Influence of minimally invasive access cavities on load capacity of root-canal-treated teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review (PROSPERO-CRD42020147333) aimed to compare the effects of conservative, ultraconservative and truss access cavities with traditional access cavities on the load capacity of root-canal-treated teeth. Online databases were searched until December 2021, and 25 ex vivo studies in which the effects of different access cavities on load capacity of permanent teeth had been investigated were included. Quality assessment was completed using a modified risk of bias tool for in vitro studies adapted from previous studies. Meta-analysis was performed using the maximum-likelihood-based random-effects model with similar groups. Conservative access cavities significantly improved the load capacity of maxillary premolars (p < 0.01 [-1.32, -0.028]) and molars (p < 0.05 [-0.89, -0.02]) compared to traditional access cavities. Additionally, truss access cavities significantly improved the load capacity of mandibular molars with (p < 0.05, [-1.18, -0.02]) mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparations. Higher levels of evidence are needed to determine the long-term implications of minimal preparations for treatment outcomes.

Vital Pulp Therapy as a Conservative Approach for Management of Invasive Cervical Root Resorption: A Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Clear treatment guidelines with predictable outcomes for invasive cervical root resorption (ICRR) do not exist. Recent studies show that an internal approach for the excavation and repair of resorptive lacunae using bioactive materials might be preferred over external surgical approaches in cases with extensive ICRR. The procedure appears to interrupt and stop the resorptive process and preserves the periodontium. The aim of this case series was to report on the clinical and radiographic outcomes in cases with ICRR treated with vital pulp therapy techniques using calcium-enriched mixture cement. METHODS: Teeth with the diagnosis of ICRR and normal pulpal and periodontal status were included. After rubber dam isolation and the removal of existing restorations, the resorptive lacunae were accessed internally, and the contents were partially or fully removed. A vital pulp therapy technique was chosen based on the accessibility of the resorptive lacunae during excavation. Teeth were then restored and followed up. RESULTS: Six teeth with ICRR (Heithersay class 2, 3, or 4) were selected. One tooth was treated with pulp capping, 1 with partial pulpotomy, 2 with full pulpotomy, and 2 with partial pulpectomy. The average follow-up time was 19.6 months. After treatment, all teeth remained functional and asymptomatic with a normal periodontium. No progression of the resorption or development of new resorption was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Internal excavation of the contents of resorptive lacunae in combination with vital pulp therapy with calcium-enriched mixture cement could be a reliable approach for the treatment of ICRR.

Variations of Palatal Canal Morphology in Maxillary Molars: A Case Series and Literature Review.

A series of challenging cases with unusual canal anatomy in the palatal roots of maxillary first and second molars is presented. A review of the literature was done to elucidate the prevalence of anatomic variations in the palatal canal of maxillary first and second molars. An uncertain or indefinite radiographic appearance of the palatal canal, or eccentric deviation of the master cone or previous root canal filling was considered an indication of a bifurcated palatal canal. Five maxillary molars with a bifurcated palatal canal were identified. A MEDLINE database search was performed to identify studies on the palatal canal morphology of maxillary first and second molars. Data were categorized based on the methodology used in each study. The overall prevalence of anatomic variations in the palatal canal of maxillary first and second molars was less than 2%; however, anatomic variations occurred more frequently in certain ethnic groups, reaching up to 33% in maxillary first molars and up to 14% in maxillary second molars. This case series showed that even experienced endodontic clinicians can miss a bifurcated palatal canal if they are not aware of or overlook the hidden clues for these anatomic variations. The traditional assumption of an exclusively single-canal anatomy in palatal canals of maxillary molars needs to be changed, even though it is the most prevalent anatomy. The overall low percentage of more than 1 palatal canal in maxillary molars is disturbingly misleading, because in certain ethnic groups this prevalence can be considerably higher.

Middle mesial canals in mandibular molars: incidence and related factors.

