Micro-computed tomographic analysis of the root canal morphology of the distal root of mandibular first molar.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphologic aspects of the root canal anatomy of the distal root of a mandibular first molar using micro-computed tomographic analysis. METHODS: One-hundred distal roots of mandibular first molars were scanned using a micro-computed tomographic device at an isotropic resolution of 19.6 µm. The percentage frequency distribution of the morphologic configuration of the root canal was performed according to the Vertucci classification system. Two-dimensional parameters (area, perimeter, roundness, aspect ratio, and major and minor diameters) and the cross-sectional shape of the root canal were analyzed in the apical third at every 1-mm interval from the main apical foramen in roots presenting Vertucci types I and II configurations (n = 79). Data were statistically compared using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of the distal roots had a single root canal. Two, three, and four canals were found in 13%, 8%, and 3% of the sample, respectively. In 13 specimens, the configuration of the root canal did not fit into Vertucci's classification. Overall, 2-dimensional parameter values significantly increased at the 3-mm level (P < .05). The prevalence of oval canals was higher at the 1-mm level and decreased at the 5-mm level in which long oval and flattened canals were more prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: The distal roots of the mandibular first molars showed a high prevalence of single root canals. The prevalence of long oval and flattened canals increased in the coronal direction. In 13% of the samples, canal configurations that were not included in Vertucci's configuration system were found.

Análise das propriedades químicas, biológicas e antimicrobianas de solventes endodônticos / Analysis of chemical, biological and antimicrobial properties of endodontic solvents

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades químicas, biológicas e antimicrobianas dos solventes endodônticos, Citrol, Eucaliptol, d-Limoneno, Xilol e Endosolv E. Dentre os testes químicos, foram avaliados a microdureza dentinária, onde utilizamos blocos de dentina bovina que foram expostos aos solventes por 2 períodos, 5 e 15 min e submetidos ao teste de microdureza. Outro teste químico foi a capacidade de dissolução dos materiais obturadores pelo teste de imersão nos solventes em 3 períodos, 2, 5 e 15 min. Para essa avaliação foram, confeccionados corpos de prova dos cimentos, AH Plus, Acroseal, Sealer 26, Endofill, MTA Fillapex e RealSeal SE e dos cones de guta-percha estandardizado Dentsply (DP), ProTaper e Resilon. Um terceiro teste, foi realizado para avaliar a capacidade de desobturação dos canais radiculares e o efeito da agitação ultrassônica dos solventes endodônticos após a desobturação. Sessenta incisivos centrais superiores foram divididos em 6 grupos sendo um para cada solvente (n=10) mais um grupo controle (solução fisiológica). Todos dentes foram instrumentados e obturados pela mesma técnica e escaneados no Micro-CT. Os dentes foram então desobturados utilizando ProTaper Retratamento/ProTaper Universal como técnica para todos grupos, associada a um dos solventes e foram escaneados novamente para a avaliação do volume de material remanescente após a desobturação. Cada um dos dentes foi desobturado e preenchido com o mesmo solvente utilizado na desobturação. Cada solvente foi agitado pelo ultrassom por 1 min e novamente foram escaneados e avaliados os volumes restantes dos materiais nos canais radiculares. Na avaliação biológica, utilizamos o teste de citotoxicidade com células de camundongo NIH-3T3 pelo ensaio MTT. As culturas celulares foram plaqueadas e submetidas aos solventes diluídos nas concentrações de 0.5 a 2.5%, e avaliados quanto à viabilidade celular. Por fim o último teste foi o antimicrobiano, avaliado pelo teste de...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, biological and antimicrobial properties of the Endodontic solvents, Citrol, Eucalyptol, d-Limonene, Xylene and Endosolv E. First chemical properties analysis were evaluated by dentin microhardness, where we used bovine dentin blocks that were exposed to the solvents in 2 periods, 5 and 15 min and subjected to the microhardness test. Second test was to evaluate the ability of endodontic solvents to dissolve root-filling materials by immersion test in, 2, 5 and 15 minutes. Specimens of sealers, AH Plus, Acroseal, Sealer 26, Endofill, MTA Fillapex an RealSeal SE and guttapercha Dentsply (DP), ProTaper and Resilon points were prepared and evaluated in the three periods. Next test was conducted to evaluate the ability of solvents to desobturate root canals filled and analyse the effect of the ultrasonic passive agitation of solvents after canal unfill procedure. Sixty maxillary central incisors were prepared and obturated by same technique and randomly divided into 6 groups, one for each solvent (n=10) and a control group (saline solution). Teeth were scanned in Microcomputed Tomography (Micro-CT), unfilled with ProTaper Retratament/Protaper Universal with one of the solvents and scanned again. The residual root-fillings volumes were analysed and all teeth root canal were filled with the same solvent used in unfilling process and were passive-ultrasonically agitated (PUl) for 1 min. All teeth were scanned again in Micro-CT and data were analysed. Biological properties assessments were evaluated by cytotoxicity test with NIH-3T3 mouse cells by MTT assay. Cell cultures were subjected to diluted solvents at concentrations of 0.5 to 2.5%, and cell viability were analysed. Last evaluation in our study was the antimicrobial test. A total of 60 bovine dentin specimens infected intraorally were exposed for 5 min in direct contact to one of the solvents evaluated. After that, the dentin blocks with biofilms were...

