Guidance for evaluating biomaterials' properties and biological potential for dental pulp tissue engineering and regeneration research.

Background: Dental pulp regeneration is a complex and advancing field that requires biomaterials capable of supporting the pulp's diverse functions, including immune defense, sensory perception, vascularization, and reparative dentinogenesis. Regeneration involves orchestrating the formation of soft connective tissues, neurons, blood vessels, and mineralized structures, necessitating materials with tailored biological and mechanical properties. Numerous biomaterials have entered clinical practice, while others are being developed for tissue engineering applications.

Endodontic treatment modifies circulatory inflammatory mediator levels: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: There is limited and conflicting data on the reduction of circulatory inflammatory mediators in patients with apical periodontitis (AP) following endodontic treatment.

Objective: To answer the following research question: in adult healthy patients with AP [Population (P)], is there a difference before [Comparator (C)] and after various endodontic treatments (nonsurgical, surgical or retreatment) [Intervention (I)] on systemic levels of inflammatory biomarkers [Outcome (O)] in the follow-up period [Time (T)]?

Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted in the databases Scopus, PubMed, Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Grey literature from inception to July 2024 with no language restrictions. Observational studies examining changes in serum levels of inflammatory mediators were included.

Controversial terminology in root and canal anatomy: A comprehensive review.

Discipline-specific terminology is a central element of the vocabulary used by dentists and scientists in the context of their professional activities and plays a critical role in the understanding of dentistry. A number of controversial terms and non-standardized definitions exist in the field of endodontology. For example, in root and canal anatomy, variations exist in the definitions of root morphology (including apical bifurcation, fusion and dilaceration), pulp chamber anatomy (including the outline of the floor, pulp horns and location of the root canal orifice), apical root canal bifurcations, canal isthmuses, accessory canals and apical foramen.

A multi-national survey-based evaluation of undergraduate/predoctoral endodontic education.

Aim: To evaluate the current status of endodontic education and assessment at an undergraduate/predoctoral level in dental schools worldwide.

Methodology: The current survey comprised a 50-item online questionnaire related to undergraduate endodontic education. The project leaders emailed the survey's details to faculty members responsible for endodontic teaching at one dental school in every country to seek their willingness to participate in the survey.

The impact of cone beam CT on outcomes associated with endodontic access cavity preparation: a controlled human analogue study using 3D-printed first maxillary molars.

Objectives: To identify if supplemental preoperative cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging could improve outcomes related to endodontic access cavity preparation, using 3D-printed maxillary first molars (M1Ms) in a rigorously simulated, controlled human analogue study.

Methods: Eighteen operators with 3 experience-levels took part in 2 simulated clinical sessions, 1 with and 1 without the availability of CBCT imaging, in a randomized order and with an intervening 8-week washout period. Operators attempted the location of all 4 root canals in each of 3 custom-made M1Ms (2 non-complex and 1 complex mesiobuccal [MB] canal anatomy).

The effectiveness of partial pulpotomy compared with full pulpotomy in managing deep caries in vital permanent teeth with a diagnosis of non-traumatic pulpitis.

Background: Pulpitis may be pain free or alternatively characterized by mild to severe pain and associated symptoms. Evidence has recently emerged that patients presenting with carious pulp exposure range of symptoms can be treated effectively with pulpotomy.

Objective: The current systematic review aimed to answer the following research question: "In patients with deep caries lesions in permanent teeth associated with no symptoms, reversible pulpitis or signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis (P), is partial pulpotomy (I) as effective as full pulpotomy (C), in terms of a combination of patient and clinical reported outcomes (O), with "tooth survival" as the most critical outcome?

Methods: The systematic literature search was conducted in the following electronic databases: OVID, Scopus, PubMed (Including MEDLINE), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) supplemented with Grey literature and hand searching of relevant journals.

Reporting quality of scoping reviews in endodontics: A meta-research study.

Objectives: To evaluate the reporting quality of Scoping Reviews (ScRs) in endodontics according to the PRISMA Extension Checklist for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and to analyse their association with a range of publication and methodological/reporting characteristics.

Methods: Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to 31 January 2024 to identify scoping reviews in the field of endodontics. An additional search was performed in three leading endodontic journals.

Teeth with vital pulps and stage III periodontitis unresponsive to therapy exhibit a pulpal inflammatory profile similar to symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-10, IL-1β) and the pulpitis-associated miRNA (miR-30a-5p and miR-128-3p) in pulp tissue samples from unrestored teeth with a vital normal pulp (NP), teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (IP) and in unrestored teeth with periodontal disease, unresponsive to periodontal therapy, and a vital pulp (EP).

Methodology: Thirty patients were included in this observational study (10 teeth with NP, 10 teeth with IP, 10 teeth with EP). Dental pulp tissues samples were collected from patients during root canal treatment (RCT).

Artificial intelligence in endodontics: Data preparation, clinical applications, ethical considerations, limitations, and future directions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative technology in healthcare, including endodontics. A gap in knowledge exists in understanding AI's applications and limitations among endodontic experts. This comprehensive review aims to (A) elaborate on technical and ethical aspects of using data to implement AI models in endodontics; (B) elaborate on evaluation metrics; (C) review the current applications of AI in endodontics; and (D) review the limitations and barriers to real-world implementation of AI in the field of endodontics and its future potentials/directions.

Artificial intelligence in endodontics: Fundamental principles, workflow, and tasks.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has seen significant advancements, particularly in areas requiring image interpretation. Endodontics, a specialty within dentistry, stands to benefit immensely from AI applications, especially in interpreting radiographic images. However, there is a knowledge gap among endodontists regarding the fundamentals of machine learning and deep learning, hindering the full utilization of AI in this field.

