Exploring approaches to pulp vitality assessment: A scoping review of nontraditional methods.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnostic procedures for pulp vitality assessment are a crucial aspect of routine dental practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nontraditional techniques and methodologies for assessing pulp vitality, specifically exploring promising approaches that are currently not used in dental practice. METHODS: The study protocol was registered a priori (https://osf.io/3m97z/). An extensive electronic search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Inclusion criteria were guided by the research question based on the PCC model as follows: "What are the potential nontraditional techniques (Concept) for assessing pulp vitality (Population) in the field of endodontics or clinical practice (Context)?" Studies were included that explored possible approaches to pulp vitality assessment, utilizing a range of techniques, whilst any studies using traditional pulp tests (cold, heat, and electric stimulation) or well-known methods (pulse oximetry and laser Doppler flowmetry) were excluded. Reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. A patent search was also performed. RESULTS: Of 3062 studies, 65 were included that described nontraditional approaches for assessing pulp vitality. These included a range of optical diagnostic methods, ultrasound Doppler flowmetry (UDF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), terahertz imaging, tooth temperature measurements, as well as invasive methodologies, including 133xenon washout, radioisotope-labelled tracers, hydrogen gas desaturation, intravital microscopy and fluorescent microspheres isotope clearance. The patent search included artificial intelligence and biomarkers methods. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides details for potential innovative tests that may directly describe pulp vitality. Importantly, these methods range from clinically impractical through to promising methods that may transform clinical practice. Several nontraditional techniques have the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and could provide valuable insights into the assessment of pulp vitality in challenging clinical scenarios.

The Limitations of Periapical X-ray Assessment in Endodontic Diagnosis-A Systematic Review.

Diagnosis is a key aspect in endodontic treatment, in a decade where invasive interventions are misapprehended as social tendency instead of medical necessity. All diagnostic facets should be considered before intending the operative phase. Intraoral endodontic radiology-based diagnosis has been shown to be limited. Periapical X-ray is the most used endodontic imaging, yet it does not provide high accuracy. Traditionally, dentists have been trained to diagnose a cyst by certain aspects (size, shape and appearance); hence, an assumption that teeth are affected by "periapical cyst" were subjected to unnecessary extraction or apicoectomy. The aim of this systematic review is to critically appraise the publications that relate the histological diagnosis of a periapical lesion (considered the gold standard) to intraoral X-ray investigation. Ovid Medline, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Mendeley and Scopus were searched for English-language studies comparing periapical diagnosis obtained by using two techniques (histopathology and X-ray). Sixteen articles were included for the final analysis (qualitative and quantitative evaluation) out of which only two supported the statement that periapical diagnosis can be coherently assessed through periapical imaging. Although there is not enough evidence to deliver a definitive conclusion, there are many publications that refute the diagnosis of a cyst via periapical X-ray.

Differentiating between stress- and EPT-induced electrodermal activity during dental examination.

Dental pain invokes the sympathetic nervous system, which can be measured by electrodermal activity (EDA). In the dental clinic, accurate quantification of pain is needed because it could enable optimized drug-dose treatments, thereby potentially reducing drug addiction. However, a confounding factor is that during pain there is also lingering residual stress, hence, both contribute to the EDA response. Therefore, we investigated whether EDA can differentiate stress from pain during dental examination. The use of electrical pulp test (EPT) is an ideal approach to tease out the dynamics of stress and mimic pain with lingering residual stress. Once the electrical sensation is felt and reaches a critical current threshold, the subject removes the probe from their tooth, hence, this stage of data represents largely EPT stimulus and the residual stress-induced EDA response is smaller. EPT was performed on necrotic and vital teeth in fifty-one subjects. We defined four different data groups of reactions based on each individual's EPT intensity level expectation based on the visual analog scale (VAS) of their baseline trial, as follows: mild stress, mild stress + EPT, strong stress, and strong stress + EPT. EDA-derived features exhibited significant difference between residual lingering stress + EPT groups and stress groups. We obtained 84.6% accuracy with 76.2% sensitivity and 86.8% specificity with multilayer perceptron in differentiating between pure-stress groups vs. stress + EPT groups. Moreover, EPT induced much greater EDA amplitude and faster response than stress. Our finding suggests that our machine learning approach can discriminate between stress and EPT stimulation in EDA signals.