Análise das propriedades químicas, biológicas e antimicrobianas de solventes endodônticos / Analysis of chemical, biological and antimicrobial properties of endodontic solvents

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades químicas, biológicas e antimicrobianas dos solventes endodônticos, Citrol, Eucaliptol, d-Limoneno, Xilol e Endosolv E. Dentre os testes químicos, foram avaliados a microdureza dentinária, onde utilizamos blocos de dentina bovina que foram expostos aos solventes por 2 períodos, 5 e 15 min e submetidos ao teste de microdureza. Outro teste químico foi a capacidade de dissolução dos materiais obturadores pelo teste de imersão nos solventes em 3 períodos, 2, 5 e 15 min. Para essa avaliação foram, confeccionados corpos de prova dos cimentos, AH Plus, Acroseal, Sealer 26, Endofill, MTA Fillapex e RealSeal SE e dos cones de guta-percha estandardizado Dentsply (DP), ProTaper e Resilon. Um terceiro teste, foi realizado para avaliar a capacidade de desobturação dos canais radiculares e o efeito da agitação ultrassônica dos solventes endodônticos após a desobturação. Sessenta incisivos centrais superiores foram divididos em 6 grupos sendo um para cada solvente (n=10) mais um grupo controle (solução fisiológica). Todos dentes foram instrumentados e obturados pela mesma técnica e escaneados no Micro-CT. Os dentes foram então desobturados utilizando ProTaper Retratamento/ProTaper Universal como técnica para todos grupos, associada a um dos solventes e foram escaneados novamente para a avaliação do volume de material remanescente após a desobturação. Cada um dos dentes foi desobturado e preenchido com o mesmo solvente utilizado na desobturação. Cada solvente foi agitado pelo ultrassom por 1 min e novamente foram escaneados e avaliados os volumes restantes dos materiais nos canais radiculares. Na avaliação biológica, utilizamos o teste de citotoxicidade com células de camundongo NIH-3T3 pelo ensaio MTT. As culturas celulares foram plaqueadas e submetidas aos solventes diluídos nas concentrações de 0.5 a 2.5%, e avaliados quanto à viabilidade celular. Por fim o último teste foi o antimicrobiano, avaliado pelo teste de...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, biological and antimicrobial properties of the Endodontic solvents, Citrol, Eucalyptol, d-Limonene, Xylene and Endosolv E. First chemical properties analysis were evaluated by dentin microhardness, where we used bovine dentin blocks that were exposed to the solvents in 2 periods, 5 and 15 min and subjected to the microhardness test. Second test was to evaluate the ability of endodontic solvents to dissolve root-filling materials by immersion test in, 2, 5 and 15 minutes. Specimens of sealers, AH Plus, Acroseal, Sealer 26, Endofill, MTA Fillapex an RealSeal SE and guttapercha Dentsply (DP), ProTaper and Resilon points were prepared and evaluated in the three periods. Next test was conducted to evaluate the ability of solvents to desobturate root canals filled and analyse the effect of the ultrasonic passive agitation of solvents after canal unfill procedure. Sixty maxillary central incisors were prepared and obturated by same technique and randomly divided into 6 groups, one for each solvent (n=10) and a control group (saline solution). Teeth were scanned in Microcomputed Tomography (Micro-CT), unfilled with ProTaper Retratament/Protaper Universal with one of the solvents and scanned again. The residual root-fillings volumes were analysed and all teeth root canal were filled with the same solvent used in unfilling process and were passive-ultrasonically agitated (PUl) for 1 min. All teeth were scanned again in Micro-CT and data were analysed. Biological properties assessments were evaluated by cytotoxicity test with NIH-3T3 mouse cells by MTT assay. Cell cultures were subjected to diluted solvents at concentrations of 0.5 to 2.5%, and cell viability were analysed. Last evaluation in our study was the antimicrobial test. A total of 60 bovine dentin specimens infected intraorally were exposed for 5 min in direct contact to one of the solvents evaluated. After that, the dentin blocks with biofilms were...

Application of laser scanning microscopy for the analysis of oral biofilm dissolution by different endodontic irrigants.

