Removal of a separated endodontic instrument by using the modified hollow tube-based extractor system: A case report.

The frequency of separation of NiTi rotary instruments has increased with the increasing use of these instruments, and this error may result from inadequate experience of using these instruments. This iatrogenic error can complicate root canal treatment, and special experience is required to manage this problem. This case report describes the management of the separation of an F3 instrument from a ProTaper NiTi rotary system. A 30-year-old man was referred to the College of Dentistry, Taibah University (Saudi Arabia) with an intracanal separated NiTi rotary instrument (F3 of the ProTaper system; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in the canal of the maxillary right canine. The separated instrument was removed by using the modified hollow tube-based extractor system. The present case revealed that sometimes a simple method can be an effective alternative of a professional method; using NiTi rotary instruments with strict adherence is important for the prevention of instrument separation.

Endodontic management of a three-rooted maxillary premolar: A case report.

Maxillary premolars exhibit anatomical variations in the numbers of roots and canals, which pose a challenge during root canal therapy. In the present case report, we describe the endodontic management of a three-rooted maxillary premolar. A 47-year-old Yamani man was referred to the College of Dentistry, Taibah University for endodontic treatment of his right maxillary first premolar (#14). Periapical diagnostic radiography did not provide adequate information about the morphology of the root canal system and number of roots. Subsequently, a 3D cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image was obtained, which revealed three roots in the aforementioned premolar. Root canal treatment was performed under magnification using a dental operating microscope, R25 RECIPROC blue NiTi single file system, and the Calamus dual 3-D obturation system. Clinicians should be able to predict the anatomical variations in maxillary premolars and have adequate knowledge and skills for managing such situations.

Agreement between faculty member assessments and student self-assessments in a preclinical endodontic programme.

This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between faculty member assessments and student self-assessments regarding the latter's performance in a preclinical endodontic course. The data were collected from 30 undergraduate dental students enrolled in a preclinical endodontic course at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia during 2017-2018 academic year. One course coordinator calibrated the grading method and distributed it to all staff and students. Students were asked to appraise their own performance of a root canal treatment for a tooth with a single canal. After the student self-assessments, two staff members also graded student performance using the same grading scale. The assessment agreement was compared between student and faculty evaluations using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a 0.05 significance level. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between student and staff member assessment scores. Student scores were lower and had a weak reliability compared to those of staff members.

Influence and safety of electronic apex locators in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: a systematic review.

The widespread use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices has increased concerns regarding using electronic apex locators in patients with these devices. This systematic review investigated the effects and safety of using electronic apex locators in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. METHODS: An electronic search in the Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) databases for relevant articles published between December 2000 and December 2018 was performed. The search strategy centered on terms related to electronic apex locators use during root canal treatment in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices. RESULTS: Seven studies (five in vitro and two in vivo) fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. It was found that electronic apex locators can be used safely in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices, when general precautions are followed. CONCLUSIONS: Although the present review suggests that electronic apex locators can be used safely in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, consultation with patients' cardiologists remains advisable.

Clinical impact of bisphosphonates in root canal therapy.

Bisphosphonates are stable structural analogs of pyrophosphate, which suppress the activity of osteoclasts, leading to decreased bone resorption. They are essential medications in the treatment of osteoporosis. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a serious adverse effect of bisphosphonate therapy. The prevalence of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw varies from 0% to 28%, and it can be triggered by dental extraction and trauma. Root canal therapy can delay, or even eliminate, the need for tooth extraction, and therefore, may reduce the risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. We suggest that this might be the best treatment for teeth with pulpal and/or periapical disease.