Root canal dentin wear during final irrigation in endodontic retreatment with passive ultrasonic irrigation and easy clean instruments.

Context: Complementary procedures have been proposed to improve the endodontic retreatments. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the dentin wear caused by passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and easy clean (EC) instruments, when used for the final removal of filling material during endodontic retreatment. Methods: Thirty-six mesial roots of the lower first molars were divided into four groups (n = 9), according to the final irrigation and sealer: PUI/AH Plus, EC/AH Plus, PUI/Total Fill (TF), and EC/TF. Canal volume was evaluated, both before and after the final irrigation, by micro-CT analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the volumes among groups and the paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare the volume values before and after the final irrigation within each group. Results: Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear that was observed only when the volume was analyzed for each third of the root canal. In the apical third, both instruments showed significant wear, where the use of the EC instrument resulted in greater wear than the PUI, in teeth filled with both AH Plus and TF BC Sealers (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both complementary cleaning procedures promoted dentin wear and must be used cautiously.

Impact of Calcium-Hydroxide, Sodium Ascorbate, and Sodium Thiosulphate on Bond Strength of Composite Restorations to Bleached Dentin.

This study evaluated the impact of using calcium-hydroxide or the antioxidant agents on the bond strength of adhesive restorations to bleached dentin. Forty teeth were prepared and allocated into 8 groups according to the surface treatment after bleaching (application or not of calcium hydroxide, 10% sodium ascorbate and 5% sodium thiosulphate for 10min), and the time of final restoration (immediate or after 7-days). Sodium perborate with 20% hydrogen peroxide was applied for 3 weeks using a developed artificial pulp chamber, with replacement every week. Composite resin restoration was performed and microtensile test was performed. Then, specimens were analyzed using a stereomicroscope and SEM. Data was submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p<0.05). The bond strength of non-bleached teeth was similar to the groups restored after 7 days of bleaching (p<0.05). The lowest values of bond strength were showed by groups restored immediately after bleaching (p<0.05). In all groups, there was a considerable predominance of adhesive fractures. Delaying the final restoration of teeth submitted to nonvital bleaching for 7 days permits an increase in bond strength. The immediate restoration of bleached teeth after the use of 10% sodium ascorbate or 5% sodium thiosulfate for 10 minutes showed unsatisfactory results. Clinical relevance Irrespective of the dentin protocol applied before adhesion, a satisfactory and an unsatisfactory result of bond strength values will be obtained delaying the final restoration or immediately performing the final restoration, respectively. Therefore, after nonvital tooth bleaching, clinicians should always delay the final restoration for a minimum period of 7 days.

Retreatment of mesial roots of mandibular molars filled with resin-based and bioceramic sealers

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate, by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis, the remaining filling material during endodontic retreatment performed with Protaper retreatment without solvent. Methods: Forty mandibular molars were divided into two groups (n = 20) according to the sealer used in the obturation: the bioceramic TotalFill BC (TF) or the resin-based AH Plus (AHP). The specimens were scanned before instrumentation, after obturation and after filling removal. Only the mesial roots were analysed. The filling volumes and the remaining filling material were calculated in the entire root canal and in the cervical, middle and apical thirds. Results: The volume of obturation and the volume of remaining filling material in the entire root canal and in the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the canal between the groups were not statistically different (independent t-test, p > 0.05). In the AHP group, there was a higher percentage of remaining filling material in the middle third than in the cervical third (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The filling material could not be entirely removed from any specimen

The effectiveness of passive ultrasonic irrigation and the easy-clean instrument for removing remnants of filling material.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and the easy clean instrument by micro-computed tomography (CT) for removing remnant filling materials during endodontic retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty mesial roots of mandibular molars were divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the agitation system and sealer used: Group 1: PUI/AH Plus; Group 2: PUI/TotalFill; Group 3: Easy Clean/AH Plus; and Group 4: Easy Clean/TotalFill. The groups were compared by micro-CT analysis according to the volumes of the obturation and the remaining material before and after the agitation systems were used. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups for total filling volume and initial and final remaining filling volume (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both the PUI and easy-clean instrument are effective for removing remnants of filling material with no difference between the groups.

The accuracy of electronic apex locators for determining working length: An in vitro study with artificial teeth.

