Effectiveness of pulpotomy in managing carious exposure in mature permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This quantitative systematic review evaluated whether pulpotomy performed with hydraulic calcium silicate cements may be used as an alternative to root canal treatment (RCT) in mature permanent teeth with carious pulp exposure.

Data Sources: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library. No language restrictions were applied.

Effect of continuous vs sequential chelation on the mechanical properties of root dentin: An ex vivo study.

Objectives: To evaluate the mechanical properties of root canal dentin treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in combination with hydroxyethylidene diphosphonic acid (HEDP) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Methods: For testing fracture resistance, 45 single-rooted teeth were instrumented and irrigated with NaOCl/HEDP, NaOCl/EDTA, or distilled water. Fifteen untreated teeth served as control.

Bacteria debridement efficacy of two sonic root canal irrigant activation systems.

Objective: To evaluate the bacteria debridement efficacy of two generations of sonic root canal irrigant activation systems: EndoActivator (Dentsply Sirona), the first generation, and SmartLite Pro EndoActivator, the second generation.

Methods: Instrumented, autoclaved, single-rooted human premolars were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC-29212) for 21 days. The bacteria biofilm-containing teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (N=8): Group 1: Syringe-side-vented needle (S-N) delivery of saline for 1 min; Group 2: S-N delivery of 2% NaOCl for 1 min; Group 3: S-N delivery of 2% NaOCl for 5 min; Group 4: EndoActivator activation of 2% NaOCl for 1 min; Group 5: SmartLite Pro EndoActivator activation of 2% NaOCl for 1 min.

Enterococcus faecalis in secondary apical periodontitis: Mechanisms of bacterial survival and disease persistence.

Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract. However, in individuals with compromised immune systems, the pathogen can lead to severe illness. This opportunistic pathogen is associated with secondary apical diseases and is adept at resisting antibiotics and other forms of treatment because of its numerous virulence factors.

A facile method for rejuvenating the bonding efficacy of root canal sealer-smeared dentine.

Objectives: To examine the efficacy of glycine powder air-polishing on cleaning root canal sealer-smeared dentine.

Methods: Dentine surfaces were contaminated with a smear of epoxy resin-based sealer or tricalcium silicate-based sealer. The contaminated surfaces were cleaned with saline, 75% ethanol, or air-polishing with glycine powder.

Biomechanical perspectives on dentine cracks and fractures: Implications in their clinical management.

Objectives: The present review discussed the biomechanical properties of cracks and fractures in crown and root dentine and attempted to explain why cracked teeth and vertical root fractures are so frequent despite the existence of multiple crack toughening mechanisms in dentine. The implications of this knowledge were used to justify how these defects are managed clinically.

Data, Sources And Study Selection: Literature search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for a narrative review on fracture mechanics of crown and root dentine as well as the clinical management of cracked teeth and teeth with vertical root fracture.

Effectiveness of different cleaning measures on the bonding of resin cement to saliva-contaminated or blood-contaminated zirconia.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of different cleaning measures on the bonding of resin cement to saliva- or blood-contaminated zirconia.

Methods: One hundred and forty-one specimens (10 × 10 × 1.5 mm) were fabricated from KATANA zirconia blocks and contaminated with human saliva or sheep blood.

In vitro evaluation of efficacy of two endodontic sonic-powered irrigant agitation systems in killing single-species intracanal biofilms.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of two sonic-powered irrigation systems, EDDY and EndoActivator, in killing intracanal biofilms.

Methods: Eighty-three instrumented, autoclaved single-rooted human premolars were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC-29212) for 21 days to generate mature, single-species biofilms. The teeth were devided into four groups: irrigation with saline (N = 11); irrigation with 2% NaOCl without agitation (N = 24); irrigation with 2% NaOCl with agitation by the EndoActivaor (N = 24); irrigation with 2% NaOCl with agitation by the EDDY (N = 24).

