Benefits and challenges of the integration of haptics-enhanced virtual reality training within dental curricula.

Background: Haptics-enhanced virtual reality (VR-haptic) simulation in dental education has evolved considerably during the past decade, representing a promising resource of simulation-based training opportunities to support conventional practice. We aim to summarize current literature on the applications of VR-haptics in learning, practicing, and teaching dental education.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, focusing on research articles published between January 2010 and January 2024.

Morphological Analysis and Bond Strength to Root Canal Dentin of Endodontically Treated and Retreated Teeth: An Ex Vivo Study.

Purpose: To assess the bond strength and the hybrid layer (HL) micro-morphological characteristics at the cement-dentin interface (CD-i) between root canal walls and two adhesive resin cements [self-etch (SERc) and self-adhesive (SARc)] in root-canal-treated (RCT) and naturally aged retreated teeth (RCR-T).

Materials And Methods: Vital (n = 16) and RCT (n = 16) teeth were, respectively, endodontically treated or retreated. Fiber posts were luted either with SERc (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick + DC Core Plus) or SARc (iCEM).

Confocal laser scanning evaluation of the influence of ledges on root canal disinfection.

The aim was to analyse the influence of an apical ledge on root canal disinfection. Forty-four single-rooted teeth were micro-CT scanned and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. In Group S shaping was performed with ProTaper Next (PTN) up to X3 at working length (WL).

Endodontic Treatment of Chronic Apical Periodontitis Ameliorates Systemic Inflammation and Restores Impaired Cellular Responses to Insulin in an In Vitro Model.

Introduction: A growing body of research supports an association between periapical inflammation and an increased risk of developing systemic diseases. There is currently no scientific evidence to support a causal effect of inflammation on the onset of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with apical periodontitis (AP). The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate any association between AP and levels of serum inflammatory factors potentially associated with the onset of IR, and to investigate the effect of root canal treatment (RCT) on these systemic inflammation markers and on the response in vitro to insulin.

Effects of Etching Time and Ethanol Wet Bonding on Bond Strength and Metalloproteinase Activity in Radicular Dentin.

(1) : The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the impact of different etching times and ethanol pre-treatments on the immediate bond strength of a hydrophilic multi-mode universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray, UBQ) and on the consequent gelatinolytic activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) on radicular dentin. (2) : Sixty single-root teeth were selected and divided into four groups according to the adhesive protocol applied for fiber post cementation: (G1) 15 s HPO application + UBQ; (G2) 30 s HPO application + UBQ; (G3) 15 s HPO application + ethanol pre-treatment + UBQ; (G4) 30 s HPO + ethanol pre-treatment + UBQ. After adhesive procedures, fiber posts were luted into the post space with a dual-curing cement (DC Core, Kuraray) and light-cured for 40 s.

The clinical outcomes of vital intact teeth close to large cystic lesions of endodontic origin: A prospective clinical study.

Aim: To evaluate the indication of the endodontic treatment for vital intact teeth with the root apex involved in large radicular cystic lesions of endodontic origin.

Methodology: This prospective cohort study enrolled healthy participants with radicular cysts of endodontic origin and with the root apex of vital intact teeth involved in the bone defect, as determined by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Thirty-two sound vital teeth were analysed by thermal (TPT) and electric pulp tests (EPT) before surgery (T0) and 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T4) post-surgery.

Dynamic Navigation System vs. Free-Hand Approach in Microsurgical and Non-Surgical Endodontics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies.

(1) Background: A Dynamic Navigation System (DNS) is an innovative tool that facilitates the management of complex endodontic cases. Despite the number of advantages and limitations of this approach, there is no evidence-based information about its efficiency in comparison with that of the traditional method in endodontics. (2) Objectives: We aimed to explore any beneficial effects of the DNS and compare the outcomes of DNS vs.

Endodontic microsurgery virtual reality simulation and digital workflow process in a teaching environment.

Introduction: Computer simulations are stimulating increased attention in dentistry. Augmented reality superimposes a virtual scenario over an existing reality and allows interaction with it. Virtual reality (VR) simulates a fully immersive situation permitting the user to experience the full environment in real time.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of endodontic ledge position in relation to canal curvatures.

