Heat-treated NiTi instruments and final irrigation protocols for biomechanical preparation of flattened canals

Abstract This study evaluate shaping ability of heat-treated NiTi-alloy instruments associated with different final irrigation protocols in flattened root canals. Thirty human mandibular incisors with flattened root canals were divided into 5 groups (n = 10): (XP) Original Protocol XP-endo Shaper; (XP-WT) Original Protocol XP-endo Shaper with working time variation; (XP-K) XP-endo Shaper with kinematics variation; (XP-WTK) XP-endo Shaper with kinematics and working time variations; (Hyflex) Hyflex CM. For the variation in working time protocols the same sample of the XP-endo Shaper groups with and without kinematic variation were used. To evaluate final irrigation protocols, groups 1, 3 and 5 were submitted to 3 protocols: (NI) No irrigation (n = 2); (CI) conventional irrigation (n = 4), and (EndoVac) irrigation (n = 4). The samples were scanned by microcomputed tomography and prepared for scanning electron microscopy evaluation. Quantitative data were evaluated using the parametric ANOVA test, with statistical significance level set at 5%, and qualitative data obtained were compared to establish the agreement between examiners through the Kappa test. It was observed that in the analysis of XP-endo Shaper protocols, the additional working time did not cause difference in any of parameters evaluated (p > 0.05) in relation to time recommended by manufacturer. Compared to Hyflex, XP-K showed highest mean volume increase (p < 0.05) and lowest percentage of untouched walls (p < 0.05). In the qualitative evaluation, final irrigation protocol with EndoVac provided the best cleaning results when associated with XP-K and with Hyflex. Thus, supplementary techniques are effective tools to enhance cleaning and to promote higher touch of walls during root canal preparation.

Influence of anatomical features in the endodontic treatment planning of maxillary anterior teeth

Abstract This study evaluate the maxillary anterior teeth anatomy by micro-computed tomography (μCT), about relevant characteristic for endodontic treatment planning. Fifty maxillary central incisors (MCI), lateral incisors (MLI) and maxillary canines (MC) were scanned using a μCT device. Two and three-dimensional parameters at 1 to 5mm distance to the apical foramen, external anatomic characteristics of the teeth and qualitative analysis of the internal anatomy was performed. The roundness and form factor values revealed a circular canal in the apical third in the MCI and MC, whereas MLI showed flattening in the apical third. The linear regression test indicated a progressive increase in the major/minor diameters in the five mm assessed (p < 0.001). The 3D analysis revealed the greatest volume and surface area in MC. The SMI showed a cylindrical geometry of root canals. All teeth presented Vertucci's type I root canal configuration. A mild curvature was prevalent in the MCI (45%) and a moderate one in the MLI (50%) and MC (50%). Palatal shoulder volume was smaller in the MLI (11.46 ± 3.09) than in the MCI (14.15 ± 3.85) and MC (13.95 ± 2.55). The most common exit of main apical foramen was in a central (22%), distolingual (30%) and mesiobuccal position (28%) for MCI, MLI and MC, respectively. Radicular grooves were observed in 2% of MCI and 4% of MLI. Two and three-dimensional data obtained by μCT allowed to observe morphological characteristics of internal/external anatomy of the maxillary anterior teeth. These characteristics may affect the endodontic treatment planning.

