ABSTRACT
(1) Background: Microorganisms originating from the microflora of the oral cavity are the main cause of the inflammatory diseases of the dental pulp and periapical periodontium, as well as the failure of endodontic treatment. The subsequent root canal treatment is not able to remove all the pathogens, and a small number of viable bacteria remain in the dentine tubules, which must be sealed by endodontic sealers. These sealers should have at least a bacteriostatic effect to prevent the remaining bacteria from reproducing. The aim of this study is to compare the short-term antibacterial activity of three endodontic sealers based on poly-epoxy resin, zinc oxide-eugenol and calcium silicate with a calcium hydroxide-based sealer. Calcium hydroxide is used as temporary intracanal medicament and, thus, should show significant antibacterial activity. (2) Methods: A total of 25 bovine dentine samples infected with Enterococcus faecalis were used in this study. After the sealer placement and a 24 h incubation period, the root canal walls were scraped, and the suspension of dentine fillings was used for a semi-quantitative evaluation of microbial growth. (3) Results: The poly-epoxide resin-based sealer ADSeal™ showed significant antibacterial properties. (4) Conclusions: The highest antibacterial activity was shown in poly-epoxide resin-based sealer group, followed by the zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealer and calcium silicate-based sealer.
ABSTRACT
Introduction In radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC), dental morbidity is significant and it may result in loss of the dentition following treatment.Aims The aim of this clinical study is to identify the incidence of tooth loss over time and correlate this to the RT dose and various risk factors in patients with HNC treated with radical RT.Design A retrospective observational study.Materials and methods The records of 1,118 patients with HNC treated with radical or adjuvant RT from January 2010 to December 2019 were analysed. After applying strict inclusion criteria, 78 patients with 1,566 individual tooth data were selected. RT dose mapping was performed for each tooth.Results A total of 253 teeth (16.2%) were extracted. The following risk factors were significant: gender (p = 0.0001), xerostomia (p <0.0001), RT dose (p <0.0001) and smoking (p <0.0001). Non-significant factors were age, RT delivery technique and the addition of cisplatin.Conclusion Detailed RT dose mapping was used to identify RT dose as a risk factor for dental loss. Careful pre-RT dental treatment and minimisation of RT dose to teeth and salivary glands is required to prevent or reduce the loss of dentition.
