Investigation of chemical changes in sealers during application of the warm vertical compaction technique

Aim To assess (i) heat generated by pluggers during warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha and investigation of temperature changes on the external root surface during canal filling, and (ii) the chemical changes of root canal sealers induced by heat.Methodology Four sealers, namely AH Plus, MTA Plus and two other experimental sealers based on tricalcium silicate, were characterised. External temperatures generated on the root surface during warm vertical compaction of gutta-percha with different sealers inside the root canal were monitored using an infrared thermography camera. Chemical changes induced by heating the sealers were assessed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.Results MTA Plus and the experimental sealers were composed of a cement and radiopacifier, with epoxy resin or a water-soluble polymer as dispersant, whilst AH Plus was epoxy resin-based. The heat generated at the tips of the continuous wave pluggers was found to be lower than the temperature set and indicated on the device LCD display. The sealers reduced the heat generated on the external root surfaces during the heating phase. AH Plus sustained changes to its chemical structure after exposure to heat, whilst the other sealers were unaffected.Conclusions The temperatures recorded at the tips of continuous wave pluggers varied with their taper and were lower than the temperature set on the System B LCD display. Root canal sealers reduced the dissipation of heat generated during warm vertical compaction, with the temperature at the external root surface maintained at 37-41 degrees C, a temperature below that is necessary to cause irreversible damage to bone and periodontium. The use of AH Plus sealer during warm vertical compaction techniques results in chemical changes in the sealer. The effect on sealer properties needs to be further investigated.

Quantificação de endotoxinas e sua relação com sinais / sintomas e volumetria da lesão periapical e do canal radicular em dentes com infecção endodôntica primária

Pós-graduação em Odontologia Restauradora - ICT

Acurácia das medidas de limas endodônticas em radiografias digital e convencional: estudo in vitro em dentes decíduos

The objective of this study is to evaluate the measurement accuracy of endodontic files obtained by digital and conventional radiographies in primary teeth. Kerr and Hedströen files (# 20), with the reference as the apparent length of tooth, were inserted in the root canal of 18 extracted primary teeth, which were x-rayed by digital and conventional techniques. Measurements from a reference point to the apical end were carried out by an experienced operator twice in a week. An electronic ruler was used for the digital method and a caliper was used for the conventional method. The data were subjected to Pearson correlation test and Student´s t test (p = 0.05). The correlation between the first and the second measurements was r = 0.99, regardless the type of file and method. Comparing the measurements within the methods, the agreement was r = 0.96 for Kerr and r = 0.95 for Hedströen files. The values of length files in the digital radiographies were statistically lower than that obtained in the conventional radiographies (p = 0.02). However, the values obtained by the two methods were statistically similar to real length of teeth for Kerr files (p = 0.29) and for Hedströen files (p = 0.18). The digital radiography was a more trustful method to obtain the lengths of endodontic files.

Reparo periapical de dentes tratados endodonticamente submetidos a movimentação ortodôntica

The relationship of Orthodontics and Endodontics is being clarified with the development of evidence-based dentistry. However, few studies have reported the repair of periapical lesions with orthodontic treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the available evidence on periapical repair of endodontically treated teeth during orthodontic movement. The strategy used was the electronic search with keywords and criteria including studies published up to July 2011. It was also carried out qualitative assessment of the articles methodology. Although a significant number of studies have reported this topic, only two filled the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. The results obtained in the literature suggest that orthodontic treatment should be interrupted to perform endodontic treatment. During this therapy, the use of root canal dressing based on calcium hydroxide for at least 14 days, and sealer with adequate biological property are indicated. After this phase, orthodontic movement of the endodontically treated teeth can be resumed without waiting period.

Incomplete vertical root fracture associated with lateral compaction technique: a microscopic analysis

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of root canal obturation employing lateral compaction technique and spreader load of 1.5 kg on the incidence of complete (CVRF) or incomplete vertical root fractures (IVRF). Material and Methods: Twenty-seven distal roots of extracted human mandibular molars were used. All root canals were prepared by biomechanical step-back technique and obturated by lateral compaction technique. The prepared roots were distributed into two groups: G1- experimental (n = 17) and G2- control (n = 10). During obturation, load of 1.5 kg was applied to a size # 30 finger spreader. Pre- and post-obturation images of the coronal portion of the roots were captured by inverted digital microscopy and analyzed by one trained examiner. Data were evaluated by Fisher’s test (p < 0.05) using GrapH Pad Prism 5.0. Results: No roots exhibited CVRF. All fractures observed before and after obturation were IVRF or “other defects”. In G2 (control group), there was no increase of IVRF number. Interestingly, G1 presented an increase in the IVRF number to 70.59% in the 12 teeth out of 17 teeth studied. The statistical analysis showed that the mean of IVRF increased significantly in G1 when compared to G2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of a 1.5 kg spreader load during lateral compaction technique does not produce complete vertical root fractures, but may produce incomplete fractures or “other defects”.

Evaluación del comportamiento biológico de tres cementos obturadores endodónticos en tejido subcutáneo de ratones

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological behavior of the root canal filling sealers: Endofill, Endomethasone and Sealer 26 when in contact with the subcutaneous connective tissue of rat. For the study one control and three experimental groups were used. A total of 15 animals were divided into 5 for each period: 7, 21, and 60 days. The obtained histological sections were processed and stained using the hematoxiline & eosine technique. The histological sections were subjective and comparatively analyzed using optic microscopy. The intensity of the inflammatory reaction and the level of fibrosis of the tissue were registered. The results were registered in scores and statistical analysis by KRUSKAL-WALLIS p<0,05 and MILLER methods. The statistical analysis revealed that in the period of 60 days, there was statistical significance to group II (Endofill) between group (control) and III (Endomethasone) with mononuclear cells into connective tissue. All materials promoted inflammatory reaction more intense at 7 and 21 days with the Endomethasone showing the best results.