This study aimed to determine the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EALs) (I-Root, Propex Pixi, Novapex and Bassi iRoot Apex), using artificial mandibular and maxillary permanent molars. The root length (RL) from 40 artificial teeth was initially determined with Kerr hand files. Then, the electronic RL were obtained for the same root canals with each EAL, and the results were compared with those obtained using hand files. The accuracy of the EALs was determined through analysis of the divergences observed in relation to the lengths obtained with files. All EALs were effective for determining the RL in the artificial teeth, showing results similar to those obtained by hand. The Bassi iRoot Apex had higher accuracy (96.7%) than the Propex Pixi (89.1%) and Novapex (85.8%) (P < 0.05). Based on the results, all EALs tested had a similar performance, and artificial teeth may be used to determine the accuracy of these devices.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of smear layer and accumulated hard tissue debris removal.

BACKGROUND: The isthmus and irregularities present in the root canal system are potential areas for debris accumulation areas and therefore the seach for devices and solutions to improve cleaning of these areas is of utmust importance. This study evaluated, by micro-computed tomography, the efficiency of 37% phosphoric acid solution with that of 17% EDTA in the removal of smear layer and accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD) after canal preparation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-six mesial roots of mandibular molars were subjected to microtomographic scanning using the SkyScan 1173 X-ray microtomograph at a resolution of 14,97 µm. The canals were prepared using Reciproc R40 instruments, 6% NaOCl and EndoVac System® to irrigation/aspiration. After instrumentation, the specimens were divided into two groups: 37% phosphoric acid solution or 17% EDTA. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that 37% phosphoric acid was significantly more effective in removing smear layer and AHTD than 17% EDTA (Mann-Whitney, P <0.05). It was shown that both 37% phosphoric acid and 17% EDTA are effective agents in the removal of smear layer and debris, but better results were obtained with the use of 37% phosphoric acid. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this solution can be a potential alternative to remove smear layer after root canal preparation.

Root canal filling quality of mandibular molars with EndoSequence BC and AH Plus sealers: A micro-CT study.

The aim of this study was to compare, by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis, the obturation quality of two filling methods: the single-cone technique with the bioceramic EndoSequence BC sealer and the continuous wave technique with the resin-based AH Plus sealer. Twenty mandibular molars were divided into two groups (n = 10) according to the sealer used. Only the mesial roots, which are known to have mostly two canals, were used. The specimens were scanned before and after instrumentation and after obturation. Root canal volume after instrumentation and filling volume were calculated to obtain the percentage volumes of filling, voids and gaps. All specimens presented final volumes that were smaller than the initial volumes (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups for filling volume, voids and gaps (P > 0.05). Using two filling methods, EndoSequence BC and AH Plus promoted a similar root filling quality in mesial roots of mandibular molars. Neither sealer was able to fill the root canal system completely.

Hydroxyapatite calvaria graft repair in experimental diabetes mellitus in rats.

Among the systemic conditions that impact negatively on the planning and execution of surgical procedures, diabetes mellitus (DM) is the primary clinical condition responsible for complications. This study investigated bone formation in critical defects surgically filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) in diabetic rats. A descriptive, randomized sample and blinded analysis were conducted to test bone regeneration in critical bone defects surgically performed in rat calvaria. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: control, normoglycemic animals (CG); and test, streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic animals (TG). A circular bone defect was filled with HA and maintained subperiosteally. The clinical parameters evaluated were body weight, water and food intake, fasting blood glucose, and bone alkaline phosphatase. Bone-grafted area samples were submitted for histomorphometric and stereological analysis. The TG showed a significantly higher rate of new bone formation compared with the CG, sacrificed 15 days after surgery (p < 0.0001). However, at the end of the study, there was no significant difference in the amount of bone formed between groups (p = 0.077). In parallel, with the increase in osteoblastic activity observed in the TG by the measurement of systemic bone alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.016), the analysis of polarized microscopy and stereology demonstrated a lower level collagen maturation and mineralization in the TG. Quantitatively, the TG showed significantly better results for bone gain in the first 15 days. Qualitative assessments, however, showed fewer collagen fibers and bone maturation in the TG compared with the CG both at 15 and 45 days. Therefore, the postoperative evaluation of bone grafts with HA in hyperglycemic situations should consider the systemic and local effects of this condition on the quality of bone repair, rather than identifying the filling or stability of the grafted area after the process. We conclude that clinically detectable bone repair in diabetic animal models submitted to hydroxyapatite grafts may be satisfactory in the early stages. However, hyperglycemia compromises the quality of the newly formed bone and the collagen cross-linking involved in this process.

