• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.2-10
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• 2013

A common failure in endodontic treatment of the permanent maxillary first molars is likely to be caused by an inability to locate, clean, and obturate the second mesiobuccal (MB) canals. Because of the importance of knowledge on these additional canals, there have been numerous studies which investigated the maxillary first molar MB root canal morphology using in vivo and laboratory methods. In this article, the protocols, advantages and disadvantages of various methodologies for in-depth study of maxillary first molar MB root canal morphology were discussed. Furthermore, newly identified configuration types for the establishment of new classification system were suggested based on two image reformatting techniques of micro-computed tomography, which can be useful as a further 'Gold Standard' method for in-depth morphological study of complex root canal systems.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.471-489
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• 1998

For the successful endodontic treatment, root canal should be cleaned thoroughly by accurate mechanical and chemical canal preparation and sealed completely with canal filling material without damaging the periapical tissues. The accuracy of the root canal length measurement is a prerequisite for the success of the endodontic treatment, and the root canal length is often determined by the standard periapical radiographs and digital tactile sense. In this study, the accuracy and the clinical usefulness of Digora/sup (R)/, an intraoral digital imaging processor and the conventional standard radiographs were compared by measuring the length from the top of the file to the root apex. 30 single rooted premolars were invested in a uniformly sized blocks and No.25 K-file was inserted into and fixed in each canal. Each block was placed in equal distance and position to satisfy the principle of the bisecting angle and paralleling techniques and Digora/sup (R)/ system's image and standard periapical radiographs were taken. Each radiograph was examined by 3 different observers by measuring the length from top of the file to the root apex and each data was compared and analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. In the bisecting angle technique, the average difference between the Digora/sup (R)/ system and standard periapical radiograph was 0.002 mm and the standard deviation was 0.341 mm which showed no statistically significant difference between the two systems(p>0.05). Also, in the paralleling technique, the average difference between these two system was 0.007 mm and the standard deviation was 0.323 mm which showed no statistically significant difference between the two systems(p>0.05). 2. In Digora/sup (R)/ system, the average difference between the bisecting angle and paralleling technique was -0.336 mm and the standard deviation was 0.472 mm which showed a statistically significant difference between the two techniques(p<0.05). Also, in the standard periapical radiographs, the average difference between the bisecting angle and paralleling technique was 0.328 mm and the standard deviation was 0.517 mm which showed a statistically significant difference between these two techniques(p<0.05). 3. In Digora/sup (R)/ system and the standard periapical radiographs. there was a statistically significant difference between the measurement using the bisecting angle technique and the actual length(p<0.05), But there was no statistically significant difference between the measurement using the paralleling technique and the actuallength(p>0.05). In conclusion. the determination of the root canal length by using the Digora/sup (R)/ system can give us as good an image as the standard periapical radiograph and using the paralleling technique instead of the bisecting angle technique can give a measurement closer to the actual canal length. thereby contributing to a successful result. Also. considering the advantages of the digital imaging processor such as decreasing the amount of exposure to the patient. immediate use of the image. magnification of image size. control of the contrast and brightness and the ability of storing the image can give us good reason to replace the standard periapical radiographs.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.129-137
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• 2012

Purpose: To compare different radiographic methods for assessing endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Root canal treatments were applied in 120 extracted mandibular teeth, which were divided into four groups: (1) ideal root canal treatment (60 teeth), (2) insufficient lateral condensation (20 teeth), (3) root canals filled short of the apex (20 teeth), (4) overfilled root canal treatment (20 teeth). The teeth were imaged using intraoral film, panoramic film, digital intraoral systems (CCD and PSP), CCD obtained with portable X-ray source, digital panoramic, and CBCT images obtained at 0.3 $mm^3$ and 0.2 $mm^3$ voxel size. Images were evaluated separately by three observers, twice. Kappa coefficients were calculated. The percentage of correct readings obtained from each modality was calculated and compared using a t-test (p<0.05). Results: The intra-observer kappa for each observer ranged between 0.327 and 0.849. The inter-observer kappa for each observer for both readings ranged between 0.312 and 0.749. For the ideal root canal treatment group, CBCT with 0.2 $mm^3$ voxel images revealed the best results. For insufficient lateral condensation, the best readings were found with periapical film followed by CCD and PSP. The assessment of teeth with root canals filled short of the apex showed the highest percentage of correct readings by CBCT and CCD. For the overfilled canal treatment group, PSP images and conventional periapical film radiographs had the best scores. Conclusion: CBCT was found to be successful in the assessment of teeth with ideal root canal treatment and teeth with canals filled short of the apex.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2016

