The Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scans in Determining the Working Length in Teeth Requiring Non-surgical Endodontic Treatment: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Endodontic treatment aims to eradicate both microbial infection and inflammatory processes within the root canal space as well as in the periapical (PA) region of the tooth. To achieve this, the canals should be cleaned, shaped, disinfected, and obturated to the proper working length. Clinically, the working length is described as the measurement from the coronal reference point to the physiological apex located at the apical foramen. In the available literature, electronic apex locators (EAL) with periapical (PA) radiographs are the most reliable and precise tools for determining the working length in routine root canal treatment. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective clinical study is to evaluate if cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans are reliable and accurate in measuring endodontic working length compared to standard clinical measurement methods. METHODS: Patients who fit the inclusion criteria were identified. A postgraduate endodontic resident blinded to the cone beam computed tomography scan results treated all teeth in the field of view that needed endodontic treatment. The root canal length was determined using J Morita Root ZX II apex locator (J Morita Corp., Kyoto, Japan) and periapical radiographs. The dental radiology specialist interpreted the pre-existing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan images and determined the working length. Statistical comparisons of the working length measurements of EAL and CBCT were performed using paired sample t-tests after verifying normality. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the working lengths were found in all canals with the exception of the palatal canal only (t=2.16, p=0.034), suggesting consistent measurements between EAL and CBCT. CONCLUSION: In teeth requiring endodontic treatment, pre-existing cone beam computed tomography scan images are accurate as electronic apex locators when determining the working length. A limitation of this study is that it only includes a limited number of samples and is affected by operator variation.

Effectiveness of H-files and Pro-Taper universal systems in removing Gutta-percha during endodontic retreatment: A comparative study.

Objective: This research was aimed at assessing the effectiveness of manual H-files versus a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system in removing gutta-percha (GP) during endodontic retreatment, by using a digital radiography technique. Methods: This ex vivo study used a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The study sample comprised 60 extracted anterior permanent teeth, each with one root with a straight root canal (RC). After preparation, RCs were obturated with GP and sealer. Subsequently, teeth were stored for 2 weeks in a humid environment at 37 °C. Thirty teeth each were randomly assigned to the control (group I), and experimental (group II) groups. GP removal was performed with H-files {group I) or a combination of a Pro-Taper universal rotary canal preparation system and retreatment system (group 2). Digital radiographs were acquired with Carestream digital radiovisiography software (Kodak; version-VER.6.10.8.3-A), and the presence of residual GP was analyzed. AutoCAD (2006) software was used to demarcate the RC and residual root filling. The residual GP in both groups was compared with independent sample t-tests. Results: The remaining root filling did not significantly differ when GP was removed with conventional Hedstrom files versus a combination of Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems. The residual GP was confined to the apical third of the canals in both groups. Conclusions: Pro-Taper Universal preparation and retreatment file systems have similar effectiveness to manual H-files in GP removal in straight canals.

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Investigation of the Frequency and Pattern of Radix Entomolaris in the Saudi Arabian Population.

Background and Objectives: An understanding of the anatomical complexity of teeth is a significant factor for a successful endodontic treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and pattern of distribution of radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first molars (MFMs) of a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using CBCT scans. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at dental clinics of Qassim University from February to May 2023 by evaluating CBCT scans that were previously obtained for diagnostic purposes. Scans of Saudi national patients with bilaterally present MFMs and fully formed root apices were included. Conversely, scans with one/or two missing MFMs, MFMs with incomplete root apices, full- or partial-coverage prosthesis, endodontic treatment, and associated radicular resorption were excluded from study. A total of 303 CBCT scans with 606 bilateral MFMs were analyzed by two calibrated evaluators for the presence of, and type according to Song's typolgy of RE. The data were analyzed using SPPS-24. The descriptive variables were documented as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between the prevalence of RE with the gender, jaw side and age group. Both inter-rater and intra-rater agreements were estimated for detecting and classifying RE using Cohen's kappa test. Results: The sample had 63.7% males and 36.3% females. The prevalence of RE was 6.6%, with Song's type III (57.5%) as the most common variant. Absolute agreement was noted between the raters about the presence of RE and very strong agreement was noted for the classification of the RE. Conclusions: RE is an uncommon finding among the mandibular first molars of the Saudi population without any gender and quadrant predilection. The clinicians' knowledge of the presence and Song's type of RE may contribute towards the enhancement of endodontic treatment outcomes.