Background: Endodontic ledge (EL) formation is the most common complication of endodontic treatment. Although various etiological factors have been identified, canal curvature is the most significant variable correlated with EL formation. The aim of this micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) study was to evaluate EL position in the mesial canals of the lower molars in relation to the degree of canal curvature.

Working length variation during multiple-visit endodontic treatment: An observational study.

This study investigated variation in working length during multiple-visit endodontic treatment. Patients (N = 106) with pulpitis or pulp necrosis, with or without apical periodontitis, were included. During the first appointment, glide path was performed with ProGlider and shaping with ProTaper Next.

Micro-Computed Tomography Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Shaping Systems in Mandibular First Molars.

The aim of this study was to compare the shaping ability of a modified ProTaper Next technique (PTNm) with that of TruNatomy (TN) in lower molars mesial curved canals using micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Sixty mesial canals of first mandibular molars were randomly assigned between two groups (n = 30). After canal scouting with K-File #10, glide path and shaping were carried out with TN or PTNm systems.

Wear Behaviour of Polymer-Infiltrated Network Ceramics, Lithium Disilicate and Cubic Zirconia against Enamel in a Bruxism-Simulated Scenario.

The present study aimed to evaluate the wear rate of polymer-infiltrated network composites and ceramics against enamel in a bruxism-simulated scenario. Ninety-six ( = 96) molars were divided into six groups ( = 16) according to their occlusal material: group 1-a polymer-infiltrated network ceramic (PINC); group 2-a second polymer-infiltrated network ceramic (PINC2); group 3-nanohybrid resin-based composite (CO); group 4-cubic zirconia (ZR); group 5-lithium disilicate (LS); and group 6-sound enamel (EN). A laser scanner was used to digitalize all of the occlusal surfaces before and after a fatigue test, which was conducted with a chewing simulator set at 80 and semicircular movement in order to simulate bruxist movement and loads.

Endodontic Treatment of a Molar with Peculiar Anatomy: Case Study with CBCT and 3D Printed Model.

Aim: The aim of the study was to achieve the endodontic treatment of a second maxillary molar with abnormal anatomy through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis and three-dimensional (3D) printing.

Background: A patient arrived referring recurrent abscesses, spontaneous pain, and the difficulty to eat properly; a diagnosis of tooth necrosis was made. The periapical X-ray showed an abnormal anatomy of the tooth.

Confocal Laser Scanner Evaluation of Bactericidal Effect of Chitosan Nanodroplets Loaded with Benzalkonium Chloride.

The aim was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and penetration depth into dentinal tubules of a solution of chitosan nanodroplets (NDs) loaded with Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK). Seventy-two human single-root teeth with fully formed apex were used. Cylindrical root dentin blocks were longitudinally sectioned and enlarged to a size of a Gates Glidden drill #4.

Highly-filled flowable composite in deep margin elevation: FEA study obtained from a microCT real model.

Objectives: To evaluate shear stress (SS) and normal pressure (NP) at the tooth-restoration interface of highly-filled flowable resin composite applied to deep margin elevation technique through FEM analysis generated by a microCT scan.

Methods: A reference maxillary molar with two class II cavities was prepared according to deep margin elevation protocol. A geometrical model was segmented from a micro-CT scan generating separate volumes of enamel, dentin and restorative materials.

Postoperative Pain following Root Canal Filling with Bioceramic vs. Traditional Filling Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate postoperative pain (POP) following root canal filling (RCF) with gutta-percha/bioceramic sealer (BCS) vs. gutta-percha/traditional sealer (TS) techniques. Electronic databases were searched for randomized trials.

Influence of Curing Mode and Layering Technique on the 3D Interfacial Gap of Bulk-fill Resin Composites in Deep Class-I Restorations: A Micro-CT Volumetric Study.

Purpose: To three-dimensionally evaluate the interfacial gap of bulk-fill resin composites applied in deep Class-I restorations with different layering techniques and curing modes.

Materials And Methods: Ninety-six (n = 96) samples were prepared with standardized deep Class-I cavities and adhesive procedures. Four materials were tested: SDR (SDR), SonicFill2 (SF), Admira Fusion X-Tra (AFXT), Filtek Supreme XTE (FS).

Micro-CT evaluation of rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems outcomes in maxillary molar curved canals.