Effect of a sonic device on bonding of fiberglass posts to root canals

Aim: This study evaluated the effect of a sonic device on the bonding of fiberglass posts cemented with a self-etching adhesive combined with conventional cement or a self-adhesive cement to root dentin. Methods: Forty single-rooted bovine incisors were endodontically prepared using a step-back technique. Gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer were used for root canal filling, combined with a thermoplasticization technique. After 1 week, the post space was prepared and the roots were divided into four groups according to the following factors: adhesive system/resin cement (Ambar/ AllCem Core [FGM] and RelyX U200 [3M]) and application mode (manual or sonic). The posts were cemented and the roots were cut into discs and submitted to push-out bond strength (POBS) test. The failure mode was evaluated using a stereoscope at 25x magnification. The data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: The sonically activated RelyX U200 group was superior to the other groups. RelyX U200 manually applicated showed similar results to those of sonically activated Âmbar/AllCem. These three groups outperformed the Âmbar/AllCem manually applicated group. Adhesive failure between dentin and resin cement was the most predominant pattern. Conclusion: Sonic application of self-etching adhesive and self-adhesive cement improved the POBS of fiber posts to the root canal

Effect of photodynamic therapy and non-thermal plasma on root canal filling: analysis of adhesion and sealer penetration.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and non-thermal plasma (NTP) on adhesion and sealer penetration in root canals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted premolars were used. The teeth were prepared using a crown-down technique. NaOCl and EDTA were used for irrigation and smear layer removal, respectively. The root canals were divided into three groups: control, PDT, and NTP. After treatments, the roots were filled using gutta-percha and either AH Plus (AHP) or MTA Fillapex (MTAF) sealers. Samples were sectioned at 4, 8, and 12 mm from the apex (1-mm slices)and analyzed by the push-out bond strength test (adhesion) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (sealer penetration). Data were statistically evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's, and Spearman's tests. RESULTS: Regarding AHP, bond strength was similar in the NTP group and in the control group, but significantly lower in the PDT group. As to MTAF, both therapies showed lower values than the control group. In the confocal analysis of AHP, maximum and mean penetration, and penetrated area were statistically higher in the control group than in the PDT and NTP groups. Penetrated perimeter was similar among groups. Regarding MTAF, all parameters yielded better results in the NTP than in the control group. The PDT and control groups showed similar results except for penetrated area. CONCLUSION: PDT and plasma therapy affected the adhesion and sealer penetration of root canals filled with AH Plus and MTA Fillapex and there is no positive correlation between adhesion and sealer penetration.

Effect of photodynamic therapy and non-thermal plasma on root canal filling: analysis of adhesion and sealer penetration

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and non-thermal plasma (NTP) on adhesion and sealer penetration in root canals. Material and Methods Sixty single-rooted premolars were used. The teeth were prepared using a crown-down technique. NaOCl and EDTA were used for irrigation and smear layer removal, respectively. The root canals were divided into three groups: control, PDT, and NTP. After treatments, the roots were filled using gutta-percha and either AH Plus (AHP) or MTA Fillapex (MTAF) sealers. Samples were sectioned at 4, 8, and 12 mm from the apex (1-mm slices)and analyzed by the push-out bond strength test (adhesion) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (sealer penetration). Data were statistically evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn's, and Spearman's tests. Results Regarding AHP, bond strength was similar in the NTP group and in the control group, but significantly lower in the PDT group. As to MTAF, both therapies showed lower values than the control group. In the confocal analysis of AHP, maximum and mean penetration, and penetrated area were statistically higher in the control group than in the PDT and NTP groups. Penetrated perimeter was similar among groups. Regarding MTAF, all parameters yielded better results in the NTP than in the control group. The PDT and control groups showed similar results except for penetrated area. Conclusion PDT and plasma therapy affected the adhesion and sealer penetration of root canals filled with AH Plus and MTA Fillapex and there is no positive correlation between adhesion and sealer penetration.

