Healing Of Apical Periodontitis Research Articles

The influence of systemic factors on the prognosis of apical periodontitis

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease that occurs in the periapical tissue. The treatments of AP mainly include root canal therapy and endodontic surgery which promote the repair of periapical bone tissue by infections clearing and controlling inside or outside the root canal. The evaluation on efficacies of root canal therapy and endodontic surgery is mainly based on clinical and periapical imaging examinations, and the prognosis relates to multiple factors. The systemic factors of patients can directly or indirectly affect the healing of apical periodontitis. The present review summarizes the influence factors, including age, smoking habits, systemic diseases and systemic medication on the prognosis of apical periodontitis treatment, in order to increase the attention of clinicians.

A 980 nm Diode Laser as an Adjunctive Therapy on the Healing of Apical Periodontitis Following Endodontic Retreatment: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study.

Introduction: Apical periodontitis is one of the common dental diseases. Microorganisms are the main reasons for these lesions; irrigations are used to remove them, but because of limited penetration, the rinsing agents may not always kill the microorganisms. Laser irradiation is effective in canal disinfection. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2 ) and diode laser on the improvement of apical periodontitis following root canal retreatment (RCR). Methods: Twenty-four teeth of 19 patients with periapical lesions which needed RCR were divided into two groups (Ca(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2+laser irradiation [LI]). In the first session, after gutta-percha removal, cleaning, and shaping, Ca(OH)2 was used for 10 days. In the second session, in the Ca(OH)2+LI group, the irradiation utilizing a diode laser (using non-initiated 200-µm fiber, continuous wave (CW), power output of 1W) was done. The periapical radiographic healing was assessed before the retreatment and after 3-month and 6-month follow-ups by periapical index (PAI) Qrstavik. The quantitative data were analyzed (P<0.05). Results: The initial periapical lesion score was 3.75 and 3.88 in the Ca(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2+LI groups, respectively. In the Ca(OH)2 and Ca(OH)2+LI groups, 3 months after the RCR, the average periapical lesion score was 2.94 and 3.05, respectively. In the Ca(OH)2 and CA(OH)2+LI groups, 6 months after the RCR, the average periapical lesion score was 1.80 and 1.75, respectively. No significant differences were found at the 3 and 6 months between the experimental groups. Conclusion: The diode laser can reduce the periapical lesion, but there was no significant difference between CA(OH)2+LI and Ca(OH)2 at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups.

The Effect of Intracanal Medicaments on the Healing of Apical Periodontitis.

Apical periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the root apex of a tooth. The selection of appropriate intracanal medicaments for its management remains a topic of ongoing research. This study aimed to investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste on the healing of apical periodontitis. A total of 304 teeth from 215 patientswith apical periodontitis were included in this observational study. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group A (calcium hydroxide), Group B (triple antibiotic paste), and Group C (control). Baseline characteristics were recorded, and follow-up assessments were conducted at three, six, and 12 months. Parameters such as reduction in apical radiolucency, presence of periapical healing, bleeding on probing (BOP) percentage, clinical attachment level (CAL), and periodontal depth were evaluated. At baseline, the three groups exhibited similar distributions of apical periodontitis parameters. Over the 12-month follow-up, Group A and Group B demonstrated a significant reduction in apical radiolucency compared to Group C (p < 0.05). The presence of periapical healing was more frequent in Group A (85%) and Group B (80%) compared to Group C (60%). Group A showed the lowest mean BOP percentage (15.2 ± 3.5), followed by Group B (18.6 ± 4.2) and Group C (22.1 ± 4.8). Similarly, Group A demonstrated the highest mean CAL (5.8 ± 0.9 mm) and the lowest mean periodontal depth (3.2 ± 0.6 mm). Group B exhibited intermediate values for CAL (5.2 ± 1.1 mm) and periodontal depth (3.6 ± 0.8 mm). In this study, both calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste demonstrated potential therapeutic effects in promoting healing and reducing apical radiolucency compared to the control group. Calcium hydroxide exhibited the most favorable outcomes, with a higher presence of periapical healing, lower BOP percentage, and superior CAL and periodontal depth measurements. These findings contribute to the understanding of intracanal medicaments' effectiveness in apical periodontitis management.

Principle and antimicrobial efficacy of laser-activated irrigation: A narrative review.

