Biocompatibility of three different root canal sealers, experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was assessed the biocompatibility of three different root canal sealers (Well-Root St, GuttaFlow Bioseal, and AH-Plus) following implantation in rat subcutaneous tissues, using histopathological immunohistochemical analysis. METHODS: Four groups of eighty-four male rats each underwent subcutaneous dorsal implantation of a polyethylene tube, either empty or filled. Tissues were collected, fixed, and processed for histological analysis after 7, 15, and 30 d. Slides were photographed and digitally processed to identify lymphocytes and macrophages using Cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) markers, respectively. P was set at 0.05, when lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration was compared between groups and observation times using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Histopathological analysis of all groups revealed an inflammatory reaction followed by the emergence of a fibrous capsule after 7 days. After 30 days, the thickness of the fibrous capsule and the inflammatory response subsided. CD3 staining for immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the AH-Plus group had the highest mean percentage of lymphocyte infiltration at 7 and 15 days, followed by the Well-Root St, GuttaFlow Bioseal, and Control groups. After 30 days, no discernible difference was observed between the groups in terms of the mean percentage of lymphocyte infiltration. After 7, 15, and 30 days, there was a significant difference in the mean percentage of macrophage infiltration across the groups, as demonstrated by CD68 staining. After 7, 15, and 30 days, the AH-Plus group had the highest mean percentage of macrophage infiltration, followed by the Well-Root St. and GuttaFlow Bioseal groups, while the control group had the lowest mean percentage. CONCLUSION: All observational periods showed minimal inflammatory reactions to GuttaFlow Bioseal. After subcutaneous tissue implantation in a rat model, the initial inflammatory reactions to Well-Root St and AH-Plus had abated by day 30, and all tested sealers had outstanding biocompatibility.

On the biocompatibility of endodontic sealers.

Periapical tissue may be exposed to root canal filling materials in consequence of root canal therapy. There is scant scientific data about the biocompatibility of root canal filling materials of various chemistry on the periapical area. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different root canal sealers and their eluates on human alveolar osteoblasts in terms of cell proliferation, adhesion, morphology and gene expression in vitro. Five endodontic sealers (AH Plus®, Apexit®, Tubli-Seal®, Real Seal SE®, EndoRez®) and one gutta-percha obturation material (BeeFill®) were tested. Human alveolar osteoblasts derived from 3 different donors following incubation with sealer eluates after 24 h and 72 h were investigated by means of qPCR (gene expression). Morphological reactions of the alveolar osteoblasts were measured by culturing the cells for 3 d, and 7 d and 14 d, respectively, followed by scanning electron microscopy (morphology, adhesion) and fluorescence imaging of the actin cytoskeleton (morphology, proliferation). A repeated measures analysis was performed and p-values were adjusted by Tukey. While all sealers influenced the cell morphology and the expression of genes associated with apoptosis (Casp3), proliferation (histone H3), and inflammation (interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3), mainly AH Plus® and Apexit® yielded a regular actin cytoskeleton and beneficial gene expression patterns. Regarding cell adhesion, only AH Plus® supported proper anchorage for alveolar osteoblasts. Our results provide evidence for the biocompatibility of epoxy resin-based endodontic sealers, i.e. AH Plus®, while other sealers proved cytotoxic for alveolar osteoblasts. Further studies are needed for understanding the bone cell reactions after endodontic treatment and the clinical decision-making regarding the sealer of choice for root canal fillings.