BACKGROUND: Multi-specie biofilms are highly resistant to antimicrobials due to cellular interactions found in them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by confocal laser scanning microscopy, the biofilm dissolution effectiveness of different irrigant solutions on biofilms developed on infected dentin in situ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 bovine dentin specimens infected intraorally (30/group) were treated by the following solutions: 2% of chlorhexidine digluconate, 1%, 2.5% and 5.25% of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The solutions were utilized for 5, 15 and 30 min with 2 experimental volumes 500 µL and 1 mL. All the samples were stained using an acridine orange and the biofilm thickness before (control group) and after the experiments were evaluated, utilizing a confocal microscope at ×40. The Mann-Whitney U and the nom-parametric Kruskal-Wallis Dunns tests were utilized to determine the influence of the volume and to perform the comparisons among the groups respectively. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Statistical differences were not found among the control and the 2% chlorhexidine digluconate groups at any experimental period (P > 0.05). The biofilm dissolution treated with 1% NaOCl was directly proportional to the exposure time (P < 0.05). The higher values of biofilm dissolution were found in 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The higher exposure times and concentrations of NaOCl were not sufficient to dissolve 100% of the biofilm. However, all NaOCl solutions were more effective than 2% chlorhexidine digluconate to dissolve organic matter.

Micro-computed tomography analysis of the root canal anatomy and prevalence of oval canals in mandibular incisors.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the anatomy of the mandibular incisors by using micro-computed tomography. METHODS: Mandibular incisors (n = 340) were scanned at 19-µm voxel size resolution, and the numbers of canals were classified according to Vertucci classification, as well as the major and minor diameters of the root and root canals, presence of oval canals, and three-dimensional analysis of the apical third were also measured. Data were presented in terms of median and range for each anatomic classification. RESULTS: Overall, the specimens had 1 root canal (N = 257). The second most prevalent anatomy was Vertucci type III (N = 56). These anatomies represent 92% of the sample. The medians of the major diameter at the 1-, 2-, and 3-mm level of the most prevalent anatomies were 0.36, 0.39, and 0.47 mm for type I and 0.41, 0.51, and 0.66 mm for type III, respectively. The apical volume appears to be constant among these anatomies (0.63 and 0.59 mm(3)). Oval canals were found at the 1-mm apical level, with a prevalence of 16.7% for Vertucci type I and 37.5% for Vertucci type III. The presence of oval canals increased at the 3-mm apical level to 32.4% and 76.2% for Vertucci type I and III classifications, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Type I and III configurations represent 92% of the mandibular incisors studied. Within these anatomic configurations, oval-shaped canals in the apical third were not uncommon and more prevalent in the type III anatomy.

Morphologic micro-computed tomography analysis of mandibular premolars with three root canals.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the anatomy of mandibular premolars with type IX canal configuration by using micro-computed tomography. METHODS: Mandibular premolars with radicular grooves (n = 105) were scanned, and 16 teeth with type IX configuration were selected. Number and location of canals, distances between anatomic landmarks, occurrence of apical delta, root canal fusion, and furcation canals, as well as 2-dimensional (area, perimeter, roundness, major and minor diameters) and 3-dimensional (volume, surface area, and structure model index) analysis were performed. Data were statistically compared by using analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Overall, specimens had 1 root with a main canal that divided into mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and lingual canals at the furcation level. Mean length of the teeth was 22.9 ± 2.06 mm, and the configuration of the pulp chamber was mostly triangle-shaped. Mean distances from the furcation to the apex and cementoenamel junction were 9.14 ± 2.07 and 5.59 ± 2.19 mm, respectively. Apical delta, root canal fusion, and furcation canals were present in 4, 5, and 10 specimens, respectively. No statistical differences were found in the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional analyses between root canals (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Type IX configuration of the root canal system was found in 16 of 105 mandibular premolars with radicular grooves. Most of the specimens had a triangle-shaped pulp chamber. Within this anatomic configuration, complexities of the root canal systems such as the presence of furcation canals, fusion of canals, oval-shaped canals in the apical third, small orifices at the pulp chamber level, and apical delta were also observed.