In the last two decades, the activation of root canal irrigants with pulsed lasers as an adjunct in root canal treatment has become increasingly popular. This narrative review explains the physical basics and the working mechanism of laser-activated irrigation (LAI), explores the parameters influencing LAI efficacy, considers historical evolutions in the field and summarizes laboratory and clinical evidence with emphasis on the antimicrobial action of LAI. Cavitation is the driving force behind LAI, with growing and imploding vapour bubbles around the laser tip causing various secondary phenomena in the irrigant, leading to intense liquid dynamics throughout the underlying root canal. High-speed imaging research has shown that laser wavelength, pulse energy, pulse length and fibre tip geometry are parameters that influence this cavitation process. Nevertheless, this has not resulted in standardized settings for LAI. Consequently, there is significant variability in studies assessing LAI efficacy, complicating the synthesis of results. Laboratory studies in extracted teeth suggest that, with regard to canal disinfection, LAI is superior to conventional irrigation and there is a trend of higher antimicrobial efficacy of LAI compared to ultrasonic activation. Clinical evidence is limited to trials demonstrating similar postoperative pain levels after LAI versus no activation or ultrasonic activation. Clinical evidence concerning the effect of LAI on healing of apical periodontitis as yet is scarce.

High-Fat Diet Influences Dendritic Cells and T-Cell Infiltration in Apical Periodontitis in Mice

IntroductionDiet-induced metabolic syndrome may influence the progression and healing of apical periodontitis (AP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory immune response of dendritic cells (DCs) and T helper (Th) cells in normal versus obese mice with AP. MethodsTwenty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 2 groups: normal chow (NC) and high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 wk. AP was induced in both groups by creating pulp exposure of the right first maxillary molar to the oral environment. Contralateral first molars from each mouse were used as a control. The animal's body mass was recorded on a weekly basis, and they were euthanized after 30 d. The maxillae were removed and processed for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), histologic analysis, and immunofluorescence staining for DCs (CD11c), Th17 (IL-17A), and T regulatory cells (FOXP3 and IL-10). Different groups were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test, Student t test, and ordinary 1-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. The level of significance (α) was set at 0.05. ResultsThe HFD group showed larger AP lesions than the NC group from micro-CT analysis. For the NC group, induction of AP significantly increased immune cell infiltration when compared with control. HFD showed increased DCs and Th17 infiltration in the control group without AP. In addition, there was no significant change in the amount of DCs and Th17 in the HFD-AP group when compared with the NC-AP and HFD-control groups. ConclusionsHFD resulted in an increased immune cell infiltration in the periapical area without AP. Despite the larger AP lesion observed in HFD-AP than that of NC-AP, the amount of infiltrated inflammatory cells did not differ significantly. The results of this study suggest that the DCs and Th17 inflammatory pathways are affected by HFD in the periapical region, but their contribution toward AP complicated by metabolic syndrome requires further investigation.

Dose-response association of smoking with delayed healing of apical periodontitis after endodontic treatment.

A prospective cohort study aimed to assess the inhibitory effect of cigarette smoking on the rate of periapical bone healing after root canal treatment (RCT). Examination included both clinical and radiographic parameters to define healing status at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year after RCT. To examine and compare the healing rate of apical periodontitis (AP) after RCT between smokers and nonsmokers, and to evaluate how the intensity and duration of smoking affect AP healing up to 1-year follow-up. Study hypothesis was that smoking habits could delay or deteriorate AP healing. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee and all of the participants signed a consent form. Included were adult patients with a radiographically confirmed AP in a single tooth with a favorable periodontal prognosis and adequate coronal restoration, with no previous RCT. Excluded patients were those diagnosed with a systemic disease or on medications affecting bone metabolism, former and occasional smokers, pregnant patients, and those who refused to participate. Smokers were defined as those who consumed at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke. Smoking intensity was classified according to cigarette consumption per day (CPD) into: heavy smoking (≥20 CPD) and mild smoking (˂20 CPD). Tobacco exposure over time was assessed by smoking index (=CPD ˟ duration of tobacco smoking in years) and categorized into: nonsmoker, <400, 400-799, and ≥800. The control group included healthy nonsmokers and matched the smoker group in termsof age and gender. All RCTs were performed by endodontic specialists following a standardized protocol. Clinical examination involved percussion and palpation tests, periodontal probing and examination of the coronal restoration; while the periapical healing was radiographically assessed using the periapical index (PAI) scoring. A total of 110 patients (55 smokers and 55 nonsmokers) were included. The two groups were comparable regarding age, gender, tooth type, socioeconomics, and periapical index scores at the baseline. The mean CPD among smokers was 12.22, and most of them were "mild smokers". At 12-month follow-up, nonsmokers showed a significantly higher healing rate compared to smokers (90.9% vs. 58.2%; χ2 = 13.846; p < 0.001). Conversely, smokers had significantly higher PAI when compared to the control group (p = 0.024). Regression analysis demonstrated that the risk of AP persistence increases with an increase in the smoking index [OR = 7.66; 95% CI: 2.51-23.28; p < 0.001, for smoking index <400 and (OR = 9.65; 95% CI: 1.45-64.14; p = 0.019, for smoking index 400-799]. Smoking was significantly associated with delayed AP healing after RCT. The likelihood of AP persistence rises as smoking exposure increases. These results could impact clinical decisions and guidelines concerning smokers.

