Post-treatment Apical Periodontitis Research Articles

The Middle Mesial Canal: Combined Endodontic and Restorative Treatment Approach - A Case Report

The management of the middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular first molars presents considerable challenges during endodontic treatment due to its complex anatomy. Challenges may arise throughout various stages of treatment, including canal location, instrumentation, and obturation. The inability to identify and shape this canal can lead to endodontic failure and post-treatment apical periodontitis. Therefore, understanding this aberrant root canal anatomy and its clinical implications during the various stages of endodontic treatment is essential for successful management, including the selection of the optimal coronal restoration to enhance the efficacy of the obturation’s coronal seal and to ensure the restoration’s maximal longevity. This case report describes the diagnosis and successful endodontic and restorative management of an MMC in a mandibular first molar.

The incidence and intensity of postoperative pain and Flare-up following the use of three different intracanal medicaments in teeth with posttreatment apical periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesThis randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effect of intracanal medicaments on the incidence of postoperative pain and flare-up with posttreatment apical periodontitis (PTAP) of retreatment cases.Materials and methodsOne hundred twenty patients diagnosed with PTAP with single-rooted teeth with single-canal without spontaneous pain or swellings were included and randomly divided into three groups according to the intracanal medicament used. Intracanal medicaments were placed into the root canals following the removal of previous root canal fillings and re-instrumentation. Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), chlorhexidine gel (CHX), calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine gel combinations were used as intracanal medicaments. Postoperative pain scores were recorded at 6 and 12 h and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days using a visual analog scale (VAS). Sensitivity on percussion, spontaneous pain, swelling, antibiotic and analgesic requirements of the patients were evaluated during clinical examinations performed postoperatively after 2 and 7 days.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of VAS scores following the intracanal medicament application (p > 0.05). However, compared to the patients of 20–34 and 50–65 age groups, greater VAS scores were observed in patients of 35–49 age groups at 12 h, and 3, 4, 7 days (p < 0.05). Flare-up was observed in only one patient in the CHX gel group, and no flare-up was observed in other groups.ConclusionsSimilar postoperative pain incidence in all experimental groups indicates that all three medicaments are clinically acceptable in inter-appointment management of retreatment cases in terms of post-endodontic pain and flare-up.Clinical relevanceIn this randomized clinical trial, three different intracanal medicaments were utilized in nonsurgical endodontic retreatment and their effect on postoperative pain and flare-up incidence was examined. Thus, this study will be a significant contribution in the decision-making during clinical practice; since there are a limited number of prospective clinical trials in the literature about the severity of pain following retreatment procedures including intracanal medicament use.

Endodontic Surgery and Post-Treatment Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review

Background It has been demonstrated that using innovative root-end filling materials speeds up the success of Endodontic Microsurgery (EMS) on teeth having root filling but still suffering from posttreatment Apical Periodontitis (AP). However, this has reopened the discussion about the long-term effectiveness of EMS conducted on such teeth. Objectives This study aimsto assess the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of endodontic surgical procedures in molars with radiographic evidence of secondary AP. Methodology A literature review was undertaken utilizing different databases, including MEDLINE (through PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science. The terms used for the search were ‘endodontic microsurgery,’ ‘apical microsurgery,’ ‘periapical disorders,’ ‘root canal therapy,’ ‘apicoectomy,’ ‘retreatment,’ ‘treatment result,’ “retrograde obturation,” and ‘success rate.’ In order to choose the most reliable longitudinal data, specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were established in advance. Only studies that met inclusion criteria for clinical and radiographic outcomes were considered, including prospective clinical studies and randomized clinical trials with at least two-year follow-ups. Results The study of the databases yielded 561 articles in total. From the 115 articles with full texts available, unrelated articles (105) were removed. Our inclusion criteria were met by an overall of ten studies (six prospective clinical studies and four randomized clinical trials). With intervals for follow-up ranging from two to thirteen years, a pooled success rate of 91% from all 451 treated teeth included in the randomized clinical trials and a pooled success rate of 79% from a total of 839 encompassed teeth in the prospective clinical studies were observed. During the same length of time of observation, survival rates ranged from 78% to 100%. Smoking status, tooth position and type, the presence or absence of dentinal abnormalities, the thickness of the bone between the teeth (interproximal bone), and the substance used to fill the space at the end of the roots are the five predictive variables revealed. Conclusion When EMS is performed by skilled endodontists who can deliver high success rates and reliable results, teeth afflicted by secondary AP have a good prognosis and can be preserved.

