Does simultaneous soft tissue augmentation around immediate or delayed dental implant placement using sub-epithelial connective tissue graft provide better outcomes compared to other treatment options? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical benefits of simultaneous implant placement and soft tissue augmentation using different treatment modalities are unclear. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare the effect of simultaneous soft tissue augmentation using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) around immediate or delayed dental implant placement with other treatment modalities on the peri-implant tissue health and esthetic. METHODS: Up to May 2021, four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar) were searched. Randomized control trials with follow-up >3 months, evaluating simultaneous implant placement (immediate or delayed) and soft tissue augmentation using SCTG compared with other treatment modalities were included. The predictor variables were SCTG versus no augmentation with/without guided bone regeneration (GBR) or other augmentation techniques (Acellular dermal matrix (ADM), Xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM). The outcome variables were buccal tissue thickness (BTT), mid-buccal gingival level (MGL), marginal bone loss (MBL), and pink esthetic scores (PES). Cumulative mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. SCTG along with immediate implant placement (IIP) or delayed implant placement (DIP) showed a statistically significant improvement in BTT (Fixed; MD, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.51; 0.97), MGL (Fixed; MD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.21; 0.80), PES (Fixed; MD, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.29; 1.29), and less MBL (Fixed; MD, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.14; -0.08) compared to no graft (P<0.05). A statistically insignificant differences in BTT (Random; MD, 0.62; 95% CI, -0.41; 1.65), MGL (Fixed; MD, -0.06; 95% CI, -0.23; 0.11), MBL (Fixed; MD, 0.36; 95% CI, -0.05; 0.77) and PES (Fixed; MD, 0.28; 95% CI, -0.10; 0.67) was observed when SCTG along with DIP was compared with no augmentation plus GBR. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed when comparing SCTG along with DIP with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) concerning BTT (MD:0.71, P = 0.18) and KMW (MD: 0.6, P = 0.19). CONCLUSION: There is a very low quality of evidence to provide recommendations on whether simultaneous dental implant placement (IIP or DIP) and soft tissue augmentation using SCTG is superior to no augmentation or is comparable to the other tissue augmentation materials in improving the quality and quantity of peri-implant tissues. Therefore, further, well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes and long follow-up times are still needed.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of propolis on regenerative potential of necrotic immature permanent teeth in dogs.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the antibacterial efficiency and ability of propolis to promote regeneration of immature permanent non-vital dogs' teeth. METHODS: Ninety six immature permanent premolars teeth in 6 mongrel dogs were divided randomly into: experimental teeth (N = 72) and control teeth (N = 24). Periapical pathosis was induced in all experimental and positive control teeth. Experimental teeth were classified according to the used intra-canal medication into: group I (N = 36), propolis paste was used and group II (N = 36), triple antibiotic paste (TAP) was used. Bacteriologic samplings were collected before and after exposure to intra-canal medicaments. After the disinfection period (3 weeks), revascularization was induced in all experimental teeth. Each group was subdivided according to the root canal orifice plug into: subgroup A (N = 18), propolis paste was used and subgroup B (N = 18), mineral trioxide aggregates (MTA) was used. Each subgroup was further subdivided according to the evaluation period into 3 subdivisions (6 teeth each): subdivision 1; after 2 weeks, subdivision 2; after one month and subdivision 3; after 2 months. Positive control group had 12 teeth with induced untreated periapical pathosis. Negative control group had 12 untouched sound teeth. All teeth were evaluated with radiography and histology. The bacteriologic and radiographic data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests. The histologic data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni's adjustment and Chi-square test. The significance level was set at P ≤ .05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the antibacterial effectiveness between TAP and propolis groups (P > .05). In all subdivisions, there was no significant difference between the experimental groups in terms of increase in root length and dentin thickness, decrease in apical closure, new hard tissue formation, vital tissue formation inside the pulp canal and apical closure scores (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Propolis can be comparable with TAP as a disinfection treatment option in regenerative endodontic. As a root canal orifice plug after revascularization of necrotic immature permanent teeth in dogs, propolis induces a progressive increase in root length and dentin thickness and a decrease in apical diameter similar to those of MTA.

Bioactive tri/dicalcium silicate cements for treatment of pulpal and periapical tissues.

