Incidence of Mortality and Its Relation to Comorbidity in Ludwig's Angina: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Ludwig's angina is a serious life-threatening infective condition of maxillofacial region due to odontogenic origin which is clinically diagnosed by its clinical signs and symptoms. Airway management and early surgical decompression is the main stay of management. The mortality rates in Ludwig's angina remains multivariate. There is a paucity in literature regarding the mortality rates of this disease. Aim and Objectives: Aim of this retrospective study is to describes the characteristics, probable cause of death and mortality rates of patients with co-morbidities presenting to the emergency department (ED) who were subsequently admitted with a primary diagnosis of Ludwig's angina. Materials and Method: Study was conducted in the department of maxillofacial surgery in a tertiary care teaching hospital from Jan 2011 to Dec 2022. Data of 17 patients who were clinically diagnosed as Ludwig's angina were included in the study. The comorbidity, source of odontongenic cause, mode of intubation and the outcome of the disease were evaluated. Result: Comparison of categorical variables was done using Fishers exact test. A p-value of <0.7 was considered statistically significant. The results suggested that Out of 17 patients 12 patients (70.5%), 7 male and 5 females had comorbidities and four cases (23.5%) had complication of death, all having co-morbidities. Summary: It concludes that associated comorbidity has a significant role in progress and outcome of the disease and incidence of death is more common in cases having associated comorbidity.

Effect of Back-Pressure Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain after the Endodontic Treatment in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluated the effect of 2 different back pressure-based supplemental anesthesia on postoperative pain in patients receiving endodontic treatment for a mandibular molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: One-hundred-thirty-five adult patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpits in a mandibular first or second molar, received an initial inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injection with 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. Ten minutes following the injection, access to cavity preparation began. Lip numbness was a must for all patients. The Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP-VAS) was used to measure pain during endodontic therapy. Success of primary injections was defined as no or mild pain (less than 55 mm on HP-VAS) during access preparation. The patients with initial successful anesthesia served as control and received endodontic treatment. Ninety-five patients with unsuccessful primary anesthesia randomly received either intraligamentary injections of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine or intrapulpal injections with similar anesthetic solution. Endodontic treatment was re-initiated and canals were instrumented till working length under copious irrigation. Intracanal medicament of calcium hydroxide was placed and teeth received a temporary restoration. Postoperative pain was measured at 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days. Data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: The initial initial inferior alveolar nerve block was successful in 40 cases (out of 135). The intraligamentary injections were successful in 33 out of 47 cases (70%), and intrapulpal injections were successful in all cases (45/45). The patients receiving intraligamentary injections reported significantly higher pain scores at all intervals till 24 hours. After 3 days, the pain significantly reduced in all the groups with no significant difference between them. CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving supplementary intraligamentary injections can experience increased postoperative pain till 24 hours after the endodontic treatment. The pain scores reduced to the level of the control group after 3 days.

Pre-emptive Single Dose of Intramasseteric Administration of Dexamethasone Versus Methylprednisolone in Surgical Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: Prospective Split-Mouth, Randomised Triple Blinded Clinical Study.

Aim: The study aims to contribute in reducing postoperative sequelae and to determine the optimal corticosteroid for reducing postoperative inflammation, pain, swelling, wound healing and quality of life in patients undergoing surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: The study included 191 patients who presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital in Chennai with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars that needed surgical removal. The effects of pre-emptive single dose of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone on pain, oedema, trismus, wound healing, and quality of life after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars were investigated. Result: There was no statistical difference between the two steroids, with both achieving identical levels of wound healing and quality of life. On the third postoperative day, there was a statistically significant difference, with methylprednisolone providing clinically superior results in mouth opening and reduction of swelling. However, by the fifth day, both corticosteroids had exhibited identical improvement. Conclusion: Compared to 8 mg of dexamethasone, 40 mg of methylprednisolone administered as a single preemptive dosage in the intrammaseteric region was associated with enhanced quality of life, a reduction in pain and edema, and almost normal mouth opening.

Morphological Variation of Mandibular Molars in Rohilkhand Population: An Original Research.

