The effects of chelation on the intratubular penetration depth of mineral trioxide aggregate.

The penetration depth and extent of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) crystallisation into dentinal tubules at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after chelation and MTA obturation were investigated. Standardised 12 mm human root specimens (45) were prepared with NiTi rotary files using 4% NaOCl irrigation. They were randomly allocated to three irrigants (n = 15: 4% NaOCl, 15% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or Edgemix) and obturated with sodium fluorescein tagged ProRoot MTA.

Root canal cleaning in roots with complex canals using agitated irrigation fluids.

The internal topography of the root canal is complex, especially for the mesial root of the permanent first molar. In response to such challenges, enhanced irrigation protocols have been developed, using laser pulses to agitate fluids and enhance the removal of microbial deposits. The aim of this laboratory study was to assess the effectiveness of laser agitation of sodium hypochlorite in removing multispecies biofilms grown in the mesial root of the permanent first molars.

Laser-fluorescence assessment of sodium hypochlorite quenching reversal agents on human dentine.

Background: Laser-fluorescence diagnostic technology for real-time clinical assessment of residual bacteria could help assist in determining the endpoints for root canal debridement. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) can however quench fluorescence and lead to false low reading. This study aims to evaluate various antioxidant for their ability to recover quenched fluorescence in dentine treated with NaOCl.

The effect of different sealer removal protocols on the bond strength of AH plus-contaminated dentine to a bulk-fill composite.

The integrity of composite bonding for post-endodontic restorations may be compromised by sealer contamination. This study assessed the effect of different sealer removal regimes on the bond strength of dentine to composite resin. Dentine surfaces were contaminated with AH Plus sealer (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany), followed by removal with either dry cotton pellets, cotton pellets saturated with 95% ethanol, AH Plus cleaner or external surface preparation.

Comparison of Commercial Calcium Hydroxide Pastes for Prolonged Antibacterial Effect using a Colourimetric Assessment.

The anti-microbial activity of calcium hydroxide pastes used in endodontics is dependent on establishing high levels of hydroxyl ions in dentine. This study investigated hydroxyl ion diffusion from different commercial calcium hydroxide pastes using a novel colourimetric method. In this method, human tooth roots were stained with anthocyanin dye, which changed their colour according to the local pH conditions.

Residual Endodontic Filling Material after Post Space Preparation: A Confocal Microscopic Study.

This laboratory study assessed removability of endodontic alkaline cements and resin sealers using coronal cross-sectional slices of roots with single canals. Materials were labelled with 0.1% (/) sodium fluorescein prior to mixing so that confocal microscopy could be used to quantify material remaining on the walls of post spaces, to assess cleanliness.

Sealing Ability of Alkaline Endodontic Cements versus Resin Cements.

Penetration of oral bacteria through root fillings leads to their long term failure. Dimensionally stable alkaline cements have been developed. A saliva challenge model was used to compare resistance to bacterial penetration of these alkaline cements to conventional root fillings that combine gutta percha (GP) with epoxy resin sealers.