Retrospective Study of Root Canal Configurations of Mandibular Third Molars Using CBCT- Part-II.

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal root canal morphologies of third molars can be diagnostically and technically challenging during root canal treatment. AIM: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular third molars in Central India population by using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 171 mandibular third molars were observed and data regarding number of roots, number of canals, Vertucci's classification in each root, prevalence of C shaped canal, gender and topographical relation of morphology in mandibular third molar was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Majority of mandibular third molars had two roots (84.2%) and three canals (64.3%). Most mesial root had Vertucci Type II (55.6%) and Vertucci Type IV (22.2%), distal root had Type I canals (87.5%). Over all prevalence of C shaped canals in mandibular third molars was 9.4%. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of two rooted mandibular third molars with three canals.

Prevalence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second and third molars in a central India population: A cone beam computed tomography analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in mandibular molars using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a subpopulation of Central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT scans of patients from diagnostic imaging center were selected in accordance with the criteria given by Fan et al. (2004) for C-shaped canals. A total of 238 CBCT scans fulfilled the inclusion criteria and thereby divided into two groups: Group 1: Images showing C-shaped canal configuration in mandibular second molars. Group 2: Images showing C-shaped canal configuration in mandibular third molars. The frequency and distribution of canals and their configuration along with the position of lingual/buccal grooves in the images were evaluated, and the data was analyzed. RESULTS: CBCT evaluation showed that 9.7% of second molars and 8% of third molars had C-shaped canals. A prominent buccal groove was seen in these teeth. The data showed a significant difference (P = 0.038) for the presence of such anatomy on the right side for mandibular third molars. CONCLUSION: The study showed a significant prevalence of C-shaped canal configuration in the subpopulation studied.

Retrospective study of root canal configurations of maxillary third molars in Central India population using cone beam computed tomography Part- I.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary third molars in Central India population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 116 maxillary third molars were observed, and data regarding the number of roots, the number of canals, and Vertucci's Classification in each root was statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Majority of Maxillary third molars had three roots (55.2%) and three canals (37.9%). Most MB root (43.8%), DB root (87.5%), and palatal root (100%) of maxillary third molars had Vertucci Type I. Mesiobuccal root of three-rooted maxillary third molars had Vertucci Type I (43.8%) and Type IV (40.6%) configuration. Overall prevalence of C-shaped canals in maxillary third molars was 3.4%. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of three-rooted maxillary molars with three canals.

Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Filled with Gutta-Percha and Resilon Obturating Material: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: As per many studies endodontically treated teeth are widely considered to be more susceptible to fracture than vital teeth. Obturation strains and post placement have been a major cause of vertical root fracture. Present study was conducted to compare in vitro fracture resistance after filling with either Gutta-percha or Resilon by lateral condensation techniques in root canals. This study evaluated a new thermoplastic synthetic polymer based on polyester, which contains bioactive and radiopaque filler, Resilon performs every way as Gutta-percha except that it allows the bonding agent to attach to the resin core and the dentin wall thus forming a monoblock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study 90 freshly extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolar teeth endodontically treated, were cut at the cemento-enamel junction, and were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each as teeth of Group A (Control) received no obturation, Group B teeth were obturated using Gutta-percha/AH26, and Group C teeth were obturated using Resilon/Epiphany obturating kit. Each specimen were mounted in acrylic in a polyvinyl ring and then tested for fracture resistance with the help of an universal testing machine. A compressive force was applied until the root is fractured. The data were subjected to analysis of variance for comparing mean difference of fracture resistance among three groups. Multiple comparisons among these groups were carried out by non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis. A p value of <0.0001 was considered a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: The results obtain after analysis showed no significant differences in the fracture resistance between the two tested groups of endodontic sealers. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the present in-vitro study, Resilon/Epiphany sealer performs better than Gutta-percha/AH 26 sealer with lateral condensation technique.

Therapeutic potential of dental pulp stem cells in regenerative medicine: An overview.

The purpose of this review is to gain an overview of the applications of the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in the treatment of various medical diseases. Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate and regenerate into various tissues. DPSCs are the adult stem cells that reside in the cell rich zone of the dental pulp. These are the multipotent cells that can be explained by their embryonic origin from the neural crest. Owing to this multipotency, these DPSCs can be used in both dental and medical applications. A review of literature has been performed using electronic and hand-searching methods for the medical applications of DPSCs. On the basis of the available information, DPSCs appear to be a promising alternative for the regeneration of tissues and treatment of various diseases, although, long-term clinical trials and studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.

Effect of saliva contamination on the shear bond strength of a new self-etch adhesive system to dentin.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of saliva contamination on the shear bond strength of a new two-step self-etch adhesive (P90 system adhesive) to dentin and to determine the effect of contaminant removing treatments on the recovery of bond strengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The buccal surfaces of 40 human premolars were ground to expose dentin. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 is uncontaminated and serves as the control group. Further groups were divided based on the step in the bonding sequence when the contamination had occurred as follows: Group 2 (primer, saliva contamination, rinse and dry), group 3 (after procedure of group 2, reapplication of primer), and group 4 (after procedure like in control group, saliva contamination, rinse and dry). Filtek P90 composite resin cylinders of 3 mm diameter and 3 mm length were fabricated on the surfaces. Shear bond strength testing was done in an Instron Universal Testing Machine and the data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test. RESULTS: With P90 system adhesive, group 2 and group 4 showed lower shear bond strength than group 1 (control) and group 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Saliva contamination significantly decreased the shear bond strength of the adhesive to dentin.