• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.27-34
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• 2021

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the ability of limited- and large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to display isthmuses in the apical root canals of mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: Forty human mandibular first molars with isthmuses in the apical 3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and their thickness, area, and length were recorded. The samples were examined using 2 CBCT systems, using the smallest voxels and field of view available for each device. The Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Dunn multiple comparison tests were performed (α=0.05). Results: The 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat devices detected 77.5% and 75.0% of isthmuses, respectively (P>0.05). For length measurements, there were significant differences between micro-CT and both 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both CBCT systems performed similarly and did not detect isthmuses in the apical third in some cases. CBCT still does not equal the performance of micro-CT in isthmus detection, but it is nonetheless a valuable tool in endodontic practice.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.3.1-3.14
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• 2023

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of different nanoparticulated zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) and conventional-ZnO ratios on the physicochemical properties of calcium aluminate cement (CAC). Materials and Methods: The conventional-ZnO and nano-ZnO were added to the cement powder in the following proportions: G1 (20% conventional-ZnO), G2 (15% conventional-ZnO + 5% nano-ZnO), G3 (12% conventional-ZnO + 3% nano-ZnO) and G4 (10% conventional-ZnO + 5% nano-ZnO). The radiopacity (R_ad), setting time (S_et), dimensional change (D_c), solubility (S_ol), compressive strength (C_st), and pH were evaluated. The nano-ZnO and CAC containing conventional-ZnO were also assessed using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Radiopacity data were analyzed by the 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni tests (p < 0.05). The data of the other properties were analyzed by the ANOVA, Tukey, and Fisher tests (p < 0.05). Results: The nano-ZnO and CAC containing conventional-ZnO powders presented particles with few impurities and nanometric and micrometric sizes, respectively. G1 had the highest Rad mean value (p < 0.05). When compared to G1, groups containing nano-ZnO had a significant reduction in the S_et (p < 0.05) and lower values of D_c at 24 hours (p < 0.05). The C_st was higher for G4, with a significant difference for the other groups (p < 0.05). The S_ol did not present significant differences among groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of nano-ZnO to CAC improved its dimensional change, setting time, and compressive strength, which may be promising for the clinical performance of this cement.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제44권4호
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• pp.40.1-40.10
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• 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of DentalVibe on the level of pain experienced during anesthetic injections using 2 different techniques. Materials and Methods: This randomized crossover clinical trial evaluated 60 patients who required 2-session endodontic treatment. Labial infiltration (LI) anesthesia was administered in the anterior maxilla of 30 patients, while inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) was performed in the remaining 30 patients. 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine was injected at a rate of 1 mL/min using a 27-gauge needle. DentalVibe was randomly assigned to either the first or second injection session. A visual analog scale was used to determine participants' pain level during needle insertion and the anesthetic injection. The paired t-test was applied to assess the efficacy of DentalVibe for pain reduction. Results: In LI anesthesia, the pain level was 12.0 ± 15.5 and 38.1 ± 21.0 during needle insertion and 19.1 ± 16.1 and 48.9 ± 24.6 during the anesthetic injection using DentalVibe and the conventional method, respectively. In IANB, the pain level was 14.1 ± 15.9 and 35.1 ± 20.8 during needle insertion and 17.3 ± 14.2 and 39.5 ± 20.8 during the anesthetic injection using DentalVibe and the conventional method, respectively. DentalVibe significantly decreased the level of pain experienced during needle insertion and the anesthetic injection in anterior LI and mandibular IANB anesthesia. Conclusions: The results suggest that DentalVibe can be used to reduce the level of pain experienced by adult patients during needle insertion and anesthetic injection.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.264-272
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• 2017

