CLSM assessment of tubule penetration and bacterial leakage evaluation of two resin-based sealer

Aim: The aims of this study were to assess the penetration of two endodontic sealers (salicylate and epoxy resin-based sealers) into dentinal tubules using CLSM; and to evaluate the bacterial leakage of roots filled with the same sealers associated with gutta-percha. Material and Methods: For sealer penetrability assessment, thirty bovine roots were instrumented and divided into three groups: AHP: EDTA + filling with AH Plus and gutta-percha (n=10), MTAF: EDTA + filling with MTA Fillapex and gutta-percha (n=10), control group: canals were not irrigated with EDTA and were filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus (n=5) or MTA Fillapex (n=5). Rhodamine B was added to the sealers in order to provide adequate fluorescence. The roots were transversely sectioned 3mm from the apex to enable CLSM analysis. Leakage was evaluated for turbidity of the broth in a split chamber model system for 30 days, using Enterococcus faecalis as a microbial marker. Thirty roots were instrumented and divided in four grupos: AHP: filling with AH Plus and gutta-percha (n=10); MTAF: filling with MTA Fillapex and gutta-percha (n=10); positive control: filling with gutta-percha without sealer (n = 5); negative control: sealing with cyanoacrylate to test the seal of the system (n = 5). Results: The medians for dentinal tubule penetration were 6.8% (AHP) and 6.6% (MTAF) (P = 0.82). The average time for bacterial leakage was 8 days in both experimental groups (P = 0.79). Conclusion: MTA Fillapex and AH Plus presented similar behavior regarding dentinal tubule penetration and bacterial leakage.

Influência da reinstrumentação do degrau apical radicular após o posicionamento primário do cone principal de guta-percha noselamento apical

The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the apical leakage after the apical re-preparation and replacement of the principal gutta-percha point plus endodontic sealer (Sealer 26TM). Sixty extracted human canines were prepared by using a step back technique up to size 50 K type file apically. At each change of instrument the canals were irrigated with distilled water. After that step, the external surface roots were coated and subdivided into six groups with ten roots each: I – single gutta percha point technique; II – lateral condensation and III – hybrid technique. The IV, V and VI groups were similar to others groups but after to place the principal gutta percha point, it was removed, re-prepared up to size 60K file and in sequence replaced the principal gutta percha point and the root canal filling finished. The specimens were immersed in 2% Rhodamine BTM for 7 days at 37 oC. The apical leakage was measured by Image ToolsTM program. With Kruskal Wallis test statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the techniques (p > 0.05).

Influência do cimento obturador e agente de irrigação final na infiltração marginal em situações de sobreobturações endodônticas

Objective: The objective of this paper was to verify if the final irrigation at 17% EDTA, separately or followed by chlorhexidine digluconate at 2% interferes on the apical marginal leakage in root canal overfilling, due to the use of two root canal filling materials (Sealer 26TM or SealapexTM). Methods: Forty lower incisors extracted, with a single root canal, were biomechanically prepared, at 2.0mm beyond the radicular apex, with ProTaper SystemTM, finishing it with the F3 instrument. Irrigation was accomplished with 1.0 mL NaOCl at 2.5% at each change of equipment caliper and, in the end, with 5.0 mL normal saline solution. After achieving this procedure, the foraminal channels was standardized with a file K 25 until its DO appears in the foraminal opening. From this moment, the teeth were subdivided into two groups of 20 specimens each, because of the final irrigation method used: I – irrigation with EDTA at 17% for 3min and II – identical protocol, thus, after EDTA aspiration at17%, it was again irrigated with chlorhexidine digluconate at 2%, also kept intra-canal for 3min. Each group was again sub-divided into two sub-groups (ten teeth each), according to the cement used (Sealer 26TM or SealapexTM), and filled by using a single gutta-percha F1 (ProTaperTM, Universal Filling), in such a manner that it goes 2.0 mm beyond the radicular apex. Soon after that, the teeth were immersed in Rhodamine BTM for 72h, vacuum and after the roots have been bucolingually grooved, the leakages marked were measured with program Image ToolTM. Results and Conclusions: The leakage magnitude was similar among themselves (p > 0.05), except for group Sealapex®, thus the final use with chlorhexidine reduced apical leakage (p < 0.05).

Avaliação do pH, da solubilidade e da infiltração marginal em retrobturações com o Sealer 26 puro ou acrescido de iodofórmio

Sealer 26® cement contains bisphenol epoxy resin associated with calcium hydroxide, presenting smaller radiopacity than other endodontic cements. Aiming to improve this property, iodoform has been added in its composition. However, this addition's possible changes in physical and chemical properties still need to be studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the apical sealing ability, solubility, and pH of Sealer 26® alone or with iodoform, at several proportions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three experimental mixtures of Sealer 26®, alone or with iodoform, were prepared and subjected to solubility test. Additionally, these combinations were inserted into polyethylene tubes and immersed in distilled water, and, their pH was evaluated after 24-h and 7-day periods. Subsequently, forty roots of extracted lower incisors subdivided into four groups of 10 specimens each, were retrograde filled with one of the previously described mixtures and gutta-percha points. The roots were immersed in Rhodamine B, under vacuum, for 72 hours. After this period, the specimens were longitudinally sectioned, root fragments photographed, these images scanned, and apical infiltration measured by Image tool software. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Marginal leakage and solubility tests did not show any difference among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). pH analysis was only statistically different at 24-h period and between Sealer 26® alone and 1.1g iodoform group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The presence of iodoform in Sealer 26®, at the used proportions, did not alter the solubility, apical marginal leakage and pH properties of the original cement.

