ABSTRACT
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three different caries excavation methods using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen freshly extracted human molar teeth with occlusal dentinal caries were selected. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally into two halves and were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) depending on the caries removal technique: Group 1: tungsten carbide (TC) bur, Group 2: cerabur (CB), and Group 3: Excavus (EX) tipEX). A preoperative micro-CT scan of all the samples was taken. The caries excavation procedures were carried out followed by postoperative micro-CT scan. The preoperative and postoperative scans of each tooth were analyzed for caries removal effectiveness (CRE), mineral density (MD), and minimal invasiveness potential (MIP) using Avizo 9.4 software (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Germany). Statistical analysis was conducted by applying three-way analysis of variance and independent sample t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 20.0 (IBM Corporation, USA). RESULTS: Among the three groups, the TC group had the smallest RC/IC (residual caries/initial caries) ratio, highest mean MD at the cavity floor, and highest MIP. The EX group significantly had the highest RC/IC, lowest mean MD, and lowest MIP. Both the CRE and MIP parameters of CB group were acceptable (RC/IC = 0.08, mean MD = 1.09g/cm3, and MIP = 1.09). CONCLUSION: As compared with the three excavation methods, CBs can be considered as an alternative to TC burs because of its MIP and complete removal of infected carious dentin.
ABSTRACT
Background. Maximum sealing ability or adhesion of endodontic sealers can be achieved after effective removal of the smear layer. Endodontic irrigants assist in adequate removal of the smear layer, improving the retention mechanism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different root canal irrigation solutions (5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA and QMix) on the apical sealing ability of two different root canal sealers (MTA Fillapex and Adseal). Methods. Forty-six single-canal teeth were divided into 4 experimental groups of 10 teeth each and a positive and negative group of 3 teeth each. The root canals were prepared using step-back technique. The teeth in groups 1 and 2 were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA and the teeth in groups 3 and 4 were irrigated with QMix. Finally all the teeth were flushed with sterile saline and dried using paper points. Obturation was accomplished by gutta-percha using lateral condensation technique. MTA Fillapex sealer was used in groups 1 and 3 whereas Adseal was used in groups 2 and 4. Dye penetration method was used to evaluate apical leakage. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests using SPSS 14. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results. Group 3 showed maximum amount of apical leakage (3.7±0.3 mm) whereas group 2 exhibited the least amount of apical leakage (2.1 ± 0.4 mm) among all the experimental groups. Significant differences were found in the amount of apical leakage between all the groups (P = 0.00001). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite followed by 17% EDTA and Adseal resulted in the best apical seal.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: The purpose of this ex vivo study was to evaluate and compare the weight of debris and volume of irrigant extruded apically from teeth using different preparation techniques. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty extracted human mandibular premolars with single canals and similar lengths were instrumented using hand ProTaper F2 (25, 0.08; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), M-two (25, 0.06; VDW, Munich, Germany) and WaveOne Primary (25, 0.08; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Debris and irrigant extruded during instrumentation were collected into preweighed Eppendorf tubes. The volume of the irrigant was measured, and then the tubes were stored in an incubator at 70°C for 2 days. The Eppendorf tubes were weighed to obtain the final weight when the extruded debris was included. Three consecutive weights were obtained for each tube. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the groups. The WaveOne reciprocating system showed the maximum amount of apical extrusion of debris and irrigant among all the groups. The least amount of debris and irrigant was observed in ProTaper hand instrument (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: All instrumentation techniques were associated with debris and irrigant extrusion.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: This study examined the setting time, compressive strength, and pH of white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) mixed with various additives: Calcium chloride (CaCl2), calcium formate (CaF), disodium hydrogen orthophosphate (Na2HPO4). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group 1 (Control) was obtained by mixing MTA with distilled water. In Groups 2 and 3, MTA containing 10% CaCl2 and 20% CaF, respectively, was mixed with distilled water. In Group 4, MTA was mixed with 15% Na2HPO4. Setting time, compressive strength, and pH of each group were examined. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 14. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Comparison of mean values was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc Games-Howell test. RESULTS: The setting time of test groups were significantly shorter than that of control group (P < 0.001). The compressive strengths of test groups were lower than that of control group (P < 0.001). The pH value obtained for Groups 3 and 4 were higher than that of the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Study result showed that additives significantly reduced the setting time of MTA and also maintained the pH at a high value. However, there was not much improvement in the compressive strength of the material.
