Effects of increasing instrument size and taper on the disinfection and shaping of mandibular incisors.

This study assessed canal preparation effects on disinfection and dentin preservation. Thirty mandibular incisors were paired into two experimental groups (n = 10). Following contamination, the initial microbial sample was collected. Instruments 30/0.03 (Group 1) and 30/0.05 (Group 2) were employed and a second sample was obtained. Canals were enlarged using instruments 40/0.03 and 40/0.05, respectively, and a third sample was collected. Final irrigation was performed, and sample S4 obtained. A final scan evaluated volume, surface area, unprepared areas, removed dentin and dentin thickness. Data were analysed using Student t-test, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. A significant difference was observed between S1 and other time points (p < 0.05). Comparison between groups showed no differences in bacterial loads and in the percentage of microbial reduction (p > 0.05). Group 2 exhibited greater reduction in dentin thickness than group 1 in the mesial aspect of the root (p < 0.05). Instrument 30/0.03 might provide effective disinfection and safety during mandibular incisors canal preparation.

Effect of the progressive taper enlargement of buccal root canals of three-rooted maxillary molars: A stepwise micro-CT study.

This study evaluated unprepared canal areas, volume of dentine removal, and dentine thickness after the progressive enlargement of the buccal canals of 22 maxillary molars, with and without the MB2, using instruments with the same tip size (0.25 mm) but 4 different tapers (0.03, 0.05, 0.06 and 0.08 v). Micro-CT scans were performed after each instrument. Data were compared using a general linear mixed model post hoc comparisons with Kenward-Roger for Wald F tests (α = 5%). After each treatment step, it was observed an increase in the percentage volume of removed dentine and a decrease in the unprepared areas and dentine thickness at the pericervical region of all canals (p < 0.05). The percentage reduction of dentine thickness in MB2 canal was higher than in the mesiobuccal and distobuccal canals (p < 0.05). Knowledge of pre-operative dimensions and dentine thickness before enlargement of buccal canals of maxillary molars is an important factor to avoid excessive dentine removal.

Volumetric changes in root canal sealers in ex vivo and a novel animal model approach.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the volumetric change of root canal sealers through micro-computed tomographic analysis using a novel in vivo model and to compare the results with those obtained using an ex vivo test. METHODOLOGY: Eighteen single-rooted teeth were cut to 5 mm length from the root apex. The root canals were uniformly enlarged and filled with EndoSequence BC Sealer or AH Plus Jet root canal sealers. Samples were stored at 37°C and 95% relative humidity for 24 h and then scanned with a micro-CT device. Twelve samples (n = 6 for each sealer) were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of Wistar rats, while six samples (n = 3 for each sealer) were immersed in 20 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C at neutral pH. After 7 and 30 days, teeth were removed from subcutaneous tissue or PBS and rescanned. Statistical analysis of volume changes was performed using Shapiro-Wilk's test and independent t-test (p < .05). RESULTS: AH Plus Jet had smaller volume changes (-2.2 to +0.77%) than EndoSequence BC Sealer (-2.0 to +4.0%) (p < .05), in the two tested models. The volume of the root canal sealers decreased over time (p < .05), in vivo. AH Plus Jet results varied between the in vivo and ex vivo results (p < .05), while EndoSequence BC Sealer presented similar volume losses for both experimental models (p > .05). CONCLUSION: EndoSequence BC Sealer lost more volume than AH Plus Jet. The experimental conditions influenced the volumetric change of AH Plus Jet but not the EndoSequence BC Sealer. The ex vivo model should be further explored as a methodological alternative to assess the volumetric changes of root canal sealers without causing harm to animals.

pH influences the volumetric change of calcium silicate- and epoxy resin-based root canal sealers: An ex vivo micro-CT study.

This study assessed the influence of pH variation on the volumetric change of EndoSequence BC Sealer compared to AH Plus Jet. Eighteen single-rooted teeth were uniformly prepared and filled with one of the sealers. After 24-h storing, samples were scanned in a micro-CT device. Then, roots were immersed in 20 ml phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with pH of 5, 7 or 12 at 37°C for 7 and 30 days and rescanned. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk's test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's or Student's t-tests (p < 0.05). Differences between sealers were observed only at neutral pH and after 30 days of acidic pH exposure, with a higher loss of EndoSequence (p < 0.05). After 7 days, alkaline pH reduced and increased the volumetric loss of EndoSequence and AH Plus, respectively, compared to neutral pH (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that the pH directly influenced the volumetric change of both tested root canal sealers in different ways.

