Maxillary first molar with 7 root canals diagnosed using cone-beam computed tomography

Root canal anatomy is complex, and the recognition of anatomic variations could be a challenge for clinicians. This case report describes the importance of cone beam computed tomographyic (CBCT) imaging during endodontic treatment. A 23 year old woman was referred by her general dental practitioner with the chief complaint of spontaneous pain in her right posterior maxilla. From the clinical and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis was made and endodontic treatment was suggested to the patient. The patient underwent CBCT examination, and CBCT scan slices revealed seven canals: three mesiobuccal (MB1, MB2, and MB3), two distobuccal (DB1 and DB2), and two palatal (P1 and P2). Canals were successfully treated with reciprocating files and filled using single-cone filling technique. Precise knowledge of root canal morphology and its variation is important during root canal treatment. CBCT examination is an excellent tool for identifying and managing these complex root canal systems.

Push-out bond strength of a self-adhesive resin cement used as endodontic sealer

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate the bond strength of RelyX Unicem (3M) to root canal dentin when used as an endodontic sealer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of 24 single-rooted teeth were prepared with Gates Glidden drills and K3 files. After that, the roots were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 8) according to the filling material, (1) AH Plus (Dentsply De Trey GmbH)/Gutta-Percha cone; (2) Epiphany SE (Pentron)/Resilon cone; (3) RelyX Unicem/Gutta-Percha cone. All roots were filled using a single cone technique associated to vertical condensation. After the filling procedures, each tooth was prepared for a push-out bond strenght test by cutting 1 mm-thick root slices. Loading was performed on a universal testing machine at a speed of 0.5 mm/min. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey test for multiple comparisons were used to compare the results among the experimental groups. RESULTS: Epiphany SE/Resilon showed significantly lower push-out bond strength than both AH Plus/Gutta-Percha and RelyX Unicem/Gutta-Percha (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Under the present in vitro conditions, bond strength to root dentin promoted by RelyX Unicem was similar to AH Plus. Epiphany SE/Resilon resulted in lower bond strength values when compared to both materials.

Surgical alternative for treatment of vertical root fracture: a case report

Vertical root fracture [VRF] has been a great challenge in dentistry; most fractures often result in tooth extraction. Inflammation of tissues around the fractured root is the main reason for tooth extraction. Based on the strategic importance of some fractured teeth, treatment may be necessary and often complicated. However, performing a proper repair or even splinting the fractured segments may result in tooth preservation. Accordingly, in this case we report a new method for fractured tooth preservation. The surgical exposition of the fracture tooth was carried out through the radicular portion of the element via ultrasonic preparation, filling with composed resin and a synthetic hydroxyapatite graft. All these were performed around the tooth which received five sections of low-power laser. The patient was followed for two years with no signs or symptoms of inflammation and gingival recession. In conclusion, the used treatment protocol could be considered as a promising approach for VRF treatment, especially in cases where there is advanced or moderate bone loss in the surrounding sites of the fractured tooth

Sealing ability promoted by three different endodontic sealers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the apical and coronal seal of endodontic filling promoted by the combined use of Sealer 26/gutta-percha, Endofill/gutta-percha and Resilon/ Epiphany. A total of 38 extracted human canine teeth were selected; 10 teeth for each test group and 4 for each control group. After conducting conventional endodontic treatment, the teeth were immersed in saline solution for thirty days, and subsequently sealed and stored in India ink for seven days. They were then cleaned and evaluated for infiltration by stereoscopic microscope. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni tests. The results showed no significant differences between the three groups of filling materials used. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, no material showed superiority in their apical and coronal seal