The efficacy of the self-adjusting file and ProTaper for removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) and ProTaper for removing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] from root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six human mandibular incisors were instrumented with the ProTaper system up to instrument F2 and filled with a Ca(OH)2-based dressing. After 7 days, specimens were distributed in two groups (n=15) according to the method of Ca(OH)2 removal. Group I (SAF) was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl and SAF was used for 30 seconds under constant irrigation with 5 mL of NaOCl using the Vatea irrigation device, followed by irrigation with 3 mL of EDTA and 5 mL of NaOCl. Group II (ProTaper) was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl, the F2 instrument was used for 30 seconds, followed by irrigation with 5 mL of NaOCl, 3 mL of EDTA, and 5 mL of NaOCl. In 3 teeth Ca(OH)2 was not removed (positive control) and in 3 teeth canals were not filled with Ca(OH)2 (negative control). Teeth were sectioned and prepared for the scanning electron microscopy. The amounts of residual Ca(OH)2 were evaluated in the middle and apical thirds using a 5-score system. RESULTS: None of the techniques completely removed the Ca(OH)2 dressing. No difference was observed between SAF and ProTaper in removing Ca(OH)2 in the middle (P=0.11) and the apical (P=0.23) thirds. CONCLUSION: The SAF system showed similar efficacy to rotary instrument for removal of Ca(OH)2 from mandibular incisor root canals. .

Ability of different methods to fill retrograde cavities with MTA

Introduction: The Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) has excellent biological property. However, its consistency makes it difficult to be inserted into retrograde cavities. Objective:To evaluate the ability of different methods to fill retrograde cavities with MTA. Material and methods: Root canals of thirty single-rooted resin teeth were prepared and filled. After the cut of 3 mm short of apical third, retrograde cavities with 3 mm deep were prepared using an ultrasound device and retrotips (CVD, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil). The retrograde preparation was evaluate by using an operative microscope (D.F. Vasconcellos, São Paulo, SP, Brazil). The teeth were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10), according to the method: 1) condenser (Trinity, São Paulo, SP, Brazil); 2) MTA applicator (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) + condenser; 3) condenser associated with ultrasound (CVD, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil). After the filling of retrograde cavities with white MTA (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil), teeth were radiographed using a digital system (Kodak RVG 6000, Rochester, NY, USA). The images were analyzed by UTHSCSA Image Tool 3.0 software. The percentage of filling was calculated by the proportion between the total area of retrograde cavity and the filled area. The radiographic density mean of each third of retrograde cavity filled with MTA was measured by using the histogram tool of the software. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests, with 5% of significance. Results: There was no difference in percentage of filling among the groups (p > 0.05) (approximately 85%). By comparing the thirds, the condenser and MTA applicator groups showed higher density for apical and middle third than cervical third (p < 0.05). The ultrasound group presented similar density among the thirds. Conclusion: The filling ability was similar for the studied methods. Ultrasound promoted better distribution of MTA in retrograde cavity, but did not increase the density of material.

Efetividade antibacteriana de soluções irrigadoras e sistema Endox Plus no tratamento de canais radiculares / Antibacterial effectiveness of irrigating solutions and Endox Plus system in the treatment of root canals