The efficiency of artificial intelligence methods for finding radiographic features in different endodontic treatments - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficiency of AI methods in finding radiographic features in Endodontic treatment considerations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review was based on the PRISMA guidelines and QUADAS 2 tool. A systematic search was performed of the literature on cases with endodontic treatments, comparing AI algorithms (test) versus conventional image assessments (control) for finding radiographic features. The search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane library. Inclusion criteria were studies on the use of AI and machine learning in endodontic treatments using dental X-rays. RESULTS: The initial search retrieved 1131 papers, from which 24 were included. High heterogeneity of the materials left out a meta-analysis. The reported subcategories were periapical lesion, vertical root fractures, predicting root/canal morphology, locating minor apical foramen, tooth segmentation and endodontic retreatment prediction. Radiographic features assessed were mostly periapical lesions. The studies mostly considered the decision of 1-3 experts as the reference for training their models. Almost half of the included materials campared their trained neural network model with other methods. More than 58% of studies had some level of bias. CONCLUSIONS: AI-based models have shown effectiveness in finding radiographic features in different endodontic treatments. While the reported accuracy measurements seem promising, the papers mostly were biased methodologically.

Efficacy of a newly designed angulation-adjustable film holder for reducing cone-cutting errors and saving time in horizontal tube-shift technique by dental students.

Objectives: To compare the cone-cutting error frequency and the X-ray cone alignment time in the horizontal tube-shift technique between the newly designed angulation-adjustable and the extension cone paralleling (XCP) holders, by dental students. Materials and methods: Two film holders were assigned for a random test. The mandibular left first molar position of a laboratory phantom head was used. Intraoral periapical radiography was performed horizontally at right-angle, 20° mesial-, and 20° distal projections by fifth-year dental students (n = 41). The cone-cutting error frequency and the X-ray cone alignment time were measured and analyzed statistically at a significant level of p < 0.05. Results: Using the two holders at right angle caused no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the cone-cutting error frequency or the X-ray cone alignment time. At the horizontal tube-shift angles, some significantly greater frequencies of cone-cutting errors at both 20° mesial (43.9%) and 20° distal (73.2%) shifts were detected in the XCP group, but none in the angulation-adjustable group. For X-ray cone alignment time at both 20° mesial and 20° distal shifts, the XCP group spent a significantly longer time (p < 0.05) than the angulation-adjustable group. Conclusions: The usages of the angulation-adjustable holder in the horizontal tube-shift technique resulted in none of the cone-cutting error and a significant reduction of time for the X-ray cone alignment, when compared to those of the XCP instrument. Clinical significance: The angulation-adjustable holder effectively reduced cone cutting error and treatment time, both of which were beneficial to the patients and the dental personnel.

Associations between Pain Severity, Clinical Findings, and Endodontic Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Thorough pain assessment and thermal and mechanical testing are the primary diagnostic tools used to assess the status of pulp and periapical tissues in teeth with potential endodontic pathology. This study evaluated predictors of acute odontogenic pain to better understand the relationship between endodontic pain, clinical testing, endodontic disease, and diagnoses. METHODS: Participants (N = 228) presenting with acute odontogenic pain underwent standardized clinical testing and reported their pain intensity. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the predictors of acute endodontic pain. Chi-square tests with Bonferroni adjustments were conducted to measure the frequency of endodontic diagnostic test findings and clinical observations in patients with different pulpal diagnoses. RESULTS: A negative response to cold stimulation on the causative tooth and percussion hypersensitivity on the healthy adjacent tooth were the strongest predictors of higher levels of acute endodontic pain. Percussion hypersensitivity on the healthy adjacent tooth was present in a quarter of the cohort and was reported with equal frequency in teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulp, and previously initiated/treated teeth. Although painful percussion on the causative tooth was more frequently reported in teeth diagnosed with necrotic pulp, painful palpation was more frequently reported on teeth diagnosed with previously initiated/treated teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Percussion hypersensitivity on the healthy adjacent tooth may reveal a lowered pain threshold and heightened pain sensitization. It is also possible that the 2 commonly performed mechanical sensory tests, percussion and palpation hypersensitivity, may detect different aspects of endodontic pathophysiology and pain processing.