Vertical Root Fracture in Buccal Roots of Bifurcated Maxillary Premolars from Condensation of Gutta-percha.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary premolars are among the teeth most susceptible to vertical root fracture (VRF) from lateral condensation of gutta-percha. These teeth are distinguished by a complex anatomy of the buccal root including a large depression in the dentin wall facing the bifurcation. It is hypothesized that tooth sectioning coupled with 2-dimensional fracture analysis is instrumental in understanding VRF in such teeth. VRF was examined by tooth sectioning following the development of a fracture mechanics analysis to predict VRF in such roots. METHODS: The fracture morphology in teeth extracted from patients because of VRFs was examined from a series of horizontal cross sections. 2-dimensional fracture mechanics analysis in conjunction with the finite element technique was developed to evaluate VRF caused by canal pressure (q). As in our previous single-rooted tooth model, the apical obturation force (F) was related to q using a simple formula. RESULTS: Fracture was mostly limited to the buccal root, exhibiting some competing modes including fracture from the depression peak to the canal surface and the canal surface to the root surface, which may occur either along straight lines or curved trajectories resembling the depression outline. The analysis predicted clinical fractures well, yielding VRF force values in the upper range used by clinicians during lateral condensation of gutta-percha. CONCLUSIONS: The main etiology for VRF is stress concentration resulting from the combined effect of wedgelike canal depression and the flexibility of periodontal ligament tissue joining the root and bone. This drawback can be alleviated by minimizing canal enlargement and apical condensation force during root canal therapy.

Efficacy of the ProTaper retreatment system in removing Thermafil, GuttaCore or vertically compacted gutta-percha from curved root canals assessed by micro-CT.

AIM: To evaluate ex vivo the efficacy of ProTaper Universal Retreatment files (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in removing Thermafil, GuttaCore (both Dentsply Sirona) or vertically compacted gutta-percha from curved root canals using micro-CT. METHODOLOGY: Sixty curved molar roots with the same mean canal curvatures and radii in two directions were prepared using ProFile instruments (Dentsply Sirona) to size 30 with .04 taper and obturated with either Thermafil, GuttaCore or vertically compacted gutta-percha and AH Plus (n = 20). Specimens were retreated using the ProTaper Universal Retreatment files D1, D2 and D3 to working length, and root canal preparation was completed with ProTaper Next (Dentsply Sirona) to size ×4. Percentages of residual filling material and dentine removal were assessed using micro-CT imaging. Working time and procedural errors were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: No significant differences between carrier-based and warm vertical compaction regarding residual filling material (14.2-19.3%) and dentine removal (2.7-3.2 mm3 ) were detected (P > 0.05). Time to reach working length was significantly faster for canals filled with GuttaCore than that observed for Thermafil and warm vertical compaction (P < 0.05). Five lateral perforations with the D3 file occurred during retreatment, one in the Thermafil and four in the vertical compaction group. CONCLUSIONS: Remaining filling material and dentine removal were similar for all canal filling techniques. Regaining working length was significantly faster for GuttaCore compared with Thermafil and vertically compacted gutta-percha. Procedural errors occurred during retreatment of severely curved root canals with the ProTaper Universal Retreatment files in 5 of 60 canals (8%).

Cytotoxicity of GuttaFlow Bioseal, GuttaFlow2, MTA Fillapex, and AH Plus on Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of endodontic sealers (GuttaFlow Bioseal, GuttaFlow2, and MTA Fillapex) on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). As a reference, AH Plus was compared with the more recent endodontic sealers regarding cell viability and cell attachment. METHODS: Biological testing was carried out in vitro on hPDLSCs. Cell viability assay was performed by using eluates from each endodontic sealer. To assess cell morphology and attachment to the different sealers, the hPDLSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Chemical composition of the sealers was determined by energy-dispersive x-ray, and eluates were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistical differences were assessed by analysis of variance and Tukey test (P < .05). RESULTS: Cell viability was evident after 24 hours in the presence of GuttaFlow Bioseal and GuttaFlow 2 but not in the case of AH Plus or MTA Fillapex. At 168 hours, GuttaFlow Bioseal and GuttaFlow 2 exhibited high and moderate cell viability, respectively, whereas AH Plus and MTA Fillapex revealed low rates of cell cell viability (P < .001). Finally, scanning electron microscopy studies revealed a high degree of proliferation, cell spreading, and attachment, especially when using GuttaFlow Bioseal disks. CONCLUSIONS: GuttaFlow Bioseal and GuttaFlow2 showed lower cytotoxicity than MTA Fillapex and AH plus. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required to confirm the suitability of GuttaFlow Bioseal for clinical application.