Impact of Minimally Invasive Endodontic Procedures on the Development of Dentinal Microcracks.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the impact of root canal preparation in teeth with ultraconservative access cavities (UltraAC) on the development of dentinal microcracks using a nondestructive longitudinal micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging experimental model. Root canal preparation in teeth with traditional access cavities (TradAC) was used as control. METHODS: Forty mandibular molars were scanned in a micro-CT device, anatomically matched, and distributed into 4 groups according to the type of access cavity and instrumentation system: traditional/Reciproc (TradAC/RC), traditional/XP-endo Shaper (TradAC/XP), ultraconservative/Reciproc (UltraAC/RC), and ultraconservative/XP-endo Shaper (UltraAC/XP). After root canal preparation, the teeth were rescanned. After reconstruction and co-registration procedures, the images were screened from the furcation level to the apex to identify the presence of dentinal microcracks. RESULTS: From a total of 15,340 cross-section images, 19.65% (3014 slices) had some dentinal microcracks. The qualitative analysis demonstrated the presence of some dentinal microcracks in 11%, 33%, 19%, and 15% of the images of cross-sections in TradAC/RC, TradAC/XP, UltraAC/RC, and UltraAC/XP groups, respectively. All dentinal microcracks observed after root canal preparation were already present in the corresponding images before canal instrumentation. Therefore, no new microcracks were detected, regardless of the access cavity and root canal instrumentation system. CONCLUSIONS: Root canal preparation with Reciproc or XP-endo Shaper under traditional or ultraconservative access cavities did not create dentinal microcracks in extracted mandibular molars.

Photodynamic therapy for root canal disinfection in endodontics: an umbrella review.

To evaluate and synthesize the evidence from the individual reviews that evaluated the efficacy of PDT therapy in root canal disinfection by undertaking an umbrella review. The protocol of the review was registered in the PROSPERO database under number CRD42021214056. The literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, and Epistemonikos, from inception to July 2021. Systematic reviews that evaluated the efficacy of PDT for root canal disinfection were included. Two authors independently performed a literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies. Any disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. The quality of the reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool and the final categorization of each systematic reviews was classified as of "high," "moderate," "low," or "critically low" quality. Six systematic reviews were included in the current umbrella review and all of them were graded as critically low quality. From the critically low-quality evidence available, this umbrella review showed that the efficacy of PDT in root canal disinfection remains yet undetermined.

The Impact of TruNatomy and ProTaper Gold Instruments on the Preservation of the Periradicular Dentin and on the Enlargement of the Apical Canal of Mandibular Molars.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the preservation of periradicular dentin and the enlargement of the apical canal of mandibular molars with TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona) instruments. METHODS: Twenty mandibular molars were scanned in a micro-computed tomographic device, anatomically paired, and distributed into 2 groups (n = 10). In the ProTaper Gold group, mesial and distal canals were prepared up to F2 (25/.08v) and F3 (30/.09v) instruments, whereas in the TruNatomy group, mesial and distal canals were enlarged up to the prime (26/.04v) and medium (36/.03v) instruments, respectively. After a new scan, the surface area, volume, unprepared areas, transportation, percentage of dentin removal, and dentin thickness parameters were calculated. Data were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney test, the Student t test, and the nonmetric multidimensional scaling test with alpha set at 5%. RESULTS: No difference was found between groups regarding unprepared canal areas and the reduction of dentin thickness (P > .05). Transportation was lower than 0.1 mm in all groups, and statistical differences were observed only at the apical third of the mesiobuccal canal with lower values in the TruNatomy group. ProTaper Gold removed more dentin than TruNatomy at the coronal level of mesial roots (1.8% and 1.0%, respectively) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: TruNatomy and ProTaper Gold were efficient for performing canal preparation in mandibular molars. The tested systems were similar in terms of untouched canal walls and remaining dentin thickness and slightly different in the apical transportation of mesial canals and the percentage of dentin removal at the coronal third but without clinically significant errors.