Identification of keystone taxa in root canals and periapical lesions of post-treatment endodontic infections: Next generation microbiome research.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the microbiome present in root canals and periapical lesions of teeth with post-treatment infections, and to identify the presence of keystone taxa in both habitats using next-generation sequencing analysis. Apices and periapical lesions of patients with post-treatment apical periodontitis were surgically extracted. Specimens were cryo-pulverized, bacterial DNA was extracted, and the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using the Illumina Miseq platform. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out with Mothur software, whilst diversity indices were obtained using operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The diversity indices were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and community composition differences were explored with Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA). A bacterial functional study was performed with the Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) analysis. Co-occurrence network analyses were performed using the Sparse Correlations for Compositional data (SparCC). Eigencentrality, clr-based abundance and ubiquitousness were applied to infer keystone taxa. P values <.05 were considered statistically significant. Thirty-two apices and thirty-nine periapical lesions were sequenced and analysed. A similar alpha-diversity (p < .05) and community composition (p = .91) was observed for apices and lesion samples. The most abundant OTUs identified amongst all samples included Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella loescheii, Streptococcus intermedius, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Parvimonas micra, Synergistetes bacterium, Tannerella forsythia and Peptostreptococcus stomatis. The metabolic pathways with >0.81% abundances included membrane transport, genetic information processing and metabolic pathways. F. nucleatum was identified as a keystone taxon as it showed ubiquitousness, an eigenvector centrality value of 0.83 and a clr-based abundance >4. The microbiome in apices and periapical lesions of post-treatment endodontic infections showed a similar diversity and taxonomic composition. Co-occurrence network analyses at OTU level identified F. nucleatum as a keystone taxon candidate in these infections.

Correlation Between Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression and Clinical Data in Apical Granuloma

IntroductionThis study was intended to evaluate the expression of inflammatory cytokines commonly secreted by CD4+ T cells (IL-2, IL-5, IL-17, TGF-β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) in apical granulomas and correlate with the clinical conditions and time elapsed since root canal treatment. MethodsEighteen biopsy specimens obtained by periradicular surgery of teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis and diagnosed as apical granuloma were available from the oral pathology laboratory. Silanized slides containing paraffin sections were used for immunohistochemical reactions. Images were analyzed by using an optical microscopy and each slide was subdivided into 5 fields at high magnification. ResultsIFN-γ and TGF-β were the cytokines with the highest expression levels. There were statistically significant differences when comparing IL-2 and IFN-γ (P < .05), and IL-2 and TGF-β (P < .05). Comparison between the detected cytokines and clinical data and time of treatment demonstrated significant correlation (P < .05) between lower expression of IL-2 and the presence of painful symptoms, absence of sinus tract, and treatments performed more than 4 years before. It was also possible to observe a significant correlation between lower expression of IL-5 and treatments performed less than 4 years before (P < .05). ConclusionIFN-γ and TGF-β were highly expressed in apical granulomas. However, only IL-2 and IL-5 levels were associated with clinical data and time since previous root canal treatment.

Bacteriologic Conditions of the Apical Root Canal System of Teeth with and without Posttreatment Apical Periodontitis: A Correlative Multianalytical Approach

IntroductionThis study used a correlative multianalytical approach to investigate the bacteriologic conditions in the apical root canal system of treated teeth with or without apical periodontitis and their correlation with the technical quality of the previous root canal obturation and the presence and volume of apical periodontitis lesions. MethodsRoot apexes were obtained from recently extracted root canal–treated teeth with (n = 23) and without (n = 22) apical periodontitis lesions as demonstrated by cone-beam computed tomographic examination. The root apexes were sectioned and subjected to micro–computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning. The specimens were cryopulverized, and DNA extracted from the powder was used as a template in real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to quantify total bacteria and members of the Streptococcus genus and Actinobacteria phylum. The bacteriologic findings were compared between the 2 groups and also evaluated for associations with cone-beam computed tomographic and micro–computed tomographic data. ResultsBacteria were detected in all apical canal samples except 1. The mean counts of total bacteria, streptococci, and actinobacteria did not differ significantly between teeth with or without apical periodontitis (P > .05). Streptococcus levels were significantly lower by 80% in the apical canals of teeth with small lesions compared with those without lesions (P < .05). The limit of filling >2 mm short was significantly associated with more total bacterial counts compared with canals filled 0–2 mm short (P < .05). An adequate coronal restoration was significantly associated with lesser counts of Streptococcus (P < .05). ConclusionsComparable bacterial loads were observed in the apical canal system of treated teeth with and without apical periodontitis, suggesting that factors other than only the total bacterial levels may also influence the development and progression of apical periodontitis. Bacteria were found in the apical canal in virtually all cases with a high prevalence of streptococci and actinobacteria. Streptococci counts were significantly higher in the apical canal of teeth with inadequate restorations and teeth with no lesions. Underfilled canals showed higher bacterial counts.

