Evaluación de hábitos de medicación sistémica de odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia ante patologías pulpares en Argentina / Evaluation of systemic medication habits of specialists and non-specialists dentists in endodontists in relation to different pulp pathologies in Argentina

Objetivo: Determinar los hábitos de medicación sistémica de odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia ante diferentes patologías pulpares previos al tratamiento en- dodóntico en Argentina. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó una encuesta para evaluar la prescripción de antibióticos, tipo de antibióticos, tiempo de prescripción, indicación de antinflamatorios no es- teroides y esteroides ante diferentes patologías pulpares. Se envió a 635 odontólogos especialistas y no especialistas en endodoncia a través de SurveyMonkey. Por medio de la prue- ba de Chi cuadrado se evaluaron las diferencias de medica- ción entre los grupos estudiados. Resultados: En pulpitis se medicó con antibióticos en el 3,48% de los casos y con antinflamatorios en un 62,60%. En necrosis pulpar sin fístula no se indicó ninguna medica- ción en un 64,47% de los casos, seguido de antibióticos en un 24,56%. En necrosis con fístula, el 52,38% no indicó nin- guna medicación, seguido de medicación con antibióticos en un 35,49%. En periodontitis apical aguda la principal medica- ción fue con antinflamatorios (52,79%), seguido de antibió- ticos (32,87%); y en el absceso alveolar agudo, un 57,10% indicó antibióticos seguido de antinflamatorios. El antibiótico de elección fue la penicilina en un 65,23% de los casos, y en caso de alergia a la misma, el antibiótico elegido fue azitromi- cina (30,12%). El tiempo de prescripción fue de 7 días. En la comparación entre especialistas y no especialistas hubo dife- rencias estadísticamente significativas para pulpitis y necrosis con fístula (p<0,01) y no las hubo entre necrosis sin fístula, periodontitis apical aguda y absceso alveolar agudo (p> 0,05). Conclusiones: La penicilina fue el antibiótico de elec- ción de la mayoría de los odontólogos argentinos encuestados junto al ibuprofeno como anti-inflamatorio. Existiría una so- bremedicación en patologías endodónticas que podría contri- buir a la resistencia microbiana a los antibióticos (AU)

Aim: Determine the systemic medication habits of den- tists specialists and non-specialists in endodontists in differ- ent pulp pathologies prior to root canal treatment in Argen- tina. Materials and methods: A survey was designed to evaluate the prescription of antibiotics, the type of antibiotics, prescription time, indication of non-steroidal anti-inflamma- tory drugs in different pulp pathologies. It was sent to 635 general dentists and endodontic specialists via SurveyMon- key. A Chi-square test was made to evaluate the differences in medication between the studied groups. Results: In pulpitis, antibiotics were prescribed in 3.48% of cases and anti-inflammatories in 62.60%. In pul- pal necrosis without fistula, no medication was indicated in 64.47% of cases, followed by antibiotics in 24.56%. In ne- crosis with fistula, 52.38% did not indicate any medication, followed by medication with antibiotics in 35.49%. In acute apical periodontitis the main medication was anti-inflamma-tories (52.79%), followed by antibiotics (32.87%); and for acute alveolar abscess, 57.10% indicated antibiotics, fol- lowed by anti-inflammatories. The antibiotic of choice was penicillin in 65.23% of the cases, and in case of allergy to it, the chosen antibiotic was azithromycin (30.12%). The prescription time was 7 days. In the comparison between specialists and non-specialists, there were significant dif- ferences for pulpitis and necrosis with fistula (p<0.01) and there were no significant differences between necrosis without fistula, acute apical periodontitis and acute alveo- lar abscess (p>0.05). Conclusions: Penicillin was the antibiotic of choice for the majority of the surveyed Argentine dentists, as well as ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory drug. These could reflect an overmedication in endodontics pathologies that could con- tribute to microbial resistance to antibiotics (AU)

Engineering of Injectable Antibiotic-laden Fibrous Microparticles Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogel for Endodontic Infection Ablation.

This study aimed at engineering cytocompatible and injectable antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels for endodontic infection ablation. Clindamycin (CLIN) or metronidazole (MET) was added to a polymer solution and electrospun into fibrous mats, which were processed via cryomilling to obtain CLIN- or MET-laden fibrous microparticles. Then, GelMA was modified with CLIN- or MET-laden microparticles or by using equal amounts of each set of fibrous microparticles. Morphological characterization of electrospun fibers and cryomilled particles was performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental hydrogels were further examined for swelling, degradation, and toxicity to dental stem cells, as well as antimicrobial action against endodontic pathogens (agar diffusion) and biofilm inhibition, evaluated both quantitatively (CFU/mL) and qualitatively via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and SEM. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). The modification of GelMA with antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles increased the hydrogel swelling ratio and degradation rate. Cell viability was slightly reduced, although without any significant toxicity (cell viability > 50%). All hydrogels containing antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles displayed antibiofilm effects, with the dentin substrate showing nearly complete elimination of viable bacteria. Altogether, our findings suggest that the engineered injectable antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles hydrogels hold clinical prospects for endodontic infection ablation.