Effects of pre-mixed hydraulic calcium silicate putties on osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells in vitro.

Objectives: An experimental tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate-containing endodontic putty has been designed to overcome the issue of reduced shelf life after exposure to atmospheric moisture during repeated opening of the container for clinical retrieval. The present study examined the effects of this experimental hydraulic putty on the mineralogenic characteristics of osteogenic lineage-committed human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), by comparing the cellular responses with a commercially available putty (EndoSequence BC RRM Putty).

Methods: The osteogenic potential of hDPSCs that had been exposed to the putties was examined using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for osteogenic gene expressions and western blot for osteogenic protein expressions.

Manoeuvrability and biocompatibility of endodontic tricalcium silicate-based putties.

Objectives: The present study evaluated the indentation depth, storage modulus and biocompatibility of an experimental endodontic putty designed for endodontic perforation repair and direct pulp-capping (NeoPutty). The results were compared with the properties associated with the commercially available EndoSequence BC RRM Putty (ES Putty).

Methods: Indentation depth was measured by a profilometer following indentation with the 1/4 lb Gilmore needle.

Micro-computed tomography evaluation of root canal filling quality with apical negative pressure.

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to compare, using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), the location and volume percentage of voids in root canals that were obturated with a premixed tricalcium silicate sealer and a single gutta-percha master cone, in the presence or absence of apical negative pressure.

Methods: Twenty extracted human mandibular premolars were cleaned and shaped. The teeth were assigned to 2 groups (n = 10) according to the filling technique: apical negative pressure sealer application combined with the single-cone technique (NPS) or syringe-assisted sealer application combined with the single-cone technique (SS).

Effects of calcium-phosphate, laser and adhesive on dentin permeability and bond strength.

Objectives: The present study examined a technique for reducing dentin permeability through the application of a calcium phosphate (CaP)-based desensitiser with a laser-assisted process and evaluated adhesive-dentin bond strength. : Thirty dentin discs were divided into two groups according to whether the selected desensitiser (TeethMate; Kuraray Noritake) was used prior to dentin bonding. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups (n = 5): A- Adhesive (Single Bond Universal, 3M ESPE), AL- Adhesive + Laser (Nd:YAG 60 mJ) and LAL- Laser + Adhesive + Laser.

Comparison of the use of d-enantiomeric and l-enantiomeric antimicrobial peptides incorporated in a calcium-chelating irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis root canal wall biofilms.

Objectives: To compare the anti-biofilm efficacy of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), 1018 and DJK-5, in disrupting canal wall biofilms in the isthmus, canal and dentinal tubules of single-rooted maxillary premolars.

Methods: Enterococcus faecalis single-species biofilms were formed in-situ in the root canal system of the premolars (n = 91). Confocal laser scanning microscopy, bacterial sampling, colony-forming unit counting, XTT assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay and phenol-sulphuric acid method were used to identify the anti-biofilm efficacy of both AMPs and their influence on bacterial metabolic activity.

Management of Large Radicular Lesions Using Decompression: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

The purpose of this study was to report the clinical efficacy of decompression for 3 cases with large periapical lesions and to review technique details. Three cases with large periapical cystic lesions were treated with decompression after root canal treatment. A traditional decompression technique was used for the first case.

Contribution of Mitophagy to Cell-Mediated Mineralization: Revisiting a 50-Year-Old Conundrum.

Biomineralization in vertebrates is initiated via amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) precursors. These precursors infiltrate the extracellular collagen matrix where they undergo phase transformation into intrafibrillar carbonated apatite. Although it is well established that ACP precursors are released from intracellular vesicles through exocytosis, an unsolved enigma in this cell-mediated mineralization process is how ACP precursors, initially produced in the mitochondria, are translocated to the intracellular vesicles.

Anti-biofilm efficacy of root canal irrigants against in-situ Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in root canals, isthmuses and dentinal tubules.