The use of auxiliary devices during irrigation to increase the cleaning ability of a chelating agent.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the cleaning ability of ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) and a novel activation system with reciprocating motion (EC, EasyClean, Easy Equipamentos Odontológicos) when used with a relatively new chelating agent (QMix, Dentsply). In addition, the effect of QMix solution when used for a shorter (1 minute) and a longer application time (3 minutes) was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty permanent human teeth were prepared with K3 rotary system and 6% sodium hypochlorite. Samples were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation protocol: G1, negative control (distilled water); G2, positive control (QMix 1 minute); G3, QMix 1 minute/UAI; G4, QMix 1 minute/EC; G5, QMix 3 minutes. Subsequently the teeth were prepared and three photomicrographs were obtained in each root third of root walls, by scanning electron microscopy. Two blinded and pre-calibrated examiners evaluated the images using a four-category scoring system. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were differences among groups (p < 0.05). UAI showed better cleaning ability than EC (p < 0.05). There were improvements when QMix was used with auxiliary devices in comparison with conventional irrigation (p < 0.05). Conventional irrigation for 3 minutes presented significantly better results than its use for 1 minute (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QMix should be used for 1 minute when it is used with UAI, since this final irrigation protocol showed the best performance and also allowed clinical optimization of this procedure.

Effects of auxiliary device use on smear layer removal.

This study evaluated the effects of different auxiliary irrigation devices on smear layer removal with a chelating solution (QMix). Fifty single-rooted permanent human teeth were shaped with a sequence of nickel-titanium instruments. A 2% chlorhexidine gel was used as a chemical auxiliary substance during preparation. Samples were assigned to five groups (n = 10 each) according to final irrigation protocol, namely, distilled water (control group), QMix 1 min, QMix + passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), QMix + plastic endodontic finishing file (EC), and QMix 3 min. Teeth were prepared and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and three photomicrographs (magnification, 1,000×) were obtained for each root third. Two blinded and precalibrated evaluators analyzed and scored the images, and the data were statistically analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (P < 0.05). Groups were ranked according to the extent of smear layer removal. The total area of the root canal walls and apical root thirds was calculated, and the groups ranked PUI > EC = QMix 3 min > QMix 1 min > control. QMix 1 min was effective for smear layer removal only when used with auxiliary devices, and QMix + passive ultrasonic irrigation yielded the best results, particularly for the apical third.(J Oral Sci 58, 561-567, 2016).

Efeito de agentes dessensibilizantes na obliteração dos túbulos dentinários - estudo in vitro / Effect of desensitizing agents for dentinal tubules obliteration - in vitro study

Objetivo: avaliar o número de aplicações necessárias para a completa obliteração dos túbulos dentinários utilizando diferentes agentes dessensibilizantes. Material e Métodos: a porção do esmalte coronário da face vestibular de 40 incisivos bovinos foi removida com auxílio de lixas para expor a dentina superficial da junção amelo-cementária. Em seguida, as raízes e a porção coronária referente ao terço médio-incisal dos dentes foram removidas. A seguir foi realizada a completa remoção de smear layer, evidenciando os túbulos dentinários. As amostras foram divididas em quatro grupos experimentais conforme o agente dessensibilizante utilizado: verniz fluoretado, adesivo dentinário, dessensibilizante dentinário e creme dental. Os produtos foram aplicados de acordo com as recomendações do fabricante. As amostras foram avaliadas previamente e após o uso dos agentes por microscopia eletrônica de varredura de baixo vácuo. A aplicação do agente e a análise foram realizadas até a completa obliteração dos túbulos dentinários. Os dados foram avaliados estatisticamente em relação ao número de aplicações necessárias utilizando os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney (p < 0,05). Resultados: o verniz fluoretado foi o mais eficaz dos agentes avaliados, sendo necessária uma aplicação para a completa obliteração dos túbulos. Para o adesivo dentinário foram necessárias duas aplicações e para o dessensibilizante e o creme dental foram necessárias cinco aplicações. Conclusão: os agentes dessensibilizantes testados necessitam de um número variado de aplicações, sendo o mais eficaz o verniz fluoretado, onde apenas uma aplicação possibilitou a completa obliteração dos túbulos.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the number of applications necessary for the complete obliteration of dentinal tubules using different desensitizing agents. Materials and Methods: A portion of coronary enamel of the buccal surface of 40 bovine incisors was removed with the aid of sandpaper in order to expose the superficial dentin at the dentin-enamel junction. The roots and the coronary portions of the mesial-incisal third of the teeth were also removed. Complete smear-layer removal was performed, exposing the dentinal tubules. Samples were divided into four experimental groups according to the desensitizing agents used: fluoride varnish; dentin adhesive; dentin desensitizing; and toothpaste. The products were applied in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Samples were evaluated before and after the application of different agents by scanning electronic microscopy of low vacuum. The application of the products and analyses were carried out until complete obliteration of dentinal tubules. Data were evaluated statistically in relation to the required number of applications, using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (p < 0.05). Results: The results showed that fluoride varnish was the most efficient of the tested agents, requiring a single application for the complete obliteration of the dentinal tubule. For the dentin adhesive, two applications were necessary and for the dentin desensitizing and toothpaste, five applications were required. Conclusion: The desensitizing agents tested required a distinct number of applications, and the fluoride varnish was the most effective agent, with a single application resulting in the complete obliteration of the dentin tubule.

