Formulation and characterization of chlorhexidine HCl nanoemulsion as a promising antibacterial root canal irrigant: in-vitro and ex-vivo studies.

Introduction and aim: Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride [Chx.HCl] has a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, sustained action and low toxicity so it has been recommended as a potential root canal irrigant. The aim of this study was to improve the penetration ability, cleansing and antibacterial effect of Chx.HCl using a newly formulated Chx.HCl nanoemulsion and use it as root canal irrigant. Methods: Chx.HCl nanoemulsions were prepared using two different oils; Oleic acid and Labrafil M1944CS, two surfactants; Tween 20 and Tween 80 and co-surfactant; Propylene Glycol. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to designate the optimum systems. The prepared nanoemulsion formulae were evaluated for their drug content, emulsification time, dispersibility, droplet size, in-vitro drug release, thermodynamic stability, In-vitro antibacterial activity and ex-vivo study for the selected formula. Comparisons were made of Chx.HCl nanoemulsion with two different concentrations 0.75% and 1.6% vs Chx.HCl normal particle size as root canal irrigant for their penetration ability, cleansing effect and antibacterial effect. Results: The selected formula was F6 with composition of 2% Labrafil, 12% Tween 80 and 6% Propylene glycol. It has small particle size (12.18 nm), short emulsification time (1.67 seconds), and fast dissolution rate after 2 minutes. It was found to be a thermodynamically/physically stable system. The higher concentration of Chx.HClnanoemulsion1.6% shows the best penetration ability compared to Chx.HCl normal particle size due to the smaller particle size. Chx.HCl nanoemulsion 1.6% has the lowest mean value of the remaining debris surface area (2001.47 µm2) when compared to normal particle size material (2609.56 µm2). Conclusion: Chx.HCl nanoemulsion preparation has better cleansing ability and antibacterial effect with high efficacy on Enterococcus faecalis, where high reduction rate or complete eradication of bacterial cells has been achieved.

Investigation of the regenerative potential of necrotic mature teeth following different revascularisation protocols.

This study aimed to assess the revascularisation potential of necrotic mature teeth in a dog model following different protocols. Periapical infection was induced in 54 mature premolars. Teeth were distributed into seven groups: (1) Double-antibiotic-paste/Blood clot, (2) Ciprofloxacin/collagen, (3) Double-antibiotic-paste/Collagen, (4) Modified Tri-antibiotic-paste /collagen, (5) Ciprofloxacin/Gelfoam, (6) Double-antibiotic-paste/Gelfoam, and (7) Modified Triantibiotic- paste/Gelfoam. Positive and negative controls included infected and healthy teeth, respectively, (n = 12 roots/group). Canals were apically shaped to size 0.6 mm then disinfected for 1 month. Intra-canal bleeding was induced then scaffolds were applied for another month. Teeth and supporting bone were surgically sampled. Tissues were histologically scored and vimentin immuno-intensity was estimated. Ciprofloxacin and Double-antibiotic paste/Collagen resulted in significantly better corono-apical tissue ingrowths, vascularity, cementum formation and significantly lower inflammatory extents (P < 0.05).These groups also showed significantly higher Vimentin intensities, (P < 0.05). The applied protocols revascularised necrotic mature canals and reduced inflammation particularly in the Ciprofloxacin/collagen and Double-antibiotic-paste/collagen groups.

Influence of Age and Apical Diameter on the Success of Endodontic Regeneration Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and apical pathosis constitutes a challenge for endodontists. The present study was done to evaluate the effect of age and apical diameter on the regenerative potential of young permanent immature teeth with necrotic pulps. METHODS: Immature necrotic permanent maxillary incisors (n = 40) of patients 9-18 years old were divided into 2 groups according to the treatment protocol: group Y (younger age group), 9-13 years and group O (older age group), 14-18 years. Each group was further subdivided into 2 subgroups according to apical diameter, subgroup (n) (narrower diameter) between 0.5 and 1 mm and subgroup (w) (wider diameter) equal to or greater than 1 mm. Revascularization procedures were performed for all patients. Follow-up was done for up to 12 months. Standardized radiographs were digitally evaluated for increase in root length and thickness and decrease in apical diameter. RESULTS: After the follow-up period, most of the cases demonstrated radiographic evidence of periapical healing. Group Y showed significant progressive increase in root length and width and decrease in apical diameter. Subgroup (w) representing wider apical diameter showed significant progress as well. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that revascularization procedures can be implemented in any age ranging from 9 to 18 years; however, younger age groups were better candidates for revascularization procedure than older ones. Regarding the apical diameter, regeneration procedures were successful with apical diameters as small as 0.5 mm. However, teeth with preoperative wider diameters (≥1 mm) demonstrated greater increase in root thickness, length, and apical narrowing.

Comparison of canal transportation and changes in canal curvature of two nickel-titanium rotary instruments.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the canal transportation and changes in canal curvature after canal preparation with 2 nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments, Twisted (TF) and K3 file systems. METHODS: Forty mandibular molar canals with angles of curvature between 25 and 35 degrees were randomly divided into 2 groups. Canals in K3 group were instrumented by using K3 rotary system. Canals in TF group were instrumented by using TF rotary system. All canals were instrumented with crown-down methodology to working length at a speed of 350 rpm and a torque-control level of 3 by using an 8:1 reduction handpiece. The final apical preparation was set to #30 in both groups. By using a radiographic platform, reproducible preinstrumentation and postinstrumentation radiographs were taken. The difference between the preinstrumentation and postinstrumentation angles was calculated and statistically analyzed by using unpaired t test. RESULTS: TF recorded statistically significant lower percentage of change in canal curvature (-2.99%) than K3 group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: TF system produced significantly less transportation and preserved the original canal to a greater degree than did the K3 system.