Piecewise straight line approximation of curve existing in slightly curved mesiobuccal root canal of mandibular first molar: a radiographic investigation / Aproximación a segmentos de línea recta en la curva existente del canal radicular mesiobucal ligeramente curvado del primer molar inferior: una investigación radiográfica

The aim of this study was to radiographically investigate the curve existing in slightly curved mesiobuccal canal of mandibular first molar by applying Piecewise straight line approximation. Extracted human mandibular molars were radiographed and one hundred radiographs were selected whose mesiobuccal canal showed slight curvature (10-20°) according to Schneider's method. The curves were traced and analyzed using Piecewise straight line method. Each curve was considered as a unit consisting of six different pieces of straight lines joining at seven specific points and the angle of curvature at these points was determined using the slope formula. All curves analyzed in this study had varying degrees of curvatures at different points on the curve. Maximum curvature (0.40°) was recorded at the middle third of the root canal. Within the limitation of the study, significant curvature occurs through out the curve existing in the mesiobuccal canal of mandibular first molar and the middle third of the curve showing greater degree of curvature. There is a possibility of greater curvature occurring in the coronal third of the curve. Though three dimensional studies would be more appropriate, Piecewise straight line approximation may be a better method than existing methods to simulate canal geometry.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar radiográficamente la curva existente en el canal radicular mesiobucal ligeramente curvado del primer molar inferior mediante la aplicación de aproximaciones a segmentos de línea recta. Se utilizaron molares inferiores humanos extraídos que fueron radiografiados. Fueron seleccionadas, según el método de Schneider, 100 radiografías cuyo canal mesiobucal mostró una ligera curvatura (10-20°). Las curvas fueron delineadas y analizadas mediante el método de aproximación a segmentos de línea recta. Cada curva se consideró como una unidad que consta de seis diferentes segmentos de línea recta que unen a siete puntos específicos y el ángulo de curvatura en estos puntos se determinó utilizando la fórmula de la pendiente. Todas las curvas analizadas en este estudio tenían diversos grados de curvaturas en diferentes puntos de la curva. La curvatura máxima (0,40°) se registró en el tercio medio del canal radicular. Dentro de la limitación del estudio, una curvatura significativa se produce a través de la curva existente en el canal mesiobucal del primer molar inferior y el tercio medio de la curva que muestra un mayor grado de curvatura. Existe la posibilidad que ocurra una mayor curvatura en el tercio coronal de la curva. Aunque un estudio tridimensional sería más apropiado, la aproximación a segmentos de línea recta puede ser un mejor método que los existentes para simular la geometría del canal.

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of herbal alternatives (Triphala and green tea polyphenols), MTAD, and 5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formed on tooth substrate: an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Triphala, green tea polyphenols (GTP), MTAD, and 5% sodium hypochlorite against E. faecalis biofilm formed on tooth substrate. METHODS: Extracted human teeth were biomechanically prepared, vertically sectioned, placed in the tissue culture wells exposing the root canal surface to E. faecalis to form a biofilm. At the end of the 3rd and 6th weeks all groups were treated for 10 minutes with the test solutions and control and were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS: Qualitative assay with 3-week biofilm showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth with Triphala, MTAD and NaOCl, except GTP and saline, which showed presence of bacterial growth. In quantitative analysis, GTP- and saline-treated tooth samples have shown 1516 +/- 17.2 CFU/mL, 156.4 x 10(9) +/- 3.1 x 10(9) CFU/mL respectively. Qualitative assay with 6-week biofilm showed growth when treated with Triphala, GTP and MTAD whereas NaOCl has shown complete inhibition. All groups except NaOCl showed eight log reduction when compared to control when analyzed quantitatively. CONCLUSIONS: 5% sodium hypochlorite showed maximum antibacterial activity against E. Faecalis biofilm formed on tooth substrate. Triphala, green tea polyphenols and MTAD showed statistically significant antibacterial activity. The use of herbal alternatives as a root canal irrigant might prove to be advantageous considering the several undesirable characteristics of NaOCl.

A comparison of canal preparation using the K-file and Lightspeed in resin blocks.

Twenty-four resin blocks with simulated curved canals of approximately 38 degrees were divided into two groups of 12 each. One group was instrumented with stainless steel K-files and the other group with nickel-titanium Lightspeed Rotary instruments. The efficiency of canal preparation was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apex using magnified images (x4) of the radiographed blocks. The results showed that K-files caused more widening at the apical end, with a higher incidence of transportation, zipping, and elbow formation. The Lightspeed instrument stayed centered in the canals maintaining the central axis, with minimal incidence of transportation, elbow formation, and zipping. Thus, the Lightspeed instrument may be considered more suitable for efficient preparation of curved canals than the K-type file.