Influence of Tooth Factors and Procedural Errors on the Incidence and Severity of Post-Endodontic Pain: A Prospective Clinical Study.

The objective of this prospective study was to assess tooth-related factors that play a role in the incidence of postoperative pain (PP) and determining if procedural errors influence PP occurrence. A total of 442 patients referred for root canal treatment met the inclusion criteria and were included in this prospective study. The same protocol was used in all root canal treatments. Patient, tooth, treatment related factors and the occurrence of procedural errors were registered. Incidence and intensity of PP was assessed at 24 and 48 h by telephonic interview and in person seven and 15 days after treatment. A logistic and ordinal regression analysis was used to assess the role of patient, tooth and treatment related factors in the incidence and intensity of PP, respectively. Preoperative and intraoperative factors differently affected the incidence of PP at the different time intervals. The presence of procedural errors did not significantly influence PP occurrence. The presence of preoperative pain and the need of additional anesthesia during treatment were associated with higher incidence of PP 24 and 48 h after treatment; the extent of apical enlargement played a significant role in the presence of PP after seven days of treatment; and the excessive occlusal load induced by the absence of a contralateral tooth was the only factor related to the maintenance of PP up to 15 days. In conclusion, the presence of preoperative pain, the need of additional anesthesia during treatment, the extent of apical enlargement and the excessive occlusal load induced by the absence of a contralateral tooth were related to a higher incidence of PP.

Modified putty index matrix technique with mylar strip and a new classification for selecting the type of matrix in anterior proximal/incisal composite restorations.

Matrix technique described in this article combines the advantages of both flexible and rigid matrix in anterior composite restorations. Using mylar strip provide advantages, of one utilizing the mylar strip for contouring the labial aspect of restoration thereby, and overcomes the problem in adapting the teflon tape around the tooth.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of 2% lidocaine containing 1:200,000 epinephrine with and without hyaluronidase (75 IU) in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

INTRODUCTIONS: The purpose of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of lidocaine containing epinephrine compared with lidocaine containing epinephrine plus hyaluronidase (75 IU) when performing an inferior alveolar nerve block. METHODS: Patients complaining of pain in the mandibular posterior teeth were selected. Based on their chief complaint, proper clinical and radiographic examinations were performed. Among them, 40 subjects diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis were selected. The inferior alveolar nerve block was induced using 3 mL 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. Hyaluronidase (75 IU) or a placebo was injected 30 minutes after the beginning of pulpal anesthesia (randomized and double-blind trial). The duration of the effect in the pulpal and gingival tissues was evaluated by the response to painful electrical stimuli applied to the adjacent premolar and by mechanical stimuli (pinprick) to the buccal gingiva, respectively. RESULTS: In both pulpal and gingival tissues, the duration of the anesthetic effects with hyaluronidase was longer than with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronidase increased the duration of the effects of lidocaine in inferior alveolar nerve blocks.