A comparison of the physicochemical properties of AH Plus Jet with samples taken from the beginning, middle and final portions of the automix syringe system

Aim To evaluate physicochemical properties and semi-quantitative elemental analysis of AH Plus Jet with samples from the beginning, middle and final portions of the automix syringe system. Methodology Three experimental groups based on the source of the material used (beginning, middle and final portion) were established for each of the evaluated properties. Setting time, flow and radiopacity were evaluate following ANSI/ADA n. 57 specification. Set specimens was used in the semi-quantitative elemental analysis in an energy-dispersive X ray spectroscopy and scanning-electron microscopy (EDS/SEM). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (P<0.05). Results Flow, setting time, solubility and EDS/SEM tests showed no significant differences among the three portions of the automix syringe (P>0.05). Radiopacity test showed significant differences in the beginning of the syringe comparing to the middle and final portions (P<0.05). EDS/SEM analysis identified the presence of C, O, Al, Ca, Zr and W. The element Al, however, was found only in the final portion of the syringe. Conclusions The results of AH Plus Jet suggested an adequate ratio of the components, without segregation between organic and inorganic components, since the results of setting time, flow, solubility and EDS/SEM analysis presented similar values regardless of the portion of the syringe from where the sealer was taken.

Marginal gaps and voids of three root-end filling materials: A microcomputed tomographic study.

A root-end filling material is required to fill the root-end cavity without gaps or voids, to prevent root canal reinfection and to provide periapical healing. Thus, this study evaluated the volume of marginal gaps and voids of three root-end filling materials using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Thirty maxillary incisors were prepared and filled with gutta-percha and endodontic sealer. The specimens were scanned using micro-CT and distributed into three groups (n = 10): White MTA, MTA Repair HP, and Bio-C Repair. The root tips were resected at 90° to the longitudinal axis and the cavity (3 mm depth) was prepared with an ultrasonic tip. The materials were handled, and the cavities were filled. The specimens were rescanned and the percentual volume of gaps and voids were analyzed. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < .05). No statistical difference was found in the percentage of gaps among the tested materials (p > .05). White MTA presented less voids than Bio-C and MTA Repair HP (p < .05). The materials presented a similar percentual volume of gaps and White MTA presented less voids than other tested materials.

Effect of glycolic acid and EDTA on dentin mechanical properties.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycolic acid (GA) and EDTA on dentin mechanical properties. For the cohesive strength, flexural strength and fracture strength tests, the hourglass of root dentin, dentin sticks and roots standardised to 1 mm thickness were used respectively. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05). The results showed that EDTA and GA 17% reduced the cohesive strength values when compared to distilled water (control; P = 0.0022 and P = 0.0016 respectively), whereas the values for GA 10% group were similar to those of the control group (P = 0.093). No statistically significant difference was found among the groups for the flexural strength test (P = 0.1974). Fracture strength test showed that EDTA and GA 17% were statistically similar to each other (P = 0.7694) and statistically inferior to GA 10% (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0004 respectively). It was concluded that 10% GA showed fewer negative effects on dentin mechanical properties.

Preparos endodônticos minimamente invasivos: construção de bases científicas / Minimally invasive endodontic prepararions: the construction of scientific bases

O conceito de Endodontia Minimamente Invasiva é amplo, e envolve não só a realização de acessos, mas também o uso de instrumentos com conicidades reduzidas ou geometrias inovadoras. Buscando avaliar se as estratégias minimamente invasivas adotadas apresentam vantagens frente aos tratamentos tradicionais, a presente tese foi dividida em três estudos. O estudo 1 avaliou a preservação da dentina perirradicular e o alargamento da porção apical dos canais de molares inferiores com instrumentos TruNatomy e ProTaper Gold. Para isso, vinte molares inferiores foram microtomografados, pareados e distribuídos em 2 grupos. No grupo ProTaper Gold, os canais mesial e distal foram preparados até os instrumentos F2 e F3, respectivamente, enquanto no grupo TruNatomy, os canais mesial e distal foram ampliados até os instrumentos prime e medium, respectivamente. Após um novo escaneamento, os parâmetros de instrumentação foram calculados. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes de Mann-Whitney, T Student e escalonamento multidimensional não-métrico. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos em relação à área não preparada e redução de espessura de dentina. O grupo ProTaper Gold removeu mais dentina que o TruNatomy no terço coronal das raízes mesiais. O estudo 2 avaliou a formação de microtrincas dentinárias em molares inferiores acessados de forma ultraconservadora (UltraAC), instrumentados com Reciproc e XP-Endo Shaper. Quarenta molares inferiores foram microtomografados, pareados e distribuídos em 4 grupos de acordo com o tipo de cavidade de acesso e protocolo do sistema de instrumentação: tradicional/Reciproc; tradicional/XP-endo Shaper; UltraAC/Reciproc e UltraAC/XP-endo Shaper. Após os preparos dos canais, os dentes foram escaneados novamente e as imagens transversais das raízes mesiais e distais, do nível da furca ao ápice foram avaliadas com o objetivo de identificar a presença de microtrincas dentinárias. Em todos os grupos, as microtrincas verificadas nas imagens pós-operatórias já estavam presentes no exame pré-operatório. O estudo 3 avaliou a influência de instrumentos com o mesmo diâmetro de ponta e diferentes conicidades no percentual de área não preparada e volume de dentina removida após o preparo dos canais mesiovestibular e distovestibular de molares superiores com ou sem o canal mesiovestibular 2 (MV2). Vinte e dois molares superiores foram selecionados, microtomografados, pareados e classificados em dois grupos, de acordo com a anatomia das raízes: dentes com MV2 e dentes sem MV2. Após o acesso, os canais radiculares foram preparados com instrumentos 25/.01, 25/.03, 25/.05, 25/.06 e 25/.08v. Os dentes foram submetidos a novos escaneamentos por micro-CT após preparo com cada instrumento descrito anteriormente. Os dados foram analisados usando o Modelo linear generalizado misto e aproximação de Kenward-Roger para testes Wald F. Em dentes com e sem canais MV2, a porcentagem de área não preparada apresentou uma diminuição significativa ao longo do tratamento após cada instrumento utilizado e a porcentagem de dentina removida apresentou um aumento significativo ao longo do tratamento. Com base nos estudos, concluiu-se que as estratégias minimamente invasivas adotadas não apresentaram vantagens frente aos tratamentos tradicionais(AU)