Comparison of Efficacy of Lidocaine and Articaine as Inferior Alveolar Nerve Blocking Agents in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: Lidocaine Hydrochloride has been the standard choice for local anesthesia in dentistry and Articaine's unique structure and growing popularity make it a viable alternative. Due to contradictory results in prior research and a scarcity of trials conducted in the Pakistani population, this study aims to compare the anesthetic efficacy of Lidocaine with Articaine for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods: This double-blinded, randomized controlled trial included 152 patients who were selected by consecutive non-probability sampling. The participants included patients who presented with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth (molars and premolars) and depicted normal apical tissue radiographically. The patients were equally and randomly divided into two groups. The control group received 2% Lidocaine Hydrochloride injections, and the experiment group received 4% Articaine Hydrochloride injections. Participants scored their pain on the HP-VAS both before and after the administration of anesthesia. A value of 54 mm or less on the scale indicated effective anesthesia. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test was applied to analyze data for statistical significance. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of the two anesthetic agents. During access cavity preparation, Lidocaine demonstrated a success rate of 93%, whereas Articaine exhibited a slightly higher success rate of 97%. During initial instrumentation, the success rates for Lidocaine and Articaine were 72% and 71%, respectively. This suggests that both Lidocaine and Articaine were effective in achieving anesthesia during the dental procedure in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, with Articaine showing a slightly better success rate, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The anesthetic efficacy of Articaine is similar to that of lidocaine in subjects with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Hence, Articaine can serve as an alternative to Lidocaine for local anesthesia administration in dentistry.

Effects of Bacterial Metabolites on the Wnt4 Protein in Dental-Pulp-Stem-Cells-Based Endodontic Pulpitis Treatment.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with endodontic pulpitis, causing damage to the dental pulp, leading to severe pain and a decline in quality of life. Regenerative pulp treatments using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be hindered by interactions between DPSCs and the infecting bacteria. The protein WNT family member 4 (Wnt4) plays a critical role in the differentiation of DPSCs and the regeneration of odontogenic tissue. However, the specific influence of P. gingivalis on Wnt4 remains unclear. In this study, we employed a computational approach to investigate the underlying mechanisms through which P. gingivalis-produced metabolites inhibit the Wnt4 protein, thereby diminishing the regenerative potential and therapeutic efficacy of odontogenic tissue. Among the metabolites examined, C29H46N7O18P3S-4 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the Wnt4 protein, as evidenced by the lowest binding energy score of -6782 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamic simulation trajectories revealed that the binding of C29H46N7O18P3S-4 significantly altered the structural dynamics and stability of the Wnt4 protein. These alterations in protein trajectories may have implications for the molecular function of Wnt4 and its associated pathways. Overall, our findings shed light on the inhibitory impact of P. gingivalis-produced metabolites on the Wnt4 protein. Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies are necessary to validate and expand upon our findings.

The Effect of Calcium Hydroxide, Triple Antibiotic Paste and Chlorhexidine on Pain in Teeth with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the main reasons for post endodontic pain is the polymicrobial intracanal flora that may survive the initial disinfection. A single antimicrobial agent might not provide adequate disinfection, and an antimicrobial combination such as triple antibiotic paste was tested to achieve this goal. AIM: The study aimed to assess the efficacy of three intra-canal medicaments on post root canal preparation pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with single-rooted necrotic teeth and symptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 20). Their preoperative pain was recorded on Wong-Baker's FACES pain rating scale. After chemo-mechanical canal preparation, intracanal medications were applied to the groups (Group 1 (20% calcium hydroxide), Group 2 (2% chlorhexidine), Group 3 (tri-antibiotic paste), Group 4 (no medication (Control group)). Patients were instructed to record pain on the Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale at 4, 48, 72 and 96 hrs, postoperatively. Pain scores were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA test and Tukey's post hoc test and, if significant, Dunn's test was used for pair-wise comparisons. The significance level was set at a p-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Tukey's post hoc test revealed significantly lower pain scores in Group 3 compared with other groups at all follow up intervals. Dunnett's test showed significantly lower pain in Group 3 compared with the Control group at 48, 72 and 96 hrs, postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Triple-antibiotic paste showed effective pain control as an intracanal medication on necrotic teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis.

Root Canal Configuration and Its Relationship with Endodontic Technical Errors and Periapical Status in Premolar Teeth of a Saudi Sub-Population: A Cross-Sectional Observational CBCT Study.