The role of systemic statins in the inception and healing of apical periodontitis: a systematic review

ObjectivesStatins are a category of medications widely used to reduce plasma LDL-cholesterol levels, that also possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory action.The aim of this systematic review was to explore the effects of systemic statins therapy on the development and treatment of apical periodontitis (AP) on humans and animals.Material and methodsThree electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) and grey literature were searched from their inception until February, 20 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42021246231). For the quality assessment and risk of bias, different guidelines were used according to the typology of the studies considered (Animal Research Reporting of In Vivo Experiments, Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies, Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation Risk of Bias tool and Tool to assess risk of bias in cohort studies of CLARITY Group).ResultsSeven hundred eleven records were screened, and six articles were included for this qualitative review. The eligible studies showed a moderate overall quality and risk of bias. Human patients in treatment with statins exhibited a higher healing rate of AP following root canal treatment. In experimental animal models, statins had a beneficial effect on the development of AP.ConclusionsDespite the limited number of studies and considering that most of them are on animals, our findings suggest that systemically administered statins make a positive contribution to prevent the development and help healing of AP.Clinical relevanceThere is an increased evidence that a pharmacologic adjunct to endodontic treatment may be considered to enhance healing of AP. Among other medications, statins seem to have a positive impact on the disease.

Assessment of Serum C-reactive Protein Level in Patients with Radiographically Diagnosed Apical Periodontitis Pre- and Post-root Canal Treatment – An In vivo Study

Abstract Aim: Apical periodontitis (AP) is a sequel to endodontic infection. AP may contribute to low-grade systemic inflammation associated with a generalised increase in systemic inflammatory mediators such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6 and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgG and IgM) levels. This study aimed to assess the changes that may occur in the relative serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels in patients with AP, before and after root canal therapy. Methodology: Twenty-six healthy individuals aged 20–50 years with radiographically diagnosed AP took part in this prospective observational study. Patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis, systemic diseases and cardiac risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and smoking) were excluded from the study. The serum hs-CRP of these patients was assessed before root canal treatment (RCT). The RCT was completed in two appointments with an inter-appointment calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament. After 3 months, the healing of AP was evaluated clinically and radiographically, and serum hs-CRP levels were recorded. The values obtained were statistically analysed. Results: The data obtained from patients were statistically analysed. Reduction in serum hs-CRP values was noted after 3 months following RCT. However, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that RCT reduced the levels of hs-CRP in the serum of patients with radiographically diagnosed AP.

Metformin Reduces Bone Resorption in Apical Periodontitis Through Regulation of Osteoblast and Osteoclast Differentiation