Over 2500 articles and 200 reviews have been published on the bioactive tri/dicalcium silicate dental materials. The indications have expanded since their introduction in the 1990s from endodontic restorative and pulpal treatments to endodontic sealing and obturation. Bioactive ceramics, based on tri/dicalcium silicate cements, are now an indispensable part of the contemporary dental armamentarium for specialists including endodontists, pediatric dentists, oral surgeons andfor general dentists. This review emphasizes research on how these materials have conformed to international standards for dental materials ranging from biocompatibility (ISO 7405) to conformance as root canal sealers (ISO 6876). Potential future developments of alternative hydraulic materials were included. This review provides accurate materials science information on these important materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The broadening indications and the proliferation of tri/dicalcium silicate-based products make this relatively new dental material important for all dentists and biomaterials scientists. Presenting the variations in compositions, properties, indications and clinical performance enable clinicians to choose the material most suitable for their cases. Researchers may expand their bioactive investigations to further validate and improve materials and outcomes.

Effect of Residual Dental Pulp Tissue on Regeneration of Dentin-pulp Complex: An In Vivo Investigation.

INTRODUCTION: Current pulp revascularization procedures in teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices have produced histologic evidence of connective tissue growth, cementum, and bone within the root canals of experimental animals. This study aims to investigate the effect of maintaining uninflamed residual apical pulp tissue on the histologic outcome of pulp-dentin complex regeneration after a revascularization procedure in immature ferret cuspid teeth. METHODS: Twenty-eight cuspid teeth from 7 young male ferrets were used in this experiment. Seven teeth were reserved to serve as positive control samples without any treatment. In another 7 teeth, the pulp was completely extirpated (negative control), whereas the pulp of the remaining 14 teeth were removed to either 1-2 mm short of the apex (7 samples) or 2-4 mm short of the apex (7 samples). Blood clots were covered with mineral trioxide aggregate at the cementoenamel junction level of each tooth. Three months later, block sections were removed for histologic evaluations, and the data were statistically analyzed with the chi-square test (P < .05). RESULTS: All teeth with complete pulp extirpation showed the presence of bone inside the root canal. In contrast, the root canals for most teeth with pulp amputation 1-4 mm from the radiographic apex were filled with normal pulp, which extended coronally to the mineral trioxide aggregate, where hard tissue bridges had formed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we concluded that regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex is possible when the apical 1-4 mm of the apical pulp remains intact in immature teeth.

Histology of NeoMTA Plus and Quick-Set2 in Contact with Pulp and Periradicular Tissues in a Canine Model.

INTRODUCTION: NeoMTA Plus (Avalon Biomed Inc, Bradenton, FL) is a tricalcium silicate material similar to the first mineral trioxide aggregate product, ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA), but with improvements such as decreased setting time, increased ion release, increased water sorption, and nonstaining radiopacifiers. Quick-Set2 (Avalon Biomed Inc) is a newly formulated calcium aluminosilicate material that has a faster setting time and increased acid resistance and is nonstaining. The purpose of this study was to compare the healing of pulpal and periapical tissues in dogs after exposure to NeoMTA Plus and Quick-Set2 after pulpotomy and root-end surgery procedures. METHODS: Seventy-two teeth (36 for each procedure) in 6 beagle dogs received pulpotomy or root-end surgery using either NeoMTA Plus or Quick-Set2. The dogs were sacrificed at 90 days, and the teeth and surrounding tissues were prepared for histologic evaluation. Sixty teeth were evaluated and scored histologically (29 with pulpotomies and 31 with root-end resections). Specimens were scored for inflammation, quality and thickness of dentin bridging, pulp tissue response, cementum and periodontal ligament formation, and apical bone healing. RESULTS: Both materials displayed favorable healing at 90 days. The only significant difference was the quality of dentin bridge formation in pulpotomies using NeoMTA Plus compared with Quick-Set2. CONCLUSIONS: Quick-Set2 and NeoMTA Plus had similar effects on inflammation, pulp response, periodontal ligament and cementum formation, and apical tissue healing in dogs. NeoMTA Plus had superior dentin bridge quality compared with Quick-Set2.

