How biomechanics can affect the endodontic treated teeth and their restorative procedures?

Abstract: Endodontic treatment is a common dental procedure used for treating teeth which the pulp tissue has become irreversibly inflamed or necrotic as a result of the carious process or dental trauma. This procedure which involves mechanical and chemical preparation of root canal may affect several mechanical and physical properties of the tooth structure. The endodontic treatment can also influence the longevity of the rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth and biomechanics during the oral function. For restoring endodontically treated teeth several factor and clinical decisions should be observed. The decision of the fiberglass post usage and the restorative materials are related to several factors such as the quantity and quality of remaining dental structure, presence of ferrule, post cementation length and final coronal restoration. In this review, the authors will address the effect of the endodontic treatment procedures on canal shape and mechanical properties of a tooth, and also discuss the parameters and the biomechanical principles of root canal treated teeth.

Influence of remaining coronal thickness and height on biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated teeth: survival rates, load to fracture and finite element analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of restorative strategy (fiber post vs cast post and core), coronal height (0 mm vs 2 mm) and thickness (higher than 1 mm vs lower than 1 mm) on survival rate, fracture resistance and stress distribution. Material and Methods Seventy-two bovine teeth were cleaned and allocated in six groups (n = 12). Twenty-four teeth were sectioned at 13 mm length (no remaining coronal structure) and forty-eight were sectioned at 15 mm (2 mm remaining coronal structure). Half of the forty-eight had remaining coronal thickness lower than 1 mm and the other half had thickness higher than 1 mm. All root canals were prepared at 10 mm (luting length), fiber posts were cemented in thirty-six specimens and cast post and core in other thirty-six. All teeth were restored with metallic crowns. Specimens were submitted to 1.5 million cycles (100 N, 45°, 10 Hz at 2 mm below incisal edge) and evaluated at each 500,000 cycles to detect failures. Specimens that survived were submitted to load to fracture test. Bidimensional (Rhinoceros® 4.0) models were obteined survival data submitted to Kaplan-Meier (α=0.05) analysis and load to fracture values submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). Results Groups without remaining coronal structure showed survival rates lower than other groups (p=0.001). ANOVA showed higher values of load to fracture for groups with coronal thickness higher than 1 mm (p=0.0043). Finite element analysis showed better stress distribution in groups with remaining coronal structure and restored with fiber post. Conclusion Specimens without remaining coronal structure have lower survival rates. Specimens with remaining structure lower than 1 mm and without coronal structure support the same load to fracture value independently of the restorative strategy.

Immediate tooth replantation: root canal filling for delayed initiation of endodontic treatment

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate the action of paramonochlorophenol associated with Furacin followed by calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing in the control of inflammatory root resorption in cases of immediate tooth replantation with delayed endodontic treatment. A total of 28 incisors of 3 male dogs were extracted and replanted after 15 minutes, and randomly divided into 3 groups: Group I (n = 8) - endodontic treatment was performed before the extraction and replantation; Group II (n = 10) - endodontic treatment was performed 30 days after replantation and the root canal was filled with CH dressing; Group III (n = 10) - endodontic treatment was performed 30 days after replantation and root canals received temporary medication of paramonochlorophenol-Furacin followed by CH dressing. The animals were euthanized 90 days after replantation. The histomorphological events analyzed at the epithelial reattachment site were the intensity and extent of acute and chronic inflammatory processes, periodontal ligament (PDL) organization, the intensity and extent of acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the PDL space, root resorption, bone tissue, and ankylosis. Data were submitted to the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test for group comparison (α = 5%). In Groups I, II and III the periodontal ligament was regenerated and most of the resorption areas were repaired by newly formed cementum. The depth and extent of root resorption were significantly higher in Group II than in Group III. The use of paramonochlorophenol-furacin followed by CH dressing was more effective in controlling inflammatory root resorption after immediate tooth replantation.

Assessment of convergence angle of full-coverage porcelain fused to metal crowns in clinical practice.

