Can ultrasonography be used to determine working length in endodontic treatment? An in vitro study.

This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of ultrasonography (USG) in determining working length in in-vitro conditions. Twenty five access cavities of maxillary incisor teeth were opened and actual working lengths (AWL) were measured with dental operating microscope. The working length were then measured with an electronic apex locator and USG. USG and apex locator measurements were statistically analyzed using one sample t-test and compared with AWL. The mean AWL measurment was 20.68 mm. USG measured the working length slightly longer (21.09 mm) than the measurements of apex locator (20.64 mm). Statistical analysis showed that the USG method provided similar measurements to electronic apex locators and with no statistical difference with actual working length (P < .05). USG emerges as a promising method for working length measurement that allows simultaneous visualization of root tip anatomy in cases where electronic apex locators may be insufficient and there is buccal cortical bone loss.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine irrigating solutions and their inactivating agents on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine solutions and their inactivating agents on the push-out bond strength of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). One hundred fifty root slices were prepared and their root canal spaces were enlarged using diamond burs. MTA was prepared and compacted to root canal spaces. The samples were randomly separated to 4 groups that would be immersed into the selected solutions (5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 5.25% NaOCl and sodium thiosulfate, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 2% CHX and a mixture of Tween 80 and 0.3% L-alfa-lecithin) and a control group (n = 30). Push-out bond strength of each specimen was tested with universal testing machine. The data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. There were no significant differences between the push-out bond strength values of the irrigation groups and the control group. A significant difference was found between the push-out bond strength values of NaOCl-Sodium thiosulfate and CHX-L-alpha-lecithin groups. Contact with NaOCl and its neutralizing agent with MTA after 10 minutes of setting period increased the push-out bond strength of MTA. On the other hand, any contact with CHX alone or with subsequent application using L-alfa-lecithin should be avoided since that might decrease the push-out bond strength of freshly mixed MTA.

Effect of intracanal cryotherapy on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of intracanal cryotherapy on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted maxillary lateral incisor teeth with single root canals were selected and randomly divided into two groups (n = 30). The specimens were immersed in distilled water, which was heated to 37 °C during the procedures. The root canals were chemomechanically prepared up to the apical size of 50 and assigned to either the control group or the cryotherapy group. The specimens in the cryotherapy group were irrigated with 20 mL sterile cold (2.5 °C) saline solution, which was delivered with an EndoVac system for 5 min, whereas the specimens in the control group received a sterile saline solution at room temperature. The fracture resistance of the specimens was then tested with a universal testing machine. The data was analyzed using the independent sample t test with a 5% significance threshold. RESULTS: The fracture strength of the specimens in the intracanal cryotherapy group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p< .05). CONCLUSIONS: Application of intracanal cryotherapy as a final irrigant reduced the vertical fracture resistance of prepared roots when compared to the control group.

The effect of bleaching agents on the compressive strength of calcium silicate-based materials.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of sodium perborate on the compressive strength of calcium silicate-based materials. ProRoot wMTA, MTA Plus, NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine discs with 5 mm thickness and 4 mm diameter were prepared. Thirty discs from each material were used for compressive strength testing and divided into two groups: control and bleaching (n = 15). The sodium perborate was mixed with 30% hydrogen peroxide in a creamy consistency and placed on the surface of the specimens. Specimens were tested in an Instron machine, and compressive strength values were recorded and compared. The data were analysed using one-way anova and post hoc Tukey tests. Compressive strength of all tested materials significantly decreased after bleaching (P < 0.05). SEM examination revealed deterioration on materials' surfaces after bleaching. Application of sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide reduced the compressive strength of ProRoot wMTA, MTA Plus, NeoMTA Plus and Biodentine.

Does Adding Various Accelerators to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Have a Negatively Effect on Push-Out Bond Strength?