Introduction: In-depth knowledge of common and aberrant pulp morphology is essential for appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning before commencing root canal treatment. The radicular morphology of mandibular molars has been extensively studied. Considerable variation in the number of canals and roots found in these teeth has been reported. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the root canal morphology of the mandibular molars among the Rohilkhand population using Dentascan. Materials and Methods: Dentascan images of mandibular molar were taken from 99 extracted teeth that were collected from the Department of Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Sciences, Bareilly, and private clinics. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth was based on Vertucci's classification. Results: The mandibular molar (n = 99) were taken. Out of the 99 teeth examined, three canals were seen in 60 (60.6%) teeth, four canals in 39 (39.4%) teeth, 3% had extra distal roots, and 6% with C-shaped canals. Conclusion: Among mandibular first molars, only 3% had three roots. Mesial roots of the first molar typically present with two canals and two apical foramina with type IV or II canal configuration. Most distal roots of the first molar presented with a type I canal configuration. The remainder were distributed mainly between types II, IV, III, and V. Among 99 mandibular molars, 6% had single C-shaped roots.

The effect of ibuprofen sustained release oral premedication on intraoperative and postoperative pain: A randomised clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ibuprofen sustained release (SR) oral premedication on the efficacy of buccal infiltration (BI) with intraoperative and postoperative pain after single-visit root canal treatment. Sixty patients diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis in mandibular molar were divided into two groups. Group SR received ibuprofen SR 800 mg and group PL received placebo capsule 1 h before 3.6 mL articaine BI injection. Pain was recorded using a modified visual analogue scale and postoperatively at intervals 6, 24 and 48 h. Group SR showed a significantly higher anaesthetic success rate (73.3%) compared to group PL (46.7%) (p < 0.05). Intraoperative and postoperative pain was significantly higher in group PL compared to group SR (p < 0.05). Premedication of ibuprofen SR improved the efficacy of primary BI in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and decreased postoperative pain at 6 and 48 h.

Comparative evaluation of volumetric changes between two pediatric rotary files (Kedo-S plus, Kedo-SG blue) and manual files (hand K-files) during canal preparation of primary mandibular molars: an in-vitro nano-CT analysis.

Pediatric endodontics has become popular due to advancements in cleaning, shaping and irrigation systems, resulting in faster and effective removal of infected pulp, saving time, and creating a pathogen-free environment. The patented rotary file system, Kedo-S, designed for primary teeth, introduced a single file generation for efficient pulp therapy. However, there are currently no studies assessing canal preparation in primary mandibular molars using nano-CT (computed Tomography). To evaluate the volumetric changes of two recently introduced pediatric rotary file systems in comparison with conventional hand file systems in primary mandibular molar using an ultra-high resolution nano-CT. This in-vitro study was performed in extracted primary mandibular molar based on certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Samples were prepared and working length was determined before the pre-operative scan using a high resolution nano-CT device (SkyScan 2214, Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). A single well-experienced pediatric dentist prepared the canals using three file systems: Kedo-S plus, Kedo-SG blue and Hand K-files. A post-operative scan was performed similar to pre-operative scan. Image reconstruction was performed with NRecon software for 3D volumetric visualization and analysis of the root canals. Kedo-SG blue file systems had the highest mean difference in the canal volume (8.85%). Hand K-files had the least difference at (1.24%) of canal volume. Kedo-S plus file system had a mean canal volume difference (6.14%) which is closer to hand K-files. Rotary file systems resulted in a significant enlargement of canals compared to hand files.

Diagnostic value of cone beam computed tomography for root canal morphology assessment - a micro-CT based comparison.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a root canal anatomy diagnostic tool by comparison with micro-CT gold-standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 216 two-rooted mandibular molars were first scanned in a CBCT device (200 µm voxel size) and posteriorly in a micro-CT scanner (19.61 µm). The volumes were sequentially screened to classify main root canal anatomy according to Vertucci classification, and for the presence of lateral canals and apical deltas, in both mesial and distal roots. RESULTS: Both methods revealed a higher prevalence of Vertucci Type II and IV in the mesial root, and Vertucci Type I in the distal root. The percentage of agreement for main root canal anatomy classification between CBCT and micro-CT scores was high (85.2%). CONCLUSION: Sensibility to detect both lateral canals and apical deltas with CBCT was low. These results attest to the fact that minor anatomical changes might be difficult to identify with CBCT imaging, hampering its diagnostic value.

