Risk Factors and Prevalence of Occupational Musculoskeletal Pain among Endodontists in the United States.

Introduction: A musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) of pain, weakness, numbness, or paresthesia is a common issue for dental health care providers. The aims of this study were to (1) identify the prevalence of MSDs among endodontists in the United States, (2) to identify risk factors of MSDs among United States endodontists, and (3) to compare these findings with other published findings for dental providers.

Methods: A 24-question survey regarding the demographics, potential risk factors, and prevalence of MSDs was formulated and distributed to 5394 members of the American Association of Endodontists.

Comparison of IL-1β, TNF-α, hBD-2, and hBD-3 Expression in the Dental Pulp of Smokers Versus Nonsmokers.

Introduction: To date, the endodontic literature lacks research on the effect of smoking on cytokine and defensin expression in the dental pulp. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, human beta defensin (hBD)-2 and hBD-3 in the dental pulp of smokers and compare them with nonsmokers. We hypothesized that cytokine and defensin expression would be reduced in smokers as compared with nonsmokers.

Introduction of implants into postdoctoral endodontic residency programs.

The purpose of this study was to survey the directors of postdoctoral endodontic programs in the United States to ascertain their attitudes and approaches regarding incorporation of implants into the endodontic curriculum. We hypothesized that program directors would agree that implant training should be incorporated into the endodontic curriculum. We also hypothesized that they would all prefer apical surgeries and retreatment over implants when plausible.

Molecular analysis of persistent periradicular lesions and root ends reveals a diverse microbial profile.

Introduction: The microbial etiology of periradicular lesions is recognized; however, the bacterial profile of these lesions is not well elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of bacterial colonization in these lesions and to characterize the bacterial community present in root ends and periradicular lesions.

Methods: Thirty-four adult patients who presented for apicoectomy of persistent periradicular lesions after endodontic therapy were selected for the study and samples of periradicular tissue and resected root ends collected.

An evaluation of bacterial contamination of barriers used in periapical tissue regeneration: Part 2--Bacterial penetration.

Objective: To compare the relative penetration of Prevotella melaninogenica and Enterococcus faecalis through 3 guided tissue regeneration membranes: Atrisorb, Lambone, and OsseoQuest. It was hypothesized that OsseoQuest would show increased bacterial penetration when compared to Lambone and Atrisorb.

Method And Materials: Centrifuge tubes containing trypticase soy broth were sealed with circular sections of membranes and placed in test tubes containing culture media.

An evaluation of bacterial contamination of barriers used in periapical tissue regeneration: Part 1--Bacterial adherence.

Objective: To compare the adherence of Prevotella melaninogenica and Enterococcus faecalis to 3 guided tissue regeneration membranes: Atrisorb, Lambone, and OsseoQuest. It was hypothesized that OsseoQuest would show increased bacterial adherence compared to Lambone and Atrisorb.

Method And Materials: The barriers were suspended in trypticase soy broth containing an inoculum of either P melaninogenica or E faecalis.

Intracanal assessment of mineral trioxide aggregate setting and sealing properties.

This study sought to assess setting time and sealing properties of intracanal mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Eighty-three extracted single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and instrumented using the crown-down technique. The apical 3.

A correlation study of occlusal and pulp chamber anatomy: the mandibular first molar.

Many parameters must be addressed for endodontic therapy to succeed. Because conservation of tooth structure is vital, the pulp chamber and root canal orifices should be located by using a method that is consistent yet accurate. The correlation of occlusal anatomy with the locations of the root canal orifice may aid dentists with access design.

A correlation study of occlusal and pulp chamber anatomy: the maxillary first molar.

The success of endodontic therapy is based on a number of criteria, particularly the conservation of tooth structure. This principle requires a systematic approach to pulp chamber access. By correlating the occlusal anatomy with the location of the root canal orifice, a dentist may find a number of guidelines for improving access design.

The role of apical size determination and enlargement in the reduction of intracanal bacteria.

The master apical preparation size in root canal therapy is debatable despite considerable research. The present study compared file sizes that bind at the apex before and during crown-down preparation and assessed the relation between apical size and extent of intracanal bacterial load. There were 100 single-rooted teeth biomechanically prepared after inoculation with Enterococcus faecalis.

Electric pulp tester conductance through various interface media.

A conducting media is necessary when using an electric pulp tester (EPT). The objective of this study was to observe differences in conductance through various media. We hypothesized that variations in current conductance through different media exist.

An analysis of current analgesic preferences for endodontic pain management.

A descriptive, cross sectional survey was developed to determine the preferences of endodontists when prescribing analgesics. Eleven clinical scenarios describing common endodontic diagnoses or procedures with specified severity of pain were provided. A survey was sent to 310 AAE members and 63 responded, providing a 20% response rate.

Endodontic treatment in an American Indian population: a 10-year retrospective study.

An epidemiological study of a regional population of Native Americans receiving treatment from 1991 to 2000 (n = 5460) was conducted via electronic survey. The objectives were to identify factors affecting the retention of endodontically treated teeth and to determine frequencies of endodontic care. Multiple factors were assessed.

Evaluation of cutting efficiency of ultrasonic tips used in orthograde endodontic treatment.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cutting efficiency of the three different ultrasonic tips for orthograde endodontic treatment: stainless steel, zirconium nitride-coated, and diamond-coated tips. An ultrasonic handpiece was mounted on a custom-made automated balance, and each tip repeatedly penetrated dental stone blocks to a depth of 3 mm for 10 times. The amount of time taken to penetrate 3 mm of stone was measured.

An in vitro assessment of iodoform gutta-percha.

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of a commercially available iodoform gutta-percha, to delay infiltration of Enterococcus faecalis using a microleakage model. Seventy extracted single-rooted teeth were decoronated and biomechanically prepared using hand and rotary instruments. Thirty roots were obturated laterally with iodoform gutta-percha and another 30 with regular gutta-percha.

Effectiveness of selected materials against Enterococcus faecalis: part 3. The antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis.

It has been found that Enterococcus faecalis is most commonly isolated in failed endodontic treatment. Irrigation with chlorhexidine gluconate has been suggested based on its antimicrobial effect and substantivity. Calcium hydroxide also is an effective antimicrobial agent because of its high alkalinity.

Effectiveness of stannous fluoride and calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of stannous fluoride, calcium hydroxide, or the two in combination against Enterococcus faecalis. Fifteen Mueller-Hinton agar plates were used to conduct a disc diffusion susceptibility test. The plates were inoculated with E.

Antimicrobial activity of endodontic sealers on Enterococcus faecalis.

Enterococcus faecalis has been shown to be highly resistant once established in the root canal system and may play an important role in endodontic failures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of four root canal sealers on E. faecalis.

An in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial properties of barriers used in guided tissue regeneration.

The inhibition of growth of Prevotella nigrescens and Enterococcus faecalis by three barriers membrane, (a) polylactic acid (Atrisorb), (b) laminar bone, and (c) calcium sulfate, was compared using an agar diffusion test. The first group of 20 plates were inoculated with P. nigrescens in a prereduced anaerobically-sterilized brain-heart infusion broth, while the second group of 20 plates were inoculated with E.