[Effect of exogenous stem cells from apical papillae in the pulp revascularization treatment for the immature permanent tooth with periapical periodontitis].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of exogenous stem cells from apical papillae (SCAP) in the pulp revascularization treatment for the immature permanent tooth with periapical periodontitis in animal model. Methods: After the SCAP were isolated and cultured from the Beagle dogs, stem cell properties of these cells were characterized by analyzing their colony-forming ability, the expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers and the multidifferentiation characteristics including osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic potentials. Models of young permanent tooth with periapical periodontitis were established in dogs and the infection in each of the model tooth was eliminated by root canal irrigation and intracanal medication. After that, all of the model teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1: normal developing teeth with no treatment applied;Group 2: teeth that periapical tissues were irritated to induce blood flowing into the root canals;Group 3: teeth that peripheral blood was delivered into the root canals;Group 4: teeth that SCAP were resuspended in peripheral blood and delivered into the root canals. In Group 2-4, firm coronal seal was performed after revascularization procedure and radiographs were taken periodically in order to observe the development of roots. After a 12-week-period, alveolar samples were collected and observed histologically. Results: The isolated SCAP showed clonogenic ability and multilineage differentiation ability including osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic potentials. These cells also expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers such as STRO-1 and CD146, while no cytokeratin was detected. The thickening of canal wall was observed radiographically 12 weeks after procedures of infection control and revascularization. Histologically, the newly formed tissues on the inner canal wall were found bone lacuna like structure in Group 2 and 3, and the new tissue formed in the Group 3 seemed easy to separate from the canal wall. The newly formed tissues in Group 4 were much thicker compare to those in the Group 2 and 3, and the dentine tubule like structure instead of bone lacuna was noticed although the orientation of these tubules were various. Conclusions: SCAP seem to play an important role in the tissue regeneration procedure when infection is well controlled in young permanent teeth with periapical periodontitis. It is difficult to achieve real tissue regeneration due to the lack of endogenous SCAP in apical area, therefore delivering adequate exogenous SCAP isolated and cultured in vitro could be a promising approach to overcome the challenge.

Accuracy of Working Length Determination using NovApex and Root-ZX Apex Locators: An in vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: This ex vivo study evaluated the accuracy of the Root-ZX electronic apex locator (EAL) (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan) and the NovApex (Forum Technologies, Rishon Lezion, Israel) in determining the working length (WL) during endodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were selected for this study. The actual WL was measured with visual technique by a size #15 k-file under magnification. Then, the canal lengths were measured electronically with both Root-ZX and NovApex apex locators within ±0.5 and ±1 mm. Mean percentage of data was analyzed between groups using paired t-test, with a statistically significant level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: The accuracy of NovApex apex locator was 85% within ±0.5 mm and 92.5% within ±1 mm. The accuracy of Root-ZX apex locator was 70% within ±0.5 mm and 97.5% within ±1 mm. There was no significant difference between the accuracy of the two EALs. CONCLUSION: Both the NovApex and Root-ZX EALs are useful for measuring the WL with high accuracy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Given the importance of accurate WL determination in the success of endodontic treatments, the accuracy of different apex locators should be evaluated.

Agreement between 2D and 3D radiographic outcome assessment one year after periapical surgery.

AIM: To compare 2D with 3D radiography in assessing the treatment outcome 1 year after periapical surgery. METHODOLOGY: In this prospective study, periapical radiographs (PA) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were performed 1 year after periapical surgery. Three calibrated observers independently evaluated the radiographs for the presence and type of periapical radiolucencies. Ratings in PA were compared to those in bucco-lingual and mesio-distal CBCT images (coronal and sagittal planes), and the ratings of the latter two were also compared between each other. Further, maximum size diameters of radiolucencies were measured on CBCT scans, and the calculated means were correlated with the types of radiolucency. Statistical analysis was completed using Friedman rank sum tests, the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 61 roots in 54 patients were eligible for the final assessment. On average, the intra-observer ratings were identical in 59.6% when comparing PA and CBCT (kappa 0.112 to 0.192). A very high intra-observer agreement (93.4%) was noted when comparing bucco-lingual and mesio-distal CBCT ratings (kappa 0.797 to 1). Interobserver agreement was higher for PA (68.8%) than for CBCT (bucco-lingual 45.9%, mesio-distal 47.5%), but without reaching significant differences. The calculated mean size of persistent radiolucencies in CBCT scans correlated well with the assigned types of radiolucency. CONCLUSION: CBCT images showed in nearly a third of the evaluated cases a worse situation than PA. There is a need to define criteria to assess the 'radiographic healing' in CBCT following periapical surgery.

Regenerative potential of immature permanent non-vital teeth following different dentin surface treatments.