Pharmacological Management of Acute Endodontic Pain.

Pain associated with infections of the tooth pulp and periapical tissues is intense and often the most common reason for patients seeking emergency dental care. Effective management of acute dental pain requires a deep understanding of pain mechanisms, which enables accurate diagnosis and definitive treatment. While drugs are only used as an adjunct to definitive dental treatment, a thorough understanding of their mechanism of action and effectiveness enables clinicians to effectively control intra-operative and post-operative pain and prevent persistent pain. This review describes how pain is detected, processed, and perceived. It also provides information on evidence-based strategies on the use of different classes of drugs to effectively manage endodontic pain.

Antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists for endodontic infections; a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The indiscriminate prescription of antibiotics has led to the emergence of resistance microbes worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic prescribing practices amongst general dental practitioners and specialists in managing endodontic infections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). DESIGN: General dental practitioners and specialists in the UAE were invited to participate in an online questionnaire survey which included questions on socio-demographics, practitioner's antibiotic prescribing preferences for various pulpal and periapical diseases, and their choice, in terms of the type, dose and duration of the antibiotic. The link to the survey questionnaire was sent to 250 invited dentists. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for independence and level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 174 respondents participated in the survey (response rate = 70%). The respondents who prescribed antibiotics at least once a month were 38.5% while 17.2% did so, more than three times a week; amoxicillin 500 mg was the antibiotic of choice for patients not allergic to penicillin (43.7%), and in cases of penicillin allergies, erythromycin 500 mg (21.3%). There was a significant difference in the antibiotic prescribing practices of GDPs compared to endodontists and other specialties especially in clinical cases such as acute apical abscesses with swelling and moderate to severe pre-operative symptoms and retreatment of endodontic cases (p<0.05). Approximately, three quarters of the respondents (78.7%) did not prescribe a loading dose when prescribing antibiotics. About 15% respondents prescribed antibiotics to their patients if they were not accessible to patients due to a holiday/weekend. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the antibiotic prescribing practices of UAE dentists are congruent with the international norms. However, there were occasions of inappropriate prescriptions such as in patients with irreversible pulpitis, necrotic pulps with no systemic involvement and/or with sinus tracts.

PLGA submicron particles containing chlorhexidine, calcium and phosphorus inhibit Enterococcus faecalis infection and improve the microhardness of dentin.

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), a Gram-positive facultative anaerobe, is reported to take responsibility for a large portion of refractory root canal infections and root canal re-infections of human teeth. Chlorhexidine is a strong bactericide against E. faecalis but cannot infiltrate into dentinal tubules. On the other hand, a common negative effect of root canal medicaments is the decrease of dentin microhardness. In this study, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA) submicron particles were applied as delivery carriers to load and release the chlorhexidine as well as calcium and phosphorus. The release profiles, antibacterial ability against E. faecalis, infiltration ability into dentinal tubules, biocompatibility and effects on dentin microhardness of these particles were investigated. Results revealed that encapsulated chemicals could be released in a sustained manner from the particles. The particles also exhibited excellent biocompatibility on MC3T3-E1 cells and significant antimicrobial property against E. faecalis. On dentin slices, the particles could be driven into dentinal tubules by ultrasonic activiation and inhibit E. faecalis colonization. Besides, dentin slices medicated with the particles displayed an increase in microhardness. In conclusion, PLGA submicron particles carrying chlorhexidine, calcium and phosphorus could be developed into a new intra-canal disinfectant for dental treatments.

Comparison of clinical efficacy and safety between articaine and lidocaine in the anaesthesia management of tooth pulp disease.

To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy and safety between articaine and lidocaine in the anaesthesia management of tooth pulp disease. The 160 patients with tooth pulp disease treated at our hospital were enrolled. After informed consent was obtained, patients were randomly assigned to study group and control group, with 80 patients in each group. Of those, lidocaine was administered to the control group while articaine was given to the study group. The onset time, analgesic effect and adverse events were recorded. Compared with control group, the onset time was significantly reduced in study group (p<0.05). Patients treated with articaine had better analgesic effect than patients in control group (p<0.05). And the incidence of adverse events was notably lower in study group (p<0.05). Compared with lidocaine, articaine presents higher analgesic efficacy and safety for patients with tooth pulp disease.