Antibacterial Activity of a New Ready-To-Use Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial potential of a calcium silicate-based sealer (Bio-C Sealer, Angelus) against common bacteria in primary and secondary endodontic infections. Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans were exposed to fresh Bio-C Sealer for 24 h by the agar diffusion method (n=5). Additionally, the antibacterial activity was investigated against E. faecalis and S. mutans biofilms (48 h old) grown in discs with 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height. (n=3) of set discs of Bio-C Sealer (Angelus), EndoFill (Dentsply-Mallefer), Sealer 26 (Dentsply), AH Plus (Dentsply), Sealapex (Sybron-Endo) and EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler). The antibacterial activity was evaluated by colony forming unity (CFU) counting using ImageJ software. Data were compared by one-way ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak test (a=5%). Fresh Bio-C Sealer exhibited antimicrobial activity against all bacteria evaluated by agar diffusion method, except for S. mutans. Set discs of all endodontic sealers tested showed similar CFU values for E. faecalis (p>0.05). S. mutans in biofilms showed higher susceptibility to EndoFill compared with the other sealers (p<0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that fresh Bio-C Sealer does not inhibit S. mutans growth, but exhibits antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. After setting, the Bio-C Sealer exhibits an antimicrobial potential comparable to that of the other sealers evaluated in E. faecalis biofilm, but lower than that of EndoFill for S. mutans biofilm.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial antibacteriano do novo cimento biocerâmico (Bio-C Sealer, Angelus) contra bactérias comuns em infecções endodônticas primárias e secundárias. Culturas de Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Streptococcus mutans foram expostos a amostras frescas do Bio-C sealer durante 24 h pelo método de difusão em agar (n=5). A atividade antibacteriana de amostras dos cimentos Bio-C Sealer (Angelus), EndoFill (Dentsply-Mallefer), Sealer 26 (Dentsply), AH Plus (Dentsply), Sealapex (Sybron-Endo) e EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler) após a presa também foi investigada em biofilmes de 48 h das bactérias E. faecalis e S. mutans, crescidos em discos com 4 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de altura. A atividade antibacteriana foi avaliada por contagem das unidades formadoras de colônias (UFC) utilizando o software ImageJ. Os dados foram comparados por ANOVA a um critério seguido pelo pós-teste Holm-Sidak (a=5%). Amostras frescas do Bio-C Sealer exibiram atividade antimicrobiana contra todas as bactérias avaliadas pelo método de difusão em ágar, exceto para S. mutans. A análise da formação de biofilme mostrou que todos os cimentos endodônticos testados apresentaram valores similares de UFC para E. faecalis (p> 0,05), enquanto biofilmes de S. mutans foram mais suscetíveis ao EndoFill em comparação com os demais cimentos (p<0,05). Conclui-se que o cimento Bio-C Sealer fresco exibe atividade antibacteriana para E. faecalis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa e E. coli, mas não inibe o crescimento de S. mutans. Após a presa, o cimento Bio-C Sealer exibe potencial antimicrobiano similar ao dos demais cimentos avaliados em biofilme de E. faecalis, mas inferior ao do EndoFill para S. mutans.

Micro-computed tomographic assessment of the variability and morphological features of root canal system and their ramifications

Abstract Objectives This study assessed the incidence and variability features of root canals system (RCS) and their ramifications according to Pucci & Reig (PR) (1944) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) (2017) by micro-computed tomography (μCT). Methodology 500 representative extracted human teeth of each tooth group (n=50) (maxillary/mandibular central and lateral incisors, canines, first and second premolars and molars) were scanned by μCT with a resolution of 26.70 μm. The reconstructed cross-sections images and the visualization of the continuous slices in the transversal axis were performed using DataViewer software. RCS were classified according to Pucci & Reig (main canal, collateral canal, lateral canal, secondary canal, accessory canal, intercanal, recurrent canal) and AAE (main canal, accessory canal, lateral canal). The apical deltas were assessed for both classifications. The prevalence of apical deltas was evaluated using the Chi-squared test (p<0.05). Results According to PR, a higher incidence of lateral canals was observed in maxillary canines (10%), central incisors (8%) and first premolars (6%). Using AAE, the highest incidence of lateral canals was observed in the mandibular first premolars (85%), first and second molars (84%), lateral incisors (67%), canines (59%), and in maxillary first premolars (52%). Regarding accessory canals, the PR showed a frequency in 2% of the maxillary lateral incisors and maxillary and mandibular first premolars and 3% of mandibular first and second molars. On the other hand, the AAE showed the highest incidence of accessory canals in 86% of the maxillary first premolars, 71% in mandibular lateral incisors, 69% in mandibular first premolars, 65% in mandibular canines, and 56% in maxillary canines. The PR showed the lowest incidence of apical deltas for all dental groups when compared with AAE (p=0.004). Interestingly, distal canals in maxillary molars showed a significant discrepancy between classifications (p=0.027). Conclusions μCT enabled accurately describing the RC system and related ramifications, adding to the PR and AAE classifications, with some discrepancies reported for maxillary molars. Clinical Relevance This μCT study enabled a thorough description of the variability among root canals and their ramifications, including clinically relevant details on the presence and location of lateral canals and accessories in all human tooth groups, beyond the currently existing classification systems.

