ABSTRACT
Aims: To determine the cytokine expression by human gingival fibroblasts in response to different calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dilutions and test the effectiveness of these dilutions in root canal dentin infected with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Methods: UltraCal XS Ca(OH)2 dilutions were prepared (60, 10, and 1 mg\mL) and co?cultured with gingival fibroblasts for 24 and 48 hours. Untreated cells were used as controls. Expressions of interleukin (IL?1?), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF??), transforming growth factor beta (TGF??), and IL?10 were analysed with real?time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Root canals of extracted human teeth were inoculated with E. faecalis. After 21 days, canals were medicated with Ca(OH)2 dilutions for 7 days. Samples were taken to determine bacterial reduction using quantitative PCR. Analysis of variance, Tukey post?test, and Wilcoxon matched pair test were used for statistics. Results: IL?1? and TNF?? expressions of all Ca(OH)2 dilutions were higher at 24 and 48 hours compared to the control. Similarly, all Ca(OH)2 dilutions induced TGF?? expression at 24 hours compared to the control and continued to be higher in 60 mg/mL groups at 48 hours. In contrast, IL?10 was constitutively expressed by untreated cells in the control group and was down?regulated significantly by all Ca(OH)2 dilutions at 24 and 48 hours. All dilutions demonstrated a significant E. faecalis reduction (P < 0.001) with no significant difference between dilution groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: All Ca(OH)2 dilutions had a differential inflammatory effect on fibroblasts and had a down?regulation effect to IL?10. All dilutions tested were effective against E. faecalis, with 60 mg/mL having the highest bacterial reduction
ABSTRACT
Root canal treatment (RCT) requires high level of technical skills of the dentist. Its outcome is an important part of evidencebased practice and become the basis of treatment planning and prognostic considerations. Adequate removal of micro-organisms and prevention of recolonization of residual micro-organisms through the placement of root filling with satisfactory coronal seal ensures success. This retrospective record review study aimed to investigate the practices of RCT in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) Dental Clinic, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It involved 333 randomly selected patient records at the HUSM Record Unit. Data was obtained by careful analyses of daily treatment progress sheets and analyzed using SPSS version 12.0. A total of 2996 RCT cases were seen and 59.8% of patients were females. The age range of patients varied from 14 to 64 years. The maxillary anterior teeth were most commonly treated (52.6%). Most operators (99.1%) used step-back technique and 97.6% used files to prepare root canals. The most commonly used material for obturation and sealing was gutta-percha and epoxy resin-based sealer (AH26). About 82.9% used calcium hydroxide as intra-canal medication. About 25.5% of cases had no periapical pathology, 65.8% with pre-existing periapical radiolucencies healed in 1-3 months whereas 2.1% of cases with periapical pathology eventually healed after a year. About 6.9% cases failed after retreatment. The number of radiographs taken was two to four pieces. RCT is a useful intervention to maintain longevity of teeth. Decision making and current updates of methods and materials are essential among practitioners as well as administrators to ensure success.