The concept of Minimally Invasive Endodontics is broad, and involves not only the realization of accesses, but also the use of instruments with reduced tapers or innovative geometries. Seeking to assess whether the minimally invasive strategies adopted have advantages over traditional treatments, this thesis was divided into three studies. Study 1 evaluated the preservation of periradicular dentin and enlargement of the apical portion of the mandibular molar canals prepared with TruNatomy and ProTaper Gold instruments. For this, twenty lower molars were microtomography, paired and divided into 2 groups. In the ProTaper Gold group, the mesial and distal canals were prepared up to the F2 and F3 instruments, respectively, while in the TruNatomy group, the mesial and distal canals were prepared up to the prime and medium instruments, respectively. After a new scan, the instrumentation parameters were calculated. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, T Student and non-metric multidimensional scaling tests. No differences were found between groups regarding unprepared area and dentin thickness reduction. The ProTaper Gold group removed more dentin than TruNatomy in the coronal third of the mesial roots. Study 2 evaluated the formation of dentinal microcracks in mandibular molars accessed by ultraconservative cavites (UltraAC), instrumented with Reciproc and XP-Endo Shaper. Forty lower molars were microtomography, paired and divided into 4 groups according to the type of access cavity and instrumentation system protocol: traditional/Reciproc; traditional/XP-endo Shaper; UltraAC/Reciproc and UltraAC/XP-endo Shaper. After the root canal preparations, the teeth were scanned again and the transverse images of the mesial and distal roots, from the furcation level to the apex, were evaluated in order to identify the presence of dentinal microcracks. In all groups, the microcracks seen in the postoperative images were already present in the preoperative examination. Study 3 evaluated the influence of instruments with the same tip diameter and different tapers on the percentage of unprepared area and volume of dentin removed after preparation of the mesiobuccal and distobuccal canals of maxillary molars with or without the mesiobuccal canal 2 (MV2). Twenty-two maxillary molars were selected, microtomography, paired and classified into two groups, according to root anatomy: teeth with MV2 and teeth without MV2. After access, the root canals were prepared with instruments 25/.01, 25/.03, 25/.05, 25/.06 and 25/.08v. The teeth were rescanned by micro-CT after preparation with each instrument described above. Data were analyzed using the Generalized Linear Mixed Model and Kenward-Roger approximation for Wald F tests. In teeth with and without MV2 canals, the percentage of unprepared area showed a significant decrease throughout the treatment after each instrument used and the percentage of removed dentin showed a significant increase during treatment. Based on the studies, it was concluded that the minimally invasive strategies adopted did not present advantages over traditional treatments(AU)

