Pulp Canal Calcification Research Articles

Guided endodontics versus conventional access cavity preparation: an ex vivo comparative study of substance loss

BackgroundTo compare the outcomes of conventional access cavity preparation (CONV) versus guided endodontics (GE) for access cavity preparation in anterior teeth with pulp canal calcification (PCC) regarding root canal detection, substance loss, procedural time, and need for additional radiographs.MethodsExtracted, sound human teeth with PCC (n = 108) were matched in pairs, divided into two groups and used to produce 18 models. An independent endodontist and a general dentist performed access cavity preparation under simulated clinical conditions on nine models each (54 teeth). The endodontist used the conventional technique and the general dentist GE. Time needed to access the root canals and the number of additional radiographs were recorded. Pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans were obtained to measure substance loss. Statistical significance was tested by examining the overlap of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the groups.ResultsAll root canals were successfully accessed by both methods. There were no significant differences in substance loss (CI: CONV 15.9–29.6 mm3 vs. GE 17.6-27.5mm3) or procedural time (CI: CONV 163.3-248.5 s vs. GE 231.9-326.8 s). However, 31 additional radiographs were required for GE compared to none for CONV.ConclusionsFor access cavity preparation in teeth with PCC, both CONV by a specialist and GE by a general dentist produce good results in terms of substance loss and time requirements.

Assessment of the Correlation Between Systemic Conditions and Pulp Canal Calcification: A Case-Control Study.

Pulp canal calcification is a dental condition that is characterized by the deposition of mineralized tissue within the dental pulp space. While it is primarily a local phenomenon, recent studies have suggested a potential link between pulp calcification and systemic diseases. This study aimed to determine the correlation between certain systemic diseases, medications, and the presence of pulp canal calcification. Second, it aimed to estimate the prevalence of pulp calcification in the smoker population. A pair-matched case-control observational study was conducted from June 2022 to June 2023 at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University. Digital periapical and bitewing radiographs were used for case-based sampling. Patients were categorized into two study groups: the cases group (n=100), consisting of patients with pulp canal calcification including either pulp stone, pulp canal obliteration, or both. Whereasthe control group (n=100), consisted of patients without pulp canal calcification.Detailed medical histories were obtained to identify the presence of systemic diseases. Additionally, systemic medications and smoking status were documented. The participants were divided into two groups; cases (n=100), diagnosed with teeth calcifications and confirmed by radiographic examination, and controls (n=100), showing no evidence of teeth calcifications. Among the patients in the calcification group, 26% had a history of systemic disease compared to 17% in the control non-calcification group with no significant difference between both groups. No correlation between certain medications and pulp canal calcification. Smoking did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with teeth calcifications (p > 0.05). Pulp calcification on routine radiographic examination could indicate an underlying unnoticed systemic disorderthat demands accurate referral and subsequent therapy.

Tooth substance loss after incisal endodontic access and novel single-tooth template-guided endodontic access in three-dimensional printed resin incisors with simulated pulp canal calcification: A comparative in vitro study.

Guided endodontics has various applications, one of which is for calcified canal negotiation. Recently, a new single-tooth template has been fabricated to overcome the drawbacks of bulky guides, which are difficult to use with rubber dam isolation. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the novel single-tooth template for negotiation of pulp canal calcification (PCC) in three-dimensional (3D)-printed resin incisors by comparing substance loss and time taken between incisal endodontic access (IEA) and single-tooth template-guided endodontic access (SGEA). Forty-two resin incisor teeth having patent canal in the apical third were used (N = 21/group). They were subcategorized based on operator's experience into senior endodontist (SE), postgraduate (PG), and undergraduate (UG) (n = 7/operator). Canals were negotiated conventionally for IEA and using the single-tooth template for SGEA. Substance loss was calculated from the volume difference between pre- and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans. The time taken was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test and one-way analysis of variance test. Canals were successfully negotiated in 100% and 95% of teeth in the SGEA and IEA groups, respectively. Overall substance loss and time taken were significantly lesser for SGEA for all operators (P < 0.001). In the IEA group, post hoc test showed statistical significance between SE and UG for substance loss (P < 0.05) and SE-UG and PG-UG for time taken (P < 0.05). No significant difference among operators was noted for both parameters in SGEA. SGEA resulted in significantly lesser substance loss and time taken for canal negotiation in 3D-printed resin incisors with simulated PCC. This was independent of the experience levels of the operator.

Immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures treated with partial pulpotomy using white mineral trioxide aggregate and IRoot BP plus-a retrospective long-term study.