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).

Influência da agulha irrigadora e da dilatação do canal radicular na eficácia da irrigação endodôntica

Introduction: The irrigation of root canals aims to their cleaning and disinfection, improving endodontic treatment success. Objective: To investigate the influence of the diameter and type of irrigation needle and the root canal enlargement on the mechanical efficacy of endodontic irrigation. Material and methods: Twelve human single-rooted mandibular incisors were used. During some instrumentation stages (enlargement by #20, #30, and #40 K file), root canals were filled with radiographic contrast solution mixed to propyleneglycol and zinc oxide. Needles with different diameters and designs were employed: G1 – 23G and lateral opening; G2 – 22G and apical opening; G3 – 30G and lateral opening; G4 – 30G and apical opening. The needles were inserted up to resistance, with 1 mm step-back to avoid root canal obliteration. The irrigation was performed with 2 mL of distilled water. Before and after irrigation/aspiration, teeth were radiographed at bucco-lingual and mesiodistal direction, using a digital radiographic system. Then, root canal areas, before (filled by contrast solution) and after irrigation (remnant of contrast solution), were submitted to image subtraction with Adobe Photoshop CS4 software. Subsequently, the areas were measured by Image Tool 3.0 software, allowing the obtaining of the cleaning percentage for each modality. Data were analysed by using Anova and Tukey’s test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: For all root canal enlargements, 30G needles (G3 e G4) presented a better cleaning efficacy. In all groups, higher cleaning efficacy percentage was observed at #30 and #40 K file enlargement. Conclusion: Regardless their design, thinner needles were more effective; a better cleaning efficacy occurred in more enlarged root canals.

Filling of simulated lateral canals with gutta percha or resilon when using thermomechanical compaction

Aims: To evaluate the filling of simulated lateral canals with gutta-percha or Resilon when using thermomechanical compaction. Setting and Design: Forty-five human single-rooted teeth were subjected to tooth decalcification and clearing. Materials and Methods: After root canal preparation, artificial lateral canals were made at 2, 5, and 8 mm from the working length (WL), corresponding to the apical, middle, and cervical thirds, respectively. The specimens were divided (n = 15) according to the filling material: Dentsply gutta-percha (GD), Odous gutta-percha (GO), and Resilon cones (RE). Root canals were obturated by thermomechanical compaction using a #45 compactor and no sealer. Lateral canals were analyzed by digital radiography and digital images after tooth decalcification and clearing using the Image Tool software. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests at 5% significance. Results: In the coronal third, RE and GO presented more filling ability than GD (P < 0.05). In the middle and apical thirds, RE presented the best results. Conclusions: Resilon demonstrated filling ability as material for root canal obturation by using thermomechanical compaction.

Portland cement use in dental root perforations: a long term followup

Root canal and furcal perforations are causes of endodontic therapy failure and different materials that stimulate tissue mineralization have been proposed for perforation treatment. In the first case, a patient presented tooth 46 with unsatisfactory endodontic treatment and a periapical radiographic lesion. A radiolucent area compatible with a perforating internal resorption cavity was found in the mesial root. The granulation tissue was removed, and root canals were prepared. The intracanal medication was composed of calcium hydroxide and the perforation cavity was filled with Portland cement. The 11-year followup showed radiographic repair of the tissue adjacent to the perforation and absence of clinical signs and symptoms or periapical lesion. In the second case, a patient presented with edema on the buccal surface of tooth 46. The examination showed a radiolucent area in the furcation region compatible with an iatrogenic perforation cavity. The mesial root canals were calcified, and only the distal root canal was prepared. The cavity was filled with a calcium hydroxide-based paste and the distal root canal was obturated. In sequence, the perforation cavity was filled with Portland cement. The 9-year followup showed the tooth in masticatory function with radiographic and clinical aspects compatible with normality.

Chemical characterization and bioactivity of epoxy resin and Portland cement-based sealers with niobium and zirconium oxide radiopacifiers

The purpose of this study was to characterize and to evaluate the bioactivity potential of experimental root canal sealers (ES) based on Portland cement, epoxy resin with nano- and micro-particles of niobium or zirconium oxide used as radiopacifiers in comparison to AH Plus and MTA Fillapex. Methods Specimens of the sealers (10 mm in diameter × 1 mm thick) were prepared and the radiopacity was evaluated according to ISO 6876 (2012) specifications. Characterization of the sealers was performed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) immediately after setting and after immersion for 28 days in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). In addition X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were also performed. The pH and calcium ion release were measured after 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after completion of seating using a digital pH meter and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively. Results The experimental sealers exhibited an average radiopacity of 2.5 mm thickness of aluminum, which was similar to MTA Fillapex (P > 0.05) and inferior to AH Plus (P < 0.05). AH Plus did not show bioactivity. Although the experimental sealers did not exhibit the formation of hydration product, they encouraged the deposition of crystalline spherical structures of calcium deficient phosphate. The highest pH and calcium release values were observed with the experimental sealers (P < 0.01). ES-Nb-micro was the only sealer to present hexagonal shaped crystal deposition. Significance Novel root canal sealers based on a mixture of Portland cement, epoxy resin and radiopacifier exhibited a degree of bioactivity although no evidence of cement hydration was demonstrated on material characterization. The radiopacifier particle size had limited effect on the sealer microstructure and chemical properties.

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.

Effectiveness of gutta-percha and Resilon in filling lateral root canals using thermomechanical technique

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influence of the rotary and/or oscillatory reciprocating systems in the morphological changes of narrow and curved molar root canals anatomy

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)