Micro-CT Evaluation of Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular First Premolars with Radicular Grooves

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological features of 70 single-rooted mandibular first premolars with radicular grooves (RG) using micro-CT technology. Teeth were scanned and evaluated regarding the morphology of the roots and root canals as well as length, depth and percentage frequency location of the RG. Volume, surface area and Structure Model Index (SMI) of the canals were measured for the full root length. Two-dimensional parameters and frequency of canal orifices were evaluated at 1, 2, and 3 mm levels from the apical foramen. The number of accessory canals, the dentinal thickness, and cross-sectional appearance of the canal at different root levels were also recorded. Expression of deep grooves was observed in 21.42% of the sample. Mean lengths of root and RG were 13.43 mm and 8.5 mm, respectively, while depth of the RG ranged from 0.75 to 1.13 mm. Mean canal volume, surface area and SMI were 10.78 mm3, 58.51 mm2, and 2.84, respectively. Apical delta was present in 4.35% of the sample and accessory canals were observed mostly at the middle and apical thirds. Two-dimensional parameters indicated an oval-shaped cross-sectional appearance of the root canal with a high percentage frequency of canal divisions (87.15%). Canal configuration type V (58.57%) was the most prevalent. C-shaped configuration was observed in 13 premolars (18.57%), whereas dentinal thickness ranged from 1.0 to 1.31 mm. Radicular grooves in mandibular first premolars was associated with the occurrence of several anatomical complexities, including C-shaped canals and divisions of the main root canal.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a morfologia de 70 pré-molares inferiores com depressões radiculares (DR) usando a microtomografia. Os dentes foram escaneados e avaliados quanto à morfologia das raízes e canais radiculares, bem como o comprimento, profundidade, frequência e localização das DR. O volume, a área de superfície e o Structure Model Index (SMI) dos canais foram mensurados no comprimento total da raiz. Parâmetros bidimensionais e orifícios do canal foram avaliados a 1, 2 e 3 mm do forame apical. O número de canais acessórios, a espessura dentinária e a aparência transversal do canal em diferentes níveis de raiz também foram registrados. A expressão de sulcos profundos foi observada em 21,42% da amostra. Os comprimentos médios de raiz e DR foram de 13,43 mm e 8,5 mm, respectivamente, enquanto a profundidade das DR variou de 0,75 a 1,13 mm. O volume médio do canal, a área superficial e o SMI foram de 10,78 mm3, 58,51 mm2 e 2,84, respectivamente. O delta apical estava presente em 4,35% da amostra e os canais acessórios foram observados principalmente nos terços médio e apical. Os parâmetros bidimensionais indicaram canais radiculares com secção oval e alta frequência de divisões canal principal (87,15%). A configuração Tipo V do canal radicular foi a mais prevalente (58,57%). A presença de canais em forma de C foi observada em 13 pré-molares (18,57%), enquanto a espessura dentinária variou de 1,0 a 1,31 mm. Os sulcos radiculares nos primeiros pré-molares inferiores foram associados à ocorrência de várias complexidades anatômicas, incluindo canais em forma de C e múltiplas divisões do canal principal.

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of silicone- and epoxy resin-based root canal sealers

Abstract To assess the physicochemical properties of AH Plus, GuttaFlow 2, GuttaFlow BioSeal, and MM Seal, five samples of each root canal sealer were evaluated to determine their setting time (ST), dimensional change (DC), solubility (SL), flow (FL), and radiopacity (RD) according to American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA) Specification 57. The distilled and deionized water obtained from the SL test were subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry to observe the presence of Ca2+, K+, and Na+ ions. Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer tests (p < 0.05). The following results were obtained: ST (min) (AH Plus 463.6 ± 13.22; GuttaFlow 2 24.35 ± 2.78; GuttaFlow Bioseal 17.4 ± 0.55; MM Seal 47.60 ± 4.39), DC (%) (AH Plus 0.06 ± 0.12; GuttaFlow 2 −26.06 ± 1.24; GuttaFlow Bioseal 2.10 ± 1.47; MM Seal 8.47 ± 2.41), SL (%) (AH Plus 0.41 ± 0.21; GuttaFlow 2 5.13 ± 4.11; GuttaFlow Bioseal 3.03 ± 1.05; MM Seal 0.94 ± 0.17), FL (mm) (AH Plus 36.42 ± 0.40; GuttaFlow 2 36.44 ± 0.05; GuttaFlow Bioseal 35.4 ± 0.03; MM Seal 52.75 ± 0.60), and RD (mmAl) (AH Plus 7.52 ± 1.59; GuttaFlow 2 6.85 ± 0.14; GuttaFlow Bioseal 7.02 ± 0.18; MM Seal 3.32 ± 0.90). ST, DC, SL, FL, and RD showed statistical differences among the root canal sealers (p < 0.05). As AH Plus showed the lowest DC and SL values (p < 0.05), the findings indicate that this sample is the only sealer conforming to ANSI/ADA standards.