Calcium silicate cements have been widely used for pulpotomies in immature permanent teeth with complicated crown fractures due to their superior properties. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and iRoot BP Plus for partial pulpotomies. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of WMTA and iRoot BP Plus for partial pulpotomies in immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures. Children who had partial pulpotomies of immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures using WMTA or iRoot BP Plus as capping agents were enrolled. Eighty immature permanent incisors in 68 children (aged 8-13 years) were included. They were divided into two groups (WMTA and iRoot BP Plus) according to the capping agents. Clinical and radiographic information was collected during a 5-year follow-up period. Study data were analyzed using Chi-square tests or Fisher exact tests. The clinical and radiographic success rates in the WMTA (n=36) and iRoot BP Plus groups (n=44) were 94.4% versus 97.7% and 88.9% versus 97.7%, respectively (both p < .05). The average observation period was 74.5 ± 13.2months and 61.9 ± 1.6months in the WMTA and iRoot BP Plus groups, respectively (p < .01). Five cases presented with periapical radiolucencies. The WMTA group had four cases of pulp canal calcification (11.1%), while the iRoot BP Plus group had two cases (4.6%). There was crown discolouration in all cases in the WMTA group, but none in the iRoot BP Plus group. Both WMTA and iRoot BP Plus had favorable outcomes in promoting physiological development and maintaining the basic functions of immature permanent incisors with complicated crown fractures. As a partial pulpotomy material, iRoot BP Plus may be more suitable for the esthetic zone than WMTA.

Dynamic Navigation in Endodontics: Guided Access Cavity Preparation by Means of a Miniaturized Navigation System.

In the case of teeth with pulp canal calcification (PCC) and apical pathology or pulpitis, root canal treatment can be very challenging. PCC are common sequelae of dental trauma but can also occur with stimuli such as caries, bruxism, or after placing a restoration. In order to access the root canal as minimally invasive as possible in case of a necessary root canal treatment, dynamic navigation has recently been introduced in endodontics in addition to static navigation. The use of a dynamic navigation system (DNS) requires pre-operative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and a digital surface scan. If necessary, reference markers must be placed on the teeth before the CBCT scan; with some systems, these can also be planned and created digitally afterward. By means of a stereo camera connected to the planning software, the drill can now be coordinated with the help of reference markers and virtual planning. As a result, the position of the drill can be displayed on the monitor in real-time during preparation in different planes. In addition, the spatial displacement, the angular deviation, and the depth position are also displayed separately. The few commercially available DNS mostly consist of relatively large camera-marker-systems. Here, the DNS contains miniaturized components: a low-weight camera (97 g) mounted on the micromotor of the electric handpiece utilizing a manufacturer-specific connecting mechanism and a small marker (10 mm x 15 mm), which can be easily attached to an individually manufactured intraoral tray. For research purposes, a post-operative CBCT scan can be matched with the pre-operative one, and the volume of tooth structure removed can be calculated by the software. This work aims to present the technique of guided access cavity preparation by means of a miniaturized navigation system from imaging to clinical implementation.

Guided endodontics: Management of calcified tooth with a large periapical lesion using cone beam computed tomography and three-dimensional printed guide: A case report

The aim of this case report is to depict novel guided endodontic approach for the management of calcified tooth with a large periapical lesion using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and three-dimensional (3D) printed guide. The patient presented with swelling on the upper left front tooth region. Intraoral periapical radiograph revealed periapical radiolucency associated with upper left lateral incisor. Due to pulp canal calcification, location of the root canal was judged to be difficult and associated with a high risk of perforation. A CBCT and an intraoral surface scan were performed and matched using software for virtual planning of guided endodontics. After planning the position of the drill for root canal location, a virtual template was designed and 3D printed which was then used for guided endodontic access.

Limitations and Management of Static-guided Endodontics Failure

Endodontic treatment in severely calcified canals is always a challenging task because it can result in accidents such as deviations or perforations. Recently, guided endodontics has become an alternative approach for pulp canal calcification, facilitating the location of root canals more predictably through the combined use of cone-beam computed tomographic imaging, oral scanning, and endodontic access guides. Although several reports have shown that guided endodontics is safer, faster and can be performed without an operating microscope and by less experienced operators, the technique has limitations, and iatrogenesis may occur. This article describes the limitations of static-guided endodontics and possible causes of failures. In the present case, not fixing the guide to the bone and inaccuracies generated by manually performing mesh merger software led to root perforation. Endodontic microsurgery was effective in resolving this case and should be considered the treatment of choice when guided endodontics cannot be used safely or when it fails.