Purpose: To determine the anatomical characteristic of C-shaped canal systems in Korean mandibular 2nd molars by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The 824 CBCT images were evaluated. These patients were taken CBCT for the diagnosis and treatment of dental implantation on 2013. The 711 mandibular 2nd molars were examined. The configuration of root canal systems were classified according to modified Melton's classifications. Results: Of the 711 mandibular 2nd molars, 21.5% had C-shaped canal systems. This prevalence did not differ with tooth position. Most of the C-shaped canals with bilateral molars were symmetrical. Of the C-shaped canal, the most common configuration Type were Melton's Type I (89%) in the orifice level and Melton's III (83.8%) in the apical level. The prevalence of C-shaped canal was higher in female (25%) than male (13.9%) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A high prevalence of C-shaped canals were observed in Korean mandibular 2nd molars. For successful C-shaped root canal treatment, the comprehension of root canal systems was important.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.38.1-38.10
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• 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate vital pulp tissue removal from different endodontic instrumentation systems from root canal apical third in vivo. Materials and Methods: Thirty mandibular molars were selected and randomly divided into 2 test groups and one control group. Inclusion criteria were a positive response to cold sensibility test, curvature angle between 10 and 20 degrees, and curvature radius lower than 10 mm. Root canals prepared with Hero 642 system (size 45/0.02) (n = 10) and Reciproc R40 (size 40/0.06) (n = 10) and control (n = 10) without instrumentation. Canals were irrigated only with saline solution during root canal preparation. The apical third was evaluated considering the touched/untouched perimeter and area to evaluate the efficacy of root canal wall debridement. Statistical analysis used t-test for comparisons. Results: Untouched root canal at cross-section perimeter, the Hero 642 system showed 41.44% ± 5.62% and Reciproc R40 58.67% ± 12.39% without contact with instruments. Regarding the untouched area, Hero 642 system showed 22.78% ± 6.42% and Reciproc R40 34.35% ± 8.52%. Neither instrument achieved complete cross-sectional root canal debridement. Hero 642 system rotary taper 0.02 instruments achieved significant greater wall contact perimeter and area compared to reciprocate the Reciproc R40 taper 0.06 instrument. Conclusions: Hero 642 achieved higher wall contact perimeter and area but, regardless of instrument size and taper, vital pulp during in vivo instrumentation is not entirely removed.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.341-347
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• 2003

This study was conducted to evaluate the temperature rise on the root surface while the root canal is being obturated using continuous wave of condensation technique. Maxillary central incisor was prepared for repeated canal obturation. Ten thermocouples (Omega Engineering Inc., Stanford, USA) were placed at 1 mm increment from the anatomical root apex. The real temperature of Buchanan plugger was recorded before insertion into the root canal. The root canal was obturated with continuous wave of condensation technique as described by Buchanan and the root surface temperature was recorded during obturation at $150^{\circ}C,{\;}200^{\circ}C,{\;}250^{\circ}C{\;}and{\;}300^{\circ}C$ temperature settings of System B HeatSource (Model 1005, Analytic technologies, Redmond, WA, USA). After completion of the temperature recording, the dentinal-cementum thickness at each sites was measured. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's test and linear regression test. The results were as follows. 1. When the temperature was set at $150^{\circ}C,{\;}200^{\circ}C,{\;}250^{\circ}C{\;}and{\;}300^{\circ}C$ on the digital display of System B HeatSource, the real temperature of the plugger at the 1mm point from the tip revealed $130.82{\pm}2.96^{\circ}C,{\;}158.00{\pm}5.26^{\circ}C,{\;}215.92{\pm}6.91^{\circ}C{\;}and{\;}249.88{\pm}3.65^{\circ}C$ respectively. 2. The position of 8 mm from the anatomical apex showed the highest temperature increase at each temperature settings and it was significantly higher than those of other positions (p<0.0l). The temperature rise was constantly increased toward coronal portion from apex of the root. 3. The maximum temperature increase on the root surface was $2.37{\pm}0.09^{\circ}C{\;}at{\;}150^{\circ}C{\;}setting,{\;}3.11{\pm}0.12^{\circ}C{\;}at{\;}200^{\circ}{\;}setting,{\;}3.93{\pm}0.09^{\circ}C{\;}at{\;}250^{\circ}C{\;}setting{\;}and{\;}5.69{\pm}0.15^{\circ}C{\;}at{\;}300^{\circ}C$ setting respectively. These results suggest that it be relatively kind to the supporting tissues of the root that the root canal is obturated using continuous wave of condensation technique at $150^{\circ}C,{\;}200^{\circ}C,{\;}250^{\circ}C{\;}and{\;}300^{\circ}C$ temperature settings on digital temperature display of System B HeatSource.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.60-64
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• 2017