Prescription of antibiotics for pulpal and periapical pathology among dentists in southern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: Few dental conditions require treatment with antibiotics, yet dentists account for 7% of antimicrobial prescribing. In light of the emerging global problem of antibiotic resistance, this fact is problematic. Little is known about the antibiotic prescribing practices of dentists in Saudi Arabia. This study therefore aimed to investigate the attitudes of dentists in Saudi Arabia towards the prescription of antibiotics for pulpal and periapical pathology. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving an online questionnaire on antibiotic prescribing practices. A total of 195 dentists in three areas of southern Saudi Arabia (Najran, Gizan and Asser) completed the survey. RESULTS: No significant differences in prescribing habits were found among respondents according to age, sex, level of education or time in endodontic practice. The percentage of respondents who reported that they would prescribe antibiotics for five endodontic conditions not requiring antibiotic treatment ranged from 8.1% to 28.1%. Most respondents (81.9%) would correctly prescribe antibiotics for a necrotic pulp with acute apical periodontitis and swelling; this result was consistent with previous studies. Reported antibiotic usage among the surveyed dentists was quite high. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively high antibiotic use suggests a need to educate both dentists and patients about restricting the use of antibiotics to cases of severe infection and when indicated. More educational initiatives to rationalise the use of antibiotics in dental practice are needed to avoid further contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Critical Review on Eliminating Endodontic Dental Infections Using Herbal Products.

The main purpose of a root canal treatment is to eliminate the bacteria and their products from the pulp space. Chemomechanical preparation (chemical-refers to irrigating solutions, i.e., either synthetic chemicals or herbal solutions and mechanical-refers to instrumentation of a root canals with endodontic files) of a root canal system plays a major role in obtaining the rationale of root canal treatment. Various synthetic chemicals known as endodontic irrigants play a major role in disinfection, but also have undesirable properties like allergic potential, toxicity, unacceptable taste, etc. Today there is a major change in trend towards the use of natural herbal medicines as a part of dental treatment due to its easy availability, less toxicity, and cost effectiveness. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of various herbal endodontic irrigants evaluated for their effectiveness in the disinfection of a root canal system. This literature review is conducted using electronic databases "PubMed," "Google Scholar," and "Scopus," and articles were limited to those in the English language and published between 1980 and 2014.

A Randomized Trial Using 3Mixtatin Compared to MTA in Primary Molars with Inflammatory Root Resorption: A Novel Endodontic Biomaterial.

OBJECTIVES: Novel methods for preserving primary teeth can help to maintain their developmental, esthetic, and functional capabilities. The aim of this study was to assess the success of the repair of bony defects, caused by pre-treatment perforations, with a mixture of three antibiotics combined with simvastatin (3Mixtatin) compared to MTA in hopeless primary molars. STUDY DESIGN: In this randomized clinical trial, 80 teeth from 65 healthy children aged 3-6 years with interradicular or periapical root resorption and/or perforation in primary molars were treated either with 3Mixtatin or MTA before conventional pulpectomy and restoration. The subjects were followed up clinically and radiographically for 4, 6, 12 and 24 months after pulp treatment to evaluate and compare the healing process. The data were compared using chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: By the end of 24 months in 3Mixtatin group, 31 (96.8%) teeth revealed no clinical signs or symptoms with arrested resorption progress in radiographs. In MTA group, clinical signs and symptoms including pain, mobility and sinus tract were observed in 18 (48.6%) teeth with cessation of root/interradicular radiolucency in 7 (18.9%) teeth without bone repair. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic and clinical healing occurred more successfully following 3Mixtatin treatment compared to treatment with MTA, it may lead to a paradigm shift in the pulpal treatment of primary teeth in the future.

Nigella sativa and its active constituent thymoquinone in oral health.

In this review, we summarized published reports that investigated the role of Nigella sativa (NS) and its active constituent, thymoquinone (TQ) in oral health and disease management. The literature studies were preliminary and scanty, but the results revealed that black seed plants have a potential therapeutic effect for oral and dental diseases. Such results are encouraging for the incorporation of these plants in dental therapeutics and hygiene products. However, further detailed preclinical and clinical studies at the cellular and molecular levels are required to investigate the mechanisms of action of NS and its constituents, particularly TQ.