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the effect of the white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) accelerators, including disodium hydrogen orthophosphate (Na2HPO4; 2.5 wt%), calcium chloride (CaCl2; 5 and 10 wt%), and KY jelly, on the push-out bond strength of WMTA. The null hypothesis was that the WMTA accelerators would not affect the push-out bond strength of WMTA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Slices (2-mm-thick) were obtained from 75 human mandibular molar distal roots. The slices were enlarged up to size 6 Gates-Glidden burs to obtain a 1.5-mm canal diameter. The slices were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups and a control group (n = 15 in each group). Freshly prepared WMTA mixture was placed into the root slices and stored at 37°C in a 100% humidified atmosphere for 60 days. The force required to dislodge the WMTA cement from the root slice was determined using a universal testing machine. The push-out bond strength was calculated. RESULTS: Push- out bond strength of 5- and 10-wt% CaCl2, and 2.5-wt% Na2HPO4 WMTA groups was significantly lower than in the KY-jelly and control groups (p < 0.05). The mean push-out bond strength of KY jelly was lower than in the control group but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The addition of KY jelly to WMTA did not have an adverse effect on the push-out bond strength of WMTA, in contrast to the other accelerators, including Na2HPO4 and CaCl2, which reduced the push-out bond strength.

Efficacy of novel thermomechanically treated reciprocating systems for gutta-percha removal from root canals obturated with warm vertical compaction.

Background. The present study aimed to test the efficacy of novel reciprocating systems in terms of gutta-percha removal of roots obturated with warm vertical compaction technique. Methods. Ninety straight rooted maxillary incisors were enlarged with hand files up to a # 50/02 apical size and obturated using warm vertical compaction technique. The specimens were divided into four groups according to system used for filling removal, as Reciproc Blue, Reciproc, WaveOne Gold and hand-instrumentation. The residual filling materials and time required for root canal removal were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests with 5% significance threshold. Results. There were no significant differences among Reciproc, Reciproc Blue and WaveOne Gold (P > 0.05). Hand-instrumentation group left significantly greater root canal filling material (P < 0.05). The time required for root canal filling removal was significantly shorter in the Reciproc group followed by WaveOne Gold, Reciproc Blue and hand-instrumentation groups (P< 0.05). Conclusion. Efficacy of Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold and Reciproc instruments for root canal filling removal were similar and superior to hand-instrumentation.

Comparison of the shaping ability of novel thermally treated reciprocating instruments.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the shaping ability of 2 thermally treated nickel-titanium reciprocating systems in simulated curved canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty simulated canals were prepared to apical size 25 using Reciproc Blue R25 (VDW) and WaveOne Gold Primary (Dentsply Sirona) instruments. Standard pre- and post-preparation images were taken and superimposed. The removal of resin material was measured at 5 standard points: the canal orifice, halfway between the canal orifice and the beginning of the curve, the beginning of the curve, the apex of the curve, and the end-point of the simulated canal. The data were analysed using the independent sample t-test with a 5% significance threshold. RESULTS: The canals in which Reciproc Blue R25 was used showed a significantly greater widening than those in which WaveOne Gold was used at 4 of the 5 measurement points (p < 0.05). The Reciproc Blue R25 instrument removed significantly more resin from the inner aspect of the curve at 2 of the 5 points and similar amounts at the remaining 3 points. At the 2 apical points, there was no significant difference between the Reciproc Blue R25 and WaveOne Gold Primary instruments. CONCLUSION: Both instruments respected the original canal anatomy; however, WaveOne Gold resulted in a more conservative shape with less transportation.

Shaping ability of Reciproc Blue reciprocating instruments with or without glide path in simulated S-shaped root canals.

Background. The present study aimed to compare the shaping ability of Reciproc Blue instruments with or without the creation of a glide path in simulated S-shaped root canals. Methods. Root canals of thirty #15.02 clear resin S-shaped blocks were dyed using ink and photographed. Then the blocks were randomly divided into 2 groups: group A: Reciproc Blue with glide path created with ProGlider and group B: Reciproc Blue with no glide path preparation (n=15). The blocks were also photographed after preparation. The pre- and post-prepara-tion images were superimposed and evaluated at 9 different measurement points according to the 3 zones, as coronal straight, first curvature, and apical curvature zones. The data were evaluated with independent t-test or Kruskal-Wallis tests with 5% significance interval. Results. Group B removed greater amount of material from the inner aspect of simulated canal at the first curvature and apical curvature zones and from the outer aspect of the canal at apical curvature zone (P<0.05). Both groups exhibited trans-portation and the transportation width in group B was significantly greater in the levels of apical curvature zone (P<0.05). Conclusion. Glide path preparation using ProGlider rotary instrument improved the shaping ability of Reciproc Blue R25 instrument by leading to less transportation and maintaining centering ability.