Effectiveness of three methods for evaluating root canal anatomy of mandibular incisors.

This study compared the effectiveness of clinical observation, clinical microscopic observation, and tooth-clearing technique in determining the number of canals in mandibular incisors. Root canal ramifications were also analyzed. Using clinical and microscopic analyses, we determined the number of canal entrances in 277 mandibular incisors. In addition, tooth-clearing technique was used to determine the number of canals and frequency of ramifications in the samples. The kappa coefficient was used to compare the different methods with regard to frequency of canals. Most teeth had one canal entrance. The proportion of teeth with two canals was 23.5% by tooth-clearing analysis, 5.8% by clinical microscopy, and 1.1% by clinical analysis. A large number of samples had some type of ramification (40.1%), and most ramifications were present in teeth with two canals. The most frequent ramification was lateral canals (8.3%). Clinical microscopy improved identification of a second canal in mandibular incisors. However, it did not identify second canals in all teeth with two canals. (J Oral Sci 58, 347-351, 2016).

Obliteração pulpar cronica após traumatismo dentário e tratamento ortodôntico: relato de caso / Chronic pulp canal obliteration after dental trauma and orthodontic treatment: a case report

Introdução: descrever o tratamento endodôntico de incisivos inferiores com obliteração pulpar crônica (OPC) e periodontite apical após trauma dentário e tratamento ortodôntico prolongado. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo feminino, 22 anos de idade, procurou atendimento em uma clínica de Pós-graduação em Endodontia, relatando ter sofrido trauma dentário na região anteroinferior, seguido por tratamento ortodôntico por cinco anos. Dois nos após o nal do tratamento ortodôntico, lesões radiolúcidas associadas aos incisivos centrais inferiores foram observadas e o tratamento endodôntico foi iniciado por um clínico geral, sem sucesso na localização dos canais, devido à OPC. O tratamento endodôntico foi proposto e, com o auxílio de magni cação por microscopia óptica (25X), a localização dos canais foi feita. Movimentos de inserção, retração e rotação de 1/4 de volta nos sentidos horário e anti-horário com uma lima K #10 pré-curvada foram feitos até a patência apical. A intrumentação dos canais foi feita com a técnica do pré-alargamento e a medicação intracanal foi à base de pasta de hidróxido de cálcio, paramonoclorofenol e glicerina, por 15 dias, seguida pela obturação termoplasti cada e restauração com resina fotopolimerizável. Resultados: após 12 meses, a paciente não apresentou sinais e sintomas, e ocorreu o completo reparo das lesões perirradiculares dos incisivos centrais inferiores. Conclusão: a OPC causada pela associação do trauma dentário ao tratamento ortodôntico prolongado pode ter evoluído para a necrose pulpar e, consequentemente, para a periodontite apical. O protocolo de localização, exploração, limpeza, modelagem, medicação intracanal e preenchimento dos canais radiculares evitou as complicações por iatrogenia e permitiu o sucesso do caso.

Influence of Heat Treatment of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Endodontic Instruments on Apical Preparation: A Micro-Computed Tomographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to make a 3-dimensional comparison of the canal transportation and changes in apical geometry using micro-computed tomographic imaging after canal preparation with K3 (SybronEndo, Orange, CA) and K3XF (SybronEndo) file systems. METHODS: Twenty-eight mandibular molars were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the rotary system used in instrumentation: K3 or K3XF. The specimens were scanned by micro-computed tomographic imaging before and after instrumentation. Images before and after instrumentation from each group were compared with regard to canal volume, surface area, and structure model index (SMI) (paired t test, P < .05). After instrumentation, the canals from each group were compared regarding the changes in volume, surface area, SMI, and canal transportation in the last 4 apical mm (t test, P < .05). RESULTS: Instrumentation with the 2 rotary systems significantly changed the canal volume, surface area, and SMI (P < .05). There were no significant differences between instrument types concerning these parameters (P > .05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to canal transportation in the last 4 apical mm (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Both rotary systems showed adequate canal preparations with reduced values of canal transportation. Heat treatment did not influence changes in root canal geometry in the apical region.

