Evaluation of Outcomes in Immature Teeth After Revitalization or Apexification Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

There are two main treatment options for immature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis. Apexification creates a mineralized tissue barrier, while revitalization aims to regenerate vital tissue in the canal space. There is no conclusive evidence to determine the most effective procedure regarding root length and dentin wall thickness. The objective of this systematic review was to compare the outcomes of revitalization and apexification procedures in immature non-vital teeth in terms of root length and dentin wall thickness. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Articles relevant to the study topic were gathered according to the selection criteria, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The included studies had to be published in English, conducted over a six-year period, and compared the outcomes of revitalization and apexification procedures in immature non-vital teeth. Data were collected using appropriate keywords from the eligible studies. Six articles were included for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The eligible studies showed a low risk of bias. In all revitalization cases, the root length increased significantly (mean difference (MD) (%) = 5.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.39-9.43; p = 0.0010; MD (mm) = 2.43; 95% CI = 2.05-2.80; p < 0.00001). The dentin wall thickness was statistically significant in most cases (MD (%) = 10.94; 95% CI = 7.01-14.88; p < 0.00001), MD (mm) = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.07-0.25; p = 0.0007). The systematic review and meta-analysis showed both procedures to be credible treatment options for necrotic immature teeth. Apexification had a positive impact, to some extent, on the development of root length. Revitalization yielded a significantly greater increase in root length and root dentin wall thickness and appeared to be superior in promoting root development.

Blood pH Changes in Dental Pulp of Patients with Pulpitis.

The severity of pulpitis is a crucial factor in determining the suitable treatment. There are no clear objective indicators to assess the stage of pulp inflammation that could be used in clinical practice. The change in blood pH of the pulp during the inflammatory phase could hypothetically serve as an indicator of the pulp inflammation severity. The aim of this study was to assess the pH values in the pulpal blood of mature teeth in patients with symptomatic pulpitis, in comparison with the healthy controls. The study included patients with symptoms of pulpitis in premolar or molar teeth (Test group; n = 24, mean age 36.04, SD 7.10), and healthy controls (Control group, n = 6, mean age 24.5, SD 5.94) referred for extraction of premolars or third molars, for orthodontic reasons. The pulpal blood was taken at the opening of the endodontic access cavity, and the pH value was measured in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 27.0 program with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The Mann-Whitney test for dependent samples was performed to evaluate the statistical difference between the groups. The patients with symptomatic pulpitis had significantly decreased pulpal blood pH compared to the healthy controls (p ≤ 0.05). The mean pulpal blood pH was 7.27 (SD 0.06) and 7.40 (SD 0.02) in Test and Control groups, respectively. In the Test group, the pulpal blood pH values were significantly lower in the patients who had symptoms for 3 days or more (7.25, SD 0.05) than in those who had symptoms for up to 3 days (7.33, SD 0.03) (p < 0.001). The pH value of the pulpal blood gradually declines in cases of symptomatic pulpitis, along with increasing duration of the symptoms.

Knowledge, attitudes, and interest in orthodontic treatment: a cross-sectional study in adults with stage III-IV periodontitis and secondary malocclusions.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of patients with advanced stages of periodontitis are seeking for treatment options. The study aimed to determine interest in orthodontic treatment (OT) and its association with oral health status and knowledge about the disease in adult subjects with stage III-IV periodontitis. METHODS: 96 subjects ≥ 30 years, with stage III-IV periodontitis agreed to fill in a questionnaire and undergo a comprehensive periodontal-orthodontic examination. The questionnaire included 44 questions: demographic, dental, health related habits, self-perceived overall and oral health, knowledge of periodontitis, and attitude toward OT. The statistical analysis was performed using a paired-sample T-test, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and binary logistic regression analysis (LRA). RESULTS: Stage IV periodontitis was observed in 32.3% of subjects and Class II malocclusion was most prevalent (53.1%). More than half of subjects were interested in OT. Oral health, knowledge about periodontitis and age were significant predictors for interest in OT. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge spread about OT possibilities in advanced stages of periodontitis is very important both for the dental community and older subjects to save natural dentition.

Pulp Vitality Testing with a Developed Universal Pulse Oximeter Probe Holder.

