Debris and Smear Layer Removal in Curved Root Canals: A Comparative Study of Ultrasonic and Sonic Irrigant Activation Techniques.

The aim of this study was to compare the cleaning efficacy of three irrigant activation devices with a control of non-activated syringe and needle irrigation in curved root canals. Sixty human curved roots were endodontically prepared and divided into four groups (n = 15) with similar root curvature distributions. Final irrigation using 4% NaOCl was performed with a syringe and needle (30-G) alone, or with Eddy sonic powered irrigation system (polymeric tip #0.

Preparation and filling of small oval root canals: influence of file system and sealer.

Objective: To carry out a morphometric analysis of small oval root canals prepared with different instruments (part 1) and filled with different sealers (part 2).

Method And Materials: Ninety extracted mandibular incisors with small oval root canals were instrumented with Self-Adjusting File (n = 45), XP-endo Finisher (n = 15), GentleFile (n = 15), or Reciproc (n = 15). All groups of part 1 were filled with AH Plus (n = 15 each).

Can Type of Instrumentation and Activation of the Final Irrigant Improve the Obturation Quality in Oval Root Canals? A Push-Out Bond Strength Study.

To appraise the outcome of file systems and activation of the final irrigant on the push-out bond strength of root fillings in oval canals. Single-rooted mandibular premolars ( = 180) with oval canals were divided into three groups ( = 60) for instrumentation: ProTaper Next (PTN), WaveOne (WO), and Self-adjusting File (SAF). The specimens were further divided into subgroups ( = 20) and subjected to final irrigation with activation by EndoActivator or passive ultrasonic irrigation or without activation.

Reflected near-infrared light versus bite-wing radiography for the detection of proximal caries: A multicenter prospective clinical study conducted in private practices.

Objectives: The aim of the present prospective multicenter clinical study was to compare the detection of proximal caries with near-infrared light reflection (NILR) versus bitewing radiography (BWR).

Materials And Methods: Intraoral scans were performed on 100 patients in five dental clinics using an intraoral scanner (iTero Element 5D, Align Technology, Tempe, AZ, USA) that includes a near-infrared light source (850 nm) and sensor. Reflected near-infrared light images of posterior teeth were used by the individual dentists to detect proximal caries and the results were compared to the BWRs.

Enterococcus faecalis sustained infection induces macrophage pro-resolution polarization.

Aim: To investigate macrophage function in the presence of sustained infection with Enterococcus faecalis, a prevalent root canal resident in asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Methodology: The human monocyte cell line (THP-1) was differentiated into macrophages by exposure to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and the cultures were inoculated with E. faecalis for up to 48 h.