Comparison of IL-1β, TNF-α, hBD-2, and hBD-3 Expression in the Dental Pulp of Smokers Versus Nonsmokers.

Introduction: To date, the endodontic literature lacks research on the effect of smoking on cytokine and defensin expression in the dental pulp. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, human beta defensin (hBD)-2 and hBD-3 in the dental pulp of smokers and compare them with nonsmokers. We hypothesized that cytokine and defensin expression would be reduced in smokers as compared with nonsmokers.

The Effect of Various Concentrations of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen on the Hypersensitive Gag Reflex.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various concentrations of NO/O on obtunding a hypersensitive gag reflex. We hypothesized that the administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen would obtund a hypersensitive gag reflex enough to allow a patient to tolerate the placement and holding of a digital x-ray sensor long enough to obtain a dental radiograph. Volunteers claiming to have a hypersensitive gag reflex were first screened to validate their claim and then tested by placing a size 2 digital x-ray sensor in the position for a periapical radiograph of the right mandibular molar area and holding it in place for 10 seconds.

Eight-Year Retrospective Study of the Critical Time Lapse between Root Canal Completion and Crown Placement: Its Influence on the Survival of Endodontically Treated Teeth.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of factors associated with various coronal restorative modalities after root canal treatment (RCT) on the survival of endodontically treated teeth (ETT) and to assess the effect of time lapse between RCT and crown placement after RCT to form a tooth loss hazard model.

Methods: Computerized analysis was performed for all patients who received posterior RCT from 2008 to 2016 in the graduate endodontic department. Data collected included dates of RCT, type of post-endodontic restoration, and time of extraction if extracted.

Are more endodontic consultations needed in dental school clinic settings? A study of treatment decisions at one school.

With no previous studies of the occurrence of interdisciplinary consultations for tooth extraction in a dental school clinic setting, the aim of this cross-sectional descriptive investigation was to measure and compare the consultation process that occurred among departments at one U.S. dental school for making treatment decisions on tooth extraction.

Determination of mutagenicity of the precipitate formed by sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine using the Ames test.

The aim of this study was to determine the direct mutagenic potential of any precipitate formed by combining sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX). The precipitates formed by NaOCl and CHX were dissolved in 100% dimethyl sulfoxide and cultured with mutant Salmonella Typhimurium strains. The cells were observed for reverse mutation.

Assessment of patients' awareness and factors influencing patients' demands for sedation in endodontics.

Introduction: Endodontic therapy is perceived by many as a procedure to be feared. Many studies have reported that fear and anxiety are major deterrents to seeking dental care in general, but only a few deal with the use of sedation in endodontic therapies. The purpose of this study was to assess patients' awareness of and factors influencing the potential demand for sedation in endodontics.

The critical time-lapse between various restoration placements and subsequent endodontic intervention.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to investigate the critical time-lapse of endodontic intervention subsequent to various restorations and tooth surfaces and (2) to assess and compare the risk factors associated with the restorations, tooth surfaces, and endodontic treatment.

Methods: A comprehensive computerized analysis of all dental school patients at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine who received restorations from 2008-2013 was obtained. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied.

An analysis of moderate sedation protocols used in dental specialty programs: a retrospective observational study.

Introduction: Pain and anxiety control is critical in dental practice. Moderate sedation is a useful adjunct in managing a variety of conditions that make it difficult or impossible for some people to undergo certain dental procedures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the sedation protocols used in 3 dental specialty programs at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Cleveland, OH.

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in normal and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages.

Objective: Differentiated macrophages (MØ) are the resident tissue phagocytes and sentinel cells of the innate immune response. These cells are major constituents of periapical granulomas. Current studies indicate these activated cells as the source of bone-resorbing cytokines in the periapical granuloma.

A clinical report of the management of episodic idiopathic pruritus occurring during endodontic therapy.

Introduction: In endodontic practice, conditions may arise that are unexpected despite thorough preparation. The purpose of this case report was to describe how a condition of episodic idiopathic pruritus, which was undiscovered in the medical history taking, was managed without a loss of time.

Methods: A 29-year-old woman presented to the graduate endodontic clinic for conventional endodontic treatment of tooth #30 and intravenous moderate sedation for dental phobia.

Why intravenous moderate sedation should be taught in graduate endodontic programs.

The purpose of this opinion article is to present reasons why intravenous moderate sedation should be taught in graduate endodontic programs. Access to oral health care is an area of much interest and concern, but some patients are unable to get endodontic care because they have special needs. Special needs can refer to patients who fear dentistry itself and other aspects of dental treatment.

Introduction of implants into postdoctoral endodontic residency programs.

The purpose of this study was to survey the directors of postdoctoral endodontic programs in the United States to ascertain their attitudes and approaches regarding incorporation of implants into the endodontic curriculum. We hypothesized that program directors would agree that implant training should be incorporated into the endodontic curriculum. We also hypothesized that they would all prefer apical surgeries and retreatment over implants when plausible.

Genetic predisposition to persistent apical periodontitis.

Introduction: The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 is a key regulator of host responses to microbial infection and a major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption. Allele2 of IL-1β is associated with a four-fold increase in IL-1β production. The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the gene polymorphism of IL-1β in the pathogenesis of endodontic failure.

Evaluation of cutting efficiency of ultrasonic tips used in orthograde endodontic treatment.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the cutting efficiency of the three different ultrasonic tips for orthograde endodontic treatment: stainless steel, zirconium nitride-coated, and diamond-coated tips. An ultrasonic handpiece was mounted on a custom-made automated balance, and each tip repeatedly penetrated dental stone blocks to a depth of 3 mm for 10 times. The amount of time taken to penetrate 3 mm of stone was measured.