Evaluación ex vivo del material de obturación extruido durante el retratamiento endodóntico con el empleo de dos técnicas de remoción / Ex vivo evaluation of the amount of extruded filling material during endodontic retreatment using wo removal techniques

Objetivo: evaluar ex vivo la cantidad de material de obturación durante el retratemiento endodóntico ortógrado con el uso de dos técnicas de desobturación. Materiales y métodos: se utilizaron 30 caninos humanos extraídos, de conducto único y raíces rectas. Los conductos se instrumentaron con ProGlider (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suiza) y ProTaper Next X1, X2 y X3 (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suiza) hasta la longitud de trabajo (LT), luego, se sobrepasó 1 mm del foramen apical con una lima tipo K #20. A continuación se obturaron con conocs de gutapercha ProTaper Next X3 (Dentsply / Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suiza), condensación lateral y termocompactación. Como sellador endodóntico, se utilizó el AHPlus (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Alemania), coloreado con tinta china azul. Los especímenes se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos de 15 dientes. Las raíces se montaron en tubos Eppendorf, que fueron pesados previamente en una balanza de precisión. En el grupo 1 (n=15) se removió la gutapercha con instrumentos D1, D2 del sistema ProTaper Universal, hasta el tercio medio y luego hasta la LT con D3 y limas Hedstroem #40 (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues, Suiza), empleando xilol. La remoción se completó con ProTaper Next x4 hasta la LT. En el grupo 2 (n=15) se removió la gutapercha con el sistema ProTaper Universal D1, D2 y D3 hasta el tercio apical y se completó con ProTaper Next x4 hasta la LT. En ambos grupos se realizaron lavajes con 3 ml de agua destilada a cada cambio de instrumento y al finalizar la instrumentación. Se retiraron las tapas con los especímenes de los tubos Eppendorf, los cuales fueron colocados en una estufa de cultivo a 27ºC durante 5 días. Los tuvos se pesaron nuevamente (sin sus tapas) para determinar la diferencia de peso correspondiente al material de obturación extravasado. La comparación de las diferencias de peso promedio entre los dos grupos se realizó mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Mann-Whitney.

Effect of Root Filling on Stress Distribution in Premolars with Endodontic-Periodontal Lesion: A Finite Elemental Analysis Study.

INTRODUCTION: Endodontic-periodontal (EP) lesions require both endodontic and periodontal therapies. Impermeable sealing of the root canal system after cleaning and shaping is essential for a successful endodontic treatment. However, complete healing of the hard and soft tissue lesions takes time, and diseased bone, periodontal ligament, and tooth fibrous joints are reported to have an increased failure risk for a given load. Considering that EP lesions may affect the biomechanics of teeth, this finite elemental analysis study aimed to test the effect of root fillings on stress distribution in premolars with EP lesions. METHODS: Three finite elemental analysis models representing 3 different types of EP lesions (primary endodontic disease [PED], PED with secondary periodontic involvement, and true combined) were created. The root canals were assumed as nonfilled or filled with gutta-percha, gutta-percha/apical mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug, and MTA-based sealer. Materials used were assumed to be homogenous and isotropic. A 300-N load was applied from the buccal cusp of the crown with a 135° angle. The Cosmoworks structural-analysis program (SolidWorks Corp, Waltham, MA) was used for analysis. Results were presented considering von Mises criteria. RESULTS: Stresses at the root apex increased with an increase in lesion dimensions. Root filling did not affect stress distribution in the PED model. An MTA plug or MTA-based sealer created more stress areas within the root compared with the others in the models representing PED with periodontic involvement and true combined lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Stresses at the apical end of the root increase with increases in lesion dimensions. MTA-based sealers or an MTA plug creates more stresses when there is periodontic involvement or a true combined lesion.

Desplazamiento de materia dental / Displaced dental material

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Endodontic retreatment of dens invaginatus presenting with gutta-percha overfilling at the attached gingiva and chronic apical periodontitis: unusual clinical report.

