL was fundamental to obtain an accurate odontometry, besides the reduction of chair time and exposure to ionizing radiation. The case was conducted in two sessions, where in the first one the access surgery was performed, electronic odontometry, manual preparation of the canals and use of intracanal medication of calcium hydroxide. In the second session the intracanal medication was removed and the canals were filled using iodoform paste. Discussion: The use of LEF in the endodontic treatment of primary teeth has been shown to be a safe and efficient tool, with better permormance in determining the working length when compared to other methods. Conclusion: According to the studies presented in the literature review and the clinical case presented, we could verify that the use of LEF contributes positively to treatment, especially in terms of time gain and acurate determination of working length.

Location of the Second Mesiobuccal Canal of Maxillary Molars in a Brazilian Subpopulation: Analyzing Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the spatial location of the second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) of maxillary molars (MMs), using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in a Brazilian subpopulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT examination of 250 patients performed on the Eagle 3D device was analyzed, totaling 787 MMs. Using the Radiant Dicom Viewer software, measurements were made of the distances, in millimeters (mm), between the first mesiobuccal canal (MB1), MB2, and palatal (P) canal inputs, from the axial sections. The Image J software evaluated the angle formed by the lines. The data obtained were analyzed statistically by Fisher's exact and Chi-square tests with a significance of 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of MB2 canals observed was 76.44 and 41.73% in the first and second molars (1MMs and 2MMs), respectively (p < 0.05). The average of the distances and angles performed, for the location of the MB2 canals of the analyzed teeth, were MB1-P = 5.83 mm, MB1-MB2 = 2.31 mm, and MB2 for the intersection of the connecting distance from MB2-T = 0.90 mm. The average angle formed between the MB1-P and MB1-MB2 distances was 25.89° and 19.68° for the 1MMs and 2MMs, respectively. It was also observed that 91.4 and 75.4% of the maxillary 1MMs and 2MMs, respectively, presented the MB2 canals mesially located at the line connecting the MB1-P canals (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The MB2 canals were located mesially to the MB1 canal with an average distance of 2 mm between the canals. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The anatomical knowledge of the spatial location of the MB2 canal in different ethnicities is important for the planning and execution of endodontic treatment.

Influence of heat treatment of nickel-titanium instruments on the accuracy of an electronic apex locator integrated with endodontic motor.

Context: Manufacturers have produced a wide variety of nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys, but the available literature is limited on the accuracy of some integrated electronic apex locators (EAL) used with different NiTi heat treatments in working length (WL) determination. Aim: This study aims to evaluate ex vivo , the influence of different heat treatments of NiTi instruments, and the diameter of the apical preparation on the accuracy of an EAL used during root canal preparation using an integrated EAL and motor unit. Materials and Methods: Nineteen extracted human mandibular incisors were included in the study. The WL control was determined by the visual method. Instruments of Mtwo, Reciproc, Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold, Twisted File Adaptive, and Hyflex CM systems, with diameters from 0.25 mm to 0.50 mm, were used to measure WL during root canal preparation. The electrical resistivity of instruments with a diameter of 0.25 mm from each system was evaluated using an Inductance, Capacitance, and Resistance (LCR) meter. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were statistically analyzed using Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The different heat treatments and different diameters did not influence the precision of the EAL (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The heat treatment and the diameter of the apical preparation did not influence the accuracy of WL determination by an EAL integrated with the endodontic motor.

Influence of cross-section and number of use in cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary instruments

Aim: The aim of present study was to evaluate if the cross-section and the number of use have influence in cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary files. Methods: K3 Endo (group K) and EndoSequence (group E) files, 25/.04, 25 mm, were subdivided into 3 subgroups (n=12) according to the number of uses, 1, 3 and 5 uses, totalizing 72 files. The files were submitted to dynamic assays device moved by an electric engine, using 300 rpm of speed that permitted the reproduction of pecking motion. The files run within a temperate steel ring's groove, simulating an instrumentation of a curved root canal with 40-degrees and 5-mm of curvature radius. The fracture of file was detected by sensor of device and the time and the number of cycles was acquired. The data were analyzed statistically by two-way ANOVA (p<0.05). Results: There were no statistical significant differences in regard to the number of uses (p>0.05). K3 Endo files showed greater resistance to cyclic fatigue than EndoSequence instruments (p<0.01). Conclusion: It may be concluded that the cross-section of instruments presented significant influence in cyclic fatigue resistance and the number of uses up to 5 times had no influence in cyclic fatigue resistance in both NiTi rotation systems evaluated

Uso do instrumento XP-Endo Finisher no tratamento endodôntico em um dente com reabsorção dentinária interna / Use of XP-Endo Finisher file in endodontic treatment in a tooth with internal dentin resorption