Apically extruded debris and irrigants during root canal filling material removal using Reciproc Blue, WaveOne Gold, R-Endo and ProTaper Next systems.

Background. The present study aimed to compare the amount of apically extruded debris and irrigants produced by various nickel-titanium instruments. Methods. A total of 100 single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were root canal treated and prepared for agar gel model. The root canal fillings were removed using Reciproc Blue, ProTaper Next, R-Endo, WaveOne Gold systems or hand instrumentation. The mean weights of apically extruded materials were calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests. Results. Hand instrumentation resulted in significantly more debris and irrigants than other systems (P<0.05). The mean amount of apically extruded debris and irrigants produced by Reciproc Blue system was significantly greater than motordriven instruments (P<0.05). No significant difference was detected between ProTaper Next and WaveOne Gold systems (P>0.05), while they both produced significantly less apically extruded material than R-Endo system (P<0.05). Conclusion. All the instruments caused apical extrusion. ProTaper Next and WaveOne Gold systems were associated with significantly less apical extrusion.

Effect of intracanal time of triple antibiotic paste on its removal from simulated immature roots using passive ultrasonic irrigation and XP-endo Finisher.

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different irrigation techniques in the removal of triple antibiotic paste (TAP), which was applied for 7, 21 or 90 days, from simulated root canals of immature teeth. Methods. The root canal spaces of 190 maxillary canine teeth were filled with TAP and randomly divided into a control and 3 experimental groups according to the intracanal medicament period (7, 21 or 90 days). Syringe irrigation (SI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and XP-endo Finisher (XP) were used for the removal of TAP (n=20). The amount of remaining medicament was calculated under a stereomicroscope using a 4-grade scoring system. Kruskal-Wallis H and Wilcoxon signedrank tests were used for statistical analyses (P<0.05). Results. The mean percentage of residual TAP was significantly greater in the SI group compared to PUI and XP at all the time intervals (P<0.05). Paste removal efficacy of PUI was not affected by the intracanal time of TAP (P>0.05), whereas the efficacy of SI and XP was significantly affected (P<0.05). No significant differences were detected between PUI and XP at 7- and 21-day intervals (P>0.05); however, at 90-day interval, PUI removed significantly greater amount of TAP than XP did (P<0.05). Conclusion. The time of the TAP in the root canal negatively affected the removal efficacy of the SI and XP-Endo Finisher; however, it did not affect the efficacy of the PUI.

Efficacy of XP-endo Finisher File in Removing Calcium Hydroxide from Simulated Internal Resorption Cavity.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementary use of XP-endo Finisher file, passive ultrasonic activation (PUI), EndoActivator (EA), and CanalBrush (CB) on the removal of calcium hydroxide (CH) paste from simulated internal resorption cavities. METHODS: The root canals of 110 extracted single-rooted teeth with straight canals were prepared up to size 50. The specimens were split longitudinally, and standardized internal resorption cavities were prepared with burs. The cavities and root canals were filled with CH paste. The specimens were divided into 5 groups as follows: XP-endo Finisher, EA, PUI, CB, and syringe irrigation (SI). The root canals were irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes, respectively. Apart from the SI group, both solutions were activated by using tested techniques for 1 minute. The quantity of CH remnants on resorption cavities was scored. Data were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: XP-endo Finisher and PUI removed significantly more CH than SI, EA, and CB (P < .05), showing no significant difference between them (P > .05). Differences among SI, EA, and CB were also non-significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: None of the tested techniques render the simulated internal resorption cavities free of CH debris. XP-endo Finisher and PUI were superior to SI, CB, and EA.