Tecnologia de plasma na Odontologia: revisão de literatura / Plasma technology in dentistry: literature review

A presente revisão de literatura tem como objetivo realizar uma breve introdução ao plasma, abordando o que é, como ele é gerado, seu mecanismo de ação, assim como seu uso na Odontologia, nas diferentes especialidades. Apesar de ainda não estar disponível rotineiramente para uso clínico, estudos mostram que o plasma, quando utilizado em temperatura ambiente, se mostra como uma inovação promissora apresentando atividade antimicrobiana, efeitos positivos em relação à adesão, clareamento dental e osteointegração, sem gerar danos ao tecido oral. Estes efeitos estão relacionados ao tempo de aplicação e ao gás utilizado.

This literature review aims to conduct a brief introduction to plasma, addressing what it is, how it is generated, its mechanism of action, as well as its use in dentistry, in different specialties. Although it is not yet routinely available for clinical use, studies have shown that the plasma, when used at room temperature, appears as a promising innovation featuring antimicrobial activity, positive effects in adhesiveness, tooth whitening and osseointegration, without causing oral tissue damage. These effects are related to application time and the gas used.

Antimicrobial efficacy of the EndoVac system plus PDT against intracanal Candida albicans: an ex vivo study.

This study evaluated the ex vivoantimicrobial efficacy of the EndoVac system and the photodynamic therapy (PDT) associated with chemomechanical debridement (CMD) and intracanal medication on Candida albicans. Seventy-eight sterile premolars were contaminated withC. albicans (ATCC 21433) for 30 days. The teeth were randomly assigned into four groups: Control (CMD with conventional irrigation); Endovac (CMD with EndoVac system); PDT (CMD with conventional irrigation and PDT); and Endovac + PDT (CMD with EndoVac and PDT). After the therapies, intracanal dressing (calcium hydroxide) was applied to all teeth for seven days. Samples were obtained before (T1) and after the therapeutic procedures (T2), and after intracanal medication (T3), plated onto BHI agar and incubated (37°C, 48 h) to determine the colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The overall mean level ofC. albicans at baseline was relatively high (1.85 x 106 ± 2.7 x 106 CFU mL-1). A significant reduction of C. albicans(p < 0.05) was observed over time (T1 to T2 and T1 to T3) in all groups. An additional significant reduction from T2 to T3 was observed only in the Endovac group (p < 0.05). No differences in mean reduction of C. albicans were observed among groups. However, the Endovac group presented the lowest mean counts of C. albicans at T3, whereas the PDT group had the highest counts of this microorganism (p < 0.05). The EndoVac system of irrigation/aspiration associated with CMD was the most effective therapeutic protocol for reducing intracanal levels of C. albicans. PDT showed a very limited efficacy against this species.

Antimicrobial efficacy of the EndoVac system plus PDT against intracanal Candida albicans: an ex vivo study

This study evaluated the ex vivoantimicrobial efficacy of the EndoVac system and the photodynamic therapy (PDT) associated with chemomechanical debridement (CMD) and intracanal medication on Candida albicans. Seventy-eight sterile premolars were contaminated withC. albicans (ATCC 21433) for 30 days. The teeth were randomly assigned into four groups: Control (CMD with conventional irrigation); Endovac (CMD with EndoVac system); PDT (CMD with conventional irrigation and PDT); and Endovac + PDT (CMD with EndoVac and PDT). After the therapies, intracanal dressing (calcium hydroxide) was applied to all teeth for seven days. Samples were obtained before (T1) and after the therapeutic procedures (T2), and after intracanal medication (T3), plated onto BHI agar and incubated (37°C, 48 h) to determine the colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The overall mean level ofC. albicans at baseline was relatively high (1.85 x 106 ± 2.7 x 106 CFU mL-1). A significant reduction of C. albicans(p < 0.05) was observed over time (T1 to T2 and T1 to T3) in all groups. An additional significant reduction from T2 to T3 was observed only in the Endovac group (p < 0.05). No differences in mean reduction of C. albicans were observed among groups. However, the Endovac group presented the lowest mean counts of C. albicans at T3, whereas the PDT group had the highest counts of this microorganism (p < 0.05). The EndoVac system of irrigation/aspiration associated with CMD was the most effective therapeutic protocol for reducing intracanal levels of C. albicans. PDT showed a very limited efficacy against this species.