Background: Full-coverage porcelain fused to metal crowns is commonly recommended for restoration of extensively damaged teeth. Ability of the dentist to adequately prepare teeth is fundamental to success and longevity of these restorations. Aims: This study was designed to compare recommended convergence angle and taper values of tooth preparation with clinically practiced values and to assess the factors such as tooth position, operator experience, vitality, and restorative status on convergence angle of prepared teeth. Setting and Design: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study design and held at The Aga Khan University Hospital, Dental Section, for a period of 1 year. Materials and Methods: A minimum of 197 crown preparation models of molar and premolar teeth prepared by residents and specialists were collected in order to achieve the objectives of the study on the basis of convenient sampling technique. Statistical Analysis: One sample t-test used to compare the mean practiced convergence angle values with its recommended values. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA was used to see difference in the convergence angle values of the teeth prepared by different operators, tooth type, vitality status, and restorative status of teeth. Results: Mean reported convergence angle and axial wall taper values were 23.7°±8.9° and 11.3°±7.8°, respectively, which is significantly greater (P<0.001) than the recommended values. Convergence angle values were greater for molars as compared to premolars. Conclusion: There was a considerable disparity between the convergent angles values recorded in this study and the recommended guidelines and are affected by tooth type, vitality, and restorative status of tooth.

A biochemical and histopathological evaluation of generalized pulp calcification in young permanent teeth.

Pulp calcifications are a frequent finding on bitewing and periapical radiographs in older age-groups but their occurrence in the entire dentition in young subjects is unusual. We report such an unusual occurrence of generalized pulp calcification in a 13-year-old Indian female. Radiographic examination of the dentition revealed pulp calcifications in all permanent teeth, located mostly in the pulp chamber but with some in the root canals. The patient's dental, medical, and family history was noncontributory. Biochemical analysis of the removed pulp calcification from one of the teeth during endodontic treatment showed large amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and carbonate. However, metabolic evaluation of patient through liver and kidney function tests and other blood investigations did not reveal any metabolic disorder. The patient was also evaluated for any systemic, syndromic, or genetic involvement but this was also noncontributory. Therefore, we propose that this unusual case of generalized pulp calcification is of idiopathic origin. In this work, histopathological and biochemical evaluations of the pulp calcification was done to try and understand the initiation and progress of calcifications in pulpal tissue.

Determination of cellular debris in endodontically treated teeth: a pilot study / Determinación de restos celulares en dientes endodonciados: estudio piloto

Previous studies indicate that dental tissues are a source of mitochondrial DNA that could be useful for human identification. The main cell in the pulpo-dentin complex is the odontoblast, whose cellular body is located on the border between the pulp and dentin and continues through cell processes. In endodontically treated teeth, pulp tissue is removed, assuming the complete elimination of cellular content and the inner third of dentin. Facing the possibility of finding teeth that were treated endodontically as the only source available for a forensic analysis, is that the objective of this study is to determine the presence of cellular debris in the dentin of teeth with root canal treatment. Twenty teeth roots obtained from 8 single and multi-rooted teeth were treated endodontically, with conventional manual technique. The samples were processed by conventional histological analysis (H&E). In root canals endodontic cement remnants and cylinder-cubic structures resembled odontoblastic bodies were observed, but without certainty to establish its presence. This research concludes that it is not possible to determine presence of cellular debris in endodontically treated teeth using the described technique...

Estudios previos indican que los tejidos dentales son fuente de DNA mitocondrial útiles para la identificación humana. La principal célula del complejo pulpo-dentinario es el odontoblasto, cuyo cuerpo celular ubicado en el límite entre la pulpa y la dentina se continúa por prolongaciones celulares. En dientes tratados endodónticamente se extrae el tejido pulpar, presumiendo la completa eliminación del contenido celular y el tercio interno de la dentina. Frente a la posibilidad de encontrar dientes que fueron tratados endodónticamente como única fuente disponible para análisis forense, es que el objetivo de este estudio es determinar la presencia de restos celulares en la dentina de dientes con tratamiento de canales radiculares. 20 raíces dentarias obtenidas de 8 dientes uni y multirradiculares, fueron tratadas endodónticamente con terapia manual convencional. Las muestras fueron procesadas mediante análisis histológico convencional (H&E). En los canales radiculares se observaron restos de cemento endodóntico y estructuras cilindro-cúbicas que asemejaron a cuerpos de odontoblastos, sin poder establecer con certeza su presencia. En esta investigación se concluye que no es posible determinar mediante la técnica utilizada la presencia de restos celulares en dientes tratados endodónticamente...