Influence of the gutta-percha taper and finger spreader on lateral consensation effectiveness

Introduction: Lateral condensation effectiveness may be influenced by the gutta-percha and finger spreader taper used during root canal obturation. Objective: To evaluate the penetration ability of finger spreader into simulated root canals prepared using MTwo rotary system and filled with different gutta-percha and finger spreader tapers. Material and methods: Resin blocks with curved root canals had the apical diameter enlarged up to #25.06 and distributed into groups (n = 6) according to the gutta-percha taper (#25.02, #25.04, and #25.06) and the finger spreader (#30 and #35 NiTi, and stainless steel B) used to perform cold lateral condensation. After applying a load of 1.5 Kg over the finger spreaders’ head, the distance between the finger spread tip and the apical limit of the root canal preparation were obtained. The data were submitted to Anova and Tukey-Krammer’s test, with 5% of significance. Results: The gutta-percha cones with 0.02 taper enabled higher finger spreader penetration when compared to 0.04 and 0.06 tapers (p < 0.05), which were similar between each other (p > 0.05), regardless of the type and diameter of the finger spreader used. When different finger spreaders were compared among themselves, stainless steel B showed higher penetration ability (p < 0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that the stainless-steel finger spreaders showed superior penetration ability and gutta-percha with lower tapers enabled a more effective lateral condensation at the apical third.

Cirugía endodóntica con obturación simultánea del conducto radicular: caso atípico

The apical surgery with simultaneous root filling consists in the elimination of the local etiologic factors concomitant with the shaping and obturation of the root canal system. This technique is indicated when there is no possibility of obturating the root canal by conventional methods. Some adverse factors may difficult the clinical procedures, such as the radiographic interpretation. Periapical radiographs must not be used as the main diagnostic resource due to their inherent disadvantages, such as distortion and superimposition with other anatomical structures. The aim of this clinical case report is to show the limitations of radiographic examination in an apical surgery in which a root perforation was not visible in the radiographic image, as well as the gutta-percha was not related to its real clinical location.

Push-out bond strength of calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate based sealers

The adhesiveness of six root canal sealers: Acroseal, Endo CPM, Epiphany, White MTA, Sealapex and Sealer 26 to dentin, was evaluated in a push-out test design. Methods: Twenty eight roots of freshly extracted teeth were gauged with a size 5 Largo drill. With a cutting machine slices of 2 mm were prepared, rinsed with 5.25% NaOCl and a final rinse with 17% EDTA, dried and filled with one of the sealers. After setting their bond strength was measured in a mechanical testing machine. The data were statistically analyzed by using a One Way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. Results: The mean and standard deviation from values of bond strength was: Sealapex 2.2±0.4; Endo CPM 3.8±1.3; White MTA 6.0±1.4; Epiphany 10.9±2.6; Sealer 26 12.3±2.3; and Acroseal 12.2±1.4. Acroseal, Sealer 26 and Epiphany presented a significantly (P<0.01) greater bond strength compared with the other sealers. Also White MTA showed higher adhesiveness compared with Endo CPM and Sealapex (P<0.01). Conclusion: The bond strength between endodontic sealers and root dentin was maximal when Acroseal, Sealer 26 and Epiphany were used; Sealapex e Endo CPM, in turn, presented the lowest bond strength mean values.

Filling of simulated lateral canals with gutta-percha or thermoplastic polymer by warm vertical compaction

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Avaliação dos fatores críticos para a seleção e aplicação clínica dos pinos de fibra: relato de caso cliínico

Teeth that have lost much of their coronal tooth structure need intraradical devices to achieve a desired retention of the restorative material, restoring aesthetics and function to the patient. For this purpose, various types of intracanal posts have been studied, of wich the fiber posts have been highlighted with its increasing use in the dental market. The purpose of this study was to present a clinical case of using fiberglass post. As well as critically analyze the published works and points of controversy described by different authors related to factors such as different protocols cementation, surface treatments pins, fracture toughness and compression, the possibility of microleakage, diameter and length of the pin, and the various materials used in conjunction with the intracanal retainers. Thus, we concluded that fiber posts showed as an excellent alternative for anterior teeth, since have least 2 mm of tooth remaining.