Background and Objectives An accurate determination of the pulp status is relevant for a proper endodontic diagnosis. Objectives: The aim was to develop a universal pulse oximeter probe holder for measuring the oxygen saturation and to evaluate the use of pulse oximetry as a test for pulp vitality, by comparing the levels of oxygen saturation in the index finger and in the healthy dental pulp. Materials and Methods The universal holder was designed with software and printed with a 3D printer. The study was carried out on 128 healthy teeth. They were divided into eight groups according to tooth type. Ten root canal treated teeth served as a negative control group. For each patient, a pulse oximeter was first applied on the tooth followed by the index finger. The significance level (α) was set at 0.05. Results: The developed and manufactured universal pulse oximeter probe holder was suitable to measure the pulp vitality of all types of teeth. The handle allowed for holding the pulse oximeter on the tooth in parallel, firmly and securely. Significantly higher oxygen saturation was observed in the index finger (97.22%) compared to the dental pulp (93.17%) (p < 0.001). No correlation was observed between the maxillary teeth and index finger oxygen saturation values (r = 0.05, p = 0.72), whereas, between the mandibular teeth and index finger, a positive correlation was detected (r = 0.29, p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the pulp oxygen saturation values between different teeth groups. Conclusion: The newly developed universal pulse oximeter probe holder is an effective device for pulp vitality testing.

Influence of temporary filling material on dental cracks and fractures during endodontic treatment: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: A significant loss of dental structures during endodontic treatment increases the probability of tooth cracks, fractures or even tooth loss. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the influence of temporary filling material on dental cracks and fractures during endodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature was digitally searched for in vivo and in vitro studies using Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Wiley Online Library databases. A total of 38 potentially relevant records were identified in the literature search after duplicates were removed. After screening, full-text analysis of selected studies was done. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data which was structured and summarized. RESULTS: Five publications met the selection criteria. Ten temporary filling materials were evaluated in this review. The analysis demonstrated that non-eugenol chemically hardening temporary filling materials significantly increase filling and dental fractures and have the lowest fracture and tooth fracture resistance. Glass ionomer cements (GIC) presented the higher hermetic, tightness and fracture resistance features. CONCLUSIONS: A temporary filling material during endodontic treatment may influence dental cracks and fractures. Highest impact for dental cracks and fractures has ready-to-use, eugenol-free temporary filling materials, whereas the least impact has GIC.

Leachables and cytotoxicity of root canal sealers.

This in vitro study aimed to detect leaching components from an epoxy resin- and a methacrylate-based endodontic sealer and correlate them to cytotoxicity induced by material extracts for up to 36 weeks. We qualitatively determined the substances released by aged AH Plus and RealSeal SE specimens at seven intervals between 0 and 36 weeks. Quantification was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS). We determined the viability of murine macrophage J774 cells after 24 h exposure to material extracts, at each interval, using a fluorescence staining/microscopy method. The leachables detected were 1-adamantylamine and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether from AH Plus and N-(p-tolyl) diethanolamine and caprolactone-2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl ester from RealSeal SE. The largest UPLC/MS chromatogram peak areas of the leachables were detected within 72 h. Induction of cytotoxicity after exposure to AH Plus and RealSeal SE extracts coincided with leachant detected within the first 72 and 24 h, respectively. The clinical impact of the cytotoxicity due to resin-based endodontic sealers is unknown.

Effect of Resin-based and Bioceramic Root Canal Sealers on Postoperative Pain: A Split-mouth Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of resin-based and bioceramic root canal sealers on the occurrence and intensity of postoperative pain in patients with asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP). METHODS: Patients presenting with AAP in previously endodontically treated teeth were included in this split-mouth blinded randomized controlled trial. For each patient, 2 single-rooted teeth were retreated and obturated using the warm vertical condensation technique and different obturation materials (ie, a gutta-percha point with resin-based sealer and a bioceramic-coated gutta-percha point with bioceramic sealer). Treatment of 1 root canal was performed in a single visit. Postoperative pain was recorded by a visual analog scale (VAS) at 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days after obturation. RESULTS: Of the 61 included patients, 57 individuals presenting 114 teeth completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the tested root canal sealers regarding postoperative pain at any time points assessed (P > .05). In total, 20 (35%) patients perceived pain. Only 1 patient reported severe pain. VAS scores of 80 and 70 were reported in the AH Plus (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Total Fill (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) groups, respectively. Pain intensity decreased about 2-fold in both groups at 48 hours after treatment. There were no reports of pain since 72 hours after obturation. The odds ratio for pain occurrence in the lower premolars was 7.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.708-30.352) compared with the upper front teeth. CONCLUSIONS: AH Plus and Total Fill perform similarly in terms of the occurrence and intensity of postoperative pain in teeth with AAP with no material extrusion beyond the apex.