Traditional and minimally invasive access cavities in endodontics: a literature review.

The aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of different access cavity designs on endodontic treatment and tooth prognosis. Two independent reviewers conducted an unrestricted search of the relevant literature contained in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and OpenGrey. The electronic search was supplemented by a manual search during the same time period. The reference lists of the articles that advanced to second-round screening were hand-searched to identify additional potential articles. Experts were also contacted in an effort to learn about possible unpublished or ongoing studies. The benefits of minimally invasive access (MIA) cavities are not yet fully supported by research data. There is no evidence that this approach can replace the traditional approach of straight-line access cavities. Guided endodontics is a new method for teeth with pulp canal calcification and apical infection, but there have been no cost-benefit investigations or time studies to verify these personal opinions. Although the purpose of MIA cavities is to reflect clinicians' interest in retaining a greater amount of the dental substance, traditional cavities are the safer method for effective instrument operation and the prevention of iatrogenic complications.

Microguided endodontics: A case report of conservative approach for the management of calcified maxillary lateral incisors

Pulp canal calcification due to dental trauma is described by hard-tissue deposition within the root canal space causing partial or complete obliteration and difficulty in locating canals. Endodontic treatment becomes difficult with increased risk for iatrogenic damage. Guided endodontics is a recent and an alternative solution in such cases. In this case report, a 28-year-old male patient reported with a chief complaint of pain in maxillary lateral incisors and a history of dental trauma that was diagnosed as pulpal necrosis with symptomatic apical periodontitis. The intraoral radiograph was taken, and apical radiolucency was confirmed with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. A guided approach was decided for the location of the pulp canal with the use of microendodontic burs. A CBCT scan and an optical surface scan were performed and aligned using software for virtual template designing. The three-dimensional-printed template was positioned on to the tooth and with the help of microendodontic burs; the canal was located and biomechanically prepared using hand instruments. The root canal was obturated, and the cavity was sealed with a composite resin. This method demonstrated an ultraconservative, highly reliable, and successful treatment without the excessive removal of enamel and dentin.

Guided endodontic treatment of multiple teeth with dentin dysplasia: a case report

BackgroundTo report the outcome of guided endodontic treatment (GET) of a case of dentin dysplasia with pulp canal calcification (PCC) and apical periodontitis based on the use of a 3D-printed template designed by merging cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and surface scan data.Case presentationA 12-year old female with radicular dentin dysplasia type I (DD-1) presented for endodontic treatment. Radiography revealed PCC in all teeth and apical radiolucency in seven teeth (12, 15, 26, 31, 32, 36 and 46). Tooth 36 had the most acute symptoms and was thus treated first by conventional access cavity preparation and root canal detection. Despite meticulous technique, the distal and mesiolingual canals were perforated. The perforations were immediately repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate, and the decision was made to switch to guided endodontic treatment for the remaining 6 teeth. CBCT and intraoral surface scans were acquired and matched using coDiagnostix planning software (Dental Wings Inc.), the respective drill positions for root canal location were determined, and templates were virtually designed and 3D-printed. The template was positioned on the respective tooth, and a customized drill was used to penetrate the calcified part of the root canal and perform minimally invasive access cavity preparation up to the apical region. All root canals were rapidly and successfully located with the templates. At 1-year follow-up, clear signs of apical healing were present in all treated teeth.ConclusionsIn patients with dentin dysplasia, conventional endodontic therapy is challenging. GET considerably facilitates the root canal treatment of teeth affected by dentin dysplasia.

A Contemporary Treatment of an Iatrogenic Root Perforation: A Case Report

Pulp canal calcification is 1 of the possible outcomes after certain types of dental trauma. This can make endodontic treatment more challenging should it become necessary. Because of the increased degree of difficulty, sometimes procedural incidents do occur during root canal treatment. This case report demonstrates an unusual clinical presentation of a root perforation and missed canal, which had undergone calcification as a result of trauma some years earlier. A contemporary approach to treatment involved a combination of treating the biological complication of the calcified canal combined with surgical repair of the iatrogenic complication of a perforation using modern imaging techniques and materials.

Comparison of dental and skeletal indices between patients under haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with healthy individuals in digital panoramic radiography.