AIM: This work describes the retreatment of an unusual case of dens invaginatus with gutta-percha overfilling at the gingival mucosa and chronic apical periodontitis in a 34-year-old woman. Initial periapical radiograph showed the presence of type II dens invaginatus with poor quality obturation, root perforation and chronic apical periodontitis of tooth 22. BACKGROUND: Dens invaginatus is a tooth malformation caused by infolding of the dental papilla during tooth development. This anomaly has been associated with increased prevalence of pulpal and periapical diseases. CASE DESCRIPTION: Conventional endodontic retreatment was performed using rotary files and calcium hydroxide paste as intracanal dressing. After 7 days, root canal was filled with guttapercha points and Sealapex® sealer. Obturation was radiographically followed and, after 3 years, absence of fistula and periapical radiolucency was observed, thus conventional endodontic therapy proved to be successful. CONCLUSION: Conventional endodontic retreatment of type II dens invaginatus has been successful for a 3-year period, showing a better treatment alternative. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conservative endodontic retreatment of dens invaginatus should be considered to promote periapical healing with complete reconstitution of bone and periodontal ligament regeneration without signs of recurrence over a period of 3 years. Moreover, it preserves the entire tooth.

Retrieval of extensive gutta-percha extruded into the maxillary sinus: use of 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Close proximity of the maxillary sinus to the roots of maxillary teeth can predispose to the inadvertent deposition of endodontic products into the maxillary sinus. One such material is thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha, which has gained popularity of late. As a consequence of overfilling, some patients warrant surgical retrieval. METHODS: A case report of extreme overextension of gutta-percha within the maxillary sinus after endodontic retreatment on tooth #14 was provided. The distobuccal and palatal canals had been obturated with gutta-percha master cones and backfilled with thermoplasticized injectable warm gutta-percha. The mesiobuccal canal had only been filled with thermoplasticized injectable warm gutta-percha, the origin of the extrusion. Imagery with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography was performed for localization of the gutta-percha. RESULTS: The patient underwent a Caldwell-Luc approach for removal of the extruded material. The gutta-percha was successfully removed intact, and the patient had an unremarkable postoperative course. However, the patient continues to have mild tenderness in the sinus region. CONCLUSIONS: The featured case exemplified the consequence of overinstrumentation and ensuing inadequate apical stop. In these situations, the obturation of a maxillary tooth with thermoplasticized injectable gutta-percha, without master cones, can potentially result in overfilling and deposition into the antrum. Use of 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography could enhance endodontic diagnosis, serve as an aid for visualization of foreign materials within the sinus and contiguous soft tissue structures, and improve clinical outcome.

Crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers: spectrophotometric measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters.

Despite the improvement of endodontic materials, crown discoloration induced by root canal sealers remains a concerning clinical issue. The aim of this study is the measurement of the alterations in CIE L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters of tooth crowns after placement of commonly used and new-generation endodontic sealers in pulp chambers. Eighty intact, fully developed third mandibular molars were randomly assigned in five groups. Crowns were cross-sectioned from the root complex 1 mm below the cement-enamel junction. The internal axial walls of the pulp chambers were debrided and coated with endodontic sealers (Roth-811, AH-26, Guttaflow, Epiphany SE). The apical access was sealed with glass-ionomer cement. The control group was only debrided. Crowns were stored in individually marked vials in standard conditions (100% humidity, 37°C). The spectral reflectance lines were recorded with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in the visual spectrum. The CIE L*a*b* parameters were obtained by a linked computer software before sealer placement (baseline), after one week, one, three, and six months, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way mixed ANOVA models. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. With the exception of the control group, experimental groups presented varying chromatic alterations. Among all experimental groups, Roth-811 sealer induced the most severe alterations in CIE L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters, during all observation periods. After root canal obturation, the clinician should be aware of the presence of remaining root canal filling materials. Thorough debridement of the pulp chamber is essential for the prevention of sealer-induced discoloration.

