Periapical status and quality of root canal fillings and coronal restorations in Iranian population

This cross-sectional survey determined the dental prevalence of apical periodontitis [AP] in selected Iranian population, and evaluated the influence of the quality of root canal treatment [RCT] and their coronal restorations [CR] on the periapical status. A total of 1064 panoramic radiographies were evaluated by two observers during 2009. The quality of RCT i.e. length/density of root fillings and CR in addition to periapical status of endodontically treated teeth were recorded. Their interrelationship was analyzed by Chi-squared, logistic regression and Spearman's rho statistics. Hosmer and Lemeshow tests were used for assessing fitness of logistic regression model and one sample k-s test was used for evaluating of normality of the data. Our results showed that 527 teeth [52%] of the endodontically treated teeth presented with AP radiographically. The percentages of teeth which fulfilled the criteria of an acceptable RCT or CR radiographically were 42.3 and 62.5 respectively. Incidence of AP among teeth with acceptable RCT [29.1%] was significantly lower than those suffering from unacceptable RCT [68.8%] [P<0.001]. Moreover, adequate CR demonstrated a significantly better periapical status [58.6%] compared to teeth with inadequate CR [30.3%] [P<0.001]. The incidence of AP ranged from 25.6% [good qualities] to 79.5% [bad qualities] [P<0.001]. Cases with both unacceptable RCT/CR were 11 times more likely to have AP than cases with acceptable RCT/CR. The quality of RCT and CR were found to impact the periapical health of endodontically treated teeth. There are a significant high number of technically unacceptable endodontic and restorative treatments in Iran; therefore considerable efforts are needed to improve the standards of endodontic and restorative treatments

Cytotoxic effect of a new endodontic cement and mineral trioxide aggregate on L929 line culture

The aim of this study was to compare the cytotoxicity of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate [MTA] and a New Endodontic Cement [NEC] on L929 mouse fibroblasts. Different dilutions [Neat, 1/2, 1/10, 1/100] of fresh and set materials placed adjacent flasks of L929 in DMEM medium. Cellular viability was assessed using MTT assay in three time intervals [24, 48, and 72 h after mixing]. Differences in mean cell viability values between materials were assessed by using the One-way ANOVA and Bonferoni post-test. Optical microscopic analysis of morphology of the untreated control and the cementtreated cell cultures were carried out in all experimental periods. It was indicated that there was not a significant difference in cytotoxicity among the materials of test and between them and the control group. However, there was a statistically significant difference between different time intervals within each group [P

Endodontic re-treatment of maxillary second molar with two separate palatal roots: a case report

Maxillary second molar with two palatal roots is a rare dental anatomy. The diagnosis and treatment of exceeded root may create challenge for clinicians. The authors discuss the retreatment of a maxillary second molar in which exceeded root was undiagnosed in previous treatment. The case report underlines the importance of complete knowledge about root canal morphology which achieved by careful clinical and radiographic examination. In retreatment procedures clinicians should consider missed canals