Spectrophotometric analysis of tooth discolouration induced by mineral trioxide aggregate after final irrigation with sodium hypochlorite: An in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate specific chromatic alterations induced by white mineral trioxide aggregate after final irrigation with sodium hypochlorite. Sixty specimens were prepared mechanically and filled with mineral trioxide aggregate after different final irrigation protocols: Group 1 - distilled water, Group 2 - sodium hypochlorite followed by distilled water, Group 3 - sodium hypochlorite, only. Colour changes were recorded with a spectrophotometer at baseline, and then after 1, 2 and 4 months. The Commision Internationale de l'éclairage colour system was used and the total colour changes ΔE were calculated. In groups where sodium hypochlorite was used, parameter L* decreased significantly after the first month (Group 2 (P < 0.006), Group 3 (P < 0.009)). Group 3 demonstrated greater colour change ΔE than Group 1, after the first month (P < 0.02). In conclusion, white mineral trioxide aggregate can lead to tooth discolouration by contact with sodium hypochlorite residues in dentinal tubules.

Detection of leachables and cytotoxicity after exposure to methacrylate- and epoxy-based root canal sealers in vitro.

Root canal sealing materials may have toxic potential in vitro depending on the cell line, cytotoxicity assay, material chemistry, and degree of polymer curing. The aims of the present study were to detect leaching components from epoxy- or methacrylate-based root canal sealers and to investigate the degree of cytotoxicity after exposure to extracts from these materials. Qualitative determination of substances released from the materials was performed by gas- and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Submandibular salivary gland acinar cell death (apoptosis/necrosis) was determined using a fluorescence staining/microscopy technique. The major leachable monomer from the epoxy-based material was bisphenol-A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), whereas leachables from the methacrylate-based materials were mainly triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and polyethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA). Exposure to diluted extracts of cured methacrylate-based materials caused a postexposure time-dependent increase in cell death. This effect was not demonstrated as a result of exposure to undiluted extract of cured epoxy-based material. Extracts of all fresh materials induced apoptosis significantly, but at lower dilutions of the epoxy- than the methacrylate-based materials. The degree of leaching, determined from the relative chromatogram peak heights of eluates from the methacrylate-based sealer materials, corresponded with the degree of cell death induced by extracts of these materials.

Pathogenesis of apical periodontitis: a literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This review article discusses the host response in apical periodontitis with the main focus on cytokines, produced under this pathological condition and contributing to the degradation of periradicular tissues. The pace of research in this field has greatly accelerated in the last decade. Here we provide an analysis of studies published in this area during this period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Literature was selected through a search of PubMed electronic database. The keywords used for search were pathogenesis of apical periodontitis cytokines, periapical granuloma cytokines, inflammatory infiltrate apical periodontitis. The search was restricted to English language articles, published from 1999 to December 2010. Additionally, a manual search in the cytokine production, cytokine functions and periapical tissue destruction in the journals and books was performed. RESULTS: In total, 97 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. The topics covered in this article include cellular composition of an inflammatory infiltrate in the periapical lesions, mechanisms of the formation of the innate and specific immune response. Studies which investigated cytokine secretion and functions were identified and cellular and molecular interactions in the course of apical periodontitis described. CONCLUSIONS: The abundance and interactions of various inflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules can influence and alter the state and progression of the disease. Therefore, periapical inflammatory response offers a model, suited for the study of many facets of pathogenesis, biocompatibility of different materials to periapical tissues and development of novel treatment methods, based on the regulation of cytokines expression.