This study evaluates the regenerative potential of immature permanent non-vital teeth following different dentin surface treatments in dogs. Periapical lesions and necrotic pulps were induced in 288 roots of 144 teeth in twelve dogs. Teeth were randomly divided into 3 equal groups according to the evaluation period. Each group was subdivided into 8 subgroups according to the treatment modalities including; blood clot, blood clot and collagen, blood clot and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), blood clot, collagen and EDTA, blood clot and Mixture Tetracycline Citric Acid and Detergent (MTAD), blood clot, collagen and MTAD, positive control and negative control. Apart from control subgroups, all infected root canals were cleaned with sodium hypochlorite solution and triple antibiotics paste before different treatment protocols. After different treatments, the root length, thickness and apical diameter were evaluated by radiographic examination. Histopathological examination was carried out to evaluate the inflammation, bone/root resorption, tissue in-growth in pulp space, new hard tissue formation and apical closure. Using EDTA solution as a surface modifier showed significantly higher levels of tissue in-growth in the pulp space after 6 weeks and 3 months. Addition of collagen as a scaffold caused significantly more bone/root resorption than the other subgroups while EDTA caused significantly lower inflammatory cell counts only after 2 weeks. Final rinse with 17% EDTA solution before blood clot induction has positive impact on tissue interaction along dentinal walls without modification of the cell type. Moreover, the use of collagen as a scaffold material and MTAD as a surface modifier did not improve the quality of the regenerative process.

Proliferation and osteo/odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla regulated by Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2: An in vitro study.

In the process of tooth root development, stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) can differentiate into odontoblasts and form root dentin, however, molecules regulating SCAPs differentiation have not been elucidated. Zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) is a novel transcriptional inhibitor. It is reported to modulate the development of nerve cells, liver cells, B cells, red blood cells, and so on. However, the role of ZHX2 in tooth root development remains unclear. In this study, we explored the potential role of ZHX2 in the process of SCAPs differentiation. The results showed that overexpression of ZHX2 upregulated the expression of osteo/odontogenic related genes and ALP activity, inhibited the proliferation of SCAPs. Consistently, ZHX2 knockdown reduced SCAPs mineralization and promoted SCAPs proliferation. These results indicated that ZHX2 plays a critical role in the proliferation and osteo/odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs.

Mesenchymal stem cells as active prohealing and immunosuppressive agents in periapical environment: evidence from human and experimental periapical lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies describe contrasting molecular profiles of active and inactive periapical granulomas characterized by distinct expression of cytokines, osteoclastogenic factors, and wound healing markers. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying such a dichotomy remain unknown, in this study we investigated the potential involvement of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in determining human and murine periapical lesion activity and outcomes. METHODS: Periapical granulomas (n = 83) and control samples (n = 24) were comparatively assessed for the expression levels of 11 mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Experimental periapical lesions induced in mice were evaluated for MSC marker expression and the effects of AMD3100 treatment on lesion outcomes. RESULTS: MCS marker expression was prevalent in periapical granulomas compared with that in controls, whereas CD29, CD73, CD90, CD146, CD166, NANOG, Stro-1, and CXCR4 expressions were higher in inactive than in active lesions. Experimental periapical lesion inactivity was also associated with an increased expression of MSC markers. The inhibition of MSC mobilization to the periapex by AMD3100 resulted in increased lesion sizes; decreased expression of MSCs and wound healing markers; and increased expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-17ß), interleukin 17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that MSC markers are overexpressed in inactive human and experimental periapical lesions and that MSC mobilization results in the attenuation of experimental lesion progression associated with immunosuppressive and prohealing mechanisms.

Use of a new retrograde filling material (Biodentine) for endodontic surgery: two case reports.

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is considered at the present time as the gold standard for root-end filling in endodontic surgery. However, this biocompatible material presents several drawbacks such as a long setting time and handling difficulties. The aim of this article is to present a new commercialized calcium silicate-based material named Biodentine with physical improved properties compared to MTA in a clinical application. Two endodontic microsurgeries were performed by using specific armamentarium (microsurgical instrumentation, ultrasonic tips) under high-power magnification with an operatory microscope. Biodentine was used as a root-end filling in order to seal the root canal system. The two cases were considered completely healed at 1 year and were followed for one more year. The 2-year follow-up consolidated the previous observation with absence of clinical symptoms and radiographic evidence of regeneration of the periapical tissues.

The use of physiotherapy in the regeneration of periapical bone structures of the teeth, prepared to load the prosthetic.

