Influence of sealer and supplementary approach on filling material removal during endodontic retreatment.

Both root canal sealer-based and supplementary protocols may influence removal of filling material during endodontic retreatment. Mesial root canals of extracted mandibular molars were prepared using HyFlex EDM 25/.08, and filled with a calcium silicate sealer (Bio-C Sealer), or an epoxy resin (AH Plus), using the single cone technique (n = 12). Retreatment was performed using ProDesign Logic (PDL) RT and PDL 35/.05. The specimens were randomly divided into two experimental groups (n = 12), and the sealers were distributed similarly. A supplementary protocol was performed with PDL 50/.01 or XP-endo Finisher. Root canal transportation and volume, in addition to the remaining filling material percentage were evaluated using high-resolution (5 µm voxel size) micro-CT. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests (α = 0.05). Root canals filled with AH Plus presented high residual filling material (p < 0.05). Both protocols decreased residual volume of filling material in the apical third (p < 0.05). PDL 50/.01 increased the apical root canal volume (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between the systems regarding canal transportation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, AH Plus is more difficult to remove from the apical third than Bio-C Sealer. PDL 50/.01 and XP-endo Finisher enabled greater removal of filling materials in the apical third, in the retreatment of curved root canals, without promoting apical transport.

Filling ability of ready-to-use or powder-liquid calcium silicate-based sealers after ultrasonic agitation.

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic agitation on the filling capacity of ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer Bio-C Sealer (BCS, Angelus, Paraná, Brazil) or powder-liquid BioRoot RCS (BR, Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France) using curved artificial canals by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Additionally, flow (mm) and flow area (mm2) were evaluated for both materials. Acrylic resin main canal (60° curvature and 5 mm radius, with 3 lateral canals in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds) were prepared up to size 40/.05 (Prodesign Logic, Brazil). The agitation method was used with ultrasonic tip (US, Irrisonic, Helse, Brazil): BCS, BCS/US, BR, and BR/US. All specimens were filled using the single-cone technique. The samples were scanned by micro-CT (8,74 µm) after obturation. The percentage of filling material and voids were calculated. Flow was evaluated based on ISO 6876/2012 standards (mm) and area (mm2). The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). BR/US showed lower percentage of filling material in the lateral canals than and, BCS/US (p<0.05). BR/US resulted in a higher percentage of voids than BR in the lateral apical third (p<0.05). BCS showed higher flow than BR (p<0.05). BCS and BR presented proper filling capacity in the simulated curved canals regardless of the use of ultrasonic agitation. However, BR/US showed more voids in the apical third. BCS demonstrates higher filling ability.

Flatsonic Ultrasonic Tip Optimizes the Removal of Remaining Filling Material in Flattened Root Canals: A Micro-computed Tomographic Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the XP-endo Finisher R (XPFR; FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) or the Flatsonic ultrasonic tip (Helse Ultrasonic, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, SP, Brazil) in removing remaining filling material after the retreatment of flattened root canals using micro-computed tomographic imaging. METHODS: Twenty-four flattened distal root canals of mandibular molars with a buccolingual diameter 4 or more times larger than the mesiodistal diameter were prepared with Reciproc Blue (RB) R40 (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) and filled using the Tagger hybrid technique. All canals were retreated with RB R40, and apical enlargement was performed with RB R50 (VDW GmbH). The specimens were randomly distributed into 2 groups: XPFR or Flatsonic (n = 12). The percentage of remaining filling material after retreatment and centralization ability was evaluated. Data were submitted to Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and unpaired t tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: Greater capacity to remove remaining filling material in the entire canal and the cervical and middle thirds was observed for the Flatsonic compared with the XPFR (P < .05). However, both supplementary cleaning techniques showed a similar percentage of residual filling material in the apical third (P > .05). No difference was observed in the centralization ability between the techniques (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Flatsonic promotes greater removal of remaining filling material than the XPFR in the retreatment of flattened root canals. However, both supplementary cleaning approaches were similar in the apical third. The XPFR and Flatsonic were able to maintain root canal centralization.