Endodontic technical errors are the foremost cause of treatment failure. A thorough understanding of root canal configuration (RCC) is essential to prevent these iatrogenic errors. This study used CBCT images to determine the association between root canal configuration, endodontic technical errors, and periapical status. CBCT images of 101 patients, including total of 212 obturated premolars (256 canals) were assessed. RCCs were classified according to the Vertucci system. The presence of endodontic errors and periapical lesions associated with each RCC was noted. Presence or absence of coronal restoration and its association with periapical radiolucency was recorded. The most frequent RCC was Type I (199 cases; 77.73%), followed by Type II (26 cases; 10.15%), Type IV (22 cases; 8.59%), Type V (4 cases; 1.56%), Type III (4 cases; 1.56%), and Type VI (1 case; 0.39%). Under-filling and non-homogeneous filling were the most common technical errors. Prevalence of periapical radiolucency was 81% in the presence of technical errors. The absence of coronal restoration caused apical lesions in 93% of cases. The frequency of endodontic technical errors increased as the root canal configurations became more complex. Periapical lesions occurred more often in teeth with endodontic errors and/or absent coronal restoration.

How Well Prepared Are Dental Students and New Graduates in Pakistan-A Cross-Sectional National Study.

The transition of an undergraduate dental student to an actual practicing dentist is a crucial phase and ensuring the preparedness of graduates for the complexity and demands of contemporary dental practice is a challenging task. This study aimed to evaluate the self-perceived preparedness of undergraduate dental students and house officers in the dental colleges of Pakistan. A cross-sectional national study was planned to collect information from dental students and new graduates in Pakistan. The pre-validated Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale (DU-PAS) was used. A purposive sampling technique was utilized to recruit house officers and undergraduate dental students from 27 dental schools in Pakistan. The data analysis was carried out using the R statistical environment for Windows (R Core Team, 2015). A total of 862 responses with 642 females and 219 males were analyzed in the study. Overall, the clinical skills score was 30.56 ± 9.08 and the score for soft skills was 30.54 ± 10.6. The mean age of the participants was 23.42 ± 1.28. Deficiencies were reported in various soft skills and clinical skills attributes. The results highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of dental students and new graduates in Pakistani dental institutions. The findings may be used to further develop and strengthen the teaching and training of dental students in Pakistan.

Current Trends in Irrigation Solution and Adjunct Use During Endodontic Therapy Among Dental Professionals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction  Chemical irrigation is a crucial component of endodontic therapy, and irrigation adjuncts increase the efficiency of non-surgical root canal system disinfection, reduce microbial loads, and enhance the penetration of irrigants throughout the root canal system. This study aimed to determine the current trends in chemical irrigation and its adjunct use during root canal therapy by general dental practitioners (GDPs) and endodontic specialists in both government and private sectors in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study used a self-administered survey sent to GDPs and endodontic specialists in both government and private sectors in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Responses were accepted from November 2019 till May 2020. The survey was randomly distributed to consenting participants. The results are presented using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 302 participants responded to the survey, with a 44% response rate. The majority of responses were from GDPs (54%), while 46% were from endodontic specialists. Regarding the workplace, 59% of respondents were public sector professionals, 25% were private sector professionals, and 16% were both public and private sector professionals. Around 30% of the respondents used sodium hypochlorite (NaOCI) as their primary irrigation solution during root canal treatment, with 52% using it at its full-strength concentration and 18% and 17% preferring to use it in combination with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) only or EDTA and saline, respectively. When asked to rank the reasons for choosing their irrigant of choice during therapy; antibacterial capability and tissue dissolution were the most crucial factors to 80% and 57% of participants, respectively. Half of the respondents irrigated the canal to 2 mm from the apex and 21% irrigated to 1 mm from the apex. Three-quarters of participants aimed to remove the smear layer during root canal treatment. Only 47% of respondents used adjuncts to irrigation, and 71% reported that their choice of irrigation solution would differ depending on whether the apex is open or closed. Conclusion Most respondents used full-strength NaOCI concentration as the main irrigation solution and routinely removed the smear layer during root canal treatment. Only 47% of respondents used irrigation adjuncts such as ultrasonics.

Combination of Revascularization and Apexification in the Treatment of an Avulsed Tooth: A Case Report.

AIM: To demonstrate an exceptional result in the treatment of an avulsed tooth that had been stored in a dry environment for over 2 hours before being replanted. BACKGROUND: Sixteen percent of all traumatic injuries to the permanent dentition are avulsions. Maxillary central and lateral incisors are most commonly affected. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this report, a 7-year-old girl sustained trauma to the upper right maxillary incisor during a bicycle accident. The tooth was avulsed and remained outside the oral cavity for more than 2 hours in a dry napkin before eventual reimplantation in the emergency room. Upon presentation to the endodontic clinic at the University of Southern California, the case was assessed, and the available treatment options discussed with the patient's parents. Revascularization using BC putty was the chosen mode of treatment. At a 6-month recall appointment, the patient presented with a sinus tract. A decision was then made to perform apexification using the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as an apical filling material. To date, the tooth remains intact and functional. CONCLUSION: Although both of the described treatment modalities are acceptable and commonly used in modern endodontics, apexification of a tooth following a failed attempt of a regenerative procedure has not been described. In this case, a chronic abscess formed and the ultimate goal of revascularization was not achieved. However, the performance of the revascularization procedure was not without benefit since it allowed the tooth to develop in both length, dentinal volume, and aided in the partial closure of the apical foramen. Additional studies are needed regarding the treatment of avulsed teeth. This case study may provide a viable treatment alternative in a number of clinical situations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The procedures described in this case report may be of clinical significance in the treatment and retention of teeth, which may otherwise be considered to have a poor prognosis and extracted.

Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Usage: Survey of American Endodontists.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptance, accessibility, and usage of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging among American Association of Endodontists (AAE) members in the United States by means of an online survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An invitation to participate in a Web-based survey was sent to 3,000 members of the AAE. The survey consisted of 19 questions on demographics, access to CBCT machines, frequency of use for particular applications, and reasons in case CBCT was not used. RESULTS: A total of 477 endodontists responded to the survey, representing a 15.9% response rate. Around 91.8% of endodontists used CBCT imaging in their practice. Around 86% of endodontists had access to CBCT in their office, while 14% referred their patients to an outside office. Cone-beam computed tomographic units used by endodontists were Carestream (59.6%), Morita (20.8%), and Sirona (5.7%). Around 81.1% of endodontists didn't think CBCT imaging has high risk of radiation exposure; however, 10% of their patients declined CBCT imaging due to both cost and radiation exposure. Around 92.7% requested the segmental view when asking for CBCT. Endodontists' opinion was that CBCT enhances diagnosis of odontogenic pathosis, anatomical structures, treatment of iatrogenic errors, and diagnosis of nonodontogenic pathosis by 96.4%, 96.3%, 92.2%, and 88%, respectively. Around 93% of endodontists agreed that they would not consider doing CBCT for pregnant women. Majority of endodontists (74.6%) use CBCT in their practice for surgery, followed by 60.2% in nonsurgical retreatment. While 59.1% use CBCT in initial nonsurgical treatment, 44% reported that they use CBCT in endodontic recall and 9.2% use CBCT for pediatric patients. CONCLUSION: CBCT technology is becoming the imaging modality of choice for nonsurgical retreatments and presurgical treatment planning. Endodontists deal with complex cases and thus the CBCT is a necessary tool that helps save a lot of time and effort during treatment procedures, looking for canals or determining why a previous treatment failed, and in providing the most comprehensive care. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: With the advancement in technology in the latest era, the three-dimensional CBCT imaging helped provide superior information over the two-dimensional periapical radiograph in making the correct diagnostic decision. This survey enlightened the usage of CBCT among endodontic practitioners in the United States. How to cite this article: Alzamzami ZT, Abulhamael AM, Talim DJ, et al. Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Usage: Survey of American Endodontists. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1132-1137.

Treatment Decision-making of Cracked Teeth: Survey of American Endodontists.

AIM: The aim of this study is to survey the opinion of endodontists in the United States regarding their approach to treatment of cracked teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey assessing the opinions of 3,500 endodontists in the United States was administered over a 4-week period. It consisted of a hypothetical clinical case and eight different treatment scenarios. Participants were asked to select one of the two treatment options: (A) informing the patient of the presence of a crack, reinforcing the tooth, and continuing with endodontic treatment; and (B) extraction of the tooth followed by replacement with an implant supported crown or fixed partial denture. RESULTS: When the crack extended across the distal marginal ridge with no associated probing depths, 92.65% endodontists preferred to continue with endodontic treatment and reenforcing the tooth. When the crack extended across the distal marginal ridge and was associated with a probing depth of 6 mm, 80% preferred extraction of the tooth. When the crack extended across the mesial marginal ridge up to the orifice of the mesiolingual canal with no associated probing depth, 82.78% preferred to continue with the treatment. When the crack was associated with a 6-mm probing depth, 83.79% preferred tooth extraction. When the crack extended across the mesial marginal ridge and down into the mesiolingual canal with/without associated probing depth, 91.13% and 63.54% preferred tooth extraction, respectively. When the crack involved both mesial and distal marginal ridges and extended across the pulp chamber, 79.74% preferred tooth extraction. When a split tooth was presented, 98.48% preferred tooth extraction. CONCLUSION: It appears that the presence of a 6-mm periodontal pocket is considered an important factor by most American endodontists when deciding whether to preserve the cracked tooth or extract it. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There is no consensus among dentists regarding the best approach to treat cracked teeth. Conclusive studies evaluating clinical approaches of endodontists regarding treatment of cracked teeth are lacking. Therefore, surveyed opinion of endodontists in the United States regarding their approach to treatment of cracked teeth was done to try to reach the best clinical decision regarding this dilemma.