Fracture incidence of Reciproc instruments during root canal retreatment performed by postgraduate students: a cross-sectional retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the fracture incidence of Reciproc R25 instruments (VDW) used during non-surgical root canal retreatments performed by students in a postgraduate endodontic program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the analysis of clinical record cards and periapical radiographs of root canal retreatments performed by postgraduate students using the Reciproc R25, a total of 1,016 teeth (2,544 root canals) were selected. The instruments were discarded after a single use. The general incidence of instrument fractures and its frequency was analyzed considering the group of teeth and the root thirds where the fractures occurred. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test (p < 0.01). RESULTS: Seven instruments were separated during the procedures. The percentage of fracture in relation to the number of instrumented canals was 0.27% and 0.68% in relation to the number of instrumented teeth. Four fractures occurred in maxillary molars, 1 in a mandibular molar, 1 in a mandibular premolar and 1 in a maxillary incisor. A greater number of fractures was observed in molars when compared with the number of fractures observed in the other dental groups (p < 0.01). Considering all of the instrument fractures, 71.43% were located in the apical third and 28.57% in the middle third (p < 0.01). One instrument fragment was removed, one bypassed, while in 5 cases, the instrument fragment remained inside the root canal. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Reciproc R25 instruments in root canal retreatments carried out by postgraduate students was associated with a low incidence of fractures.

Effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation on hard tissue debris removal: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD) in root canal irregularities may negatively impact adequate root canal disinfection. In light of this, the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) to reduce AHTD has been largely studied in in vitro studies, which have adopted different analytic methods of varying accuracy to determine the extent of AHTD more correctly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare how well PUI and non-activated irrigation (NAI) systems perform in reducing AHTD during final irrigation protocols, based exclusively on studies whose analyses used microCT scanning. A systematic search of the studies published up to April 2020 was performed using MeSH terms and free terms, in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS (Lilacs and BBO) and Embase. The inclusion criteria consisted of laboratory studies that evaluated the amount of AHTD, and compared PUI with NAI protocols using microCT analysis. The risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed critically by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan software program (P<0.05), and included studies providing the standardized mean difference (SMD), using a fixed effect model, and adopting a confidence interval of 95%. In all, 3495 studies were identified, three of which met the inclusion criteria. All three were considered as having a low risk of bias. The meta-analysis comparing the ability of PUI and NAI protocols to remove hard tissue debris showed a higher percentage of AHTD reduction (P<0.01) for PUI, with a confidence interval of 1.41 [0.79, 2.02]. The heterogeneity among the studies was 82% (I2). Considering the limitations of the present study, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that PUI was more effective than NAI in removing hard tissue debris, based exclusively on studies that used microCT scanning to provide a more precise analysis of the two techniques used. The findings presented in the present study reinforce the concept that PUI can increase residue removal and improve the cleanliness of the root canal in endodontic treatments.

Shaping ability and apical debris extrusion after root canal preparation with rotary or reciprocating instruments: a micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the shaping ability of the TruShape and Reciproc Blue systems and the apical extrusion of debris after root canal instrumentation. The ProTaper Universal system was used as a reference for comparison. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three mandibular premolars with a single canal were scanned using micro-computed tomography and were matched into 3 groups (n = 11) according to the instrumentation system: TruShape, Reciproc Blue and ProTaper Universal. The teeth were accessed and mounted in an apparatus with agarose gel, which simulated apical resistance provided by the periapical tissue and enabled the collection of apically extruded debris. During root canal preparation, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite was used as an irrigant. The samples were scanned again after instrumentation. The percentage of unprepared area, removed dentin, and volume of apically extruded debris were analyzed. The data were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: No significant differences in the percentage of unprepared area were observed among the systems (p > 0.05). ProTaper Universal presented a higher percentage of dentin removal than the TruShape and Reciproc Blue systems (p < 0.05). The systems produced similar volumes of apically extruded debris (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: All systems caused apically extruded debris, without any significant differences among them. TruShape, Reciproc Blue, and ProTaper Universal presented similar percentages of unprepared area after root canal instrumentation; however, ProTaper Universal was associated with higher dentin removal than the other systems.