Comparison between two thermoplastic root canal obturation techniques regarding extrusion of root canal filling--a retrospective in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare two different thermoplastic techniques--a core-carrier technique (Thermafil) and warm vertical compaction--in terms of overextension of root canal filling in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flaring of 88 teeth was conducted using Pro Files .04 as finishing files, and the teeth were obturated using Thermafil. Flaring of 74 teeth was performed using Pro Files .06 as finishing files, and the teeth were obturated using warm vertical compaction. RESULTS: Seventy (80 %) of the teeth obturated using Thermafil and 31 (42 %) teeth obturated using warm vertical compaction show extruded root canal filling. In contrast to Thermafil, there is a higher rate of extruded root canal filling of teeth with more than one root canal using warm vertical compaction. CONCLUSION: Thermafil demonstrated a higher rate of extruded root canal filling compared to warm vertical compaction. Warm vertical compaction is a more predictable method of filling compared to Thermafil. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Root canal filling extrusion will cause irritation of the surrounding tissue and impair repair processes. In the present in vivo study, there was a higher rate of root canal filling extrusion using Thermafil compared to warm vertical compaction.

Validation and spectrophotometric analysis of crown discoloration induced by root canal sealers.

OBJECTIVES: A major cause of crown discoloration is root canal sealer remnants in the pulp chamber, after root canal obturation. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the chromogenic effect of common and new-generation root canal sealers. The tested null hypothesis was that none of the sealers induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration, ex vivo (H(0): CIE color difference ∆Ε < 3.7). METHODS: The crowns of 80 intact, fully developed third mandibular molars were cross-sectioned 1 mm below the cementoenamel junction and stored in standard conditions (100 % humidity, 37 °C). The pulp chambers were chemomechanically debrided with hand files and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and the specimens were randomly assigned into four experimental (1-4) and one control (5) groups. In the experimental groups, the internal axial walls of the pulp chambers were coated with sealers (Group 1; Roth 811, Group 2; AH26, Group 3; GuttaFlow, Group 4; Epiphany SE). The pulp chambers of the control group (Group 5) remained unfilled. The spectral reflectance lines of the crowns were recorded by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. CIE total color differences [Formula: see text] were calculated after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. A pilot study was also conducted for the validation of the experimental model. Two-way mixed ANOVA models were used for statistical data analysis. RESULTS: The experimental model presented values of ∆Ε < 1 unit and high positive correlation values, after repeated measurements (p < 0.05). Roth 811 sealer (Group 1) induced clinically perceptible crown discoloration (∆Ε > 3.7, p < 0.05) and presented statistically significant differences from Groups 2-5 in all examination intervals (p < 0.05). In Groups 2-5, clinically perceptible crown discoloration was not observed (∆Ε < 3.7, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Roth 811 sealer exhibited severe discoloration effects. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that any sealer remnants should be removed from the pulp chamber after root canal obturation and before placement of a final restoration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The chromogenic potential may play an important role in selecting proper root canal sealers.

A nonsurgical technique for the removal of overextended gutta-percha.

AIM: The present report describes and discusses a nonsurgical technique for the removal of overextended gutta-percha. BACKGROUND: Mechanical irritation results from overextension and the overextended material used during root canal obturation could produce an inflammatory reaction with an area of rarefaction in the periapical tissues. The healing process is not affected by the presence of filling materials as it is well tolerate by the periapical tissues, but it is accepted that a higher failure rate is found in overfilled teeth. CASE REPORT: This clinical report describes one case with an overextended gutta-percha cone and a new nonsurgical technique to remove this material. CONCLUSION: The technique described is a conservative, safe and plausible option to remove extruded gutta-percha in periapical area. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Overextended gutta-percha cones could increase the failure of endodontic therapy. Commonly surgical procedures are indicated to remove this overextended material, but this nonsurgical technique could be a better treatment alternative and could increase the chances of success.

Bacterial leakage of GuttaFlow-filled root canals compared with Resilon/Epiphany and Gutta-percha/AH26-filled root canals.

