Relationship between Canal Enlargement and Fracture Load of Root Dentin Sections.

Objective: To investigate the effect of endodontic instrumentation on fracture susceptibility of root dentin using experiments and stress analysis.

Methods: Root canals of lower premolars were enlarged with different tapers. After, teeth were cut into 2-mm sections.

Mandibular Canal Location: Cone-beam Computed Tomography Examination.

Introduction: The increased use of implants and potential endodontic misadventures can lead to nerve damage. The purpose of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) measurements to investigate mandibular canal (MC) location in relation to mandibular posterior teeth, the dimension of the buccal and lingual bone over the MC, the diameter of the MC, and the anterior loop location near the mental foramen.

Methods: CBCT scans from 106 patients (age, 18-69 years) were used to evaluate measurements from 636 teeth and respective MC areas.

Cone-beam Computed Tomography: Anatomic Analysis of Maxillary Posterior Teeth-Impact on Endodontic Microsurgery.

Introduction: It is imperative that the endodontic surgeon be knowledgeable of the anatomic dimensions of the surgical site. If cone-beam computed tomography is not available because of location/cost, it is prudent for the clinician to consult a knowledge base for the surgical site. An understanding of the root thickness of maxillary premolars and molars at the preferred level for root resection (3.

Electrical Pulp Testing: Sources of Error.

Introduction: Accurate identification and assessment of an inflamed or necrotic tooth is essentialfor endodontic treatment. The purpose of this research was to investigate possible sources of error associated with the use of the electric pulp tester (EPT).

Methods: Forty-six intact teeth (23 tooth pairs) in 22 patients were evaluated in vivo.

The Incidence of Furcation Region Patency in Molars Before and After Simulated Periodontal Therapy.

Purpose: To determine if there is increased bacterial communication through the furcation region in molar teeth after simulated periodontal therapy.

Methods: Sixty-five extracted first and second molars were accessed and the roots were sectioned 4 mm apical to the furcation. The canals and external suface of the root were sealed except the furcation region.

Spectrophotometric determination of irrigant extrusion using passive ultrasonic irrigation, EndoActivator, or syringe irrigation.

Introduction: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation is critical to endodontic success, and several new methods have been developed to improve irrigation efficacy (eg, passive ultrasonic irrigation [PUI] and EndoActivator [EA]). Using a novel spectrophotometric method, this study evaluated NaOCl irrigant extrusion during canal irrigation.

Methods: One hundred fourteen single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated to leave 15 mm of the root length for each tooth.

Palatal anesthesia: comparison of four techniques for decreasing injection discomfort.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient's perceived pain response to injection and anesthetic deposition for the greater palatine nerve block.

Methods: Heft-Parker Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scale measurements were used to compare the following techniques for the injection: (1) control (no concurrent stimulation), (2) pressure, (3) pressure and topical anesthetic (20% benzocaine), and (4) pressure and cold (TFE). Forty-two volunteers, 21 male and 21 female, participated in the study.

An anatomical investigation of the mandibular second molar using micro-computed tomography.

Purpose: An understanding of root anatomy is an important foundation for providing successful endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to use micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to investigate the root anatomy of the mandibular second molar.

Methods: Eighteen mandibular second molars were scanned using micro-CT.

Effect of Ibuprofen on masking endodontic diagnosis.

Introduction: An accurate diagnosis is of upmost importance before initiating endodontic treatment; yet, there are occasions when the practitioner cannot reproduce the patient's chief complaint because the patient has become asymptomatic. Ibuprofen taken beforehand may "mask" or eliminate the patient's symptoms. In fact, 64%-83% of patients with dental pain take analgesics before seeing a dentist.

An anatomic investigation of the mandibular first molar using micro-computed tomography.

Introduction: The mandibular first molar is the most frequently endodontically treated tooth and is extremely anatomically challenging. The purpose of this micro-computed tomographic evaluation was to quantitatively investigate the morphology of the mandibular first molar to improve both orthograde and retrograde treatment.

Methods: Twenty-two mandibular first molars were scanned, reconstructed, and subjected to various linear measurements.

The effect of powder:liquid ratio and pre-mixing on sealing properties of Roth 801 sealer.

Objectives: To investigate the sealing ability of Roth 801 sealer mixed using two different powder/liquid ratios and prepared up to seven days prior to canal obturation.

Study Design: Of the 152 maxillary anterior teeth endodontically instrumented for this study, 144 were randomly assigned to the treatment group, and eight were assigned to the control group. Of the 144 teeth in the treatment group, 72 were obturated using gutta-percha and Roth 801 sealer mixed with a 10:1 ratio, while the remaining 72 were obturated with a sealer ratio of 7.

Malignant lymphoma in maxilla with cystic involvement: a case report.

Introduction: Most radiolucent jaw lesions are benign and resolve with proper diagnosis and treatment. However, a small percentage of radiolucent jaw lesions are malignant and more difficult to manage.

Methods: A biopsy of the radiolucent jaw lesion associated with swelling after nonsurgical root canal therapy was submitted.