Análise de metodologias para avaliação da solubilidade do cimento à base de silicato de cálcio Bio-C Sealer / Analysis of methodologies for evaluating the solubility of calcium silicate-based sealer Bio-C Sealer

Introdução: Cimentos endodônticos à base de silicato de cálcio demonstram maior solubilidade em água destilada. Emprego de metodologias alternativas pode auxiliar em melhor compreensão sobre a solubilidade desses materiais. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da solução de imersão e do tipo de modelo experimental na solubilidade de cimento pronto para uso Bio-C Sealer. Material e método: Modelos circulares de polietileno ou dentina bovina (n = 16) foram confeccionados. Após inserção do cimento, os espécimes foram mantidos em estufa a 37 °C por 48 horas. Posteriormente, as amostras foram pesadas em balança de precisão para determinação da massa inicial. Na sequência, os espécimes foram imersos em 7,5 mL de água destilada (pH 6,5) ou PBS (pH 7,0) (n = 8) por 28 dias. Após isso, as amostras foram removidas das soluções e pesadas a cada 24 horas até a estabilização da massa final (0,001g). Corpos de prova confeccionados com Bio-C Sealer foram empregados como controle. A solubilidade foi avaliada de acordo com a diferença entre a massa inicial e final em porcentagem. Teste ANOVA Two-Way e teste post-hoc de Tukey foram realizados (α = 0,05). Resultado: Imersão em água destilada proporcionou maior solubilidade em comparação com PBS, independentemente do modelo experimental (p < 0,05). Corpos de prova apresentaram maior solubilidade, seguidos dos modelos de polietileno e dentina imersos em água destilada (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença entre os modelos experimentais imersos em PBS (p > 0,05). Conclusão: Bio-C Sealer apresenta solubilidade significativamente maior em água destilada do que em PBS em todas condições. Modelo experimental empregando dentina bovina e PBS como solução de imersão demonstra diminuir a perda de massa de Bio-C Sealer e pode ser uma alternativa valiosa para avaliar a solubilidade de cimentos biocerâmicos

Introduction: Calcium silicate-based sealers demonstrate greater solubility in distilled water. The use of alternative methodologies can help at better understanding the solubility of these materials. Objective: To evaluate the effect of the immersion solution and the type of experimental model on the solubility of readyto-use Bio-C Sealer. Material and method: Circular models of polyethylene or bovine dentin (n = 16) were made. After insertion of the sealer, the specimens were kept in an oven at 37°C and 95% humidity for 48h. Subsequently, the samples were weighed on a precision balance to determine the initial mass. Next, the specimens were immersed in 7.5 mL of distilled water (pH 6.5) or PBS (pH 7.0) (n = 8) for 28 days. After that, the samples were removed from the solutions and weighed every 24 hours until the final mass stabilized (0.001g). Test specimens made with Bio-C Sealer were used as a control. Solubility was evaluated according to the difference between the initial and final mass in percentage. Two-Way ANOVA test and Tukey post-hoc tests were performed (α=0.05). Result: Immersion in distilled water provided greater solubility compared to PBS regardless of the experimental model (p<0.05). The test specimens showed greater solubility, followed by polyethylene and dentin models immersed in distilled water (p<0.05). There was no difference between the experimental models immersed in PBS (p>0.05). Conclusion: Bio-C Sealer presents significantly greater solubility in distilled water than in PBS under all conditions. Experimental model using bovine dentin and PBS as an immersion solution demonstrates reduction in the mass loss of Bio-C Sealer and can be a valuable alternative for evaluating the solubility of bioceramic sealers

A new proposal for evaluating of the solubility of bioceramic materials in dentin tubes after immersion in PBS: a laboratory investigation / Nova proposta para avaliação da solubilidade de materiais biocerâmicos em tubos de dentina após imersão em PBS: um estudo laboratorial

Introdução: Materiais reparadores devem apresentar baixa solubilidade. Solução salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) permite simular condição clínica e interação com dentina pode ser importante para correta avaliação da perda de massa de cimentos biocerâmicos. Objetivo: Avaliou o efeito da imersão em água destilada (AD) ou PBS na solubilidade de Bio-C Repair (BCR, Angelus) ou MTA Repair HP (MTAHP, Angelus) usando modelo de tubo de dentina. Material e método: Tubos de dentina bovina foram confeccionados com 4 mm de comprimento, 1,5 mm de diâmetro interno e 1 mm aproximadamente de espessura de parede. Os espécimes foram imersos em AD por 24h, posteriormente preenchidos com BCR ou MTAHP (n = 14) e armazenados em estufa a 37°C e umidade 95% por 24h. Após serem pesados em balança de precisão para determinação da massa inicial, os corpos de prova foram imersos em AD (pH 6,5) ou PBS (pH 7,0) (n = 7) por 28 dias. Tubos vazios também foram utilizados para o cálculo de perda de massa da dentina (n=4). Após esse período, os espécimes foram pesados até a estabilização da massa final (0,001g). A solubilidade de cada material foi avaliada. Testes estatísticos ANOVA e Tukey foram realizados (α=0,05). Resultado: BCR e MTAHP apresentaram ganho de massa em AD e perda de massa em PBS (p<0,05). Conclusão: A solução de imersão influencia a solubilidade de BCR e MTAHP usando modelo de tubo de dentina. Nova proposta metodológica poderá ser uma alternativa às normas ISO para testar a solubilidade de cimentos biocerâmicos