The purpose of this study was to assess bacterial apical leakage in root canals obturated with GuttaFlow and compare this with the leakage of root canals obturated with Resilon/Epiphany or Gutta-percha/AH26. A total of 55 single-rooted human teeth were divided randomly into three experimental (n = 15) and two control groups (n = 5). Following a standardised preparation, the teeth were obturated with either GuttaFlow, Resilon/Epiphany or Gutta-percha/AH26. A two-chamber bacterial model using Enterococcus faecalis was employed to assess bacterial apical leakage for a period of 60 days. A Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant differences between the seal of root canals obturated with GuttaFlow, Resilon/Ephiphany or Gutta-percha/AH26.

Respuesta del tejido periapical de la rata a la sobreobturaci¿«n intencional de conos de resilon y conos de gutapercha recubiertos con resina / Periapical tissue response to intentional overextension of resilon and resin-coated gutta-percha cones: a preliminary study in rats

Objetivos. La sobreobturaci¿«n accidental o inadvertida con conos de gutapercha ocurre con cierta frecuencia en endodoncia cl¿¬nica. El prop¿«sito deeste estudio fue analizar la respuesta de los tejidos periapicales de la rata a sobreobturaciones intencionalesde conos de Resilon o conos de gutapercha recubiertos con resina. Material y m¿ªtodos. Se obtuvo el acceso al conducto distal de los primeros molares inferiores (izquierdoy derecho) de 16 ratas macho Wistar con un peso de í? 250 g. Los conductos fueron preparados y sobreobturados con los materiales problema hasta una medida estandarizada de í?1 mm m¿ós all¿ó del ¿ópice mediante el empleo de un localizador apical electr¿«nico. Las mand¿¬bulas fueron disecadas, fijadas en formol-buffer al 10 por ciento y descalcificadas. Los molares y los tejidos circundantes se prepararonpara su estudio histol¿«gico de rutina y se obtuvieron cortes seriados de aproximadamente 7 ªÌm de espesor de la ra¿¬z distal, los que fueron coloreadoscon hematoxilina y eosina. Los datos se categorizaron de acuerdo con par¿ómetros previamente establecidos y se analizaron mediante los tests deFisher, Kruskal-Wallis y el de comparaci¿«n m¿²ltiple de Dunn.Resultados. Luego de 30 d¿¬as la reacci¿«n a los materiales problema demostraron una respuesta inflamatoria moderada a severa. Estas reacciones disminuyeron significativamente (p<0.05) a los 90d¿¬as. En este lapso se observ¿« una reparaci¿«n progresiva de los tejidos periapicales circundada por un activo desarrollo de nuevas trab¿ªculas ¿«seas deapariencia normal. Conclusiones. Al finalizar la experiencia la reacci¿«n fue similar para ambos materiales, los que fueron bien tolerados por los tejidos periapicales, sin interferir con el proceso reparativo.(AU)

Respuesta del tejido periapical de la rata a la sobreobturaci¨®n intencional de conos de resilon y conos de gutapercha recubiertos con resina / Periapical tissue response to intentional overextension of resilon and resin-coated gutta-percha cones: a preliminary study in rats

Objetivos. La sobreobturaci¨®n accidental o inadvertida con conos de gutapercha ocurre con cierta frecuencia en endodoncia cl¨ªnica. El prop¨®sito deeste estudio fue analizar la respuesta de los tejidos periapicales de la rata a sobreobturaciones intencionalesde conos de Resilon o conos de gutapercha recubiertos con resina. Material y m¨¦todos. Se obtuvo el acceso al conducto distal de los primeros molares inferiores (izquierdoy derecho) de 16 ratas macho Wistar con un peso de ¡À 250 g. Los conductos fueron preparados y sobreobturados con los materiales problema hasta una medida estandarizada de ¡À1 mm m¨¢s all¨¢ del ¨¢pice mediante el empleo de un localizador apical electr¨®nico. Las mand¨ªbulas fueron disecadas, fijadas en formol-buffer al 10 por ciento y descalcificadas. Los molares y los tejidos circundantes se prepararonpara su estudio histol¨®gico de rutina y se obtuvieron cortes seriados de aproximadamente 7 ¦Ìm de espesor de la ra¨ªz distal, los que fueron coloreadoscon hematoxilina y eosina. Los datos se categorizaron de acuerdo con par¨¢metros previamente establecidos y se analizaron mediante los tests deFisher, Kruskal-Wallis y el de comparaci¨®n m¨²ltiple de Dunn.Resultados. Luego de 30 d¨ªas la reacci¨®n a los materiales problema demostraron una respuesta inflamatoria moderada a severa. Estas reacciones disminuyeron significativamente (p<0.05) a los 90d¨ªas. En este lapso se observ¨® una reparaci¨®n progresiva de los tejidos periapicales circundada por un activo desarrollo de nuevas trab¨¦culas ¨®seas deapariencia normal. Conclusiones. Al finalizar la experiencia la reacci¨®n fue similar para ambos materiales, los que fueron bien tolerados por los tejidos periapicales, sin interferir con el proceso reparativo.