The aim of this work was to investigate whether the use of magnetoledotherapy will accelerate the elimination of osteolytic lesions of the dental periapical area, and provide for prosthetic treatment. What impact on time of healing does the inflammatory change location, type of treatment or patient's age have? 69 patients underwent the examination. The problem of osteolytic lesions in the course of protracted or protracted acute dental periapical tissue inflammation was determined. Patients were divided into two research groups: group L - treated with magnetoledotherapy and group K - treated without the support of magnetoledotherapy. In the first group we applied the electromagnetic field, generated using the Viofor JPS Clinic apparatus. Our studies have confirmed the effectiveness of magnetoledotherapy in the accelerated decommissioning of the osteolytic lesion. This provides evidence of the appropriateness of this method in the treatment of protracted dental periapical tissue inflammation, in teeth qualified for prosthetic load. Magnetostimulation combined with LED energy is an adjunctive procedure, adopted in order to eliminate osteolytic inflammatory changes of dental periapical tissues. It can be used in all age groups with the same good result. After applying magnetoledotherapy, in the course of the dental periapical tissue repair process of tooth treated endodontically for the first time as well as reendodontically, no differences were found. This shows the opportunity of using magnetoledotherapy in all cases of protracted periapical tissue inflammation.

[General and local factors affecting periapical reparation after endodontic procedures].

Eighty-seven teeth with 100 periapical destruction foci have been treated in 78 patients from 19 to 60 years of age. In 28 patients calcium-containing preparation was administrated orally for 1 to 3 months. The dynamics of destruction foci changes was similar in all patients though among patients with satisfactory X-ray findings 64% took calcium-containing preparation. No considerable difference in the regeneration dynamics was revealed in patients with somatic diseases and healthy individuals. The residual destruction size 12 months later correlated positively with the initial size of destruction area.

Efeito na reparação óssea periapical da ozonioterapia como coadjuvante ao tratamento endodôntico: estudo clínico-radiográfico / Effect in periapical bone healing of Ozone therapy as adjuvant to endodontic treatment clinical-radiographic essay

A reparação dos tecidos periapicais testemunha o êxito da terapia endodôntica. Por intervir de forma favorável na reparação tecidual, a ozonioterapia é reconhecida como um importante coadjuvante ao protocolo terapêutico, sendo oportuno verificar sua eficácia no caso da terapia endodôntica. Para isso, foi avaliada, in vivo a influência do gás ozônio, da água ozonizada e óleo ozonizado na reparação tecidual em situações de necrose pulpar com alterações ósseas periapicais, diagnosticado e caracterizado como quadros de infecção primária. Foram feitas radiografias previamente e ao final do tratamento e novamente no terceiro e no sexto mês após a conclusão da terapia endodôntica. Respeitando-se os critérios de inclusão, 36 pacientes da Clínica Odontológica da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo foram divididos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos: Grupo I (12 dentes) Controle: tratamento endodôntico segundo protocolo da Disciplina de Endodontia da FOUSP; Grupo II (12 dentes) protocolo terapêutico empregado pelo Grupo I e associado ao final com irrigação de 10 mL de água bidestilada ozonizada na concentração de 8 g/mL; e, Grupo III (12 dentes) protocolo terapêutico empregado pelo Grupo I e associado ao final do preparo do canal da aplicação de 10 mL do gás ozônio na concentração de 40 g/mL. Foi utilizado como medicação intracanal o hidróxido de cálcio veiculado em PRP no Grupo I e o óleo de girassol ozonizado (Philozon, Santa Catarina, SC, Brasil) nos Grupos II e III. As medicações permaneceram por um período de 15 dias e em seguida foi feita obturação com cimento AH-Plus. A avaliação da reparação óssea periapical foi realizada analisando as radiografias digitalizadas no programa ImageLab.