Introduction: Repair materials must have low solubility. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) allows simulating clinical condition and interaction with dentin may be important for the correct evaluate of mass loss of bioceramic cements. Objective: To evaluate the effect of distilled water (DW), or PBS immersion on the solubility of Bio-C Repair (BCR, Angelus) or MTA Repair HP (MTAHP, Angelus) using a dentin tube model. Material and method: Bovine dentin tubes with a length of 4 mm, an internal diameter of 1.5 mm and walls thickness of approximately 1 mm were made. The specimens were immersed in DW for 24h, then filled with BCR or MTAHP (n = 14) and stored in an oven at 37°C and 95% humidity for 24h. After being weighed on a precision balance to determine the initial mass, the specimens were immersed in DW (pH 6.5) or PBS (pH 7.0) (n = 7) for 28 days. Empty tubes also were used for calculating the mass loss of the dentin (n=4). After this period, the specimens were weighed until stabilization of the final mass occurred (0.001g). The solubility of each material was evaluated. ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests were performed (α=0.05). Result: BCR and MTAHP showing gain of mass in DW and mass loss in PBS (p<0.05). Conclusion: The immersion solution influenced the solubility of BCR and MTAHP using dentin tube model. The new methodological proposal could be an alternative to ISO standards for testing the solubility of bioceramic cement

Combination of a new ultrasonic tip with rotary systems for the preparation of flattened root canals.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated 2 nickel-titanium rotary systems and a complementary protocol with an ultrasonic tip and a small-diameter instrument in flattened root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two human maxillary second premolars with flattened canals (buccolingual diameter ≥4 times larger than the mesiodistal diameter) at 9 mm from the radiographic apex were selected. The root canals were prepared by ProDesign Logic (PDL) 30/0.01 and 30/0.05 or Hyflex EDM (HEDM) 10/0.05 and 25/0.08 (n = 16), followed by application of the Flatsonic ultrasonic tip in the cervical and middle thirds and a PDL 25/0.03 file in the apical third (FPDL). The teeth were scanned using micro-computed tomography before and after the procedures. The percentage of volume increase, debris, and uninstrumented surface area were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Wilcoxon, analysis of variance/Tukey, and paired and unpaired t-tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the volume increase and uninstrumented surface area between PDL and HEDM (p > 0.05). PDL had a higher percentage of debris than HEDM in the middle and apical thirds (p < 0.05). The FPDL protocol resulted in less debris and uninstrumented surface area for PDL and HEDM (p < 0.05). This protocol, with HEDM, reduced debris in the middle and apical thirds and uninstrumented surface area in the apical third (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High percentages of debris and uninstrumented surface area were observed after preparation of flattened root canals. The HEDM, Flatsonic tip, and 25/0.03 instrument protocol enhanced cleaning in flattened root canals.

Safety and Effectiveness of Additional Apical Preparation using a Rotary Heat-treated Nickel-Titanium file with Larger Diameter and Minimum Taper in Retreatment of Curved Root Canals.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of additional apical preparation using the ProDesign Logic (PDL) 50/.01 rotary heat-treated nickel-titanium (NiTi) file with a larger diameter and minimal taper for retreatment of curved root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mesial curved root canals of 12 mandibular molars were prepared using PDL 25/.06 and filled using the continuous wave of condensation technique and AH Plus sealer. After retreatment using ProDesign S (PDS) 25/.08, PDL 25/.06 and PDL 35/05, a complementary procedure was performed with PDL 50/.01. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scanning was performed before and after retreatment procedures. The cyclic fatigue resistance of unused PDS 25/.08, PDL 25/.06, PDL 35/.05 and PDL 50/.01 instruments (n = 12) was evaluated in a stainless-steel device. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data on the volumes of the root canals and the remaining filling materials were submitted to the paired t-test. Cyclic fatigue resistance data was submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Use of PDL 50/.01 decreased the remaining filling materials in the apical third (p < 0.05). The root canal volume was similar in the cervical and middle thirds before and after preparation using PDL 50/.01 (p > 0.05). PDL 50/.01 presented the highest cyclic fatigue resistance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the PDL 50/.01 instrument as an additional apical preparation for retreatment of curved root canals improved filling material removal in the apical third, while maintaining the dentin in the cervical and middle thirds. In addition, PDL 50/.01 presented high-flexural resistance.