De acordo com a Associação Americana de Endodontistas (AAE), reabsorção dentinária é definida como uma condição fisiológica ou patológica resultante de perda de dentina, cemento e/ou osso. As reabsorções internas, quando detectadas precocemente, apresentam um bom prognóstico a longo prazo, sendo indicada a realização do tratamento endodôntico de forma imediata para limitar seu avanço. A área de reabsorção torna difícil a completa limpeza e obturação hermética do espaço do canal. O instrumento XP-Endo Finisher é indicado em protocolos finais de desinfecção, pois respeita a anatomia original do canal radicular e promove a limpeza de suas irregularidades. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar o tratamento endodôntico em um incisivo central inferior com reabsorção dentinária interna, no qual o instrumento XP-Endo Finisher foi utilizado. Paciente PMS, gênero masculino, 78 anos, foi encaminhado para fazer o tratamento endodôntico no dente 41 que apresentava uma reabsorção dentinária interna e lesão periapical. O tratamento endodôntico incluiu a instrumentação do canal radicular com os instrumentos Reciproc, irrigação com NaOCl 2,5%, medicação com hidróxido de cálcio e ativação complementar com o instrumento XP-Endo Finisher. Após 1 ano de acompanhamento, verifica-se que o dente apresenta função mastigatória normal, estando o paciente assintomático. Radiograficamente, observa-se reparo ósseo periapical, indicando sucesso na terapia endodôntica adotada. A partir do presente relato de caso, concluiu-se que a utilização do instrumento XP-Endo Finisher é uma alternativa viável para complementar o preparo dos canais radiculares em dentes com reabsorção dentinária interna (AU).

According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), dentin resorption is defined as a physiological or pathological condition resulting from loss of dentin, cementum and/or bone. Internal resorptions, when detected early, present good long-term prognosis, and endodontic treatment is indicated immediately to limit its progress. The reabsorption area makes it difficult to complete root canal cleaning and hermetic sealing. The XP-Endo Finisher file is indicated for final disinfection protocols, since it respects root canal original anatomy and promotes cleaning of its irregularities. In this sense, the objective of the present study is to report the endodontic treatment in a lower central incisor with internal dentin resorption in which XP-Endo Finisher file was used. Patient PMS, male, 78 years old, was referred to perform endodontic treatment on tooth 41 that presented internal dentin resorption and periapical lesion. The endodontic treatment included root canal instrumentation with Reciproc files, irrigation with NaOCl 2.5%, calcium hydroxide medication, and complementary activation with the XP-Endo Finisher file. After 1-year follow-up, the tooth presented normal masticatory function, and the patient was asymptomatic. Radiographically, periapical bone repair was observed, indicating success in the adopted endodontic therapy. From the present case report, we may conclude that the use of the XP-Endo Finisher file is a viable alternative to complement root canals preparation in teeth with internal dentin resorption (AU).

Avaliação microtomográfica dos desgastes não controlados de dentina e da remoção de debris dentinários em canais com diferentes curvaturas após irrigação ultrassônica ativada / Microtomography evaluation of the uncontrolled removal of dentin and removal of hard tissue debris during activated ultrasonic irrigation in root canals with diferent curvatures

A ativação ultrassônica é um dos métodos mais utilizados para aumentar a eficiência mecânica e química dos irrigantes. No entanto, além de possivelmente causar desgastes indesejáveis na parede do canal, questiona-se a eficiência mecânica da irrigação ultrassônica ativada em canais com curvatura acentuada. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, por meio da microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT) a influência do grau de curvatura dos canais radiculares nos desgastes dentinários não controlados produzidos pelo uso da Irrigação Ultrassônica Ativada (UAI), no percentual de debris dentinários remanescentes após UAI e o transporte do canal. Foram selecionados canais mesiais de 24 molares inferiores permanentes humanos, sendo 12 dentes com curvatura média de 25,5º (Curvatura Moderada) e 12 dentes com curvatura média de 50,9º (Curvatura Acentuada). Após escaneamento pré-operatório com um Microtomógrafo de raios-X, os canais foram preparados com os instrumentos Mtwo. Os dentes foram divididos em 2 grupos: Grupo CM (n=12) e Grupo CA (n=12). Ambos os grupos receberam irrigação ultrassônica ativada e em seguida foram escaneados novamente. Foram quantificados o volume e a profundidade máxima dos desgastes não controlados das paredes dos canais radiculares, o percentual de debris dentinários remanescentes e o transporte do canal. Foi realizada análise estatística, utilizando o software GraphPad Prism 7, com nível de singnificância de p <0,05. Os resultados mostraram que os grupos, apresentaram resultados semelhantes quanto ao volume de desgaste não controlado, porém o grupo CA apresentou desgastes mais acentuados no terço apical e um maior percentual de debri remanescente nos terços médio, apical e no total do canal radicular, além de promover desvio do canal no terço apical. Este estudo concluiu que curvaturas acentuadas interferem na profundidade do desgaste, na manutenção dos debris e no transporte do canal.