Is XP-endo Finisher a better treatment option for its efficacy against intracanal bacteria for post-treatment apical periodontitis cases than EndoActivator?

To investigate the efficacy of the supplementary use of a rotary agitation method [XP-endo Finisher (XPF)] and sonically-activated irrigation [EndoActivator (EA)], using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) on reducing the bacterial load in previously root canal treated teeth with apical periodontitis. Twenty patients with post-treatment apical periodontitis were allocated into two groups according to the irrigation activation method used: XPF and EA group. Total bacterial loads, as well as the amount of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) were determined before (S1) and after (S2) chemomechanical preparation, and after final irrigation activation (S3) by means of ddPCR. The bacterial copy numbers were compared between groups using the Friedman test (Nonparametric Repeated Measures ANOVA). When the groups were examined in terms of gender, age, number of root canals, periapical index score, sterility control total bacteria (SCTB), S1- and S2-total bacteria copy number, it was found that there was no statistical difference between the XPF group and the EA group (p > 0.05). Subsequent activation (S3) resulted in a significant microbial reduction in both XPF and EA groups, both of which reduced significantly more bacteria than chemomechanical instrumentation (S2) (p < 0.0001). On the contrary, S3-total bacteria copy number of the EA group was lower than the XPF group (p < 0.0147). There was no statistical difference between the XPF group and the EA group in terms of E. faecalis copy number (p > 0.05). Although both the XPF and the EA optimised the antibacterial efficiency of chemomechanical preparation in previously root canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis, a lower total bacterial copy number was achieved with the EA application than the XPF application.

The presence of Enterococcus faecalis in saliva as a risk factor for endodontic infection.

The aim of the present study was to investigate and correlate the prevalence of Enterococcus faecalis in saliva and in root canals with different pulpal and periapical conditions. Sixty-seven patients were divided into five groups based on pulpaland periapical tissue status: healthy vital teeth (HVT, n=7), healthy treated teeth without lesion (HTT, n=9), irreversible pulpitis (IP, n=13), necrosis (N, n=18), and post-treatment apical periodontitis (PTAP, n=20). Saliva, rubber dam, sterilitycontrol and pre-treatment root canal samples were collected and microbiologically processed by culture method. The phylogenetic relationship of E. faecalis isolates collected from root canals and saliva were investigated by whole genome sequencing. Fisher's exact test was used to correlate the presence of E. faecalis in root canals or saliva with clinical and/or radiographic findings. Linear/logistic regression analyses were performed to establish the relationship between the presence of E. faecalis in root canals, saliva, and the status of periapical tissues. E. faecalis was found in 18 root canal and saliva samples. E. faecalis root canal isolates were recovered with the highest frequency from post-treatment apical periodontitis. The occurrence of E. faecalis in saliva was strongly associated with its detection in the root canals (P < 0.001). The pretreatment presence of E. faecalis in root canals was associated with significantly higher odds of having periapical lesions (OR=11.03; 95% CI, 1.27-95.70; p < 0.05). Saliva and root canal isolates from the same patient were highly correlated at the phylogenetic level (Jaccard index >0.95). This pilot study confirms the role of E. faecalis in developing peri-radicular lesions in secondary endodontic infections and suggests that saliva could be the main source of infection. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact origin of this bacteria and its true role in the pathogenesis of secondary/persistent endodontic infections.

Post-treatment Apical Periodontitis in Primary Non-surgical Root Canal Treatment: A Multiple Correspondence Analysis.

