Guided endodontic surgery - Case series.

This case report describes three cases in which periapical surgeries were carried out using a new surgical endodontic technique by using a three-dimensional (3D) printed template for guided osteotomy and root resection. In Case 1, the data obtained from preoperative CT scan and cast scan were transferred to a surgical planning software. The surgical template was printed using a 3D printer. Using the template, osteotomy and root-end resection were precisely carried out. In Case 2, after CBCT imaging, data were transferred to stereolithography and a 3D model was fabricated. With the help of the 3D model, a template was fabricated using tray material. This guided surgical template minimized the extent of osteotomy and enabled precise targeting of the apex. In Case 3, a preoperative CT scan aided in the fabrication of a surgical 3D template. The template assisted in the precise removal of the overlying cortical bone.

Histological evaluation of pulpal response to direct pulp capping using statins with α-tricalcium phosphate and mineral trioxide aggregate in human teeth.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of direct pulp capping by statins with α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on pulp tissue of human teeth through histological evaluation. AIMS: The aim of the present study is to compare the pulpal response of statins (simvastatin or atorvastatin) with α-TCP to that of MTA on human teeth by light microscopic histological evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety intact premolar teeth scheduled for orthodontic extraction were used for the study. Class 1 cavities were prepared, and the pulp was mechanically exposed under rubber dam isolation. The samples were divided into three groups of thirty teeth each (Group I - simvastatin + α-TCP, Group II - atorvastatin + α-TCP, and Group III - MTA), and the test materials were placed accordingly. After the experimental periods of 7, 30, and 90 days, the teeth were extracted atraumatically. The samples were then evaluated for the degree of inflammation, tissue damage, and hard tissue formation under light microscope, and they were scored based on the histopathologic findings. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The results were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between Groups I, II, and III in terms of inflammation, tissue damage, and hard tissue formation for all the three observation periods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simvastatin and atorvastatin with α-TCP were found to be effective in inducing dentin bridge formation which was comparable to MTA.