Atividade antimicrobiana de cimentos endodônticos

The antimicrobial activity is a fundamental property of root-canal sealers due to persistence of residual microorganisms in the root canal system, even after the chemo-mechanical preparation and using of intracanal dressing. The aim of this study is to review the literature about the antimicrobial properties of some of the main root-canal sealers. Although there is controversy regarding this property, probably due to differences in the methodologies used in the studies, it was concluded that the sealers with the best antimicrobial activity were (in ascending order): Endofill, Ketac Endo, Sealapex, AH Plus, Endo CPM Sealer, Sealer 26 and Epiphany. Activ GP still needs scientific research to evaluate this property.

Uma abordagem sobre infecções endodônticas

As infeções endodônticas envolvem a invasão e multiplicação de microrganismos na polpa dentária e tecidos periapicais sendo responsáveis por dois tipos de patologias: as patologias pulpares e as patologias periapicais. Relativamente às patologias pulpares destacam-se a pulpite reversível, a pulpite irreversível e a necrose pulpar. Quanto às patologias periapicais, destacam-se o abcesso apical agudo, o abcesso apical crónico, a periodontite apical aguda, a periodontite apical crónica, o granuloma perirradicular e o quisto perirradicular. As doenças pulpares e periapicais apresentam manifestações clínicas diferentes que, em conjunto com os sinais e sintomas manifestados pelo paciente permitem diagnosticar o tipo de infeção endodôntica. As infeções endodônticas estão associadas a uma elevada diversidade de bactérias, sendo frequentemente intituladas de infeções endodônticas polimicrobianas. Sabe-se que os microrganismos são a causa principal das doenças pulpares e periapicais e, por esse motivo, o objetivo principal do Tratamento Endodôntico consiste na eliminação dos microrganismos e prevenção da re-infeção. O tratamento das infeções endodônticas baseia-se na preparação químico-mecânica do sistema de canais radiculares – instrumentação e irrigação – seguida da obturação e culminando com a restauração definitiva ou tratamento reabilitador. Este trabalho tem como objetivos adquirir um conhecimento mais amplo relativamente aos tipos de infeções endodônticas, à realização dos diversos diagnósticos e, principalmente, às várias opções de tratamento, disponíveis na área da Endodontia. Para tal foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica baseada em artigos científicos, publicados nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e Science Direct bem como em alguns livros relacionados com o tema.

Effects of light exposure time on composite resin hardness after root reinforcement using translucent fibre post

Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the Vickers hardness (VHN) of a Light Core (Bisco) composite resin after root reinforcement, according to the light exposure time, region of intracanal reinforcement and lateral distance from the light-transmitting fibre post. Methods: Forty-five 17-mm long roots were used. Twenty-four hours after obturation, the root canals were emptied to a depth of 12 mm and the root dentine was artificially flared to produce a 1 mm space between the fibre post and the canal walls. The roots were bulk restored with the composite resin, which was photoactivated through the post for 40 s (G1, control), 80 s (G2) or 120 s (G3). Twenty-four hours after post-cementation, the specimens were sectioned transversely into three slices at depths of 2, 6 and 10 mm, corresponding to the coronal, middle and apical regions of the reinforced root. Composite VHN was measured as the average of three indentations (100 g/15 s) in each region at lateral distances of 50, 200 and 350 mu m from the cement/post-interface. Results: Three-way analysis of variance (alpha = 0.05) indicated that the factors time, region and distance influenced the hardness and that the interaction time x region was statistically significant (p = 0.0193). Tukey`s test showed that the mean VHN values for G1 (76.37 +/- 8.58) and G2 (74.89 +/- 6.28) differed significantly from that for G3 (79.5 +/- 5.18). Conclusions: Composite resin hardness was significantly lower in deeper regions of root reinforcement and in lateral areas distant from the post. Overall, a light exposure time of 120 s provided higher composite hardness than the shorter times (40 and 80 s). (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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.

Photodynamic therapy for root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on endodontic pathogens by evaluating the decrease in numbers of Enterococcus faecalis colonies in the canals of extracted human teeth. Background Data: Failure in endodontics is usually related to inadequate cleaning and disinfection of the root canal system. This is due to the establishment of microorganisms in areas where the instruments and chemical agents used during root canal preparation cannot eliminate them. PDT is a complementary therapeutic method that could be used to eliminate these remaining bacteria. PDT is a process in which radiation acts on a dye that is applied to the target organism, resulting in bacterial death. Materials and Methods: Forty-six uniradicular teeth had their canals contaminated with bacteria and were incubated for 48 h at 35 degrees C. After that, the teeth were divided into a control group (CG) and a test group (TG). The 23 CG teeth did not undergo any intervention, whereas in the TG the teeth received a solution of 0.0125% toluidine blue for 5 min followed by irradiation using a 50-mW diode laser (Ga-Al-As) at a wavelength of 660 nm. Bacterial samples were taken before and after irradiation. In each of the samples, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) was counted. Results: The mean decrease in CFU was 99.9% in the TG, whereas in the CG an increase of 2.6% was observed. Conclusion: PDT was effective as a bactericidal agent in Enterococcus faecalis-contaminated root canals.