IntroductionWe have previously demonstrated that auxiliary metformin therapy promotes healing of apical periodontitis. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast formation in cultured cells and rat apical periodontitis. MethodsMurine pre-osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 and macrophages RAW264.7 were cultured under hypoxia (2% oxygen) or normoxia (21% oxygen) and stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) when indicated. Metformin was added to the cultures to evaluate its anti-hypoxic effects. Expressions of osteoblast differentiation regulator runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), RANKL, and osteoclast marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assessed by Western blot. Apical periodontitis was induced in mandibular first molars of 10 Sprague-Dawley rats. Root canal therapy with or without metformin supplement was performed. Periapical bone resorption was measured by micro-computed tomography. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine RUNX2, RANKL, and TRAP expressions. ResultsHypoxia suppressed RUNX2 expression and enhanced RANKL synthesis in pre-osteoblasts. TRAP production increased in macrophages after hypoxia and/or RANKL stimulation. Metformin reversed hypoxia-induced RUNX2 suppression and RANKL synthesis in pre-osteoblasts. Metformin also inhibited hypoxia and RANKL-enhanced TRAP synthesis in macrophages. Intracanal metformin diminished bone loss in rat apical periodontitis. Comparing with vehicle control, cells lining bone surfaces in metformin-treated lesions had significantly stronger expression of RUNX2 and decreased synthesis of RANKL and TRAP. ConclusionsAlleviation of bone resorption by intracanal metformin was associated with enhanced osteoblast differentiation and diminished osteoclast formation in rat apical periodontitis. Our results endorsed the role of metformin as an effective medicament for inflammatory bone diseases.

Is Etiology a Key Factor for Regenerative Endodontic Treatment Outcomes?

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes of regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) in nonvital immature permanent teeth due to developmental malformation and trauma, and to analyze the influence of etiology on the prognosis. MethodsFifty-five cases were included and divided into a malformation group (n = 33) and a trauma group (n = 22). Treatment outcomes were classified as healed, healing, and failure. Root development was evaluated in terms of root morphology and the percentage changes in root length, root width, and apical diameter during a follow-up period of 12–85 months (mean 30.8 months). ResultsThe mean age and the mean degree of root development in the trauma group were significantly younger than that in the malformation group. The success rate of RET was 93.9% (81.8% healed, 12.1% healing) in the malformation group and 90.9% (68.2% healed, 22.7% healing) in the trauma group, showing no statistically significant difference. The proportion of type I–III root morphology in the malformation group (97%, 32/33) was significantly higher than that in the trauma group (77.3%, 17/22) (P < .05), whereas there was no significant difference in the percentage changes of root length, root width, and apical diameter between the 2 groups. Six cases (6/55, 10.9%) showed no significant root development (type IV–V) (1 in the malformation group and 5 in the trauma group). Six cases (6/55, 10.9%) revealed intracanal calcification. ConclusionsRET achieved reliable outcomes regarding the healing of apical periodontitis and continued root development. The etiology seems to influence the outcome of RET. Malformation cases presented with a better prognosis than trauma cases after RET.

Impact of Smoking on the Healing of Apical Periodontitis after Nonsurgical Endodontic Treatment.

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the healing of periapical bone between smokers and nonsmokers after root canal therapy. The effects of duration and intensity of smoking on the healing rate of apical periodontitis were analyzed. Fifty-five smokers were included in this study. The control group consisted of healthy nonsmokers who matched the smoker group in age and sex. Only teeth with a favorable periodontal prognosis and adequate coronal restoration were included in the study. The periapical status of treated teeth was assessed using the periapical index system at follow-ups after 6 and 12 months. The chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to assess the changes in periapical index score at baseline and in subsequent time intervals between the two groups examining dichotomized and ordinal data, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of independent variables age, gender, tooth type, arch type, and smoking index with the outcome variable. The outcome variable was set as the presence versus absence of apical periodontitis. The analysis at 12-month follow-up revealed a significantly higher healing rate in control group than in smokers (90.9 vs. 58.2; χ2 = 13.846; p < 0.001). Smokers had significantly higher periapical index scores than the control group (p = 0.024). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an increase in the value of the smoking index significantly increases the risk of apical periodontitis persistence (odds ratio [OR] =7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.51-23.28; p < 0.001) for smoking index < 400 and (OR = 9.65; 95% CI: 1.45-64.14; p = 0.019) for smoking index 400 to 799. The results from this study show a lower rate of apical periodontitis healing in a group of smokers at 1-year follow-up. Delayed periapical healing seems to be associated with the cigarette smoking exposure.