Comparison of heat-testing methodology.

Introduction: Patients with irreversible pulpitis occasionally present with a chief complaint of sensitivity to heat. To appropriately diagnose the offending tooth, a variety of techniques have been developed to reproduce this chief complaint. Such techniques cause temperature increases that are potentially damaging to the pulp.

Frequency and distribution of radiolucent jaw lesions: a retrospective analysis of 9,723 cases.

Objectives: Practitioners should be aware of the occurrence rate and usual location of radiolucent jaw lesions. The aims of this study were to examine the frequency and location of radiolucent jaw lesions, including apical granulomas, apical cysts, keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs), central giant cell lesions (CGCLs), ameloblastomas, and metastatic lesions, that were submitted for biopsy along with associated demographics.

Methods: Biopsy diagnoses from 9,723 lesions (submitted between 1992 and 2006) were included in this study.

Endodontic diagnostic terminology update.

Determination of the etiology of the patient's chief complaint and a correct diagnosis are paramount prior to a recommendation of endodontic therapy. Reproduction of the patient's chief complaint is critical. If the chief complaint cannot be reproduced, consider consultation with or referral to an endodontist or orofacial pain specialist.

Mandibular first molar with six separate canals.

Introduction: Many anatomical variations can occur within the mandibular first molar. Commonly, 3-4 canals are located, but as many as 6-7 canals have been reported.

Methods: This report describes a case of a mandibular first molar with 6 separate canals (3 mesial and 3 distal) that was instrumented with conventional hand and rotary files and obturated by using a hybrid warm vertical compaction technique.

Cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of maxillary sinusitis.

Introduction: Dental pain originating from the maxillary sinuses can pose a diagnostic problem. Periapical lesion development eliciting inflammatory changes in the mucosal lining can cause the development of a sinusitis. The purpose of this study was to describe the radiographic characteristics of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis as seen on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and to determine whether any tooth or any tooth root was more frequently associated with this disease.

Sex differences in neuropeptide content and release from rat dental pulp.

Introduction: Studies to examine sex differences in response to pain have suggested that females exhibit lower threshold responses to painful stimuli and that threshold response varies greatly at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Additional studies suggest that sex differences may be caused by societal sex roles or differences in anxiety responses by men and women.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate biologically evident sex differences in male and female rats chronically treated with a systemic algogen, the nerve growth factor (NGF), by measuring neuropeptides (calcitonin gene-related peptide) content and release from isolated dental pulp.

Sniffing out endodontic pain: use of an intranasal analgesic in a randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Orofacial pain is a common encounter in dentistry (affecting 12% of the population) and is a primary reason for patients seeking emergency care. Dentists often prescribe oral analgesics, which have disadvantages of decreased absorption rates and delayed onset. Intranasal (IN) delivery takes advantage of a large surface area of mucosal tissue for rapid absorption.

Proximity of the mandibular canal to the tooth apex.

Introduction: Knowledge of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) position is important in avoiding nerve damage during invasive dental procedures. Because the exact position of the nerve bundle can vary in patients, this study evaluated the distance from the apices of mandibular premolar and molar teeth to the superior border of the mandibular canal.

Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 139 patients were analyzed to evaluate the proximity of the mandibular canal to the root apices of 743 mandibular second premolar and first and second molar teeth.

Dimension, anatomy and morphology of the mesiobuccal root canal system in maxillary molars.

Introduction: To increase our understanding of the root canal system, we examined the mesiobuccal (MB) roots of maxillary first and second molars, which are considered to be one of the most complex root canal systems.

Methods: Uninstrumented MB roots from 153 teeth were imbedded, sectioned, and observed at 8x using a stereomicroscope for main canal numbers, isthmus presence, and dimensional size of canals and dentin walls.

Results: The number of canals observed in maxillary first and second molars was 20% and 38.

Frequency of localization of the painful tooth by patients presenting for an endodontic emergency.

Introduction: Endodontic pain patients sometimes have difficulty in accurately identifying the painful tooth. We determined the frequency in which patients presenting with endodontic pain can correctly localize the painful tooth and the effect of periradicular symptoms.

Methods: The frequency of localization of the painful tooth in 79 endodontic emergency patients was assessed by using patient and dentist assessment of presenting pain along with the verbal numeric rating scale (VNRS).

Challenges in regenerative endodontics: a case series.

Introduction: An immature tooth with pulpal necrosis and apical periodontitis presents a unique challenge to the endodontist. Endodontic treatment options consist of apexification, apical barriers, or more recently, revascularization. The purpose of this case series is to report three cases that used revascularization protocol as described by Banchs and Trope.

Evaluation of pretreatment analgesia and endodontic treatment for postoperative endodontic pain.

This study compares single-dose ibuprofen pretreatment for postoperative endodontic pain. Thirty-nine emergent patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups: placebo, ibuprofen tablets, or ibuprofen liquigels. Patients recorded their pain levels before and at the end of treatment, then every 6 hours for 24 hours after administration of the medications and standard endodontic treatment.