A comparative evaluation of healing with a computed tomography scan of bilateral periapical lesions treated with and without the use of platelet-rich plasma.

Periradicular surgery aims to achieve complete wound healing and regeneration of the periodontal unit. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet concentrate that is widely used to promote tissue healing, and bone induction through its various growth factors has been used in this study. This case report describes the use of PRP unilaterally in a bilateral periapical lesion in the same patient. The site treated with PRP showed better healing than the untreated site. This was confirmed with computed tomography (CT) scan readings. It was hypothesized that PRP could promote tissue regeneration and alveolar bone repair.

Effect of eugenol-based endodontic sealer on the adhesion of intraradicular posts cemented after different periods

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated in vitro the influence of an eugenol-based sealer (EndoFill) on the retention of stainless steel prefabricated posts cemented with zinc phosphate and resin-based (Panavia F) cements after different periods of root canal obturation, using the pull-out test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty upper canines were decoronated and the roots were embedded in resin blocks. The specimens were distributed into 3 groups, according to the period elapsed between canal obturation and post cementation: Group I - immediately; Group II - 72 h and Group III - 4 months. The groups were subdivided according to the type of cement used for post cementation: A - zinc phosphate and B - Panavia F. Following the experimental periods, specimens were subjected to pullout test in an Instron machine with application of tensile force at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until post dislodgement. The maximum forces required for post removal were recorded (kN) and means were subjected to statistical analysis by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (á=0.001) RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.01) between the posts cemented with zinc phosphate cement (0.2112 kN) and Panavia F (0.0501 kN). However, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found between the three post cementation periods, regardless of the cement. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the eugenol-based sealer influenced the tensile strength of the posts cemented with the resin cement, but had no influence on the time waited between root canal obturation and post space preparation/post cementation.

Influence of intraradicular post and crown ferrule on the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth

The aim of this study was to investigate the fracture strength of endodontically treated teeth restored with different posts and variable ferrule heights. Sixty freshly extracted human canines were treated endodontically and randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=10), being restored with custom-made cast post-and-core (CP0 and CP3 groups), prefabricated post and composite resin core (PF0 and PF3 groups), and composite resin (CR0 and CR3 groups). The CP0, PF0 and CR0 groups presented no ferrule and the CP3, PF3 and CR3 presented 3 mm of coronal structure. All teeth were restored with full metal crowns. The fracture strength was measured in a universal testing machine at 45o to the long axis of the tooth until failure. Data were analyzed statistically by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (?=0.05). When the mean fracture strength values were compared (CP0 group - 820.20 N, CP3 group - 1179.12 N; PF0 group - 561.05 N; PF3 group - 906.79 N; CR0 group - 297.84 N; and CR3 group - 1135.15 N) there was statistically significant among the groups (p<0.05), except for the three groups with 3 mm of coronal remaining, which were similar to each other. The results of this study showed that the ferrule in crowns promoted significantly higher fracture strength in the endodontically treated teeth.

O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar a resistência à fratura de dentes tratados endodonticamente restaurados com diferentes pinos e diferentes alturas de remanescente dentinário da coroa. Sessenta caninos recém-extraídos foram tratados endodonticamente, separados em 6 grupos (n=10) e restaurados com núcleo metálico fundido (CP0 e CP3), pino pré-fabricado e núcleo em resina composta (PF0 e PF3) ou resina composta (CR0 e CR3). Os grupos CP0, PF0 e CR0 não possuíam férula e os grupos CP3, PF3 e CR3 apresentaram 3 mm de remanescente coronário. Todos os dentes foram restaurados com coroas totais metálicas. A resistência à fratura foi medida em máquina universal de ensaios com o longo eixo do dente posicionado a 45 graus em relação ao carregamento axial, até que ocorresse fratura. A análise de variância 2 critérios (?=0,05) mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Quando as médias das forças para fratura foram comparadas (CP0 = 820,0 N; CP3= 1179,12 N; PF0 = 561,05 N; PF3 = 906,79 N; CR0 = 297,84 N; e CR3 = 1135,15 N) não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os 3 grupos com 3 mm de remanescente coronal. Os resultados mostraram que a presença de férula em coroas aumenta significantemente a resistência à fratura de dentes tratados endodonticamente.