Effectiveness of adjunct therapy for the treatment of apical periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adjunct therapy refers to any intracanal procedure going beyond chemomechanical preparation with instruments and traditionally delivered irrigants (excluding interim dressings). It is not clear whether and which of these adjunct therapies have a significant impact on the outcome of root canal treatment [healing of apical periodontitis (AP) and other patient-related outcomes]. This systematic review aimed to analyse available evidence on the effectiveness of adjunct therapy for the treatment of AP in permanent teeth, according to a population, intervention, comparison, outcome, time and study design framework formulated a priori by the European Society of Endodontology. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science) were searched up to October 2021 to identify clinical studies comparing adjunct therapy to no adjunct therapy in adult patients with AP. Animal studies, reviews, studies with less than 10 patients per arm and studies with a follow-up time of less than 1year, or less than 7 days for postoperative pain, were excluded. The quality of the included studies was appraised by the appropriate tools [Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies]. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Fourteen studies (13 RCTs and one retrospective cohort) fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review. They evaluated different types of adjunct therapy: antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT; three studies), diode laser canal irradiation (3), Nd:YAG laser canal irradiation (2), Er;Cr:YSGG laser canal irradiation (1), ozone therapy (2) and ultrasonically activated irrigation (UAI) (4). Radiographical healing was reported in seven studies, but meta-analysis was only possible for UAI (two studies), showing no statistically significant difference in healing after 12 months. Pain after 7 days was reported in seven studies. Meta-analysis on three studies that used aPDT and on two studies using diode laser irradiation showed no significant difference in the prevalence of pain after 7 days between the control and adjunct therapy. According to RoB2 tool, six studies had a high risk of bias, five studies had some concerns, and two studies low risk of bias. The GRADE assessment revealed a very low strength of evidence for diode laser, and low strength of evidence for PDT, ozone and UAI studies. The included studies displayed significant heterogeneity in terms of type of adjunct therapy, technical details per adjunct therapy, outcome reporting and several combinations of these, limiting the potential for meta-analysis. There is insufficient evidence to recommend any adjunctive therapy for the treatment of apical periodontitis. Prospero CRD42021261869.

Patient-related outcomes and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in endodontics.

There is increased interest in outcome measures that complement the classic goal of endodontics, being the prevention and healing of apical periodontitis. Possible outcome measures can be subdivided into patient-centred outcomes (PCOs), encompassing data collected by nonpatients aiming to assess the effectiveness of an intervention and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), which are reported directly by the patient. PROs can be subsequently classed into PROmeasures that ascertain patients' view of their symptoms, their functional status, and their health-related quality of life, and patient-reported experience measures that focus on aspects including the humanity of care, patient satisfaction, patient preference and adherence, personal costs, expectation fulfilment, and decision regrets. The present review aims to define various patient-related outcomes and discuss the literature available regarding PCOs and PROs in endodontics. This includes those proposed to assess the effectiveness of endodontic treatment for pulpitis and apical periodontitis for use in the development of European Society of Endodontology S3-level clinical practice guidelines that have been included by all working groups, except for the radiographic assessment of apical periodontitis. Based on limited evidence in the field, it can be summarized that after recall periods of various lengths, endodontic treatment is associated with a high likelihood of tooth survival and limited need for further intervention, including extraction and further restorative procedures. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is likely to improve following the completion of treatment. Nonetheless, the literature assessing the association between OHRQoL and endodontics is hampered by the use of instruments that have not been previously validated. Amongst the remaining outcome measures discussed in the present review, it is worth highlighting that there is only one study assessing exacerbations in teeth with the presence of endodontic pathosis, which suggests a very low incidence of this adverse effect following endodontic treatment. Patients' expectation fulfilment, adherence, and satisfaction are closely inter-related and depend also on various nonclinical factors. Further studies assessing PCOs and PROs, in association with healing and prevention of apical periodontitis, are required to better understand endodontic treatment from the perspective of patients.

Bioceramic a futuristic boon in endodontics

Background: The ultimate goal of root canal treatment is prevention or healing of apical periodontitis. The use of biologically active materials to seal root canal systems has been extensively proposed in contemporary endodontics to realise this goal. There are several commercial formulations of bioceramics available based on minor variations in composition which could have potentially important changes in properties in the clinical situation. This narrative review serves to provide brief information on the different formulations of bioactive ceramics that are available to a dentist. Aim: To give an overview of bioceramics used in endodontics, their classification, advantages and disadvantages. This review also gives insights about each biomaterial in detail and its use in endodontics. Review Results: Continuous innovations have led to bioceramics showing a variety of applications in both endodontic and restorative dentistry. While MTA was the benchmark in bioceramics materials, material advances have constantly tried to overcome disadvantages and improve its properties. Conclusion: Bioceramics now have a wide array of applications both in endodontics and restorative dentistry. However, considering the biological advantages of bioceramics materials, their use in multiple paradigms of endodontic therapy appears to be the future.