Acessos endodônticos: o que todo endodontista deve saber / Endodontic accesses: what every endodontist should know

Introdução: Os acessos endodônticos minimamente invasivos (AEMI) surgiram com o intuito de, por meio da preservação de estrutura dentária, manter a resistência à fratura de dentes tratados endodonticamente. A partir do primeiro estudo, em 2010, vários trabalhos foram desenvolvidos buscando entender qual a influência dos AEMI na resistência à fratura de dentes tratados endodonticamente. No entanto, interferências coronárias causadas pelos AEMI poderiam prejudicar a realização dos procedimentos subsequentes à cavidade de acesso, como a localização, instrumentação, limpeza, descontaminação e obturação dos canais radiculares. Objetivo: Com base nessa premissa, a presente revisão teve como objetivo responder algumas perguntas para que o clínico entenda quais são as principais modalidades de AEMI, os impactos da sua abordagem no tratamento endodôntico e o verdadeiro papel do tratamento endodôntico na perda dos elementos dentários. Resultados: Considerando os dados disponíveis até o presente momento, faltam evidências robustas para apoiar a alegação de que os AEMIs preservem a resistência à fratura dos elementos tratados endodonticamente melhor do que nos dentes acessados de maneira tradicional. Além disso, cavidades de acesso minimamente invasivas podem interferir em outras etapas do tratamento endodôntico, podendo torná-lo imprevisível. Conclusão: Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que há uma falta de evidências que apoiem a utilização de cavidades de acesso minimamente invasivas na prática clínica de rotina e/ou no processo de formação de alunos de graduação e pós-graduação (AU).

Introduction: Minimally invasive access cavities emerged aiming to maintain the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth through the preservation of dental structure. Starting with the first study in 2010, several others were developed to evaluate the influence of minimally invasive access cavities in the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. However, the coronal interference caused by those access cavities could impair the subsequent procedures of root canal treatment, such as the location, instrumentation, cleaning, disinfection and filling of the root canals. Objective: Based on this premise, the aim of the present review was to answer some questions so that the clinician knows the main modalities of minimally invasive access cavities, the impacts of this approach and the real role of endodontic treatment in the tooth loss. Results: Considering the available data, there is a lack of robust evidence in literature to support the claim that the minimally invasive access cavities preserve the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth better than the traditional one. In addition, these access cavities can interfere in other stages of endodontic treatment, making it unpredictable. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that there is a lack of evidence to support the use of minimally invasive access cavities in routine clinical practice and/or in the process of training undergraduate and graduate students (AU).

Probióticos em endodontia: uma revisão de literatura / Probiotics in endodontics: a literature review

Introdução: Os probióticos são micro-organismos vivos que geram benefícios à saúde do hospedeiro. Seus mecanismos de ação consistem, principalmente, em efeitos anti-inflamatórios e antimicrobianos que os tornam importantes no processo de saúde-doença. Na endodontia, a permanência de infecção no interior do sistema de canais radiculares é a principal causa do insucesso do tratamento endodôntico. A partir do sucesso obtido por outras especialidades odontológicas, a utilização de probióticos como nova abordagem no tratamento endodôntico vem sendo alvo de pesquisas com a expectativa de ajudar a combater as infecções endodônticas e manter o equilíbrio da microbiota oral. Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi apresentar os principais resultados disponíveis até o presente momento na literatura científica acerca do uso dos probióticos na endodontia. Fonte dos dados: As bases de dados utilizadas foram Pubmed, Web of Science e Embase e a pesquisa foi realizada até junho de 2021. Síntese dos dados: Foi encontrado um total de oito artigos sobre o tema, avaliando diversos aspectos relacionados ao tratamento endodôntico, como o uso de probióticos contra patógenos endodônticos, como irrigantes, como medicação intracanal e no tratamento da periodontite apical. Conclusão: Embora grande parte dos artigos tenham apresentado resultados positivos acerca do uso dos probióticos, os mesmos apresentam baixo nível de evidência, isso porque foram utilizados modelos in vitro e em animais. Portanto, para embasar a introdução dos probióticos em Endodontia, existe a necessidade da realização de pesquisas clínicas.

Introduction: Probiotics are live microorganisms that produce health benefits for the host. Their mechanisms of action consist mainly of antimicrobial effects and make them important in the health-disease process. In endodontics, the permanence of infection within the root canal system is the main cause of endodontic treatment failure. Based on the success obtained by other dental specialties, the use of probiotics as a new approach in endodontic treatment has been the subject of research with the prevention of oral microbiota. Purpose: The purpose of this review of literature was to present the main results available so far in the scientific literature on the use of probiotics in endodontics. Data source: The databases used were Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase and the search was carried out until June 2021. Data synthesis: A A total of eight articles on the subject, evaluating various aspects of endodontic treatment, such as the use of probiotics against endodontic pathogens, as irrigants, as intracanal treatment and in the treatment of apical periodontitis. Conclusion: Although many of the foods presented positive results close to the same use presented in the low level of articles, this is because animal models were used. Therefore, to support the introduction of probiotics in Endodontics, there is a need for clinical research.