The shaping outcomes after instrumentation with rotary and reciprocating glide path and shaping systems were evaluated through micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT). Thirty extracted maxillary first molars were selected. Mesio-buccal canals were randomized into two groups (n = 15): rotary system ProGlider and ProTaper Next X1, X2 (PG-PTN) and reciprocating system WaveOne Gold Glider and WaveOne Gold Primary (WOGG-WOG).

Does Curing Delay Affect the Bond Strength of Fiber Post with Self-Adhesive Cements?

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of three different curing protocols based on different ratios of self-curing and light-curing periods on the bond strength and nanoleakage of fiber posts luted with dual-curing self-adhesive cements.

Materials And Methods: A total of 48 single-root teeth were endodontically treated and obturated, and an 8-mm post space was prepared with dedicated drills. Specimens were randomly divided into two groups according to the self-adhesive cement employed: group 1 (G1) = PANAVIA SA Plus (Kuraray Noritake), and group 2 (G2) = Bifix SE (VOCO).

Effects of Different Fiber-Reinforced Solutions on Fracture Strength and Pattern in Endodontically Treated Molars.

Purpose: To evaluate the fracture strength of endodontically treated molars filled with different composite resins with vs without fiber reinforcement.

Materials And Methods: A total of 60 intact mandibular molars were selected and endodontically treated. A standardized mesio-occlusal-distal cavity was prepared with cervical margins 1 mm above the cementoenamel junction and oral and buccal walls with 1.

Micro computed tomography evaluation of Invisalign aligner thickness homogeneity.

Objectives: To measure the thickness homogeneity of Invisalign (Align Technology Inc, San José, Calif) aligners with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans.

Materials And Methods: Starting from micro-CT scanning of 20 different aligners, multiplanar reconstructions were obtained. An orthodontist blinded about the study measured aligner thickness in different regions (molar, canine, incisor) and in different sites (gingival-buccal, buccal, occlusal, lingual, and gingival-lingual).

Influence of Photon-Induced Photoacoustic Streaming (PIPS) on Root Canal Disinfection and Post-Operative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a PIPS (photon-induced photoacoustic streaming) Er:YAG laser to reduce the root canal system bacterial count in vivo in comparison to the traditional irrigation technique. The post-operative patients' quality of life (QoL) after endodontic therapy was evaluated through a questionnaire. Fifty-four patients affected by pulp necrosis with or without apical periodontitis biofilm disease were selected for endodontic treatment and randomly assigned to Group A ( = 27) with traditional irrigation and Group B ( = 27), with PIPS irrigation applied according to the protocol.

Combined Endo-restorative Treatment of a Traumatized Central Incisor: A Five-year Follow-up.

Purpose: The management of complicated crown-root fractures is challenging for endodontic restoration. The present case describes a patient who sustained trauma to the maxillary right central incisor.

Materials And Methods: Clinical and radiographic examination showed a complicated crown-root fracture and incomplete root development with periapical radiolucency and inadequate endodontic treatment with overfilling.

3D Interfacial Gap and Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Premolars Restored with Fiber-reinforced Composites.

Purpose: To evaluate interfacial gap and fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary premolars, restored with different glass-fiber reinforced materials.

Materials And Methods: Eighty-four extracted intact premolars were endodontically treated and MOD cavities prepared. Specimens were divided into 7 groups (n = 12 for each) as follows: sound teeth (G1); no restoration (G2); direct composite restoration with fiber-reinforced composite (everX Posterior GC) (G3); direct composite restoration (Filtek Supreme XTE, 3M Oral Care; "FSXTE") (G4); a horizontal layer of high-viscosity flowable composite (G-ænial Flow, GC) was placed on the pulp chamber floor, 10 mm x 3 mm glass fibers (everStick NET, GC) were inserted into the cavity (G5); same procedure as in group 5 except the direct restoration was made incrementally with FSXTE (3M Oral Care) (G6); composite overlays were placed (G7).

Effect of Er:YAG and Burs on Coronal Dentin Bond Strength Stability.

Purpose: To evaluate the immediate and aged bond strength and interfacial nanolaekage of different adhesives and protocols on dental elements prepared with diamond burs and Er:YAG laser.

Materials And Methods: Forty molar crowns were flattened and a standardized smear layer was created. Teeth were divided into two main groups according to the dentin cutting technique: 1.