Effect of Chemical Debridement and Irrigant Activation on Endodontic Treatment Outcomes: An Updated Overview.

Chemical debridement is considered one of the most important steps during root canal treatment to target unreached areas and provide thorough disinfection of the canals. The efficiency of this step efficiency can be increased using different agitation and irrigation techniques/devices. This comprehensive review aimed to summarize the effect of various irrigant activation and agitation techniques/devices on endodontic treatment outcomes. Using mechanical active irrigation, which enables the activation or agitation of the irrigating solution, is beneficial in root canal treatment by increasing the efficiency of delivering the irrigant up to working length and ensuring isthmus cleanliness. However, considerable variation was noticed between the protocols used in each technique with a lack of well-designed randomized clinical trials to focus on the long-term outcome. Moreover, a low level of evidence was noticed regarding the effectiveness of certain activation techniques over others. Therefore, each study needs to be carefully weighed before using its results and embracing its conclusion. Future studies need to focus more on the antimicrobial effect of each technique and its effect on the healing of apical periodontitis. Also, recent advances, such as multisonic and laser activation, are promising tools that need more clinical investigations to show their efficiency.

Apical Periodontitis Healing Following Treatment is Impacted by Root Canal Sealer Composition: An in Vivo and in Vitro Investigation

Objective: To evaluate the periapical healing following root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis (in vivo) and the cytotoxic potential of root canal sealers in vitro. Material and Methods: Apical periodontitis was induced in 60 dogs' teeth and root canals were filled with Sealapex (40 roots), EndoREZ (40 roots), intracanal dressing (20 roots), or left untreated (20 roots). After 30 and 90 days, histopathological analyses were made. In vitro, J774.1 macrophages were stimulated with root canal sealers extracts, cytotoxicity was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase assay, and qRT-PCR was used to analyze TNF-α gene expression. Results: In vivo, smaller apical periodontitis and lower inflammatory cell infiltrate were found in teeth treated with Sealapex compared to EndoREZ. In vitro, EndoREZ was cytotoxic and induced TNF-α gene expression by macrophages differently from Sealapex. Conclusion: Sealapex allowed improved tissue repair following root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis compared to EndoREZ. Synthesis of TNF-α induced by LPS was enhanced by EndoREZ, whereas Sealapex prevented pro-inflammatory gene expression.

Engineered Chitosan-based Nanoparticles Modulate Macrophage–Periodontal Ligament Fibroblast Interactions in Biofilm-mediated Inflammation

IntroductionCrosstalk between immune cells and tissue-resident cells regulates the pathophysiology and posttreatment healing of apical periodontitis. This investigation aimed to understand the influence of residual root canal biofilm on macrophage (MQ)–periodontal ligament fibroblast (PdLF) interaction and evaluate the effect of engineered chitosan-based nanoparticles (CSnp) on MQ-PdLF interactions in residual biofilm-mediated inflammation. MethodsSix-week-old Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in root canal models were disinfected conventionally using sodium hypochlorite alone or followed by calcium hydroxide medication or CSnp dispersed in carboxymethylated chitosan (CMCS). The effect of the treated biofilms (n = 25/group) on the inflammatory response of THP-1–differentiated MQ monoculture versus coculture with PdLF was evaluated for cell viability, MQ morphometric characterization, inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin [IL]-1 beta, IL-1RA, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1 [TGF-β1], and IL-10), and the expression of transcription factors (pSTAT1/pSTAT6)/cluster of differentiation markers (CD80/206) after 24, 48, and 72 hours of interaction. PdLF transwell migration was evaluated after 8 and 24 hours. Unstimulated cells served as the negative control, whereas untreated biofilm was the positive control. ResultsBiofilm increased nitric oxide and IL-1β but suppressed IL-10, IL-1RA, and PdLF migration with significant cytotoxic effects. CSnp/CMCS reduced nitric oxide and IL-1β (P < .01) while maintaining ≥90% cell survival up to 72 hours with evident M2-like MQ phenotypic changes in coculture. CSnp/CMCS also increased the IL-1RA/IL-1β ratio and enhanced TGF-β1 production over time (P < .05, 72 hours). In coculture, CSnp/CMCS showed the highest IL-10 level at 72 hours (P < .01), reduced the pSTAT1/pSTAT6 ratio, and enhanced PdLF migration (P < .01, 24 hours). ConclusionsCSnp/CMCS medication facilitated MQ switch toward M2 (regulatory/anti-inflammatory) phenotype and PdLF migration via paracrine signaling.