The presented study aimed to characterise periapical disease in teeth with primary non-surgical root canal treatment in persistent or emergent categories and their risk association. A retrospective observational study that evaluated permanent teeth with primary non-surgical root canal treatment, was conducted clinically and radiographically for over one year. The following variables were analysed: gender, age, type and location of tooth, previous diagnosis, treatment conditions, and type of coronal restoration. The supplementary variables included the perspectives of the treatment outcome, such as Remains normal, Improvement, and Failure. Statistical analysis was performed using a univariate analysis that estimated the average and proportion for each factor according to the result of the primary non-surgical root canal treatment. The multiple correspondence analysis identified the hierarchy between active variables and their association with the results. A total of 232 teeth in 155 participants were analysed. A χ2 value, (P=0.023) showed that the emergent disease is associated with patients around the age of 50. The multiple correspondence analysis identified a tendency of grouping between the emergent disease and the short filling category, followed by symptomatic pulpitis as a previous diagnosis. The persistent disease was associated with errors and overfillings. An inadequate root filling and taper density adversely impacted the treatment outcome. The length of obturation influenced the presence of failure. Short fillings were associated with emerging periapical disease. Errors and overfillings contributed to the persistent disease in the populations studied.

Persistent apical periodontits associated with endodontically treated teeth – A review

Apical periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory lesion of the periradicular tissue, is caused by etiological agents of endodontic origin. It is considered as a potent communication between microbiological factors and defense system of the host at the interface of periodontal ligament and infected radicular pulp. Endodontic treatment failure is often characterized by the existence of post-treatment apical periodontitis, which may be persistent, recurrent or emergent. The major etiology of persisting disease is an intraradicular infection, however in certain cases a secondary intraradicular infection due to factors like leakage from the coronal part of the tooth or an extraradicular infection may be the cause of failure.

Selective Root Retreatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial

AbstractObjectives: Post-treatment apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disorder of peri-radicular tissues caused by either persistent or secondary intra-radicular infection . The present study compared the prognosis of cases treated with the “selective root retreatment” concept to the traditional retreatment approach. Material and Methods: Forty patients complaining of failed root canal treatment having a periapical lesion in one root were selected. The cases were randomly divided into two groups; group (S): selective root canal retreatment in which only the affected root was retreated and group (T): traditional root canal retreatment in which all canals were retreated. The peri-radicular condition was evaluated radiographically using the Periapical Index (PAI) for one year. The chi-square test statistical tests analyzed the outcome data. Results: At the baseline examination, There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the patients’ baseline mean periapical indices . After one year, we found that the mean periapical index declined without a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: The present study points to selective root retreatment as a successful “minimally invasive alternative” in cases of an independently diseased root. The remaining treated roots can be retained without intervention provided that they are confirmed: “healthy”. Clinical Relevance: Selective root retreatment is a promising conservative option in the treatment of failed endodontic cases with periapical pathosis related to an individual root.

Distinctive microbiota distribution from healthy oral to post-treatment apical periodontitis.

Post-treatment apical periodontitis (PoAP) occurs when root canal treatment has not adequately eliminated bacterial invasion and infection. Yet little is known about the bacterial composition and changes related to the etiology and pathogenesis of PoAP. In this study, clinical samples classified as root apex (HARD) and periapical granulation tissues (SOFT) were separately collected from 10 patients with PoAP. The microbiota of each sample was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the obtained dataset was coanalyzed with 20 NCBI sequence read archive (SRA) datasets of healthy oral (HO) and primary apical periodontitis (PAP). We observed 2522 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 29 phyla, and all samples shared 86.5% of the sequence reads. The OTUs affiliated with Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria, were identified as core microbiota, which accounted for nearly 90% of 16S rRNA sequences in all samples. However, the principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of the beta diversity demonstrated that the three periapical statuses have distinct microbial compositions. Compared with HO and PoAP, Actinomyces has a significantly increased abundance in PAP. The microbial diversities in PoAP were significantly lower than those in the HO and PAP (p<0.05). The relative abundance of most bacterial taxa was decreasing, except that Clostridia and Synergistia were increased. Furthermore, we explored the potential metabolic differences of the microbial communities by KEGG pathway prediction. We revealed that the microbiota of PoAP might have a more active metabolic capacity, including carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and enzyme cofactor/carrier biosynthesis (p<0.05). Our study revealed that invasion of opportunistic pathogens such as Clostridia and Synergistia might play a significant role in PoAP, thus guiding the further study of complex microbial-host interactions and the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

In Vitro Evaluation of Five Newly Isolated Bacteriophages against E. faecalis Biofilm for Their Potential Use against Post-Treatment Apical Periodontitis.