Tissue engineering approaches for dental pulp regeneration: The development of novel bioactive materials using pharmacological epigenetic inhibitors.

The drive for minimally invasive endodontic treatment strategies has shifted focus from technically complex and destructive root canal treatments towards more conservative vital pulp treatment. However, novel approaches to maintaining dental pulp vitality after disease or trauma will require the development of innovative, biologically-driven regenerative medicine strategies. For example, cell-homing and cell-based therapies have recently been developed and trialled in preclinical models to study dental pulp regeneration.

Top 100 most-cited scientific articles in regenerative endodontics 2019-2023: A bibliometric analysis.

Background: Bibliometric analysis is a critical indicator of the influence and relevance of scientific papers, whilst also highlighting key contributors and gaps in knowledge in a scientific field.

Objectives: To update and analyse the 100 most-cited papers in regenerative endodontics from 2019 to 2023.

Methods: A search of the most-cited recent papers focusing on regenerative endodontics using journals included in the category, 'Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine', in the Clarivate Web of Science database from 2019 to 2023 was performed.

Dynamic Alterations in Acetylation and Modulation of Histone Deacetylase Expression Evident in the Dentine-Pulp Complex during Dentinogenesis.

Epigenetic modulation, including histone modification, alters gene expression and controls cell fate. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are identified as important regulators of dental pulp cell (DPC) mineralisation processes. Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding the nature of histone modification and HDAC expression in the dentine-pulp complex during dentinogenesis.

Discriminatory performance of the pulpal inflammatory biomarkers; Interleukin-8 and TNF-α in patients with symptoms indicative of reversible and irreversible pulpitis: A diagnostic accuracy study.

Aim: The success of vital pulp treatment (VPT) procedures is dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the pulpal inflammatory condition. Compared with current subjective pulpal diagnostic tests, inflammatory molecular biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of pulpitis represent potential objective indicators of the degree of pulpal inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify level of inflammatory biomarkers - Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and TNF-α in patients diagnosed with reversible pulpitis (RP), irreversible pulpitis (IR) and normal pulp (NP) and investigate their diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between healthy and inflamed conditions.

PRIDASE 2024 guidelines for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies in endodontics: A consensus-based development.

Studies investigating the accuracy of diagnostic tests should provide data on how effectively they identify or exclude disease in order to inform clinicians responsible for managing patients. This consensus-based project was undertaken to develop reporting guidelines for authors submitting manuscripts, which describe studies that have evaluated the accuracy of diagnostic tests in endodontics. These guidelines are known as the Preferred Reporting Items for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Endodontics (PRIDASE) 2024 guidelines.

The efficacy of premixed bioceramic sealers versus standard sealers on root canal treatment outcome, extrusion rate and post-obturation pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Limited evidence is available regarding the superior clinical properties of bioceramic sealers comparted with traditional standard sealers.

Objectives: This review aimed to answer the following research questions: 'In healthy patients requiring a root canal treatment (P), what is the efficacy of premixed bioceramic sealers (I) compared with traditional root canal epoxy resin-based sealers (C) in terms of survival, success rates (PICO1) sealer extrusion and resorption (PICO2) post-obturation pain (PICO3) (O)?'

Methods: Authors independently searched three electronic databases: PubMed (including MEDLINE), Web of Science, Embase and Scopus up to 31 October 2023. This was accompanied by both grey literature and manual search.

Isolation and Culture of Primary Human Dental Pulp Cells-A Description of Technical and Methodological Steps to Maximise Predictability and Yield.

The dental pulp has critical functions in tooth development as well as an ongoing role in promoting and maintaining the vitality of teeth. In particular, its regenerative ability allows dental tissues to be restored following damage caused by traumatic injury or caries. Regenerative endodontic procedures aim to utilise these processes to stimulate dental pulp repair in a minimally invasive manner and reduce the need for more invasive procedures such as root canal treatment.

The impact of bone grafting with/without barrier membrane placement on the outcome of apical surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Regenerative techniques are increasingly being advocated in endodontic apical surgery (AS) to enhance the healing of periapical lesions. Various grafting and membrane materials are employed as adjuncts to modern AS.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to answer the following PICO question: In patients with apical periodontitis (P) what is the impact of bone grafting with/without barrier membrane materials (I) compared with surgery without grafting materials (C) on the outcome of AS evaluated clinically and radiographically (O).

Investigating the technical quality of undergraduate endodontic treatment in a primary care-based dental school.

Introduction The success of root canal treatment (RCTx) relies on the technical quality of the root canal filling, often assessed through radiographic evaluation.Aims This audit aims to evaluate the technical proficiency of Peninsula Dental School (PDS) undergraduate dental students in RCTx, comparing it with established European standards.Design Conducted as a retrospective study, this evaluation focuses on assessing the technical quality of RCTx performed by undergraduate dental students at PDS across various academic years.

An international consensus study to identify "what" outcomes should be included in a core outcome set for endodontic treatments (COSET) for utilization in clinical practice and research.

Background: Development of a standardized set of topic-specific outcomes known as a Core Outcome Set (COS) is important to address issues of heterogeneity in reporting research findings in order to streamline evidence synthesis and clinical decision making.

Aim: The aim of the current international consensus study is to identify "what" outcomes to include in the Core Outcome Set for Endodontic Treatments (COSET). Outcomes of various endodontic treatments (non-surgical root canal treatment, surgical endodontics, vital pulp treatment and revitalization procedures) performed on permanent teeth were considered.