Antibacterial, biological, and physicochemical properties of root canal sealers containing chlorhexidine-hexametaphosphate nanoparticles.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of chlorhexidine-hexametaphosphate nanoparticles (CHX-HMP NPs) on antibacterial, cytotoxic and physicochemical properties of AH Plus (AH), MTA Fillapex (MTA) and Pulp Canal Sealer (PCS). METHODS: The NPs were synthesized and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The incorporation was made by weight, 2% and 5% of NPs. The antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, flow, radiopacity, setting time, solubility and pH were evaluated. The statistical analysis was performed by two-way analysis of variance test and Tukey post hoc test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: SEM analysis showed the tendency for CHX-HMP NPs to cluster, the effective mean diameter measured by DLS: 169.39 nm and the zeta potential: -10.18 mV. The NPs were individually measured by AFM: 22.99-52.75 nm. EDS analysis identified the presence of C, N, O, Na, P, Cl. After incorporation: The Direct Contact Test showed an increase in the antimicrobial action of AH, PCS and MTA; the sealers showed a decrease in flow and at 24 h of immersion also an increase in solubility, but did not affect the radiopacity of the samples; AH setting time increased and MTA did not reach setting under any of the conditions tested. All samples showed a decrease in pH value as the immersion time progressed. SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of NPs can improve the antimicrobial performance of endodontic sealers without impairing other biological and physicochemical properties.

Effect of passive ultrasonic irrigation on hard tissue debris removal: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD) in root canal irregularities may negatively impact adequate root canal disinfection. In light of this, the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) to reduce AHTD has been largely studied in in vitro studies, which have adopted different analytic methods of varying accuracy to determine the extent of AHTD more correctly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare how well PUI and non-activated irrigation (NAI) systems perform in reducing AHTD during final irrigation protocols, based exclusively on studies whose analyses used microCT scanning. A systematic search of the studies published up to April 2020 was performed using MeSH terms and free terms, in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS (Lilacs and BBO) and Embase. The inclusion criteria consisted of laboratory studies that evaluated the amount of AHTD, and compared PUI with NAI protocols using microCT analysis. The risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed critically by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan software program (P<0.05), and included studies providing the standardized mean difference (SMD), using a fixed effect model, and adopting a confidence interval of 95%. In all, 3495 studies were identified, three of which met the inclusion criteria. All three were considered as having a low risk of bias. The meta-analysis comparing the ability of PUI and NAI protocols to remove hard tissue debris showed a higher percentage of AHTD reduction (P<0.01) for PUI, with a confidence interval of 1.41 [0.79, 2.02]. The heterogeneity among the studies was 82% (I2). Considering the limitations of the present study, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that PUI was more effective than NAI in removing hard tissue debris, based exclusively on studies that used microCT scanning to provide a more precise analysis of the two techniques used. The findings presented in the present study reinforce the concept that PUI can increase residue removal and improve the cleanliness of the root canal in endodontic treatments.

Impacto de diferentes modalidades de acesso endodôntico na eficácia da instrumentação, redução microbiana, obturação e resistência à fratura em molares inferiores / The influence of Endodontic access cavity design on the efficacy of canal instrumentation, microbial reduction, root canal filling and fracture resistance in mandibular molars