The aim was to compare dental and skeletal indices in panoramic radiography between patients undergoing haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and age- and sex-matched control group. In this comparative cross-sectional study, quantitative Indices including Antegonial Index (AI), Mental Index (MI), Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI) and qualitative indices including Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI) and Trabecular Pattern (TP) were evaluated in panoramic images of 32 haemodialysis patients, 14 patients under peritoneal dialysis and 52 healthy individuals. The images were also investigated for pulp canal calcification, pulp stones, soft tissue calcification, changes in or loss of lamina dura, radiolucencies associated with brown tumour and ridge resorption. The indices were compared between the three groups and were investigated for association with the patients' blood test parameters and their diseases causing chronic renal failure (CRF). Intraobserver agreement for the 2-week interval of assessment was calculated for the indices. MI (p = 0.574) and PMI (p = 0.100) were not significantly different, but AI (p = 0.01), MCI (p < 0.001) and TP (p = 0.002) were significantly different between the two case groups and the control group. The prevalence of pulp calcification (p = 0.03) and ridge resorption (p = 0.005) was higher in the haemodialysis group. Soft tissue calcification (p = 0.85) and lamina dura changes (p = 0.9) showed no significant difference. Brown tumours were observed in only one case in the haemodialysis group. AI, MCI and TP showed a reduction in mineral density of the cortical and trabecular bone in CRF patients and more severely in patients under haemodialysis than those under peritoneal dialysis.

Fate of Pulpotomized Teeth in Pediatric Patients: A 3-year Case Series in a Malaysian Dental Teaching Hospital.

ABSTRACTAimThis 3-year retrospective case series evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcome of ferric sulfate and formocresol pulpotomy in primary molar teeth in a dental teaching hospital in Malaysia.Materials and methodsClinical and radiographic records of all pediatric patients who had pulpotomy of primary molar teeth between July 2005 and October 2008 were evaluated. A total of 55 pulpotomized primary molars were observed. Clinical assessments were carried out during the second visit to assess the presence of sinus tract, gingival swelling, excessive tooth mobility, tenderness to percussion, and abnormal exfoliation of the treated teeth. Periapical radiographs were reviewed for evidence of pathologic root resorption, radicular and/or periapical radiolucency, and abnormal pulp canal calcification. Treatments were regarded as failure in the presence of one or more of the above clinical and/or radiographic signs and symptoms.ResultsOf 55 pulpotomized teeth, 26 (47.3%) remained free from any clinical signs and symptoms and 48 (87.3%) showed no pathological radiographic findings. The clinical success rates of ferric sulfate and formocresol pulpotomy were 44.4% and 60.0%, respectively, whereas the radiographic success rates of ferric sulfate and formocresol pulpotomy were 86.7% and 90.0%, respectively. Although teeth treated with formocresol had higher both clinical and radiographic success rates compared with those treated with ferric sulfate, it was not statistically significant.ConclusionThe clinical success rates of pulpotomy were lower compared with radiographic success rates. Ferric sulfate is an alternative to formocresol; however, the use of both agents in the dental undergraduate teaching at Universiti Sains Malaysia can still be recommended.Clinical significanceFormocresol and ferric sulfate are advocated as pulpotomy agents in primary molar teeth since both agents showed comparable clinical and radiographic success rates.How to cite this articleSanusi SY, Jamaludin SA, Al-Batayneh OB, et al. Fate of Pulpotomized Teeth in Pediatric Patients: A 3-year Case Series in a Malaysian Dental Teaching Hospital. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):79–84.

Pulp canal calcification associated with periapical lesion as dental trauma sequelae – Clinical-surgical treatment

AbstractThe objective of this report is to describe a surgical treatment in a traumatized tooth presenting pulp canal calcification (PCC) and periapical pathology. Three months after a patient had suffered injuries by luxation in the right central mandibular incisor, complete calcification of root canals was radiographically observed in addition to a radiographic image compatible with apical periodontitis. The chosen treatment was endodontic surgery and apical root sealing with mineral trioxide aggregate endodontic cement. After 4 months, the tooth showed complete apical repair. We concluded that the endodontic surgery is a procedure specifically indicated for cases of impossibility of conventional endodontic treatment, as in teeth with PCC.

Guided Endodontic Access of Calcified Anterior Teeth

Pulp canal calcification is characterized by the deposition of calcified tissue along the canal walls. As a result, the root canal space can become partially or completely obliterated. Recently, “guided endodontics” has been reported as an alternative solution in cases of partial or completed canal obliteration. Although this technique can enhance minimally invasive access to the calcified canal, it has been shown that the incisal surfaces are often removed during the access of anterior teeth. This report describes 2 cases of guided endodontics using conventional palatal access in calcified anterior teeth and discusses the applicability of this approach in cases of pulp canal calcification with apical periodontitis and acute symptoms. The method demonstrated high reliability and permitted proper root canal disinfection expeditiously, without the unnecessary removal of enamel and dentin in the incisal surface.