INTRODUCTION: Although the internal anatomy of mandibular molars has been extensively studied, information about middle mesial (MM) canals is limited. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of MM canals in mandibular first and second molars. The secondary aim was to correlate the incidence of MM canals with variables of molar type, sex, age, ethnicity, and presence of a second distal canal. METHODS: All mature permanent first and second mandibular molars treated from August 2012 to May 2014 were included in the analysis. After completion of root canal instrumentation in all main canals, the clinician inspected the isthmus area of the mesial root using the dental operating microscope. If there was a catch point in this area with a file or explorer, the operator spent more time attempting to negotiate an MM canal. RESULTS: Seventy-five mandibular first and second molars were treated during the specified period. Fifteen (20%) teeth had negotiable MM canals. The incidence of MM canals was 32.1% in patients ≤ 20 years old, 23.8% in patients 21-40 years old, and 3.8% in patients > 40 years. Analysis of data revealed a significant difference in the distribution of MM canals among different age groups (P < .05). The differences in the distribution of MM canals based on sex, ethnicity, molar type, and presence of a second distal canal were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of negotiable MM canals overall and their frequency of identification in younger patients were higher than in previous reports.

Is pulp regeneration necessary for root maturation?

INTRODUCTION: True regeneration of the dental pulp-dentin complex in immature teeth with necrotic pulps has not been shown histologically. It is not known to what extent this true tissue regeneration is necessary to achieve clinically acceptable outcomes. METHODS: This case report describes the treatment of a patient with an immature maxillary right central incisor with a history of impact trauma and enamel-dentin crown fracture. A diagnosis of pulp necrosis with acute apical abscess was established. A regenerative endodontic protocol that used a paste containing Augmentin for 5 weeks as an intracanal medicament was used. RESULTS: Follow-ups at 9, 12, 17, and 31 months revealed complete osseous healing of the periapical lesion and formation of the root apex, but without increase in root length. Clinically, the tooth was functional, asymptomatic, and nonresponsive to pulp vitality tests. The crown discolored over time. On reentering the root canal, no tissues were observed under magnification inside the root canal space. The root canal treatment was completed with mineral trioxide aggregate obturation. CONCLUSIONS: Augmentin might be an acceptable choice for root canal disinfection in regenerative endodontic procedures. The protocol for regenerative endodontic treatment is not predictable for pulp-dentin regeneration. Formation of the root apex is possible without pulp regeneration.

Identify the endodontic treatment modalities.

INTRODUCTION: This paper sought to determine the levels of evidence associated with treatment for specific diagnostic categories and the prognosis of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Database. The Journal of Endodontics, International Journal of Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology, Endodontic Topics, and Dental Traumatology were also searched. The bibliographies of relevant articles were manually searched. CONCLUSION: The review found a low level of evidence to assess clinical treatment modalities. The development of higher levels of evidence to facilitate the selection of appropriate treatment modalities for each diagnostic category is recommended.

Delivery of calcium hydroxide: comparison of four filling techniques.

This study compared the weight and radiographic appearance of Ca(OH)(2) delivered into standardized, minimally and fully prepared canals using (a) an injection system, (b) an endodontic Flex-O file rotated counter-clockwise, (c) a lentulo spiral, and (d) a .04 rotary NiTi file rotated in reverse. Two extracted human second mandibular premolars with single canals were prepared to an MAF #25 or an MAF #40. A weight measurement and radiograph were made for each filling. Three independent examiners evaluated the radiographs. Regardless of technique, only about 45% of the optimal weight of Ca(OH)(2) was delivered into the minimally prepared canal. Radiographically the filling quality was only 1 to 2 (10 scale). In contrast, all delivery techniques delivered near optimal weight of Ca(OH)(2) in the completely prepared canal with a radiographic filling quality of 8.8 to 9.3. The results indicate that complete instrumentation is needed to obtain near optimal delivery of Ca(OH)(2).

Private practicing endodontists: production of endodontic services and implications for workforce policy.

The methods and techniques used by private practicing endodontists to provide patient care are at the core of endodontic workforce policy. Productivity influences both the amount of care provided and the required number of practicing endodontists in the future. Data was collected from practicing endodontists in order to characterize the technical methods of producing endodontic services. This data was then used to develop a statistical model for use in assessing the national endodontic workforce conditions in the United States. A survey was mailed to a random sample of 2,075 private practicing endodontists in the United States based on membership files from the American Association of Endodontists and the American Dental Association. The overall survey consisted of three means of data collection: (1) a survey about the endodontic practice as a whole; (2) a survey about the endodontist; and (3) patient encounter forms used when collecting detailed endodontic procedure data for a single day in the practice. The model was used to obtain a projection of 4,016 endodontists in the year 2005 and 4,671 practicing endodontists in 2010 required to meet the projected demand for endodontic care. The model and survey data provide valuable information to practicing endodontists for use in identifying critical elements used to render care, how the elements are combined in the practice of endodontics, and the minimum number of endodontists required to provide a given volume of endodontic care.