State-of-the-art treatment of root canal infection includes the use of mechanical debridement and chemical agents. This disinfection method is limited, and microorganisms can remain in the canal system. Enterococcus faecalis appears with a high prevalence in secondary and persistent root canal infections and can be linked to endodontic treatment failure due to its various resistance mechanisms. Here, we evaluated the activity of newly isolated bacteriophages against clinical isolates of E. faecalis (including one vancomycin- and gentamicin-resistant strain) as a single treatment or in combination with gentamicin and vancomycin. For the resistant strain, daptomycin and fosfomycin were tested. Sixteen E. faecalis strains were used to screen for the presence of bacteriophages in sewage. Five different bacteriophages were characterized in terms of virion morphology, host range and killing-kinetics against each E. faecalis host strain. To investigate the antibiofilm effect of antibiotic and phages, E. faecalis biofilm was grown on porous glass beads and treated with different antibiotic concentrations and with isolated bacteriophages alone or in staggered combinations. A strong biofilm reduction was observed when phages were combined with antibiotic, where combinations with gentamicin showed a better outcome compared to vancomycin. Regarding the resistant strain, daptomycin had a superior antibiofilm effect than fosfomycin.

The Novel Role of Solvents in Non-Surgical Endodontic Retreatment

Non-surgical endodontic retreatment is a reliable conservative option for managing post-treatment apical periodontitis. However, effective microbial control, based on the maximization of filling removal and disinfection protocols, is not yet predictable. Traditional gutta-percha solvents, which are indistinctively used for both the core and sealer filling materials, became obsolete due to unprecedented advances in endodontic technology. Nonetheless, microtomography, scanning electronic microscopy findings, and histobacteriological analysis tend to confirm the persistence of filling materials and the lack of association between root canal enlargement and superior disinfection. There is a controversy regarding the most suitable clinical protocols surrounding the shaping procedures and the supplementary disinfection steps. Based on the literature and the previous work of the team, the authors aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding specific solvent formulations that target filling materials. Additionally, the advantage of an additional irrigation step to optimize disinfection was highlighted. This adjunctive procedure serves a dual role in the dissolution of filling materials, and in conferring an antibiofilm effect. Further research is needed to understand the novel contribution of these strategies upon clinical practice outcomes.

Microbial analysis of endodontic infections in teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis before and after medication.

This study aimed to determine the intraradicular microbiota of previously root canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis and to investigate the antibacterial effectiveness of different intracanal medicaments. Sixteen patients with post-treatment apical periodontitis were allocated into two groups according to the intracanal medicament used: calcium hydroxide (CH) and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate gel (CHX) group. Total bacterial loads, as well as the amount of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) were determined before (S1) and after (S2) chemomechanical preparation and finally, after intracanal medication (S3) by means of ddPCR. The unpaired t test was used to compare parametric. S3-total bacteria copy number of the CH group was lower than the CHX group (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the CHX- and the CH groups in terms of E.faecalis copy number (p>0.05). But in terms of total bacteria, CH is better than CHX. Consequently, CH can be used to optimise the antibacterial efficiency of chemomechanical preparation in previously root canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF CURCUMIN IN ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE - A REVIEW

Successful Endodontic therapy aims at thorough debridement of root canals and complete elimination of microorganisms from the root canals. Currently, research in the eld of herbal products has increased due to its varied advantages. Curcumin, a phytochemical obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, shows broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. It is a natural polyphenol that is commonly used as a spice and coloring and avoring agent in South Asian countries. Over the last decade, Curcumin is becoming popular in Endodontics due to its excellent pharmacological attributes like antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic and anti-oxidant properties. Curcumin also acts as a natural photosensitizer with the ability to provide targeted therapy and has good photophysical properties. It is less cytotoxic compared to sodium hypochlorite and is cost-effective. There is a quest for newer treatment strategies to prevent endodontic failures and Post-treatment apical periodontitis, caused by persistent intraradicular infection. Photodynamic therapy is one such adjunctive therapy found to be effective in the treatment of secondary infections with several invitro studies showing curcumin as an effective photosensitizer in root canal disinfection against resistant gram-positive bacterial species. This review article is a collection of invitro studies describing applications of curcumin in endodontics, its photosensitizing properties, functions and effects of curcumin in Endodontic therapy.