Após a delimitação e quantificação de pixels das lesões periapicais, as radiografias finais e controles de 3 e 6 meses foram comparadas, indicando o quanto de redução da radiolucência periapical. Paralelamente, foi feita a análise de sensibilidade pós-operatória utilizando uma Escala Visual Analógica. Os pacientes foram questionados com relação à sensibilidade previamente ao início do tratamento, 72 horas após consulta inicial e nos controles de 3 e 6 meses, devendo associá-la com uma nota de 0 a 10 de acordo com a intensidade. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, complementado pelo teste de Tukey, com significância de 5%. Os três protocolos terapêuticos instituídos promoveram redução da imagem radiolúcida periapical sem diferença estatística significante. Na análise da sensibilidade, o Grupo III apresentou os melhores resultados, com diferença estatística significante em relação aos demais grupos. Com base nos dados obtidos e na análise estatística executada, foi possível concluir que a ozonioterapia, por meio do emprego do gás ozônio e água ozonizada na fase do preparo químico cirúrgico e do óleo ozonizado como medicação intracanal, interviu de maneira favorável na reparação, em situações de necrose pulpar com alterações ósseas periapicais, sendo o gás mais efetivo que a água ozonizada, com diferenças estatísticas significantes. Os 2 grupos experimentais de ozonioterapia comparado ao grupo controle (protocolo FOUSP) apresentaram padrão de reparação óssea semelhante. A utilização da água ozonizada como irrigante e do óleo ozonizado como medicação intracanal mostrou a melhor eficácia do ponto de vista sintomatológico.

The success of the endodontic treatment is related to the repair of the periapical tissues. The ozone therapy is known for its therapeutic usefulness, favorable tissue healing, thus it seems suitable for evaluating its efficiency in the endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the influence of ozone gas, ozonated water and oil in bone repair in cases of pulpar necrosis with radiographic evidence of periapical bone loss associated with primary endodontic infection. Radiographs (Xrays) were taken prior and after the completion of the endodontic treatment, three and six months later. According to the enclosure criteria, 36 patients of the Dental Clinic of the School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, were selected and randomly divided in three groups: Group I (12 teeth) Control: endodontic treatment protocol according to the discipline of Endodontics FOUSP, Group II (12 teeth): endodontic protocol associated with final irrigation with 10 mL of bidestilated ozonated water at concentration of 8 g/mL and Group III (12 teeth): endodontic protocol associated with application of 10 mL of ozone gas at concentration of 40 g/mL. Calcium Hydroxide was used as intracanal medication for 15 days. In Group I it was associated with anesthetic solution and in the Groups II and III associated with ozonated oil (Philozon, Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil). After this period, all teeth were obturated with AH-Plus root canal sealer. Evaluation of periapical bone repair was performed with Image Lab software after image digitalization.

After delimitation and pixel quantification of the periapical lesion area of the images immediately after the endodontic treatment, 3 and 6-months follow up, the obtained data were compared indicating the quantum reduction of the periapical radiolucency. In parallel, a postoperative sensitivity analysis was performed using a Visual Analog Scale. Patients were asked to score the sensitivity from 0 to 10 according to its intensity prior to first appointment, 72 hours later the first visit, 3 and 6 months later. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by the Tukey test at 5% of significance. All the three groups promoted a reduction of the apical radiolucent image without statistical difference. In the sensitivity analysis, Group III showed the best results with statistically significant...

Identify and define all diagnostic terms for periapical/periradicular health and disease states.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this in-depth investigation was to identify, clarify, and substantiate clinical terminology relative to apical/periapical/periradicular diagnostic states, which is used routinely in the provision of endodontic care. Furthermore, the information gleaned from this investigation was used to link diagnostic categories to symptoms, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis wherever possible, along with establishing the basis for the metrics used in this diagnostic process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diagnostic terminologies and their relevance to clinical situations were procured from extensive historic and electronic searches and correlated with contemporary concepts in disease processes, clinical assessments, histologic findings (if appropriate), and standardized definitions that have been promulgated and promoted for use in the last 25 years in educational programs and test constructions and for third-party concerns. RESULTS: In general, clinical terminology that is used routinely in the practice of endodontics is not based on the findings of scientific investigations. The diagnostic terms are based on assumptions by correlating certain signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings with what is presumed (not proven) to be the underlying disease process of a given clinical state. There were no studies that specifically tried to assess the accuracy of the metrics used contemporarily for the classification of clinical disease states. CONCLUSION: A succinct diagnostic scheme that could be described thoroughly, agreed on unanimously, coded succinctly for easy electronic input, and ultimately used for follow-up analysis would not only drive treatment modalities more accurately, but would also allow for future outcomes assessment and validation.

Effect of calcium hydroxide-based materials on periapical tissue healing and orthodontic root resorption of endodontically treated teeth in dogs.