Efficacy of the GentleWave System in the removal of biofilm from the mesial roots of mandibular molars before and after minimal instrumentation: An ex vivo study.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm removal using the GentleWave System (GWS) (Sonendo Inc, CA) on non-instrumented versus minimally instrumented root canal systems. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four mandibular molars were autoclaved and allocated to four groups: Negative control (n = 5); positive control (n = 5); Group 1: non-instrumentation + GWS (NI + GWS) (n = 12); and Group 2: minimal instrumentation + GWS (MI + GWS) (n = 12). Of 34 samples, 24 samples with Vertucci type 2 configuration within the mesial root of each sample were allocated to Groups 1 and 2 and then matched based on the working length and root canal configuration. After inoculation of samples with E. faecalis for 3 weeks, the GWS was used on Group 1 without any instrumentation and Group 2 after instrumentation of mesial canals until size 20/06v. CFU and SEM analysis were used. RESULTS: Log10 (CFU/mL) from the positive control, and Group 1 and 2 were 7.41 ± 0.53, 3.41 ± 1.54, and 3.21 ± 1.54, respectively. Both groups showed a statistically significant difference in the reduction of viable E. faecalis cells compared to the positive control (Group 1 [p = .0001] and Group 2 [p < .0001]), whilst showing no significant difference between the two tested groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The use of GWS on the non-instrumented root canal system could be an effective disinfection protocol in removing the biofilm without dentin debris formation.

The Impact of Coronal Flaring Files on Pericervical Dentin Thickness in Mandibular Molars.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the influence of different coronal flaring files on dentin removal in mandibular teeth using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. METHODS: CBCT images of 48 mandibular molar teeth were acquired and randomly divided into 2 main groups, with each main group further divided into 3 subgroups. In the first main group, root canal preparation was performed using TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona), and One Curve (Micro-Mega, Besancon, France) files without the use of coronal flaring files. In the second main group, root canal preparation was performed using the same files with the use of coronal flaring files. After the completion of root canal preparation, a second set of CBCT images was obtained. Subsequently, the dentin removal and remaining critical dentin were assessed by measuring at 4 distinct points below the furcation level. Data were compared between groups using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests with alpha set at 5%. RESULTS: The ProTaper Gold files demonstrated higher dentin removal compared with the TruNatomy files. In the no-flaring groups, the One Curve files exhibited greater dentin removal than the TruNatomy files at specific levels. The use of coronal flaring files generally did not significantly impact dentin removal, except for certain cases in the TruNatomy and ProTaper Gold groups. CONCLUSIONS: The TruNatomy instrument group was more effective in preserving pericervical dentin compared with the other instrument groups. Coronal flaring files can be confidently used to preserve critical dentin during root canal treatment.

A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Investigation of the Frequency and Pattern of Radix Entomolaris in the Saudi Arabian Population.

Background and Objectives: An understanding of the anatomical complexity of teeth is a significant factor for a successful endodontic treatment outcome. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency and pattern of distribution of radix entomolaris (RE) in mandibular first molars (MFMs) of a Saudi Arabian subpopulation using CBCT scans. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at dental clinics of Qassim University from February to May 2023 by evaluating CBCT scans that were previously obtained for diagnostic purposes. Scans of Saudi national patients with bilaterally present MFMs and fully formed root apices were included. Conversely, scans with one/or two missing MFMs, MFMs with incomplete root apices, full- or partial-coverage prosthesis, endodontic treatment, and associated radicular resorption were excluded from study. A total of 303 CBCT scans with 606 bilateral MFMs were analyzed by two calibrated evaluators for the presence of, and type according to Song's typolgy of RE. The data were analyzed using SPPS-24. The descriptive variables were documented as frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between the prevalence of RE with the gender, jaw side and age group. Both inter-rater and intra-rater agreements were estimated for detecting and classifying RE using Cohen's kappa test. Results: The sample had 63.7% males and 36.3% females. The prevalence of RE was 6.6%, with Song's type III (57.5%) as the most common variant. Absolute agreement was noted between the raters about the presence of RE and very strong agreement was noted for the classification of the RE. Conclusions: RE is an uncommon finding among the mandibular first molars of the Saudi population without any gender and quadrant predilection. The clinicians' knowledge of the presence and Song's type of RE may contribute towards the enhancement of endodontic treatment outcomes.