Guidelines for reporting on CBCT scans.

The aim of a radiographic report is to provide an accurate interpretation of images to facilitate the diagnostic process, and when indicated prompt the appropriate management for the patient. It is part of the patient's clinical records. This paper describes the imaging chain involved in the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) workflow from referring to reporting on a CBCT scan. It provides guidelines on the essential information required before and immediately after a CBCT scan is taken, and optimizing the viewing conditions. Finally, it describes a framework for a systematic, comprehensive and tailored CBCT radiographic report. It is aimed at endodontists, clinicians and radiologists reporting on CBCT scans of the dentoalveolar region.

Assessment of Australian Dentists' Treatment Planning Decisions Based on Diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: An accurate diagnosis is required for the appropriate management of endodontic conditions. It is unknown whether the specific descriptive terminology used in diagnosis influences treatment decision making. The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment choices made by dentists are influenced by the diagnostic terminology used. METHODS: One hundred ninety-four dentists in Australia were recruited through the Australian Dental Association to complete an online survey regarding 14 endodontic cases. Respondents selected treatment options based on a given diagnosis and radiograph. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 26; IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) and the exact McNemar test to determine if there was a difference between treatment choices for matched diagnoses with different terminology. RESULTS: More dentists chose to manage irreversible pulpitis operatively when the descriptive term chronic was used compared with asymptomatic (93.3% vs 59.8%, χ12 = 57.69, P < .005). This trend was repeated when using chronic or asymptomatic to describe apical periodontitis (96.9% vs 89.7%, exact P = .004) and apical abscesses (99.0% vs 83.5%, χ12 = 104.125, P < .005). The differences between acute and symptomatic were less dramatic but still presented significant differences in treatment choices for an apical abscess described as "primary acute" or "secondary acute" compared with "symptomatic" (82.0% and 96.4% vs 93.3%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Descriptive terminology, specifically the terms acute and chronic as opposed to symptomatic and asymptomatic, used in the diagnosis of endodontic conditions did influence whether clinicians chose operative management or nonoperative management. Further research is warranted to determine the extent of this influence among dentists.

Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Applications Designed for Endodontic Diagnosis, Decision-making, and Prediction of Prognosis: A Systematic Review.

AIM: With advancements in science and technology, there has been phenomenal developments in the application of neural networks in dentistry. This systematic review aimed to report on the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) applications designed for endodontic diagnosis, decision-making, and prediction of prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies reporting on AI applications in endodontics were identified from the electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, for original research articles published from January 1, 2000, to June 1, 2020. A total of 10 studies that met our eligibility criteria were further analyzed for qualitative data. QUADAS-2 was applied for synthesis of the quality of the studies included. RESULTS: A wide range of AI applications have been implemented in endodontics. The neural networks employed were mostly based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) in their neural architectures. These AI models have been used for locating apical foramen, retreatment predictions, prediction of periapical pathologies, detection and diagnosis of vertical root fractures, and assessment of root morphologies. CONCLUSION: These studies suggest that the neural networks performed similar to the experienced professionals in terms of accuracy and precision. In some studies, these models have even outperformed the specialists. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These models can be of greater assistance as an expert opinion for less experienced and nonspecialists.

Cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics - a review of the literature.