Blanqueamiento dental interno / Internal dental bleaching

El cambio de color de una o más piezas dentarias puede conllevar a problemas en la autoestima y de relación, tanto social como laboral, en nuestra cultura occidental, ya que la estética atraviesa hoy todos los ejes de nuestra vida. Las causas de la pigmentación endógena son variadas, pero generalmente están relacionadas con hemorragia pulpar, con una mala técnica endodóntica o por el uso de materiales que producen tinciones, como la amalgama o el eugenol. Para dar solución a esta situación clínica es que apelamos a una técnica de blanqueamiento interno, a fin de dar respuesta al requerimiento estético por parte de los pacientes que, cada vez más, bregan por la conservación de la integridad de sus piezas dentarias.

Ex vivo analysis of the debris remaining in flattened root canals of vital and nonvital teeth after biomechanical preparation with Ni-Ti rotary instruments

The purpose of this study was to assess the presence of apical debris remaining in the apical third of flattened root canals of vital and nonvital teeth after biomechanical preparation with Ni-Ti rotary instruments. Fresh-extracted human mandibular incisors were used in this study. The teeth had clinical indication for extraction and were submitted to cold pulp vitality testing and radiographic examination. Eighteen teeth were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n=9), according to the clinical diagnosis, i.e., pulp vitality or pulp necrosis. The canals were instrumented with the ProTaper NiTi rotary system in the following sequence: S1 - up to the middle third; SX - at the cervical third; S2- up to the apical third; and S1, F1, F2, F3 - at the working length. The canals were irrigated with 1 percent sodium hypochlorite, dried and were submitted to the histological processing. Sections from the apical third were analyzed by an optical microscope (X40) that was coupled to a computer where the images were captured and analyzed using specific softwares. A grid was placed over these images to assess the total canal area and the areas with debris. Mann-Whitney U-test showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the teeth with pulp vitality (6.49 ± 3.39) and those with pulp necrosis (5.95 ± 2.22). It may be concluded that the clinical condition of pulp tissue did not interfere with the amount of debris remaining in the apical third of flattened root canals prepared with Ni-Ti rotary instruments.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de debris no terço apical de canais radiculares achatados de dentes com polpa vital ou não-vital após preparo biomecânico com instrumentos rotatórios de níquel-titânio. Incisivos humanos inferiores recentemente extraídos for usados neste estudo. Os dentes tinham indicação para exodontia e o diagnóstico clínico do estado pulpar foi realizado mediante teste de vitalidade com frio e exame radiográfico. Dezoito incisivos inferiores humanos foram selecionados e distribuídos em dois grupos (n=9), de acordo com o diagnóstico clínico: dentes com a polpa viva ou dentes com a polpa necrosada. Os canais radiculares foram instrumentados com o sistema rotatório ProTaper com instrumentos de NiTi na seguinte seqüência: S1- até o terço médio; SX - no terço cervical; S2 - até no terço apical; e S1, F1, F2, F3 - no comprimento de trabalho. Os canais foram irrigados com hipoclorito de sódio a 1 por cento, secos e submetidos ao processamento histológico. Cortes do terço apical foram analisados em microscópio ótico (40X) acoplado a um computador onde as imagens resultantes foram capturadas e analisadas utilizando programas específicos. Uma grade foi colocada sobre estas imagens para avaliar a área total do canal e as áreas com debris. O teste de Mann-Whitney mostrou não haver diferença estatisticamente significante (p>0,05) entre os dentes com vitalidade pulpar (6,49 ± 3,39) e aqueles com necrose pulpar (5,95 ± 2,22). Concluiu-se que o estado clínico pulpar não interferiu na quantidade de debris remanescentes no terço apical de canais radiculares achatados preparados com instrumentos rotatórios de NiTi.