Severe pulp canal calcification in elderly patients

Severe pulp canal calcification in elderly patients

Responses of immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and apical periodontitis/abscess to revascularization procedures

To report several types of response of immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and either apical periodontitis or abscess to revascularization procedures. Twenty immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and either apical periodontitis or abscesses from 20 patients were included. The teeth were isolated with rubber dam, and pulp chambers was accessed through the crowns. The canals were gently irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite with minimal mechanical debridement. Calcium hydroxide was used as an inter-appointment intracanal medicament and placed into the coronal half of the canal space. After resolution of clinical signs and symptoms, bleeding was induced into the canal space from the periapical tissues using K-files. The coronal canal space was sealed with a mixture of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and saline solution. The access cavity was filled with composite resin. These immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and apical periodontitis/abscesses were followed up from 6 to 26 months. Five types of responses of these immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and apical periodontitis/abscess to revascularization procedures were observed: type 1, increased thickening of the canal walls and continued root maturation; type 2, no significant continuation of root development with the root apex becoming blunt and closed; type 3, continued root development with the apical foramen remaining open; type 4, severe calcification (obliteration) of the canal space; type 5, a hard tissue barrier formed in the canal between the coronal MTA plug and the root apex. Based on this case series, the outcome of continued root development was not as predictable as increased thickening of the canal walls in human immature permanent teeth with infected necrotic pulp tissue and apical periodontitis/abscess after revascularization procedures. Continued root development of revascularized immature permanent necrotic teeth depends on whether the Hertwig's epithelial root sheath survives in case of apical periodontitis/abscess. Severe pulp canal calcification (obliteration) by hard tissue formation might be a complication of internal replacement resorption or union between the intracanal hard tissue and the apical bone (ankylosis) in revascularized immature permanent necrotic teeth.

Internal bleaching of teeth: an analysis of 255 teeth

Studies about bleaching have not analysed factors that affect the outcome. This aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of, and the factors associated with bleaching. Internal bleaching was done on 255 teeth in 203 patients. Colour was assessed pre-operatively, postoperatively and at recalls. The cause and type of discolouration, number of applications, bleaching outcome, and colour stability were assessed. The most common teeth were upper central (69 per cent) and lateral (20.4 per cent) incisors. Trauma was the most common cause (58.8 per cent), followed by previous dental treatment (23.9 per cent), pulp necrosis (13.7 per cent) and pulp canal calcification (3.6 per cent). Dark yellow and black teeth required more applications of bleach than light yellow and grey teeth. Colour modification was "good" (87.1 per cent) or "acceptable" (12.9 per cent). Teeth restored with glass ionomer cement/composite resin had good colour stability, but this was less predictable with other restorations. No teeth had external invasive resorption. Bleaching endodontically treated teeth was very predictable, especially for grey or light yellow discolourations. Glass ionomer cement/composite restorations were effective at preventing further discolouration. Patient age and tooth type did not affect treatment outcome and no cases of external invasive resorption were observed.

Pulp and periodontal healing of laterally luxated permanent teeth: results after 4 years

To evaluate the pulp and periodontal healing of laterally luxated permanent teeth. Patients presenting with lateral luxation of permanent teeth during 2001-2002 were enrolled in this clinical study. Laterally luxated teeth were repositioned and splinted with a TTS/composite resin splint for 4 weeks. Immediate (prophylactic) root-canal treatment was performed in severely luxated teeth with radiographically closed apices. All patients received tetracycline for 10 days. Re-examinations were performed after 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 48 months. All 47 laterally luxated permanent teeth that could be followed over the entire study period survived. In 10 teeth (21.3%), a prophylactic root-canal treatment was performed within 2 weeks following injury. The remaining 37 teeth showed the following characteristics at the 4-year re-examination: 19 teeth (51.4%) had pulp survival (no clinical or radiographic signs or symptoms), nine teeth (24.3%) presented with pulp canal calcification, and pulp necrosis was seen in another nine teeth (24.3%), within the first year after trauma. None of the teeth with a radiographically open apex at the time of lateral luxation showed complications. External root resorption was only seen in one tooth. Laterally luxated permanent teeth with incomplete root formation have a good prognosis, with all teeth surviving in this study. The most frequent complication was pulp necrosis that was only seen in teeth with closed apices.