Is canal overinstrumentation able to produce apical root dentinal microcracks in extracted teeth?

Aim: To assess the impact of mechanical overinstrumentation of root canals in extracted teeth on the development of dentinal microcracks in the apical portion of the root by means of micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) analysis. Root canal preparation short of the canal terminus and at the apical foramen (AF) were used as controls.

Methodology: Twenty 2-rooted maxillary premolars with two canals were selected, scanned in a micro-CT device and the root canals prepared sequentially using Reciproc M-Wire R25 instruments to working lengths: 1 mm short of the AF (AF - 1 mm), at the AF (AF), and overinstrumentation (AF + 1 mm).

Association between chronic apical periodontitis and low-birth-weight preterm births.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) and low-birth-weight preterm births (LBWPB).

Methods: Sixty-three women in postpartum period were included in this case-control study. The case group consisted of mothers of LBWPB infants (n = 33), and the control group was represented by mothers of newborns at term (n = 30).