This study evaluated periapical tissue healing and orthodontic root resorption of endodontically treated teeth sealed with calcium hydroxide in dogs. The sample consisted of three contralateral pairs of maxillary incisors and two contralateral pairs of mandibular incisors in each of two dogs using a split mouth design. After biomechanical preparation of the teeth in the first group (n = 10), a Ca(OH)(2) dressing was placed for 14 days before root canal filling with Ca(OH)(2)-based sealer (Sealapex) and gutta-percha points. In the second group (n = 10), root canals were obturated immediately after the mechanical preparation with gutta-percha points and zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE)-based sealer (Endofill). After completion of endodontic treatment, the teeth were moved with an orthodontic appliance with a calibrated force of 200 g, reactivated every 21 days. After 105 days, the animals were killed and the teeth were removed upon completion of active treatment, without a period of recovery, and prepared for histomorphological analysis. All sections of each tooth were graded subjectively on a scale from one to four to obtain the average of the 16 histomorphological parameters analysed. Evaluation of the differences between the two treatment protocols was made with Mann-Whitney U-test. It was observed that the teeth treated with Ca(OH)(2)-based materials provided better outcomes (P = 5%), with complete repair of all root resorption areas, high rate of biological closure of the main canal and apical accessory canals by newly formed cementum, less intense and extensive chronic inflammatory infiltrate, and better organization of the periodontal ligament. Under the tested conditions, Ca(OH)(2)-based materials had a favourable action on periapical tissue healing and repair of orthodontic root resorption in endodontically treated dogs' teeth.

Clinical changes in periodontium during pregnancy and post-partum.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pregnancy has been presented to increase susceptibility to gingival inflammation. It is unclear whether pregnancy gingivitis exposes or proceeds to periodontitis. We examined longitudinally the severity of periodontal changes during pregnancy and post-partum, and compared the findings with an age-matched group of non-pregnant women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty generally healthy, non-smoking women at an early phase of their pregnancy and 24 non-pregnant women as controls were recruited. The pregnant group was examined three times during pregnancy and twice during post-partum, and the non-pregnant group three times, once per subsequent month. At each visit, visible plaque index (VPI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured from six sites per tooth. RESULTS: In the pregnant group, BOP and PPD increased simultaneously without relation to plaque between the first and second trimesters, and thereafter decreased during subsequent visits. No changes were detected in CAL during the study period. In the non-pregnant group, BOP stayed invariable during the follow-up and correlated with the amount of plaque. Neither periodontal pocket formation nor significant changes in attachment levels were observed. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, changes in clinical parameters during pregnancy are reversible, indicating that pregnancy gingivitis does not predispose or proceed to periodontitis.

Effects of root morphology on stress distribution at the root apex.

It is thought that the stress concentration at the root apex caused by orthodontic force induces root resorption. The purpose of this study was to investigate stress distribution at the root in cases of deviated root shapes using finite element models (FEMs). To clarify this, five three-dimensional FEMs divided by deviated root shape (normal, short, blunt, bent root apex, pipette shape) were constructed and, experimental orthodontic forces, applied in a vertical (intrusive) and horizontal (lingual) direction to the tooth axis. In the short-root model, significant stress was concentrated at the middle of the root. The blunt-shaped root model showed no significant stress concentration at the root. In the models with a bent or pipette-shaped root, significant stress was concentrated at the root apex. During orthodontic force application, stress concentration was observed in the root of the models with short, bent, and pipette-shaped roots, indicating that attention must be paid to root shape during orthodontic treatment.

Implant-tooth-supported fixed partial prostheses: correlations between in vivo occlusal bite forces and marginal bone reactions.

PURPOSE: To evaluate maximal occlusal bite forces (MOF) and marginal bone level (MBL) changes in patients with implant-tooth-supported fixed partial prostheses (FPP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty nine partially edentulous patients consecutively who received 34 three-occlusal unit FPP with terminal implant and tooth support were subjected to quantification of MOFs using a sub-miniature load cell connected to a data acquisition system and measurement of the MBL changes around implants in digitalized periapical radiographs obtained at prostheses delivery and 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: MOFs for implant support (mean: 353.61 N) significantly differed from tooth support (mean: 275.48 N) (P < 0.05), while gender did not influence MOFs (P > 0.05). MBL changes at mesial and distal sites of the implants at 24 months of functional loading were 0.28 and 0.097 mm respectively. CONCLUSION: Although MOFs under functional loading might indicate an increase in load participation for supporting implant, the rigid connection between implant and natural tooth via three-occlusal unit FPP does not jeopardize the time-dependent MBL stability of the implant under functional loads.