Comparative analysis of accessory mesial canal identification in mandibular first molars by using four different diagnostic methods.

Introduction: The objective of the present in vitro study was to compare 4 diagnostic methods to identify accessory mesial canals (AMCs) in lower first molars.

Methods: Forty-four lower first molars were selected for assessment with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), digital radiography (DR), clinical inspection (CI), and dental operating microscope (DOM). Initially, axial images were obtained by using CBCT, and radiographs were taken in ortho, mesial, and distal angulations.

The efficacy of a cervical barrier in preventing microleakage of Enterococcus faecalis in endodontically treated teeth.

The clinical failure of coronal restorations can compromise the healthy periapical status of endodontically treated teeth. The purpose of the present ex vivo study was to assess the effectiveness of the cervical barrier in preventing bacterial microleakage in the eventual loss of the coronal restoration. Following removal of the smear layer and obturation to the cementoenamel junction using gutta-percha, 70 single-rooted mandibular premolars were randomly divided into five different groups: Group 1 received no additional treatment; Groups 2 and 3 had 2 mm and 3 mm of the obturation removed, respectively, followed by placement of a cervical barrier that was the same thickness as the obturation.