A randomized trial of direct pulp capping in primary molars using MTA compared to 3Mixtatin: a novel pulp capping biomaterial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of 3Mixtatin (a combination of simvastatin and 3Mix antibiotic) as a novel pulp capping biomaterial in DPC of human primary molars. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 160 primary molars from 83 healthy children aged 3-6 years were randomly allocated into four groups. Small traumatic non-caries pulpal exposures were treated by DPC using simvastatin, 3Mix, 3Mixtatin, or MTA. Capping materials were covered with hard-setting zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) cement, and then, teeth were restored with amalgam. Clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted at 2, 6, and 12 months after treatment. The data were compared using chi-square test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine teeth were available for follow-up study. By the end of 12 months, the overall success rates were 93.8% in MTA, 91.9% in 3Mixtatin, 62.5% in 3Mix, and 57.1% in simvastatingroups. No statistically significant difference was found between the outcomes of MTA and 3Mixtatin groups (P > 0.05). 3Mixtatin had statistically superior results compared to 3Mix and simvastatin (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Radiographic and clinical outcomes in 3Mixtatin group could suggest it as an acceptable alternative in DPC of primary molar teeth.

Bactericidal efficacy of photodynamic therapy against Enterococcus faecalis in infected root canals: a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to review the bactericidal efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in infected root canals. METHODS: To address the focused question "Does PDT exhibit bactericidal effects against E. faecalis in infected root canals?" PubMed/Medline and Google-Scholar databases were searched from 1985 up to August 2013 using various combinations of the following key words: "antibacterial; "bactericidal; "endodontic; "root canal" and "photodynamic therapy". Original studies, experimental studies and articles published only in English language were included. Letters to the editor, historic reviews and unpublished data were excluded. The pattern of the present review was customized to primarily summarize the pertinent information. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (16 ex vivo and one in vivo) were included. In these studies, numbers of teeth used ranged between 30 and 220 teeth. In these studies, wavelengths of diode laser used, diameter of fiber and power output ranged between 625 and 805 nm, 200 µm and 0.4 cm, and 40 mW and 5 W respectively. Twelve studies reported PDT to be effective in eliminating E. faecalis from infected root canals. Four studies reported conventional irrigation and instrumentation to be more efficient in killing E. faecalis than PDT. One study reported PDT and conventional endodontic regimes to be equally effective in eliminating E. faecalis from infected root canals. In most studies, toluidine blue and/or methylene blue were used as photosensitizers. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of PDT in eliminating E. faecalis from infected root canals remains questionable.

Topical application of antibiotics in primary teeth: an overview.

Root canal infections are polymicrobial in nature, consisting of both aerobic and anaerobic species. The successful treatment of both primary and secondary endodontic infections involves effective eradication of the causative microorganisms during root canal treatment procedures. Reduction and elimination of microorganisms from the infected root canal provides optimal opportunity for treatment success. Local application of antibiotics has been considered an effective way to deliver antibiotics. A combination of antibiotic drugs have been tried under the concept of lesion sterilization and tissue repair therapy to eliminate the target bacteria, which are possible sources of endodontic lesions. The purpose of this article is to discuss the lesion sterilization and tissue repair therapy technique in primary teeth.

Photodynamic therapy in dentistry: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review was to summarize recent developments regarding photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the field of dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of pertinent literature was carried out in PubMED to determine the current position of PDT applications in dentistry. One hundred thirteen relevant articles were retrieved from PubMED by inserting the keywords "photodynamic therapy", "dentistry", "periodontology", "oral surgery", and "endodontics". It is anticipated that this overview will create a specific picture in the practitioner's mind regarding the current status and use of PDT. RESULTS: In spite of different results and suggestions brought about by different researchers, PDT can be considered as a promising and less invasive technique in dentistry. CONCLUSION: PDT seems to be an effective tool in the treatment of localized and superficial infections. Within the limitations of the present review, it can be concluded that although PDT cannot replace antimicrobial therapy at its current stage, it may be used as an adjunctive tool for facilitating the treatment of oral infections. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral infections (such as mucosal and endodontic infections, periodontal diseases, caries, and peri-implantitis) are among the specific targets where PDT can be applied. Further long-term clinical studies are necessary in establishing a more specific place of the technique in the field of dentistry.

Expression changes of K+-Cl- co-transporter 2 and Na+-K+-Cl- co-transporter1 in mouse trigeminal subnucleus caudalis following pulpal inflammation.

