Journal of Endodontics Research

The long-term sealing ability of an epoxy resin root canal sealer used with five gutta percha obturation techniques

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Thu, 14 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

R. J. G. De Moor & G. M. G. Hommez Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, Dental School, University Hospital, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.Aim.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term sealing ability (both apical and coronal) of an epoxy resin root canal sealer (AH26) when used with different gutta-percha obturation techniques. Conclusion.Under the conditions of the present study, none of the gutta-percha obturation techniques combined with AH26 prevented coronal and apical leakage. Apical leakage increased during the first 4 months for cold lateral condensation, vertical condensation, hybrid condensation of gutta-percha, and for Thermafil and Soft- Core obturators. Coronal leakage increased during the 12 months in the condensation techniques, with the degree of coronal leakage always higher than apical leakage at the different observation times. Coronal leakage in the carrier techniques was greater at all periods for Soft- Core; for Thermafil coronal leakage was only higher than the non-carrier techniques during the first 4 months. The clinical impact of this in vitro study should be interpreted with caution.

An in vitro comparison of the bactericidal efficacy of lethal photosensitization or sodium hyphochlorite irrigation on Streptococcus intermedius biofilms in root canals

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Thu, 14 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

G. J. Seal, Y.-L. Ng, D. Spratt, M. Bhatti & K. GulabivalaDepartments of Conservative Dentistry and Microbiology, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College London, London, UK. Aim.To compare the bacterial killing of Streptococcus intermedius biofilms in root canals using lethal photosensitization with various combinations of photosensitizer concentration and laser light dose or 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation. Conclusions.The combined use of a photosensitizing agent and a low power laser directed at the access cavity was bactericidal to S. intermedius biofilms in root canals but was unable to achieve total kill, unlike 3% NaOCl.

Does the first file to bind correspond to the diameter of the canal in the apical region?

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Wed, 13 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

M.-K. Wu, D. Barkis, A. Roris & P. R. WesselinkDepartment of Cariology, Endodontology and Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Aim.The aim of this study was to determine whether the first file that binds at the working length corresponds to the canal diameter. Conclusions.Neither the first K-file nor the first Lightspeed instrument that bound at the working length accurately reflected the diameter of the apical canal in curved mandibular premolars. It is uncertain whether dentine can be removed from the entire circumference of the canal wall by filing the root canal to three sizes larger than the file that binds first.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) using membranes and calcium sulphate after apicectomy: a comparative histomorphometrical study

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Tue, 12 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

G. Yoshikawa, Y. Murashima, R. Wadachi, N. Sawada & H. Suda Department of Restorative Sciences, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. Aim.The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of resorbable and non-resorbable membranes, and calcium sulphate on bone regeneration in osseous defects in conjunction with apicectomy. Conclusions.The findings of the present study showed that e-PTFE membrane was most effective for bone regeneration into osseous defects in conjunction with apicectomy; that the resorbable membranes used were not effective compared with controls; and, that calcium sulphate could be substituted for e-PTFE membrane. However, additional experiments are required to determine whether or not calcium sulphate is effective for complicated types of osseous defect, such as combined endodontic-periodontal lesions and through-and-through osseous defects.

The dentinogenic effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in short-term capping experiments

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Fri, 08 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

D. Tziafas, O. Pantelidou, A. Alvanou, G. Belibasakis & S. PapadimitriouDepartments of Endodontology, School of Dentistry, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine,Clinical Sciences/Surgery Clinic, School of Veterinary Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. Aim.The objective of the present experiment was to study the early pulpal cell response and the onset of reparative dentine formation after capping application of MTA in mechanically exposed pulps. Conclusions.The present experiments indicate that MTA is an effective pulp-capping material, able to stimulate hard tissue bridge formation during the early wound healing process. The stereotypic pulp defence mechanism by which primitive matrix (fibrodentine) trigger expression of the odontoblastic potential of pulpal cells seems to be related to the dentinogenic activity of MTA. Further experimental data are needed to determine whether interactions between extracellular matrix components (including fibronectin) and endogenous signaling molecules (growth factors) take place after pulp capping with MTA.

An in vitro comparison of pH changes in root dentine following canal dressing with calcium hydroxide points and a conventional calcium hydroxide paste

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Wed, 06 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

S. M. Ardeshna, A. J. E. Qualtrough & H. V. WorthingtonUniversity of Manchester Dental Hospital, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, UK. Aim.This study aimed to measure and compare pH changes at apical and cervical sites on the external root surface of extracted teeth dressed with calcium hydroxide in two different formulations. Conclusion.The results of this study indicate that the rise in pH of root dentine at apical and cervical sites was significantly greater ( P < 0.001) in teeth dressed with a proprietary calcium hydroxide paste material compared with teeth dressed with calcium hydroxide points. For all groups, from 24 h, there was a significant difference in pH between apical and cervical sites with that at the apical being lower. Our findings confirm that placement of a calcium hydroxide material in either point or paste formulation as an interappointment dressing is effective at raising the pH at all external aspects of the root surface.