Management of apical periodontitis using WaveOne gold reciprocating files, single-cone endodontic approach: A case series

IntroductionThe endodontic treatment of apical periodontitis (AP) without surgical intervention presents a unique clinical challenge. This case series aimed to test the changes in size of periapical lesion scale and healing in post-treatment of AP by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) using Waveobe Gold reciprocating file with single cone treatment approach. Presentation of casesA total of 20 patients with 20 teeth (9 M, six premolars, one canine, and four incisors) with AP underwent CBCT scanning before and after non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) or non-surgical retreatment (NSReTx). Standardized root canal chemo-debridement and instrumentation with WaveOne Gold (WOG) reciprocating files was used. The canals were obturated using epoxy-based sealer (AH Plus) with a single WaveOne Gold conform fit gutta-percha cone technique. After one year, assessment with CBCT images showed that the success and healing rate using (AH Plus) with single cone technique was very high. DiscussionApical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease at the root end of teeth. Following NSRCT or NSReTx, evaluation of lesion size by radiograph has been essential to the evaluation of lesions post-operatively. In addition to the absence of symptoms, complete restitution of the lamina dura and periodontal ligament (PDL) space on post-operative radiograph has been considered the optimal outcome success. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this study, NSRCT or NSReTx using reciprocating WaveOne Gold and single cone with AH plus sealer resulted in healing of AP as assessed by CBCT.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF PHOTOACTIVATED DISINFECTION WITH FOTOSAN AND STANDARD ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

Introduction: The purpose of endodontic treatment is to eliminate the bacterial infection in the root canal system and allow healing of apical periodontitis. Sometimes the anatomical complexity of the root canal system makes complete removal of bacteria almost impossible even if the conventional methods of chemo-mechanical debridement are performed strictly according to the protocol. So additional methods of root canal disinfection can be applied such as photoactivated disinfection (PAD). Purpose: The aim of our study was to compare the antibacterial activity of PAD with FotoSan, and conventional endodontic therapy in the treatment of infected root canals. Materials and methods: The study involved 36 teeth of patients who are diagnosed with pulp necrosis or with the periapical chronic periodontitis and require endodontic treatment and divided into two groups of 18 teeth each. The first microbiological sample was taken by placing a sterile paper point in the root canal, after endodontic access cavity preparation. All root canals are prepared by Protaper Universal rotary instruments (Maillefer Instruments SA, Ballaigues, Switzerland). In the first group, the disinfection of the root canals was made with photoactivated disinfection with FotoSan. In the second group was performed the endodontic treatment with the standard protocol of irrigation - 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and 17% EDTA. After that, the root canals are dried with sterile points, and a second microbiological sample is taken. Results: In all compared pairs, there was no significantly different effect regarding the number of microorganisms. Conclusions; The disinfection with NaOCl has the strongest antimicrobial effect in this study. Second place is occupied by PAD with FotoSan. We believe that the established antimicrobial effect of PAD make the method appropriate as complementary to routine endodontic treatment.

Apexification or regeneration? A case report of a short mineral trioxide aggregate apical plug: 8-year follow-up

The management of an immature permanent tooth protocol aims to eliminate pulpal pathology, disinfection, and if possible, redevelopment of the root. The paper aimed to present a case report that a successful survival history of a seemingly inadequate mineral trioxide aggregate plug and its 8-year follow-up. In the presented case, all treatment goals such as the elimination of clinical symptoms/signs of infection, apical periodontitis healing, healthy lamina dura, and further root maturation were achieved; however, a formation was observed in an 8-year recall similar to regeneration-associated intracanal calcification. There was no way to clinically understand how the healing process occurred in the area histologically, but the follow-up showed that the relevant tooth met the healing criteria.