The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis and/or management of endodontic problems is increasing and is reflected in the exponential rise in publications on this topic in the last two decades. The aim of this paper is to: (i) Review current literature on the endodontic applications of CBCT; (ii) Based on current evidence make recommendations for the use of CBCT in Endodontics; (iii) Highlight the areas in which more research is required.

Detection of Simulated Periapical Lesion in Intraoral Digital Radiography with Different Brightness and Contrast.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the detection of simulated periapical lesions in digital intraoral radiography with different levels of brightness and contrast combinations, and to investigate the observers' preference of image quality for this diagnostic task. METHODS: Digital radiographs were acquired prior to periapical lesion simulation and after each one of four defects enlargement. Original images were adjusted in 4 brightness and contrast combinations. Five observers evaluated the images according to the presence of periapical lesion on a 5-point scale. In a second moment, the observers ordinated the images subjectively, according to quality, from the best to the worst to detect the bone defect. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated for the diagnostic values and compared by two-way ANOVA. The significance level was set at 5% (P<0.05). RESULTS: No differences were found between the diagnostic values of the five combinations of brightness and contrast (P>0.05). The overall results showed low values of area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and sensitivity of the periapical radiography in the detection of periapical lesions of sizes from 1 to 3, which rose substantially in size 4. For image quality, combinations with the lowest brightness and highest contrast were preferred by the observers in 58% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Brightness and contrast adjustments do not influence the detection of simulated periapical lesions in digital intraoral radiography. Lower brightness and higher contrast images were preferred for this diagnostic task.

Midface migraine with concomitant dental disease: A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Numerous publications have reported on migraines misdiagnosed as endodontic pathologies. However, reports on the effect that concurrent migraine and endodontic pathology can have on each other and how their respective treatments can also affect each other are limited. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two cases are reported that presented with both migraine and periapical pathology. Patient 1 underwent root canal treatment, which partially alleviated both the migraine and odontalgia. Subsequent treatment with sumatriptan provided additional relief. Patient 2 underwent sumatriptan treatment, with no effect. Subsequent root canal treatment provided significant relief. Patients in both cases have shown continued improvement. CONCLUSION: Further research is necessary, but the two cases presented suggest that endodontic pathology and migraine symptoms may be associated and endodontic therapy may have an effect on migraine pain.

Influencia de tomografías de haz cónico en el plan de tratamiento de endodoncia en casos de elevado grado de dificultad / The influence of cone-beam computed tomographies on endodontic treatment planning in highly difficult cases

Introducción: el diagnóstico en endodoncia incorporó los estudios de tomografías de haz cónico (CBCT). Esnecesario entender el alcance y la utilidad de estos para saber cuándo solicitarlos. Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la indicación de CBCT previa al tratamiento endodóntico y su relación con el nivel de dificultad del caso atratar. Métodos: se seleccionaron al azar 15 casos clínicos de alta dificultad derivados a tratamiento de endodoncia.Se realizó diagnóstico clínico y radiográfico. Se estimaron los recursos necesarios para el tratamiento con unformulario diseñado para ello. Se solicitó un estudio de CBCT. Una vez obtenido el estudio, el mismoprofesional que realizó el diagnóstico clínico navegó el software de visualización y llenó nuevamente el formulario. Fueron comparados los formularios previos y posteriores a las CBCT. Se establecieron las diferencias encontradas entre ellos. Resultados: todos los casos analizados tuvieron diferencias en la comparación entre los formularios. Conclusiones: el uso de CBCT en los casos de elevada dificultad permite un diseño de plan de tratamiento más preciso.