Os Acessos Endodônticos Minimamente Invasivos (AEMIs) visam preservar o máximo de estrutura dentária durante o tratamento endodôntico, sob a alegação de diminuir o risco de fraturas dentárias. No entanto, a possibilidade de descontaminar o sistema de canais radiculares com AEMIs ainda é pouco explorada na literatura endodôntica. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes modalidades de acesso endodôntico na eficácia da instrumentação, na redução da carga bacteriana intracanal, na qualidade da obturação e na resistência à fratura de molares inferiores. Para isso, a amostra foi dividida em três grupos de acordo com o tipo de acesso (n=10): grupo AET- Acesso Endodôntico Tradicional, grupo AEC - Acesso Endodôntico Conservador e grupo AED - Acesso Endodôntico Direcionado (truss access). Os dentes foram escaneados por microtomografia computadorizada para análise da anatomia interna inicial de maneira a permitir a divisão destes em trios e a montagem de grupos homogêneos entre si. Em seguida, os acessos foram realizados de acordo com a modalidade selecionada. As amostras foram, então, contaminadas com Enterococcus faecalis (três semanas). Decorrido este tempo, foi realizada a coleta microbiológica inicial (S1). Os dentes foram preparados com o instrumento Reciproc Blue R25 e foi realizada coleta microbiológica para verificar a redução bacteriana (S2). Nova instrumentação com Reciproc Blue R40 foi realizada, e o procedimento de coleta microbiológica foi repetido (S3). Os dentes foram submetidos à irrigação final, seguidos de nova coleta microbiológica (S4) e aquisição microtomográfica. Por fim, foram obturados, novamente escaneados, restaurados e o teste de resistência à fratura foi realizado. Para análise estatística, as contagens e percentuais de redução foram ajustados pelo modelo de regressão binomial negativo tipo I e pelo modelo de regressão beta com inflação 0-1. Nos resultados de instrumentação, obturação e resistência à fratura foram usados os testes ANOVA e Tukey. Os resultados demostraram que o AET teve um menor percentual de áreas não preparadas que o AEC (P<0,05). Não houve diferenças no percentual de área não preparada entre o AET e o AED (P>0,05) e entre o AED e o AEC (P>0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças no percentual de dentina removida e no transporte e centralização entre os grupos testados (P>0,05). Na redução microbiana, não houve diferença entre os grupos após a irrigação final (P>0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças nos espaços vazios da obturação entre os grupos (P>0,05). No entanto o volume de material obturador presente na câmara pulpar foi menor no grupo AET quando comparado aos grupos AEC e AED (P<0,05). E por fim, não foram encontradas diferenças na resistência à fratura entre os três grupos testados (P>0,05). Concluiu-se que os AEMIs não apresentam vantagens em relação ao AET em nenhum dos parâmetros testados e ainda foram relacionados a um maior percentual de área não preparada e maior volume de material obturador na câmara pulpar(AU)

The main goal of conservative endodontic accesses is to preserve as much of the dental structure as possible during endodontic treatment, under the claim of reducing the risk of dental fracture. Nonetheless, the efficacy of such method regarding the decontamination of root canals system is still insufficiently explored in endodontic literature. The present study intends to evaluate the influence of the various types of endodontic accesses in regard to the effectiveness of instrumentation, decrease in intracanal bacterial load, filling and resistance to fracture in mandibular molars. In pursuance of as much, the samples were divided in three groups, representing each type of access thereby performed (n=10 in each group): TEC group - Traditional Endodontic Cavity, CEC group - Conservative Endodontic Cavity, and DDC group - Orifice Directed Dentin Conservation. The teeth were scanned via microcomputed tomography in order to analyze their initial internal anatomy, and allow for their sorting, with the goal of assembling homogenous groups of three specimens. Subsequently, the different types of accesses were performed in accordance to the selected technique. The samples were, then, contaminated with bacterial suspensions of Enterococcus faecalis. Following the three-week period, the initial microbial collection was performed (S1). The teeth were prepared with the instrument Reciproc Blue 25/.08v and another bacterial sample was collected to evaluate the decrease in the intracanal bacterial load (S2). A second instrumentation was performed, using the Reciproc Blue 40./06v instrument, followed by yet another microbial sampling (S3). Another sample was collected, and the teeth were scanned following the final irrigation (S4). Finally, the specimens had their root canals filled and were scanned once more, at which point they underwent cavity restoration and were subjected to fracture resistance tests. The statistical analysis was performed with adjustments of the type I negative binomial regression model as well as the beta regression model with a 0-1 inflation. Testing of instrumentation results, as well as filling and resistance to fracture were performed by means of the ANOVA and Tukey tests. The results showed that the TEC group had a smaller percentage of unprepared surface area in comparison to the CEC group (P<0.05). There has been no discrepancies in the percentage of unprepared surface area between TEC and DDC groups (P>0.05) nor between DDC and TEC groups (P>0.05). No percentual discrepancies were found concerning the removal of dentin, transportation and centering ability among the tested groups (P>0.05). Regarding microbial reduction, following the final irrigation process, no significant variations were present among the groups either (P>0.05). No significant differences were observed among the groups regarding filling voids (P>0.05). Notwithstanding, the TEC group presented a lower volume of filling material within the pulp chamber when compared to CEC and DDC groups (P<0.05). Finally, the resistance to fracture results among all three groups bore no significant difference (P>0.05). In conclusion, the conservative methods did not present any advantage in comparison to the traditional method in any of the parameters subjected to testing, furthermore, conservative methods were associated with higher percentages of unprepared surface area and higher volume of filling material within the pulp chamber(AU)