Prevalence of Radix Entomolaris in Mandibular Permanent Molars Analyzed by Cone-Beam CT in the Saudi Population of Ha'il Province.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of radix entomolaris (RE) in the mandibular permanent molar within a specific sub-population in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 499 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of a mandibular molar from a sample of Saudi patients aged between 18 and 65. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the anatomical characteristics of mandibular permanent molars, specifically focusing on the number of roots present. The chi-square test was employed to examine the relationship between various variables. RESULTS: In the case of mandibular first molars, it was observed that 95.3% of these molars exhibited a bifurcated root structure. In comparison, the remaining 4.7% displayed a triradicular configuration within the sample population under investigation. Although there were some variations, no significant differences in the number of roots were observed between males and females or left and right sides (p > 0.05). In the case of mandibular second molars, it was observed that 96.9% of them exhibited a bifurcated root structure, whereas 2.5% displayed a trifurcated root configuration, and a mere 0.6% possessed a single root. There were no statistically significant variations in the number of roots between males and females or left and right sides (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of RE was observed in the mandibular molars. Moreover, the discovered RE roots were predominantly found in the mandibular first molar, displaying a tendency for bilateral occurrence in both male and female individuals.

Evaluation of postoperative pain using warm versus room temperature sodium hypochlorite as an irrigant in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The study evaluates and compare the effect of 3% warm NaOCl with NaOCl at room temperature in root canal irrigation on postoperative pain. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in healthy 18-year-old patients and above were included. The sample consisted of 56 patients evaluating the postoperative pain, allocated randomly into 2 groups of 3% NaOCl at two different temperatures, i.e. at room temperature and at 60°C. Endodontic treatment was initiated for each group and instrumentation was done using MTwo rotary files. The final irrigation was performed according to the groups assigned. For each included tooth, preoperative and postoperative pain scores at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were collected through the Heft Parker Visual Analog Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Friedman test followed by Wilcoxon test. Results: The mean percentage reduction in pain scores was significantly higher among the warm NaOCl group as compared to the control group at different time intervals (P < 0.001). The mean number of analgesics taken was significantly lower among the warm NaOCl group as compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The warm NaOCl group recorded less postoperative pain than the control group during the first 72 h following single-visit endodontic therapy.

[The use of distal occlusion correctors during treatment on an individual lingual bracket system in adult patients]. / Primenenie korrektorov distal'noi okklyuzii pri lechenii s ispol'zovaniem individual'noi lingval'noi breket-sistemy u vzroslykh patsientov.

A case of treatment of a 35-year-old patient with a retroposition of the lower jaw, distal occlusion of the posterior teeth, deep incisal overlap, narrowing of the deformity of the dentoalveolar arches, protrusion of the lower incisors, crowded position of the teeth, mismatch between the incisor lines, absence due to extraction of tooth 3.6, with impacted dystopic tooth 3.8 is presented. Fixed individual orthodontic appliances of the WIN («DW Lingual Systems GmbH¼ Germany) were used. It was found that the use of the Herbst apparatus in combination with the WIN lingual bracket system in adult patients helps to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic results. The use of a distal bite correction device is an additional support for the mesialization of the molars of the lower jaw.

Comparative Evaluation of Different Irrigant Agitating Devices for Debris Removal from the Mesial Roots of Mandibular Molars: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of debris removal from the mesial root canals and isthmus of mesial roots of mandibular molars after final irrigant agitation with XP-endo Shaper, EndoVac (EV), plastic finishing file, and conventional needle irrigation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty extracted human mandibular first molar teeth with the isthmus between the mesial roots were selected, access cavities were prepared and distal roots were decoronated. All the mesial root specimens were mounted in acrylic, sectioned at the coronal, middle, and apical thirds, along with the resin block, and examined for debris in the canals and isthmus before the start of the procedure using a stereomicroscope and were mounted back in a custom-made jig. After determination of the working length, they were allocated to the following four different irrigant activation groups (n = 10): Group I-XP-endo Finisher; group II-EndoVac; group III-plastic finishing file; and group IV-standard needle irrigation. After biomechanical preparation (BMP) till F3, final agitation was done for debris removal with the respective agitating devices, and all the samples were examined under a stereomicroscope for the amount of debris in the canal after final agitation. RESULTS: Of all the irrigation devices used, the XP-endo Finisher and EV showed more debris removal when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). The plastic finishing file in continuous rotation was more efficient in cleaning debris compared with conventional needle irrigation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The XP-endo Finisher and EV showed a significant difference in cleaning efficacy than the plastic finishing files. So, these can be used as adjunctive for agitating the final irrigant. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The irrigant agitation devices promote the penetration of irrigants into the intricate root canal anatomy and increase their antibacterial and tissue-dissolving effectiveness thereby improving the success rate and treatment outcome.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)-Based Assessment of the Alveolar Bone Anatomy of the Maxillary and Mandibular Molars: Implication for Immediate Implant Placement.