Effect of obturation technique using a new bioceramic sealer on the presence of voids in flattened root canals.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the filling ability of a new ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer using thermoplastic or single-cone technique in flattened root canals. Twenty-four flattened distal canals of mandibular molars with a buccolingual diameter 4 or more times larger than the mesiodistal diameter were selected. The root canals were prepared and filled (n = 12), according to the following techniques: thermoplastic or single-cone technique using Bio-C Sealer. The teeth were scanned using Skycan 1176 micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) - voxel size 8.74 µm, before and after filling the root canal. The percentage of voids in the filled root canals was evaluated, and the data were statistically analyzed using the unpaired t-test (α = 0.05). The root canals filled using the thermoplastic technique created a smaller percentage of voids in the cervical/middle thirds than those filled using the single-cone technique (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the percentage of voids using either technique in the apical third (p > 0.05). The flattened root canals in the cervical/middle thirds were better filled using the ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer associated to the thermoplastic technique, compared with the single-cone technique. In the apical third, the techniques showed similar filling ability.

Influence of voxel size on micro-CT analysis of debris after root canal preparation.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) voxel size on the evaluation of debris accumulation after passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in curved root canals prepared with rotary nickel-titanium files. Mesial root canals (n = 24) of mandibular molars with curvature between 25° and 35° were prepared using ProDesign Logic 30/.05 (PDL) or HyFlex EDM 25/.08 (HEDM). PUI was performed after root canal preparation of all root canals. The specimens were scanned using high-resolution (5 µm voxel size) micro-CT imaging before and after experimental procedures. The percentage of debris was analyzed in the middle and apical thirds using images with 5, 10 and 20 µm voxel sizes. Data were compared using unpaired and paired Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's statistical tests (α = 0.05). There were no differences among the debris analyses performed at different voxel sizes (5, 10 and 20 µm) (p > 0.05). The percentage of debris was similar between the root canals prepared by PDL and HEDM before and after PUI (p > 0.05). In both groups, the percentage of debris decreased in the middle third after PUI (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this ex vivo study, it can be concluded that the voxel sizes evaluated did not have a significant impact on the analysis of accumulated debris. However, the results showed a tendency for detection of more debris in the analysis performed using a lower voxel size. PUI decreased the debris accumulation in the middle third of curved root canals.

Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of a new system for root canal filling using calcium silicate-based root canal sealers.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) the filling ability and sealer apical extrusion promoted by a new Sealer Injection System (SIS; Angelus) with side openings needle, in comparison with the conventional injection system, associated with a new ready-to-use calcium silicate-based sealer (Bio-C Sealer). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acrylic resin models containing a main curved artificial canal and 3 simulated lateral canals in apical, middle and cervical thirds were used. The main root canals were prepared using a rotary system up to size 35.05. The canals were filled with Bio-C sealer by using a single cone technique and the conventional delivery system or SIS. Samples were scanned in micro-CT. The percentage of voids throughout the entire extension of the main root canal and in each third of the lateral canals, besides the apical extrusion of the sealer was calculated. Data were submitted to t-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There was no difference between both systems in the main root canals filling. Although the volume percentage of voids was similar in the apical and middle thirds of lateral canals, SIS had the greatest filling ability of the cervical third lateral canal. Moreover, the conventional system showed the highest apical extrusion of the sealer. CONCLUSIONS: The conventional and SIS obturation systems had an appropriate filling ability of the main root canal. SIS had the best filling of the cervical third of the lateral canals, besides lower sealer apical extrusion, suggesting its clinical indication.

New Ultrasonic Tip Decreases Uninstrumented Surface and Debris in Flattened Canals: A Micro-computed Tomographic Study.

INTRODUCTION: The preparation of flattened root canals using reciprocating or rotary nickel-titanium instruments associated with the Flatsonic ultrasonic tip (Helse Ultrasonic, Santa Rosa de Viterbo, SP, Brazil) was evaluated by micro-computed tomographic imaging. METHODS: Twenty-four flattened distal canals of mandibular molars with a buccolingual diameter 4 or more times larger than the mesiodistal diameter were selected. The root canals were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups for preparation: a Reciproc Blue (RB; VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) 40/.06 file in reciprocating motion or ProDesign Logic (PDL; Easy Equipamentos Odontológicos, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil) 40/.01 and 40/.05 files in rotary motion (n = 12). A complementary preparation was performed with the Flatsonic ultrasonic tip for both preparations. Micro-computed tomographic scanning at a resolution of 8.74 µm was performed before and after preparation with the nickel-titanium instruments and after the use of the Flatsonic tip. The percentages of increase in volume, debris, and uninstrumented surface were analyzed. The data obtained were submitted to the paired and unpaired t test, analysis of variance, and the Tukey test (α = 5%). RESULTS: The percentage increase in volume, debris, and uninstrumented surface was similar between RB and PDL in the entire root canal (P > .05). The PDL promoted a lower percentage of debris in the cervical third and a lower percentage of increase in volume in the apical third in comparison with RB (P < .05). The Flatsonic decreased debris and uninstrumented surface after PDL preparation in all thirds (P < .05). After preparation with RB, the Flatsonic decreases the debris in the cervical third and the uninstrumented surface in the cervical and middle thirds (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of flattened root canals using RB or PDL produced a high percentage of debris and uninstrumented surface. The Flatsonic ultrasonic tip significantly improved the cleaning of flattened root canals.