Cation chloride co-transporters, including K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter 2 (KCC2) and Na(+)-K(+)-Cl(-) co-transporter 1 (NKCC1), are of particular importance to GABAergic transmission and thus involved in the development of hyperalgesia at the spinal level. However, it is largely unknown whether these co-transporters in the trigeminal system contribute to dental pain. In this study, we investigated the expression of KCC2 and NKCC1 mRNAs in mouse trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) application to the tooth pulp by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. KCC2 mRNA was found to be down-regulated at 1d after pulpal inflammation, while NKCC1 was up-regulated. Blockade of endogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tyrosine receptor kinase B pathway with K252a produced pronounced antinociception as evidenced by decreased tongue protrusion behavior in LPS-treated mice. These data suggest that KCC2 and NKCC1 in Vc may play a critical role in the nociception and transmission of dental pain during pulpal inflammation.

A big role for the very small--understanding the endodontic microbial flora.

Apical periodontitis, an inflammatory process around the apex of a tooth root, is primarily a sequel to microbial infection of the pulp space. The microbial flora is composed of a restricted group of the total oral flora, selected by environmental pressures of anaerobiosis, nutrition and competition with other species and inhabits the root canal as a biofilm of coaggregated communities in an extracellular matrix. The untreated infected canal is generally composed of a polymicrobial mix with approximately equal proportions of Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, dominated by obligate anaerobes. The type of microbial flora in the root-filled tooth with persistent apical periodontitis has very different characteristics. These infections are characterized by one or just a few species, predominantly Gram-positive micro-organisms with an equal distribution of facultative and obligate anaerobes. Enterococcus faecalis has been a conspicuous finding in most studies. Because the primary aetiological problem is infection, endodontic treatment is directed at control and elimination of the root canal flora by working in a sterile way. Based on current knowledge, the best available method for obtaining clean, microbe-free root canals is by instrumentation with antimicrobial irrigation reinforced by an intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide.

Photodynamic therapy for endodontic disinfection.

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on endodontic pathogens in planktonic phase as well as on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in experimentally infected root canals of extracted teeth. Strains of microorganisms were sensitized with methylene blue (25 microg/ml) for 5 minutes followed by exposure to red light of 665 nm with an energy fluence of 30 J/cm2. Methylene blue fully eliminated all bacterial species with the exception of E. faecalis (53% killing). The same concentration of methylene blue in combination with red light (222 J/cm2) was able to eliminate 97% of E. faecalis biofilm bacteria in root canals using an optical fiber with multiple cylindrical diffusers that uniformly distributed light at 360 degrees. We conclude that PDT may be developed as an adjunctive procedure to kill residual bacteria in the root canal system after standard endodontic treatment.

Ameloblastin fusion protein enhances pulpal healing and dentin formation in porcine teeth.

Ameloblastin (Ambn, also named "amelin" or "sheathlin") is a protein participating in enamel formation and mesenchymal-ectodermal interaction during early dentin formation in developing teeth. Experiments have demonstrated an association between Ambn expression and healing of acute pulp wounds. The purpose of this study was to investigate if local application of recombinant fusion Ambn (rAmbn) could influence reparative dentin formation in pulpotomized teeth. In this randomized, double-blinded study, pulpotomy was performed in 28 lower central incisors in 17 adult miniature pigs. Following the surgical procedure, the exposed pulp tissue was covered either with rAmbn or with calcium hydroxide. After 2, 4, or 8 weeks, the teeth were extracted and examined by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against porcine ameloblastin, collagen type I, and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). In rAmbn-treated teeth, a substantial amount of newly formed reparative dentin was observed at the application site, completely bridging the pulpal wound. Dentin formation was also observed in calcium hydroxide-treated teeth; however, the amount of reparative dentin was significantly smaller (P < 0.001) than after rAmbn treatment. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that the new hard tissue formed was similar to dentin. This is the first time a direct link between ameloblastin and dentin formation has been made in vivo. The results suggest potential for rAmbn as a biologically active pulp-dressing agent for enhanced pulpal wound healing and reparative dentin formation after pulpotomy procedures.

Current clinical applications of photo-activated disinfection in restorative dentistry.

UNLABELLED: The traditional treatment of dental caries has been limited to bulk removal of the diseased tissue. Recently, disinfection rather than the removal of all the carious tissue has been advocated with the aim of more effective and conservative treatment. In endodontics, prognosis is dependent on the complete disinfection of the root canal system. Evidence exists that Photo-Activated Disinfection is more effective than traditional chemo-mechanical canal preparation. Photo-Activated Disinfection may also have a place in the treatment of other infective oral conditions, including periodontal disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Removal or disruption of micro-organisms and their ecosystem is important in many branches of restorative dentistry. A novel disinfection system is now available which has the potential to improve treatment methods and prognoses.