Objectives: Literature has shown that micro-organisms contaminate gutta percha (GP) during storage and manipulation. Till date herbal extracts are not explored as an alternative medicament for pre-operative chairside disinfection of GP cones. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and efficacy of lemon grass oil (LG), basil oil (BO), and obicure tea extract (OT) in disinfecting GP cones before obturation. Materials and Methods: Agar diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of LG, BO, OT, and sodium hypochlorite (control) against common contaminants, namely, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. One hundred and twenty GP cones were contaminated and cut into 2. First half was placed in the broth and incubated; whereas the second was treated with herbal extracts for 1 minute and then incubated for 24 hours in the broth. Any inhibition in bacterial growth was noted with presence/absence of turbidity. Two-way analysis of variance and ${\chi}^2$ test were used to assess the effectiveness of herbal extracts to decontaminate GP. Results: LG showed the highest inhibition zones ($29.9{\pm}6.9mm$) for all tested organisms, followed by OT extract ($16.3{\pm}1.8mm$), sodium hypochlorite ($16.0{\pm}1.6mm$), and BO ($14.5{\pm}5.3mm$). Statistically significant difference was observed between LG and other herbal extracts (p < 0.05). Conclusions: All extracts proved to be potential rapid chairside disinfectants of GP cones with LG showing the highest antimicrobial activity.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• 제6권4호
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• pp.295-301
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• 2014

PURPOSE. Numerous methods were used to etch the fiber posts to improve its bonding to root canal dentin. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of 37% phosphoric acid in etching fiber posts in comparison with 24% hydrogen peroxide. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ninety human maxillary central incisors were taken and post space preparation was done. Ninety fiber posts were taken and divided into three groups (n=30) based on the surface treatment they received ($H_3PO_4$, $H_2O_2$, distilled water) and each group was further divided (n=10) based on the time period of application (15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds). All the posts were luted into canals using Rely X UniCem-2. Each tooth was then sectioned into six slices and subjected to push out test. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis at P<.05. The surface topography was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS. Highest bond strength values were noted in 15 seconds etched phosphoric acid group and 60 seconds etched hydrogen peroxide group with no significant difference between two groups. Surface topography revealed complete epoxy layer removal with no damage to its structural integrity in those groups. CONCLUSION. $H_3PO_4$ etching for a period of 15 seconds is an effective alternative in improving the adhesion of fiber post to root dentin.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.11.1-11.10
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• 2018

Objectives: This study aimed to introduce the use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for evaluation of the mineral content of root canal dentin, and to assess whether a correlation exists between LIBS and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) methods by comparing the effects of irrigation solutions on the mineral content change of root canal dentin. Materials and Methods: Forty teeth with a single root canal were decoronated and longitudinally sectioned to expose the canals. The root halves were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) according to the solution applied: group NaOCl, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1 hour; group EDTA, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 2 minutes; group NaOCl+EDTA, 5.25% NaOCl for 1 hour and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes; a control group. Each root half belonging to the same root was evaluated for mineral content with either LIBS or SEM/EDS methods. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: In groups NaOCl and NaOCl+EDTA, the calcium (Ca)/phosphorus (P) ratio decreased while the sodium (Na) level increased compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). The magnesium (Mg) level changes were not significant among the groups. A significant positive correlation was found between the results of LIBS and SEM/EDS analyses (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment with NaOCl for 1 hour altered the mineral content of dentin, while EDTA application for 2 minutes had no effect on the elemental composition. The LIBS method proved to be reliable while providing data for the elemental composition of root canal dentin.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.2.1-2.10
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• 2018

Objectives: To determine the effect of size and insertion depth of irrigation needle on the amount of apical extruded debris and the amount of penetration depth of sealer using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Materials and Methods: Twenty maxillary premolars were assigned to 2 groups (n = 10), according to the size of needle tip, 28 G or 30 G. Buccal roots of samples were irrigated with respective needle type inserted 1 mm short of the working length (WL), while palatal roots were irrigated with respective needle type inserted 3 mm short of the WL. Prepared teeth were removed from the pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes. Canals were filled with F3 gutta-percha cone and rhodamine B dye-labeled AH 26 sealer. Teeth were transversally sectioned at 1 and 3 mm levels from the apex and observed under a CLSM. Eppendorf tubes were incubated to evaporate the irrigant and were weighed again. The difference between pre- and post-weights was calculated, and statistical evaluation was performed. Results: Inserting needles closer to the apex and using needles with wider diameters were associated with significantly more debris extrusion (p < 0.05). The position of needles and level of sections had statistically significant effects on sealer penetration depth (p < 0.05 for both). Conclusions: Following preparation, inserting narrower needles compatible with the final apical diameter of the prepared root canal at 3 mm short of WL during final irrigation might prevent debris extrusion and improve sealer penetration in the apical third.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.37.1-37.8
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• 2020

