A Retrospective, Radiographic Outcomes Assessment of 1960 Initial Posterior Root Canal Treatments Performed by Endodontists and Dentists.

Introduction: The Air Force Dental Service has established evidence-based treatment standards for endodontics, including 3-dimensional filling of the canal system, cuspal coverage restoration of endodontically treated posterior teeth, and use of rubber dam. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of these standards on outcomes of initial posterior root canal treatments (RCTs) completed by Air Force (AF) and civilian dentists with and without accredited postgraduate training.

Methods: Treatment and follow-up radiographs of AF members who had an initial posterior RCT completed in 2011 were evaluated.

The effect of 8.25% sodium hypochlorite on dental pulp dissolution and dentin flexural strength and modulus.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various concentrations of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), including 8.25%, on dental pulp dissolution and dentin flexural strength and modulus.

Methods: Sixty dental pulp samples and 55 plane parallel dentin bars were retrieved from extracted human teeth.

A panoramic survey of air force basic trainees: how research translates into clinical practice.

Introduction: The purposes of this study were to examine the following in young adults residing in the United States: (1) the prevalence of teeth with root canal therapy (RCT) and teeth in need of RCT, (2) how frequently treatment practices associated with success as cited in the literature are found in posterior teeth with RCT, and (3) which treatment practices are associated with periradicular pathology.

Methods: Panoramic radiographs taken of all basic trainees entering the US Air Force in 2011 were evaluated in a 2-part review. A general survey of all radiographs was performed to determine the prevalence of teeth with and teeth in need of RCT.

In vitro canal and isthmus debris removal of the self-adjusting file, K3, and WaveOne files in the mesial root of human mandibular molars.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of debris removal between the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), WaveOne, and K3 file systems in the mesial roots of mandibular molars. In addition, the SAF was tested as a potential adjunct after instrumentation with other systems.

Methods: The mesial roots of 30 extracted mandibular molars were mounted in resin by using the K-Kube, sectioned at 2 and 4 mm from working length, and randomly placed into 3 groups: K3 group, sequential preparation with K3 files to an apical size of 35/.

Reinforcement of simulated immature roots restored with composite resin, mineral trioxide aggregate, gutta-percha, or a fiber post after thermocycling.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance after thermocycling of simulated immature teeth restored with composite, a fiber post, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), or gutta-percha.

Methods: Eighty-four primary bovine mandibular incisors were divided into 7 groups (n = 12). Negative controls received no treatment.