FESEM evaluation of smear layer removal from conservatively shaped canals: laser activated irrigation (PIPS and SWEEPS) compared to sonic and passive ultrasonic activation-an ex vivo study.

Background: Irrigation of the pulp space is a mandatory step to get rid of all its organic and inorganic content. Activation of the irrigants play a key role in the era of minimally invasive endodontics. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of different irrigants activation methods in removing the smear layer at 1, 3, 5 and 8 mm from the apex from conservatively shaped canals.

Curing effectiveness of single-peak and multi-peak led light curing units on tpo-containing resin composites with different chromatic characteristics.

This study evaluated the surface microhardness of Lucirin-TPO (TPO) containing resin based composite (RBC) cured with three light-emitting diode (LED) light curing units (LCUs) (two single-peak LED and one multi-peak LED), and two different energy density (ED) (8 J/cm and 16 J/cm). Ninety specimens (8 mm wide and 2 mm thick) (n=5), were prepared with three different shades: translucent (T), A2 dentin (A2d), and A4 dentin (A4d). Specimens were subjected to micro-hardness Vickers measurements (Vickers Hardness Number, VHN) on both top and bottom surfaces.

FESEM evaluation of smear layer removal using different irrigant activation methods (EndoActivator, EndoVac, PUI and LAI). An in vitro study.

Objectives: This study was to compare the efficacy of EndoActivator, EndoVac, PUI, and LAI methods in removing the smear layer from root canals.

Materials And Methods: Eighty single-rooted mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length of 15 mm. Specimens were shaped to ProTaper F4 (Dentsply Maillefer) and irrigated with 5.

Composition and microstructure of MTA and Aureoseal Plus: XRF, EDS, XRD and FESEM evaluation.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the phases' microstructure of Aureoseal Plus (OGNA, Italy) and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Tulsa Dental, USA) and to compare their characteristics.

Materials And Methods: Study Design: Comparing Aureoseal Plus and ProRoot MTA microstructure by means of several analyses type. The chemical analysis of the two cements was assessed following the UNI EN ISO 196-2 norm.

Accuracy of an electronic apex locator in the retreatment of teeth obturated with plastic or cross-linked gutta-percha carrier-based materials: an ex vivo study.

Introduction: This ex vivo study evaluated the accuracy of the Root ZX electronic apex locator (EAL) (J Morita Corp, Kyoto, Japan) in determining the working length during retreatment of canals sealed with 2 different carrier-based obturating materials (ProTaper Obturator [Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland] and GuttaCore [Dentsply Maillefer]) and also evaluated whether they influenced its accuracy differently.

Methods: Fifty extracted single-rooted human teeth with sound apices were selected for the study. We measured canals with the direct visual technique using a #10 K-file and shaped them with ProTaper Universal instruments (Dentsply Maillefer) up to this predetermined length.

Smear layer removal and canal cleanliness using different irrigation systems (EndoActivator, EndoVac, and passive ultrasonic irrigation): field emission scanning electron microscopic evaluation in an in vitro study.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different irrigating methods in removing the smear layer at 1, 3, 5, and 8 mm from the apex of endodontic canals.

Methods: Sixty-five extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length of 16 mm. Specimens were shaped to ProTaper F4 (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and irrigated with 5.

Accuracy of three electronic apex locators in anterior and posterior teeth: an ex vivo study.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine in anterior teeth, bicuspids, and molars (1) the accuracy of 3 different electronic apex locators (EALs) in detecting the apical foramen and (2) the accuracy of digital radiography in determining the working length (WL), compared with visible control under a microscope.

Methods: By using radiovideography (RVG), we measured the lengths of 120 root canals with 3 different EALs (Endex, ProPex II, and Root ZX) and compared them with the actual lengths. The accuracy of EALs and RVG was related to each dental category.

Shear bond strength, failure modes, and confocal microscopy of bonded amalgam restorations.

This study evaluated the shear bond strength, failure modes, and confocal microscopy of two different amalgam alloy restorations lined with five adhesive systems. Two regular-set high-copper dental amalgam alloys, Amalcap Plus and Valiant Ph.D, and five commercially available adhesive systems were selected.

Accuracy of three electronic apex locators compared with digital radiography: an ex vivo study.

Introduction: This study compared (1) the accuracy of three different electronic apex locators (EALs) in detecting the apical foramen ex vivo under clinical conditions; (2) the accuracy of digital radiography and EALs in determining the working length (WL) with visible control under a microscope; and (3) the precision of #10, #15, and #20 K-files in electronic measurements.

Methods: The length of 101 extracted human teeth was measured with three different EALs (Endex [Osada Electric Co, Tokyo, Japan], ProPex II [Dentsply-Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland], and Root ZX [J. Morita Co, Tustin, CA]), with radio videography (RVG) and compared with the actual length.

A comparative study of smear layer removal and erosion in apical intraradicular dentine with three irrigating solutions: a scanning electron microscopy evaluation.

Introduction: This study compared the efficacy of BioPure MTAD (Dentsply Tulsa, Tulsa, OK), 17% EDTA, and 42% citric acid in endodontic smear layer removal and degree of erosion in the apical third of endodontic canals.

Methods: Ninety-six extracted single-rooted human teeth were randomized into four groups (n = 24) and instrumented using System GT nickel-titanium rotary instruments (Dentsply Tulsa, Tulsa, OK). Each canal was irrigated with one of the following solutions: BioPure MTAD, 17% EDTA, 42% citric acid, or 5.