Purpose This study aims to examine specific aspects of socket morphology, including buccal and palatal/lingual bone width, interradicular bone (IRB) width, and assessments of root apices and furcation proximity to the vital structures of the maxillary and mandibular first and second molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods The study involved the analysis of 400 maxillary and mandibular first and second molars. Various measurements were taken to assess socket morphology, including mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) width, buccal and lingual bone thickness at 2 mm apical to the alveolar crest, IRB width at 2 mm from the furcation, and the distance between the root apices and furcation to vital structures, such as the floor of the maxillary sinus (FMS) and inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). Results The mesiobuccal (MB) root of the second molar commonly intruded into the sinus, followed by the palatal root of the maxillary first molar. The mean FMS-F distance was 7.17 + 3.98 mm, and it was 7.2 + 2.72 mm for maxillary first and second molars, respectively. The mean IRB width was 2.77 + 0.96 and 2.29 + 0.74 mm for the first and second molars. The mandibular second molar had the shortest distance to the IAN in comparison to the first molar. For maxillary teeth, 7% of the first and 4% of the second molars presented alveolar anatomy adequate for immediate implant placement, compared to 84% and 50% of mandibular first and second molars. Conclusion Understanding the local alveolar bone anatomy of molars and its relationship to vital structures is crucial for the effective planning of implant treatments.

Efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve block and intraligamentary anesthesia in the extraction of primary mandibular molars: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Objective: The study aims to compare the effectiveness and quality of intraligamentary anesthesia (ILA) and inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for primary mandibular molar extraction. Methods: This prospective, randomized clinical study included patients aged 5 to 13 years scheduled for primary mandibular molar extraction. A total of 208 participants were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 104 each group), IANB and ILA, who were administered 2% lignocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000. Patients rated their pain during injection and extraction (VAS pain score). Frankl's behavior rating score, quality of anesthesia as perceived by clinician, and duration of procedure were recorded. Demographic and other variables were analysed using Pearson x2 test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Fisher exact test, or an analysis of variance, as appropriate. Results: In patients who received IANB, the clinician reported a slightly better quality of anesthesia (p = 0.19) than those who received ILA (VAS score 1.3 ± 0.7 Vs 1.6 ± 0.4). Mean (±SD) score for pain during extraction were found be 1.7 (±0.6) for the IANB group and 1.8 (±0.5) for the ILA group. The clinician observed 46.2% of patients in the IANB group and 39.4% of patients in the ILA group had no discomfort during extraction. Frankl's behavior score was negatively correlated with the quality of anesthesia and the time taken to complete the extraction (p = 0.017 and p = 0.053, respectively). Conclusion: The efficacy of conventional ILA was similar to IANB, and thus ILA might be a good alternative to the IANB while extracting primary mandibular molars.

Alveolar bone changes following bi-maxillary vertical molars' movements using clear aligners.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the alveolar bone changes following maxillary and mandibular molars' intrusion and extrusion movements using Clear Aligners using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective clinical study in which 24 adult patients with pre-designed selection criteria and a mean age of 31.1 + 9.9 years were enrolled. The alveolar bone changes around one hundred thirty-three maxillary and mandibular molars intruded or extruded by Clear Aligners therapy were analyzed from CBCT using Invivo 6.0 software. Intra- and inter-examiner reliability analysis was performed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's Alpha statistics. The paired t-test was used to analyze significant differences before and after treatment (T0-T1). The significance level was considered at P < 0.05. RESULT: The patients were divided into two groups: extrusion (48.9%, n = 65 molars' root) and intrusion (51.1%, n = 68 molars' root) group. There was a significant decrease in the alveolar bone changes in the buccal surface of the mandibular right and left 1st molars in the extrusion group (-1.05 ± 0.97, -0.76 ± 1.12 mm, respectively) and the maxillary left 2nd molars in intrusion group (-0.42 ± 0.77 mm), and the lingual surface of intrusion of the mandibular left 1st molar (-0.64 ± 0.76 mm). Comparing the mean maxillary and mandibular changes (T0-T1) of both studied groups showed that the buccal alveolar bone changes for the left 1st and right 2nd molars showed a significant difference in extrusion and intrusion groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The buccal alveolar bone changes is considered the most affected surface following maxillary and mandibular molars' intrusion and extrusion movements using clear aligners, with mandibular molars being more affected than the maxillary ones.

