Evaluation of the expression of nerve fiber markers in healthy and inflamed dental pulp.

The diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis (IP) depends on clinical data, especially the chief complaint of the patient, visual inspection, response to the application of stimuli, and radiographic examination. The characterization of nerve fibers (NF) in IP may contribute to better interpret painful symptoms, but has been barely explored. This study sought to characterize the density and integrity of NF in 16 samples of IP and in five healthy pulps (HP) using S-100 and PGP 9.

Chemical elements characterization of root canal sealers using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical elements composition of root canal filling materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX).

Methods: Eighteen standard polyethylene tubes were filled with the following materials: Sealapex(®), Sealer 26(®), MTA Fillapex(®), Pulp Canal Sealer(®), Endofill(®) and AH Plus(®). After 48 hours at 37°C and 95% relative humidity, the samples were surface-sputtered with gold and analyzed using SEM at 5000X magnification.