Micro-computed tomography study of the internal anatomy of mesial root canals of mandibular molars.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the mesiodistal and buccolingual diameter, apical volume, and the presence of isthmuses at the apical level of mesial root canals of mandibular molars. METHODS: Sixty extracted first and second mandibular molars were scanned by using a SkyScan 1076 micro-computed tomography system with a voxel size of 18 µm. The apical thirds of the samples were reconstructed to allow a perpendicular section of the apical third by using the multiplanar reconstruction tool of the OsiriX software. The mesiodistal and the buccolingual distances of root canals were measured between the 1- to 4-mm levels. The type of root canal isthmuses present at these levels was classified by using modified criteria of Hsu and Kim. The volume of the root canal anatomy between the 1- to 3-mm apical levels was obtained by using the CTAN-CTVOL software. RESULTS: The medians of the mesiodistal diameter at the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-mm levels in the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals were 0.22 and 0.23 mm, 0.27 and 0.27 mm, 0.30 and 0.30 mm, and 0.36 and 0.35 mm, respectively. The buccolingual lengths at the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-mm levels were 0.37-0.35 mm, 0.55-0.41 mm, 0.54-0.49 mm, and 0.54 and 0.60 mm, respectively. The presence of isthmuses was more prevalent at the 3- to 4-mm level. However, 27 cases presented complete or incomplete isthmuses at the 1-mm apical level. The mean of the volume of the apical third was 0.83 mm(3), with a minimum value of 0.02 and a maximum value of 2.4 mm(3). CONCLUSIONS: Mesial root canals of mandibular molars do not present a consistent pattern. A high variability of apical diameters exists. The presence of isthmuses at the apical third was not uncommon even at the 1-mm apical level.

Análise comparativa em microtomografia do preparo dos canais mesiais de molares inferiores por quatro sistemas rotatórios de níquel-titânio / A comparison of four nickel-titanium Rotary system to prepare mesial root canals of mandibular molars: a microcomputed tomography study

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar por meio da microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT), a qualidade do preparo dos canais mesiais de molares inferiores, realizado pelos sistemas rotatórios de níquel-titânio (NiTi), ProTaper, Mtwo, BioRaCe e Twisted File. As variáveis testadas foram: habilidade em manter o canal centralizado, extensão e direção dos eventuais transportes, quantidade de dentina removida, espessura mínima de dentina remanescente e variações quanto aos volumes apical e total, antes e após a instrumentação. Sessenta e seis molares inferiores foram escaneados no microtomógrafo (Skyscan 1076) utilizando uma resolução de 18 µm. Após a reconstrução das imagens, quarenta dentes foram selecionados e divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com a similaridade da anatomia interna dos canais radiculares (N=10). Os dentes foram instrumentados com os sistemas rotatórios de NiTi até os instrumentos 25/.06 Mtwo e BioRaCe, 25/.08 Twisted File e F2 ProTaper. Após a instrumentação os dentes foram novamente escaneados e os parâmetros testados foram analisados, comparando os valores obtidos antes e após a instrumentação. Os resultados foram submetidos ao teste estatístico não-paramétrico de Mann Whitney e de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn. Nos quatro grupos, não houve diferença entre os sistemas rotatórios relativos ao transporte do canal em todos os níveis radiculares. Adicionalmente, o terço cervical apresentou a maior quantidade de transporte quando comparado aos níveis apicais e a menor quantidade de dentina remanescente, especialmente para a zona de perigo em comparação com os demais níveis. A avaliação da variável dentina remanescente demostrou que não houve diminuição da quantidade de dentina em nenhuma das direções avaliadas nos níveis apicais em nenhum dos sistemas rotatórios. Similarmente não houve aumento significativo do volume apical e total em comparação ao volume pré-operatório. Não foram encontradas perfurações ou rasgos, o que indica que todos os...

The aim of this study was to evaluate by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), the quality of mesial canal preparation achieved by 4 nickel-titanium rotary systems (NiTi), ProTaper Mtwo, BioRaCe and Twisted File. The variables tested were: ability to maintain the center of the canal, the extent and direction of any transport, the amount of dentine removed, the remaining dentin thickness and variations in the apical and total volumes, before and after instrumentation. Sixty-six molars were scanned using a X-ray micro-CT scanner (SkyScan 1076) with a resolution of 18 micrometers, after image reconstruction forty teeth were selected and divided into four groups according to the similarity of the internal anatomy of root canals (N = 10). The root canals were instrumented with NiTi rotary systems Mtwo BioRaCe until the 25/.06 instrument, and to the 25.08 Twisted File and F2 ProTaper instruments. After instrumentation the teeth were again scanned and the tested parameters were analyzed by comparing the values obtained before and after instrumentation. The results were tested using statistical non-parametric Mann Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn. The transportation of the root canal was similar using the evaluated Rotary systems at all levels. Additionally, the cervical showed the greatest amount of transport when compared to apical levels and the lowest amount of remaining dentin especially for the danger zone in comparison with other levels. The evaluation of the variable remaining dentin showed that there was no decrease in the amount of dentin in either direction evaluated at the apical levels in any of rotary systems. In addition, there was no significant increase in apical or total volume as compared to preoperative values. There were no perforations found indicating that all systems evaluated were safe in this item. It can be concluded that NiTi rotary systems evaluated did not significantly increase the volumes of the root canal system, the transport was..