An removal of gutta-percha and root canal sealer: a literature review and an audit comparing current practice in dental schools.

UNLABELLED: Endodontic failures often require non-surgical retreatment. The most common root canal obturating material is gutta-percha (GP), used in conjunction with various sealers. GP removal can be undertaken thermally and/or mechanically with or without solvents, however, no published guidelines exist. Following a literature review, an audit was undertaken comparing current endodontic practice in Belfast Dental School with the other dental schools across the UK and Republic of Ireland. From the findings, Belfast Dental School decided to introduce rotary files and chloroform to its Conservation Clinic with restrictions for use of the latter, although solvent use is not recommended in every case. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Efficiency in removing both gutta-percha and root canal sealer would maximize the ability to disinfect the root canal system and therefore increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Fracture resistance of roots filled with gutta-percha or RealSeal®.

AIM: To evaluate the vertical root fracture resistance of maxillary central incisors filled with different root filling materials and sealers. METHODOLOGY: Forty maxillary central incisor root canals were instrumented and divided randomly into four groups. Each group was filled using lateral compaction, with gutta-percha and AH Plus, gutta-percha and RealSeal(®) sealer, RealSeal(®) cone and RealSeal(®) sealer, or RealSeal(®) cone and AH Plus, respectively. The roots were loaded vertically by a conical spreader tip inserted into the canal and attached to an Instron testing machine until root fracture occurred. The load at fracture and the pattern of fracture were recorded. Mechanical properties of both core materials were tested under compressive loading. Results were analysed statistically by two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's tests. An independent sample t-test was used to compare the mechanical properties of the filling materials. RESULTS: Load at fracture of roots filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus (255 ± 74 N) and gutta-percha and RealSeal(®) sealer (237 ± 38 N) was significantly greater than those filled using the RealSeal(®) system (163 ± 29 N) and RealSeal(®) cone with AH Plus sealer (134 ± 17 N). Most fracture lines were in a bucco-lingual direction. In compressive tests of the core materials, RealSeal(®) had greater flow in response to load than gutta-percha, suggesting more efficient transmission of forces to the canal wall in the fracture tests. CONCLUSIONS: The lower fracture resistance of roots filled using RealSeal(®) is probably the result of more efficient transmission of forces within the canal, rather than a direct effect of the material itself.

Sensory transduction in human teeth with inflamed pulps.

The effects of pulpal inflammation on the sensitivity of dentin to cold (5°C) and negative hydrostatic pressure (-300 mm Hg) stimuli in man were compared, since recent evidence suggests that these stimuli excite different classes of sensory receptors. Dentin was exposed in premolars in 14 participants aged 15-25 years. Stimuli were applied to etched dentin immediately after cavity preparation and after the cavity had been filled with gutta percha for 7 days. This treatment increased significantly the intensity of pain produced by cold, and at the same time decreased that evoked by negative pressure stimuli. Pulpal blood flow was increased in the treated teeth, indicating that their pulps were inflamed. It is concluded that the sensory receptors responsible for the response to cold were probably sensitive to some change other than an outward flow of fluid in dentinal tubules, which would be caused by both forms of stimulus.