Comparing intraosseous computerized anaesthesia with inferior alveolar nerve block in the treatment of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the cardiovascular effects [heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2 ), systolic and diastolic blood pressure] and the anaesthetic efficacy of intraosseous computerized anaesthesia (ICA) versus inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). METHODOLOGY: The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03802305). In a randomized, prospective clinical trial, 72 mandibular molar teeth with SIP were randomly allocated to conventional IANB injection (n = 36) or ICA injection (n = 36), both with 1.8 mL of 4% articaine with 1:100 000 epinephrine. The primary objective was to assess the cardiovascular parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure) before, during and after the anaesthesia. The secondary objectives were to compare ICA with IANB for success and postoperative outcomes for up to 3 days. RESULTS: The maximum increase in heart rate in the ICA group was greater than in the IANB. Other cardiovascular parameters did not show differences throughout the clinical procedure. There were no statistically significant differences (p > .05) between groups for sex, age, or anxiety. The total success rate of ICA (91.43%) was significantly higher (p = .0034) than that of IANB (69.44%). CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes that ICA is safe and efficient in the first intention for the treatment of SIP of the mandibular molar.

Exploring a Paradigm Shift in Primary Teeth Root Canal Preparation: An Ex Vivo Micro-CT Study.

Traditional hand instrumentation is a commonly used technique to perform pulpectomy in deciduous teeth by most specialists in pedodontics. Lately, dentists have embraced rotary instrumentation as a safe and effective alternative. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of root canal preparation in extracted primary molars between manual and two rotary file systems using micro-CT. Thirty-six extracted human second primary mandibular molars were divided into three groups according to the instrumentation method: (1) Manually instrumented (MI) group (n = 9) in which the teeth were treated using K-files up to size 30; (2) Kedo-Ssystem (KS) group (n = 9); (3) ProTaper Gold system (PTG) group (n = 10) and control group (n-8). Each tooth was scanned before and after the retrograde root canal preparation. Residual dentin volume was calculated using micro-CT scans to evaluate the technique's efficacy. Additionally, the preparation time and procedural errors were recorded for each tooth preparation. A one-way ANOVA test was carried out to compare the groups' dentin volume and preparation time. The mean preparation time using the manual method (13.14 min) was more than two times longer than that of the rotary techniques (4.62 min and 6.45 min). The manual preparation method using a K-file removed almost half the root canal material when compared with the rotor method (p = 0.025). Conclusion: our results suggest that rotary instrumentation is more efficient for root canal preparation in primary teeth than the traditional manual method. This finding may call for a paradigm shift in current clinical practices, where manual instrumentation is still commonly preferred.

The Global Prevalence of Middle Mesial Canal in Mandibular First and Second Molars Assessed by Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This meta-analysis sought to identify the in vivo prevalence and influencing factors of middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular first and second molars based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. METHODS: MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Google Scholar databases/search engines were searched in period between 15th and 21st November 2022, to retrieve the in vivo CBCT-based studies that assessed the prevalence of MMC in mandibular first and/or second molars. The studies were strictly assessed using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for relevancy and eligibility through screening the title and abstract, and then assessed through reading the full texts using the same criteria. Subsequently, the fulfilled studies were assessed qualitatively using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and quantitatively using meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence rates of MMC. The publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Egger's test. RESULTS: Out of 1122 studies, 33 studies comprised of 13,349 and 7624 mandibular first and second molars, respectively, were eligible for inclusion. Twenty studies scored high quality, while 13 scored moderate quality. The global prevalence of MMC in the first molar was 4.4% (95% CI = 0.035-0.053, P < .001), significantly higher than that of the second molar which was 1.3% (95%, CI = 0.008-0.018, P < .001). Gender, molar side, and age were not influencing factors of MMC prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MMC is not uncommon, being higher in the mandibular first molar compared to the mandibular second molar. The prevalence of MMC is not influenced by age, molar's side, and gender.