Radiographic evaluation of the prevalence and technical quality of root canal treatment in a French subpopulation

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Mon, 04 Mar 2002 00:00:00 -0600

Y. Boucher, L. Matossian, F. Rilliard & P. Machtou Unite de Formation et de Recherche (UFR) dâ€Odontologie de lâ€UniversitÃ© Paris 7, Service dâ€Odontologie de lâ€HÃ'tel Dieu, AP-HP, Paris, France. Aim.This study was undertaken to examine the prevalence and technical quality of root fillings and the periapical status of endodontically treated teeth in a French subpopulation. Conclusion.The results demonstrate a high prevalence of root-filled teeth and poor technical quality of treatment. Roots presenting with acceptable root fillings were associated with a lower prevalence of periapical pathology ( P < 0.001). Posts in roots were associated with periapical pathology significantly more than in roots without posts ( P < 0.001).

Endodontic and periodontal treatments of a geminated mandibular first premolar

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Tue, 19 Feb 2002 00:00:00 -0600

S. Aryanpour, P. Bercy & J.-P. Van Nieuwenhuysen Department of Dental Medicine and Stomatology, UniversitÃ© Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. Summary.The complex morphology of geminated teeth renders their endodontic and periodontal management difficult. Root canal and periodontal treatments were performed on a geminated mandibular first premolar with three canals. Clinical examination showed two separated crowns with united roots. Radiographically, two distinct pulp chambers with two joined and a third independent canal were seen. Conventional root canal treatment resulted in complete healing of the apical lesion. However, the occurrence of a vertical fracture led to the extraction of the mesial segment. At the follow-up visit, the distal segment was clinically healthy and continued to satisfy functional demands. Key learning points. Failure to diagnose the initial crack along a gemination groove resulted in further propagation and finally complete vertical fracture. Owing to the abnormal morphology of the crown and the complexity of the root canal system in geminated teeth, treatment protocols require special attention. For asymptomatic cases without aesthetic or orthodontic problems and without associated pathosis, routine review and careful maintenance are required.

C-shaped root canal configuration in maxillary first molars

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:00:00 -0600

R. J. G. De Moor Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontology, Dental School, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium. Aim.This clinical report presents the endodontic treatment of two maxillary first molars and the anatomical study of two additional maxillary first molars with a C-shaped distally located root canal system. This configuration is not a common finding. Summary.According to the endodontic literature, the C-shaped root canal is most frequently seen in the mandibular second molar. The occurrence of C-shapes in maxillary first molars, however, has only been described in a limited number of case reports. We observed this configuration in two out of 2175 root-filled maxillary first molars treated at the Department of Endodontology, Ghent University Hospital, during the last 10 years. In order to study and visualize this particular aberration, cross-sections in two additional two-rooted maxillary first molars were made. From these cross sections it can be concluded that the C-shaped canal configuration is the result of a fusion of the distobuccal and the palatal roots. Key learning points. C-shaped root canal morphotypes may occur in the distal portion of the pulp chamber in maxillary first molars. The C-shape results from a fusion of the distobuccal and palatal roots. The C-shape may extend to the apical third of the fused roots.

Relationship between number of proximal contacts and survival of root canal treated teeth

muveqqeti@gmail.com (JofER editor) — Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:00:00 -0600

D. J. Caplan, J. Kolker, E. M. Rivera & R. E. WaltonDepartment of Dental Ecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.Departments of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. Aim.The present study tested the hypothesis that having two proximal contacts (PCs) at access is associated with improved survival of root canal treated (RCT) teeth, controlling for important presenting conditions, endodontic variables and restorative factors Conclusions.In conclusion, if factors related to loss of RCT teeth are identified, their modification or elimination should lead to improved survival of RCT teeth. This study showed that RCT teeth with no or one PC at access were lost at more than three times the rate of RCT teeth with two PCs, controlling for crown status, tooth type, and presence of radiographic caries at access. Though recommendations for or against saving individual teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis, the influence of PCs on prognosis should be recognized during endodontic treatment planning if long-term retention of the tooth is a primary goal. Given the increasing emphasis on evidence-based decision-making in medical and dental care (Bray & Williams 1997, Dodson 1997), future research should provide data to support informed endodontic treatment decisions. Prospective designs that capture additional variables should be used, and outcomes related to costs of care also should be assessed (Klein et al. 1985, Maryniuk & Haywood 1990).