Objective: To investigate the anti-biofilm efficacy of root canal irrigants in canal spaces, isthmi and dentinal tubules of root canals ex vivo.

Methods: Fifty-one single-rooted premolars, each containing an isthmus, were instrumented, autoclaved and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 4 weeks. One specimen was sectioned for bacteria-specific staining to confirm the presence of biofilms using light microscopiy.

Effect of simulated intraosseous sinusoidal pressure on NaOCl extrusion.

Introduction: The present study examined the effects of irrigant flow rate and simulated intraosseous sinusoidal pressure on the rate of NaOCl extrusion from the apical terminus of a faux root canal.

Methods: An extrusion setup was designed to enable irrigant extrusion to be opposed by 30 mm Hg simulated intraosseous pressure. The faux canal apex was opposed by atmospheric + 30 mm Hg pressure (experimental) or atmospheric pressure only (control group).

Antibacterial efficacy of an endodontic sonic-powered irrigation system: An in vitro study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of EDDY, a new sonic-powered irrigation system, in reducing intracanal bacteria load.

Methods: Thirty-eight instrumented, autoclaved single-rooted human premolars were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC-29212) for 21 days. Two teeth were used as negative control without bacterial contamination.

Antimicrobial efficacy of an apical negative pressure root canal irrigation system against intracanal microorganisms.

Objectives: The effect of irrigation time on the antimicrobial efficacy of an apical negative pressure irrigation system was examined in vitro, followed by validation of the antimicrobial effect in vivo using the identified optimal irrigation time.

Methods: For the in vitro experiment, 44 extracted premolars were decoronated, instrumented, autoclaved and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) for 21 days. Four teeth were used as positive control, without irrigation.

Mechanism of bioactive molecular extraction from mineralized dentin by calcium hydroxide and tricalcium silicate cement.

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism of bioactive molecule extraction from mineralized dentin by calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)) and tricalcium silicate cements (TSC).

Methods And Results: Transmission electron microscopy was used to provide evidence for collagen degradation in dentin surfaces covered with Ca(OH) or a set, hydrated TSC for 1-3 months. A one micron thick collagen degradation zone was observed on the dentin surface.

Effect of Canal Anastomosis on Periapical Fluid Pressure Build-up during Needle Irrigation in Single Roots with Double Canals using a Polycarbonate Model.

Sodium hypochlorite is an effective irrigant for chemical debridement of root canals. However, increasing the intracanal pressure during irrigant delivery may result in irrigant extrusion into the bone and soft tissues surrounding the tooth. Because clinicians often encounter teeth with intracanal communications, the objective of the present study was to examine the effects of canal anastomosis on the generation of periapical fluid pressure at different fluid flow rates and insertion depths.

Potential applications of antimicrobial peptides and their mimics in combating caries and pulpal infections.

Unlabelled: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short cationic host-defense molecules that provide the early stage of protection against invading microbes. They also have important modulatory roles and act as a bridge between innate and acquired immunity. The types and functions of oral AMPs were reviewed and experimental reports on the use of natural AMPs and their synthetic mimics in caries and pulpal infections were discussed.

Mineralogenic characteristics of osteogenic lineage-committed human dental pulp stem cells following their exposure to a discoloration-free calcium aluminosilicate cement.

Objectives: An experimental discoloration-free calcium aluminosilicate cement has been developed with the intention of maximizing the beneficial attributes of tricalcium silicate cements and calcium aluminate cements. The present study examined the effects of this experimental cement (Quick-Set2) on the mineralogenic characteristics of osteogenic lineage-committed human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), by comparing the cellular responses with a commercially available tricalcium silicate cement (white mineral trioxide aggregate (ProRoot(®) MTA); WMTA).

Methods: The osteogenic potential of hDPSCs exposed to the cements was examined using qRT-PCR for osteogenic gene expressions, Western blot for osteogenic-related protein expressions, alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, Alizarin red S staining, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy of extracellular calcium deposits.