Objectives: This study aims to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of VDW.ROTATE, TruNatomy, 2Shape, and HyFlex CM nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary files at body temperature. Materials and Methods: In total, 80 VDW.ROTATE (25/0.04), TruNatomy (26/0.04), 2Shape (25/0.04), and HyFlex CM (25/0.04) NiTi rotary files (n = 20 in each group) were subjected to static cyclic fatigue testing at body temperature (37℃) in stainless-steel artificial canals prepared according to the size and taper of the instruments until fracture occurred. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was calculated, and the lengths of the fractured fragments were measured. The data were statistically analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tamhane tests at the 5% significance level (p < 0.05). Results: There were significant differences in the cyclic fatigue resistance among the groups (p < 0.05), with the highest to lowest NCF values of the files as follows: VDW.ROTATE, HyFlex CM, 2Shape, and TruNatomy. There was no significant difference in the lengths of the fractured fragments among the groups. The scanning electron microscope images of the files revealed typical characteristics of fracture due to cyclic fatigue. Conclusions: The VDW.ROTATE files had the highest cyclic fatigue resistance, and the TruNatomy and 2Shape files had the lowest cyclic fatigue resistance in artificial canals at body temperature.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제45권2호
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• pp.14.1-14.7
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• 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of ultrasonic tips versus the Terauchi file retrieval kit (TFRK) for the removal of broken endodontic instruments. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 extracted human first mandibular molars with moderate root canal curvature were selected. Following access cavity preparation canal patency was established with a size 10/15 K-file in the mesiobuccal canals of all teeth. The teeth were divided into 2 groups of 40 teeth each: the P group (ProUltra tips) and the T group (TFRK). Each group was further subdivided into 2 smaller groups of 20 teeth each according to whether ProTaper F1 rotary instruments were fractured in either the coronal third (C constituting the PC and TC groups) or the middle third (M constituting the PM and TM groups). Instrument retrieval was performed using either ProUltra tips or the TFRK. Results: The overall success rate at removing the separated instrument was 90% in group P and 95% in group T (p > 0.05) The mean time for instrument removal was higher with the ultrasonic tips than with the TFRK (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both systems are acceptable clinical tools for instrument retrieval but the loop device in the TFRK requires slightly more dexterity than is needed for the ProUltra tips.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.200-205
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the accuracy of 2 third-generation electronic apex locators (EALs), Propex II (Dentsply Maillefer) and Root ZX II (J. Morita), and radiographic technique for locating the major foramen (MF). Materials and Methods: Thirty-two premolars with single canals that required extraction were included. Following anesthesia, access, and initial canal preparation with size 10 and 15 K-flex files and SX and S1 rotary ProTaper files, the canals were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. The length of the root canal was verified 3 times for each tooth using the 2 apex locators and once using the radiographic technique. Teeth were extracted and the actual WL was determined using size 15 K-files under a ${\times}25$ magnification. The Biostat 4.0 program (AnalystSoft Inc.) was used for comparing the direct measurements with those obtained using radiographic technique and the apex locators. Pearson's correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analyses. Results: The measurements obtained using the visual method exhibited the strongest correlation with Root ZX II (r = 0.94), followed by Propex II (r = 0.90) and Ingle's technique (r = 0.81; p < 0.001). Descriptive statistics using ANOVA (Tukey's post hoc test) revealed significant differences between the radiographic measurements and both EALs measurements (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both EALs presented similar accuracy that was higher than that of the radiographic measurements obtained with Ingle's technique. Our results suggest that the use of these EALs for MF location is more accurate than the use of radiographic measurements.