Introduction: the endodontic diagnosis includes the study of cone beam tomography (CBCT). It is necessary to understand the scope and usefulness of CBCTto know when to request it.Objectives: the aim of this study was to determine the requirement of CBCT before endodontic treatment and its connection with the level of difficulty that the case presents. Methods: 15 endodontic cases of high difficulty were taken randomly. Clinical and radiographic diagnosis was made. The necessary resourcesfor the treatment were estimated according to aspecially designed form. A CBCT study was request. Once the study was obtain, the same professionalwho performed the clinical diagnosis browsed the software to read CBCT results and filled a new form.Both CBCT forms need to be compared to establish differences between them. Results: all the cases analysed were compare, andshowed differences between the two forms. Conclusion: the use of CBCT in high difficult cases provides a more accurate design of the treatment plans.

Cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics - a review.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) produces undistorted three-dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton, including the teeth and their surrounding tissues with a lower effective radiation dose than computed tomography. The aim of this paper is to: (i) review the current literature on the applications and limitations of CBCT; (ii) make recommendations for the use of CBCT in Endodontics; (iii) highlight areas of further research of CBCT in Endodontics.

Cone beam computed tomography updated technology for endodontic diagnosis.

Cone beam computed tomography has gained acceptance in the endodontic community for assistance with diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of outcomes. This article reviews a multitude of applications, from basic principles to clinical applications, using specific cases and supporting literature to demonstrate the benefits for both the specialist and general practitioner.

Odontogenic fibroma WHO-type simulating periodontal disease: Report of a case.

Central odontogenic fibroma World Health Organization (WHO)-type (OFWT) is a rare lesion that has differential diagnosis with other radiolucent periapical lesions. It has a slow growth and is usually an asymptomatic lesion found in routine examinations. We report a case of a central OFWT occurring in the maxilla, for which the first symptom was teeth mobility, simulating a periodontal condition. A 54-year-old woman, with superior premolar mobility, was referred to our clinic. An oral examination showed teeth vitality and advanced periodontal disease. Radiography showed a unilocular radiolucent area between the left superior lateral incisor and first left molar, with bone reabsorption. The granulomatous tissue was removed and microscopic examination revealed cellular connective tissue with multiple islands of odontogenic epithelium, covered by stratified squamous epithelium, confirming the OFWT diagnosis. The central OFWT is a non-aggressive lesion, with rare recidivism. Biopsy is an important procedure for correct diagnosis and treatment, as some radiolucent lesions can lead to misdiagnosis.

Laser light passage through restored and carious posterior teeth.

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) has been used to investigate pulpal blood flow as a means of pulp vitality testing. Transmission of laser light from the tooth surface to the pulp space may be influenced by caries and restorations. One hundred and twenty-two first and second molars that had caries into dentine, restorations or significant loss of coronal tissue were sectioned in half axio-bucco-lingually. The two sections were illuminated with a laser from their buccal and lingual aspects 2 mm coronal to the amelocemental junction. Light reaching the pulp space was recorded. Buccal and lingual illumination sites were equally effective for 67 teeth (55%). Buccal sites alone were effective for 35 teeth (29%), despite over one-third of these surfaces being restored or featuring enamel or dentine caries. A lingual position alone was effective for 20 teeth (16%). Caries affected light transmission, but for over half the teeth, the pulp could be illuminated from all four probe positions. No effect was found when the influence of mesial and distal restorations on transmission into the corresponding tooth section was examined. The pulp spaces of most (84%) restored, and carious posterior teeth could be illuminated by laser light from their buccal aspect and these teeth could potentially be vitality tested using LDF.

Resolution of endodontic issues linked to complex anatomy.

Anatomical abnormalities of the root canal system are frequently seen in specialist endodontic practice, and represent a challenge to be faced with skill and thoroughness, beginning with an accurate diagnostic phase and devising the most appropriate treatment plan. Fortunately, much progress has been made in endodontic research thanks to technological advances and the evolution of higher performance instruments, which now consent even very complex cases to be resolved with relative ease. Below are described the salient features of recent progress in endodontics, along with a description of several clinical cases in which the operator has encountered numerous difficulties due to peculiar tooth morphology, overcome successfully thanks to the application of modern tools and consolidated clinical experience in the field.