Assessing the efficacy of various irrigation solutions in dissolving organic tissue.

For successful root canal treatment, adequate chemomechanical instrumentation to eliminate microorganisms and pulp tissue is crucial. This study aims to assess the organic tissue dissolving activity of various irrigation solutions on bovine tooth pulp tissue. 40 extracted bovine mandibular anterior teeth (n = 10) were used for the study. Bovine pulp pieces (25 ± 5 mg) were placed in 1.5 ml Eppendorf tubes. Each tooth pulp sample was then covered with 1.5 ml of different irrigation solutions, dividing them into four groups: Group 1 with freshly prepared 5% Boric acid, Group 2 with 5% NaOCl, Group 3 with Irritrol, and Group 4 with Saline. Samples were left at room temperature for 30 min, then dried and reweighed. The efficacy of tissue dissolution ranked from highest to lowest was found to be NaOCl, Boric Acid, Irritrol, and saline (p < 0.05). It was observed that the decrease in the NaOCl group was greater than the decrease in the Irritrol and saline groups, and the decrease in the Boric acid group was significantly greater than the decrease in the saline group (p < 0.05). It also emphasizes the need for future studies to further investigate the effects of Irritrol and Boric Acid on tissue dissolution.

Evaluation of the impact of fluoride in drinking water and tea on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth.

BACKGROUND: Systemic fluoride intake is predominantly derived from drinking water and tea. It's been noted that water and tea containing fluoride, within the boundaries set by the World Health Organization, can lessen the prevalence of dental caries. A review of the literature did not uncover any study that has examined the impact of fluoride in bottled drinking water and tea on enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. Thus, we assessed the effects of fluoride present in seven different brands of bottled water from distinct geographical regions of Turkey, and a type of tea produced and packaged in Turkey, on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluoride analysis was performed on drinking water sourced from seven different regions of Turkey and a brand of tea brewed with these waters. The tea was harvested and packaged in Turkey. The analysis was conducted using an ion-selective electrode. In total, 112 tooth enamel samples (56 deciduous molars and 56 permanent molars) were randomly divided into eight distinct groups. These were kept in water for 15 min and tea for 15 min every day for a month. The eighth group was treated with fluoride gel prior to tea and water applications. The amount of fluoride in the tooth enamel structure was evaluated using an SEM EDX device before and after the experiment. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in fluoride content of enamel between water brands and tooth type (deciduous and permanent teeth). Fluoride levels were higher in the enamel of deciduous teeth than in permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: Regular exposure of enamel samples to black tea and water led to an increase in fluoride levels in the enamel; thus, regular consumption of black tea and fluoride water could help reduce the prevalence of dental caries.

Deciphering Pediatric Root Canal Practices in Turkey: A Comparative Study Bridging the Gap between Practice and Literature.

BACKGROUND Pediatric endodontics is a critical area of dental practice, involving the treatment of root canals in primary teeth. Treatment approaches can significantly vary due to a range of factors, potentially impacting the success of the procedure and patient comfort. This variability, often influenced by regional practices, individual dentist preferences, and the pace of dental technology advancements, warrants detailed examination to improve standardization and care outcomes. Accordingly, our study aims to scrutinize the endodontic practices of pedodontists in Turkey and compare them with contemporary literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted an online survey with 15 questions that 217 Turkish pedodontists answered. The questionnaire sought information about their preferences in canal length measurement, canal sealer, irrigation solution, and other procedural decisions. Chi-square test was used to analyze the responses, with a significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS The majority of respondents were associated with universities (123 out of 217). 103 preferred rotary file sets, and 114 used apex locators for canal length measurement. Iodoform pastes (160) and sodium hypochlorite (180) were the most popular choices for canal sealers and irrigation solution, respectively. 152 participants did not prefer using rubber dam, and 186 did not favor sonic-ultrasonic activators. Many reported using hand files as students (184), with 39 continuing this practice. Post-graduation, 64 participants took root canal treatment courses, while 72 were reluctant to perform the procedure under general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS No single method stood out as superior for primary root canal treatments in deciduous teeth. Incorporating advanced technology into dental practice may potentially improve treatment success and patient comfort.

Effect of cleaning materials on microtensile bond strength of resin composite to primary dentin contaminated with root canal sealers.

BACKGROUND: There have been no studies on the bond strength of adhesives with dentin surfaces contaminated with root canal sealers in primary teeth without underlying permanent teeth germs. This study investigated the cleaning materials used for primary tooth dentin contaminated with root canal sealers. The aim was to increase the success rate of root canal treatment in pedodontics clinics and retain the teeth for longer. METHODS: The occlusal enamel layer was removed, followed by the application of root canal sealers (AH Plus or MTA Fillapex) to the dentin and cleaning using different irrigation solutions (saline, NaOCl, and ethanol). The specimens were restored using a self-etch adhesive and composite. Sticks with a thickness of approximately 1 mm were obtained from each sample, and the bond strengths were measured using a microtensile testing device. The interfacial morphology of the bonded space was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The control and AH Plus saline groups had the highest bond strengths. The groups cleaned using ethanol had the lowest bond strengths (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Cleaning the dentin with saline-soaked cotton pellets provided the best bond strengths. Therefore, saline is the most effective material for removing both epoxy resin- and calcium silicate-based root canal sealers from the access cavity.