Root canal anatomy is complex, and the recognition of anatomic variations could be a challenge for clinicians. This case report describes the importance of cone beam computed tomographyic (CBCT) imaging during endodontic treatment. A 23 year old woman was referred by her general dental practitioner with the chief complaint of spontaneous pain in her right posterior maxilla. From the clinical and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis was made and endodontic treatment was suggested to the patient. The patient underwent CBCT examination, and CBCT scan slices revealed seven canals: three mesiobuccal (MB1, MB2, and MB3), two distobuccal (DB1 and DB2), and two palatal (P1 and P2). Canals were successfully treated with reciprocating files and filled using single-cone filling technique. Precise knowledge of root canal morphology and its variation is important during root canal treatment. CBCT examination is an excellent tool for identifying and managing these complex root canal systems.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.55-70
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• 1995

Periapical lesions develop as a result of immunopathologic response to irritants from infected root canal systems. Removal of these irritants from the root canal system and sealing the root canal space may induce he31ing of the periapical lesions. 83 periapical lesions diagnosed as periapical abscess, periapical granuloma, chronic nonspecific inflammation, fibrosis and periapical Cyst were evaluated for the distribution of immunoglobulin containing cells. The influence of the state of root canal treatment on the distribution of immunoglobulin containing cells has evaluated. All lesions were divided into a group with no treatment, a group with canal enlargement, a group filled with gutta percha, and a group filled with Vitapex(calcium hydroxide). The distribution of immunoglobulin-containing cells according to the presence of pain and fistula was also evaluated. The following results were obtained. 1. Statistically significant difference in the distribution of immunoglobulin-containing cells among periapical abscess, periapical granuloma, chronic nonspecific inflammation/fibrosis and periapical cyst were found.(Kruskal-Wallis analysis, P<0.05) The number of immunoglobulin-containing cells in fibrosis was remarkably lower than that of periapical abscess, granuloma and cyst. 2. IgM and IgA containing cells were predominantly observed in periapical abscesses and periapical cysts, respectively. 3. All periapical lesions showed a large number of IgG containing cells followed by IgM, IgA and IgE containing cells. 4. There was a decrease in all Ig-containing cells in the group with canal filling compared to groups without treatment or with enlargement. That is, there is a decrease in Ig-containing cells as treatment progresses. 5. No significant correlation existed between the presence of pain and fistula and the distribution of immunoglobulin containing cells in periapical lesions.(t-test) Results appear to support that immune response are actively involved in the development and progress in periapical lesions. The fact that distribution of immunoglobulins differ according to the state of endodontic treatment suggests that root canal treatment may alter the humoral immune response of the periapical lesions.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.36.1-36.15
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single-file reciprocating system (WaveOne Gold, WOG) and a multi-file rotary system (ProTaper Universal Retreatment, PTUR) in removing canal filling from severely curved canals and to evaluate the possible adjunctive effects of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), and an erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser using microcomputed tomography (µCT). Materials and Methods: Sixty-six curved mandibular molars were divided into 2 groups based on the retreatment technique and then into 3 based on the supplementary method. The residual filling volumes and root canals were evaluated with µCT before and after retreatment, and after the supplementary steps. The data were statistically analyzed with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of covariance, and factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: PTUR and WOG showed no significant difference in removing filling materials (p > 0.05). The supplementary techniques were significantly more effective than reciprocating or rotary systems only (p < 0.01). The supplementary steps showed no significant differences in canal filling removal effectiveness (p > 0.05), but XPF showed less dentin reduction than the SAF and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The supplementary methods significantly decreased the volume of residual filling materials. XPF caused minimal changes in root canal volume and might be preferred for retreatment in curved root canals. Supplementary approaches after retreatment procedures may improve root canal cleanliness.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.61-68
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare the centering abilities of four root canal instrument systems and the amounts of dentin removed after root canal shaping using them. The mesial canals of twenty extracted mandibular first molars having $10-20^{\circ}$ curvature were scanned using X-ray micro-computed tomography (XMCT)-scanner before root canals were instrumented. They were divided into four groups (n = 10 per group). In Group 1, root canals were instrumented by the step-back technique with stainless steel K-Flexofile after coronal flaring. The remainders were instrumented by the crown-down technique with Profile (Group 2), ProTaper (Group 3) or K3 system (Group 4). All canals were prepared up to size 25 at the end-point of preparation and scanned again. Scanned images were processed to reconstruct three-dimensional images using three-dimensional image software and the changes of total canal volume were measured. Pre-and post-operative cross-sectional images of 1, 3, 5, and 7 mm from the apical foramen were com pared. For each level, centering ratio were calculated using Adobe Photoshop 6.0 and image software program. ProTaper and K3 systems have a tendency to remove more dentin than the other file systems. In all groups, the lowest value of centering ratio at 3 mm level was observed. And except at 3 mm level, ProTaper system made canals less centered than the other systems (p < 0.05).