Success or failure of endodontic treatments: A retrospective study.

CONTEXT: Well-conducted endodontic therapy is necessary for the dental rehabilitation of the individuals with cleft lip and palate. AIM: The aim of this study was to verify the success and failure index of endodontic treatments performed in the Endodontic Sector of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, (HRAC/USP), Bauru, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preservation records (at least 2 years) of the endodontic treatments performed in the HRAC/USP were verified, indicating the success or failure of the treatment, and these treatments were divided into three groups (vital pulp, necrotic pulp, and endodontic retreatment). The Chi-square statistical test was applied with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: A total of 1216 endodontic treatments were quantified with a minimum of 2 years of prenatal care at HRAC/USP. The vital pulp group had a success rate of 99.4% (535 treatments) and 0.6% failure (3 treatments), 98.6% of success in the necrotic pulp group (577 treatments) and 1.4% failure (8 treatments), and 95.6% success rate (89 treatments) and 4.4% failure (4 treatments) in the endodontic reintervention group. CONCLUSION: From the results found, we can conclude that there was a high success rate in the treatments and endodontic retreatments performed in the Endodontics Sector of the HRAC/USP, considering that well-conducted endodontic therapy is extremely important in the oral rehabilitation of individuals with cleft lip and palate.

Recuperação da coloração de dentes tratados endodonticamente através das técnicas clareadoras imediata e mista / Normal coloration recovery of endodontically treated teeth through immediate and mixed bleaching techniques

Introduction: chromatic alterations in devitalized teeth are not rare, being a common cause of aesthetic dissatisfaction on the part of the patient. In endodontically treated teeth that present chromatic alterations, the endodontist should select the whitening agent and the most prudent technique for the resolution of each case. Objective: to emphasize, through the report of two clinical cases, that internal bleaching techniques, whether immediate or mixed, can achieve success when indicated and performed correctly. Case reports: Case 1 - Female subject with incomplete labiopalatine fissure reported a complaint of chromatic alteration in the crown of the tooth 22, found on clinical examination presenting unsatisfactory endodontic treatment. Endodontic reintervention was successfully performed through 2 years of proservation and internal bleaching was performed through the immediate bleaching technique. Case 2 - Male subject with complete unilateral left cleft lip and palate and a history of endodontic treatment in the dental element 21 which presented yellowish staining, internal bleaching was performed by the mixed technique. In both cases, results were successful. Final considerations: bleaching in devitalized teeth using the immediate and mixed whitening techniques recovered the ideal coloration of the dental elements.Introdução: alterações cromáticas em dentes desvitalizados não são raras, sendo motivo comum de insatisfação estética por parte do paciente. Diante do dente tratado endodonticamente que apresenta alteração cromática, o endodontista deve eleger o agente clareador e a técnica mais prudente para resolução de cada caso. Objetivo: enfatizar, através do relato de dois casos clínicos, que as técnicas de clareamento interno, independente se imediata ou mista, podem alcançar o sucesso quando indicadas e realizadas corretamente. Re lato de casos: Caso 1 - indivíduo do gênero feminino com fissura labiopalatina incompleta relatou queixa de alteração cromática na coroa do dente 22, constatado ao exame clínico apresentando tratamento endodôntico insatisfatório. A reintervenção endodôntica foi realizada com sucesso comprovada por meio de proservação durante 2 anos e o clareamento interno foi realizado através da técnica clareadora imediata. Caso 2 - Indivíduo do gênero masculino com fissura labiopalatina completa unilateral esquerda e histórico de tratamento endodôntico no elemento dentário 21 que apresentava coloração amarelada realizou-se o clareamento interno pela técnica mista. Em ambos os casos, o sucesso foi alcançado. Considerações finais: o clareamento em dentes desvitalizados valendo-se da utilização das técnicas clareadoras imediata e mista recuperou a coloração ideal dos elementos dentários.