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade antibacteriana de soluções irrigadoras e do sistema Endox Plus no preparo de canais radiculares. Capítulo 1 - Para comparar a efetividade antibacteriana da solução de hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl), MTAD BioPure e do Sistema Endox Plus durante o preparo biomecânico, foram utilizadas 70 raízes de dentes humanos unirradiculados contaminadas com cepa de E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) e incubadas por 21 dias. Os espécimes foram divididos em cinco grupos: GI- Sistema Endox Plus, GII- NaOCl 2.5 % /MTAD, GIII- NaOCl 2,5% /EDTA, GIV- solução salina (controle positivo), GV- Controle negativo (sem instrumentação/irrigação). Foi realizada a análise microbiológica das amostras por meio de diluições seriadas e a contagem das UFCs. Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente por ANOVA e Tukey post-hoc (p < 0,05). Todos os espécimes mostraram crescimento bacteriano após o período de contaminação com similar contagem de UFC/mL log, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos. Após os procedimentos houve uma redução da quantidade de bactérias em todos os grupos, exceto no controle negativo. Não houve diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os GI e GIV. Os grupos II e III não mostraram crescimento bacteriano, mostrando diferença estatística com os outros grupos. Na coleta final, houve um aumento na contagem bacteriana nos grupos I, II, III e IV, sem diferença significativa entre eles. Porém, houve diferença na proliferação bacteriana quando comparados com a coleta pós-preparo. O sistema Endox Plus demonstrou a menor efetividade antibacteriana quando comparado às soluções de NaOCl 2,5% /MTAD e NaOCl 2,5% /EDTA e, todos os procedimentos avaliados permitiram a proliferação bacteriana após 7 dias, mostrando a permanência da infecção no SCR. Capítulo 2 - Foi avaliada a atividade antibacteriana das soluções irrigadoras MTAD BioPure, Chlor-XTRA e CHX-Plus pelo teste de contato direto sobre biofilme de E. faecalis em dentina bovina. Foram 48 corpos-de-prova de 5mm x 5mm x 0,7mm que foram esterilizados. Após formação de biofilme com a cepa de E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) por 15 dias foi realizado o teste antibacteriano por contato direto. Os tempos de contato foram de 1 e 3 minutos. A análise microbiológica foi realizada por meio da contagem das UFC/mL após cada um dos períodos experimentais, como no capítulo 1. Chlor-XTRA foi capaz de eliminar biofilme de E. faecalis após 1 e 3 minutos de contato, com diferença estatística significante entre os demais grupos (p < 0,05). MTAD Biopure possui a menor atividade antibacteriana quando comparado às soluções de Chlor-XTRA e CHX-Plus. ChlorXTRA foi o irrigante que se mostrou eficaz sobre biofilme de E. faecalis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of irrigating solutions and the Endox Plus system in the treatment of the root canals. Chapter I- In order to compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl), MTAD Biopure and Endox Plus system during chemomechanical preparation, were used 70 single-rooted human teeth, which were contaminated with the strain of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) and incubated for 21 days. The specimens were divided into five groups: GI- Endox Plus system, GII- NaOCl 2.5% /MTAD, GIII- NaOCl 2.5% /EDTA, GIV- saline solution (positive control), GV- negative control (without instrumentation/irrigation). Microbiological analysis of the samples consisted in evaluation of the CFUs. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by ANOVA tests and Tukey post-hoc (p<0.05). The specimens showed bacterial growth after the initial incubation period with similar counting of CFU/mL log, with no statistical difference among the groups. After the procedures there was a decrease of the amount of bacteria in all groups, except in the negative control. There were no statistically differences between the GI and GIV. The GII and GIII didn't show bacterial growth, showing statistical differences with the other groups. In the final sample, bacterial counts increased in groups I, II, III, IV, with no statistically significant differences among the groups, but there was a difference when compared to the post-instrumentation sample. The Endox Plus system presented the lowest antibacterial effectiveness when compared to the solutions of NaOCl 2.5% /MTAD y NaOCl 2.5% /EDTA and all the evaluated procedures allowed the recovery of bacteria 7 days after treatment, demonstrating persistence of infection in the root canal system. Chapter II- The antibacterial activity of the irrigating solutions MTAD Biopure, Chlor-XTRA and CHX-Plus was evaluated with the test of direct contact over the biofilm of the E. faecalis in bovine root dentine. There were used roots of bovine incisors to obtain segments of root canal for the preparation of 48 dentine sections 5mm x 5mm x 0.7 mm, which were sterilized later. After biofilm formation with the strain of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) the antibacterial direct contact test was taken for 15 days. The contact times were of 1 and 3 minutes. The microbiological analysis consisted in evaluation of the number of UFC/mL after each of the experimental periods as in Chapter I. Chlor-XTRA was able to eliminate E. faecalis biofilm after 1 and 3 minutes of contact, with a statistically significant difference among the other groups (p < 0,05). MTAD Biopure has the lowest antibacterial activity when compared to solutions Chlor-XTRA e CHX-Plus. Chlor-XTRA was the irrigant that proved to be effective against E. faecalis biofilm