Causes of post treatment apical periodontitis

Endodontic treatment approaches aim to achieve proper treatment and prevention of apical periodontitis to enhance the oral health status and enhance the prognosis of affected teeth. However, many complications can develop secondary to endodontic treatment. The management of post-treatment apical periodontitis might be challenging to clinicians, and the prognosis is usually lower than that of primary apical periodontitis. Therefore, identifying the potential etiology and intervening against them might be ideal for these cases. The present literature review discusses the commonest causes reported in the literature to predispose to the development of post-treatment apical periodontitis. Most of the various investigations in the literature indicate that post-treatment apical periodontitis is usually caused by either extraradicular or intraradicular infections, like primary apical periodontitis. However, it should be noted that some studies also reported that technical or procedural errors might predispose to the pathogenesis of the condition. However, it has been reported that the presence of associated bacterial infection conditions this.

Present status and future directions: Microbiology of endodontic infections.

Apical periodontitis has a microbial aetiology and is one of the most common inflammatory diseases that affect humans. Fungi, archaea and viruses have been found in association with apical periodontitis, but bacteria are by far the most prevalent and dominant microorganisms in endodontic infections. Bacterial infection of the root canal system only occurs when the pulp is necrotic or was removed for previous treatment. In some specific cases, including acute and chronic abscesses, the bacterial infection may reach the periradicular tissues. Intracanal bacteria are usually observed as sessile multispecies communities (biofilms) attached to the dentinal root canal walls. Infection in the main root canal lumen can spread to other areas of the root canal system. Although more than 500 bacterial species have been detected in endodontic infections, a selected group of 20 to 30 species are most frequently detected and may be considered as the core microbiome. There is a high interindividual variability in the endodontic microbiome in terms of species composition and relative abundance. Obligate anaerobic species are more abundant in the intraradicular bacterial communities of teeth with primary apical periodontitis, while both anaerobes and facultatives dominate the communities in post-treatment apical periodontitis. Bacterial interactions play an essential role in determining the overall virulence of the community, which has been regarded as the unit of pathogenicity of apical periodontitis. This article reviews the microbiologic aspects of endodontic infections and provides perspectives for future research and directions in the field.

Successful regenerative endodontic treatment in a tooth with incomplete root apex and posttreatment apical periodontitis: A case report

This case report describes the procedure and outcome of regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) in a tooth with incomplete root apex and posttreatment apical periodontitis. A 44-year-old patient was referred to the endodontist because of a periapical lesion on tooth #21 and a recent episode of acute periapical abscess. On clinical and radiographic examination, this tooth presented with tenderness to percussion and palpation, periapical radiolucent lesion, external apical resorption, and incomplete apex formation. After coronal access, the filling material was removed, and the canal was gently prepared with hand files, using 1% NaOCl as the main irrigant followed by final irrigation with 17% EDTA, activated with XP-endo Finisher (FKG Dentaire, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland). The root canal was filled with a double antibiotic paste with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole (1:1). After three weeks, RET was performed by stimulating bleeding into the canal, and when a clot was formed, a bioceramic (EndoSequence BC Sealer, Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA) plug was placed on it, followed by coronal restoration. The tooth remained asymptomatic since RET was concluded. Clinical and radiographic follow-ups showed complete repair of the apical periodontitis lesion and the absence of symptoms after eight months. This satisfactory outcome was confirmed after 34 months. Key words:Bioceramic material; ciprofloxacin; metronidazole; persistent apical periodontitis; regenerative endodontic treatment.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Properties of Bioceramic Materials in Endodontics.

Microbes are prevalent in the root canals of necrotic teeth, and they are the cause of primary and post-treatment apical periodontitis. Bacteria can dwell within the infected root canal system as surface-adherent biofilm structures, which exhibit high resistance to antimicrobial agents. Bioceramic materials, with their biocompatible nature and excellent physico-chemical properties, have been widely used in dental applications, including endodontics. This review focuses on the application of bioceramic technology in endodontic disinfection and the antibiofilm effects of endodontic bioceramic materials. Different bioceramic materials have shown different levels of antibiofilm effects. New supplements have emerged to potentially enhance the antibiofilm properties of bioceramics aiming to achieve the goal of microbial elimination in the root canal system.