Third Of Root Canal Research Articles

Overcoming population differences for dental age estimation in adults through pulp/tooth volume calculations: a pilot study

ABSTRACT The aim of this pilot study is to explore the possibility of developing a method for dental age estimation in adults, regardless of their nationality or ethnic background, by reconstructing only a fraction of the tooth, generating linear regression models and an equation for age estimation. Eighty-one anonymized cone beam computed tomography images obtained from two different population groups were used. Only sex and age information was known. One group had a Latin-American background (Colombian individuals aged 23 to 71 years) and the other had an Asian background (Malaysian individuals aged 15 to 58 years) The analysed tooth was the maxillary canine, on which was done automatic volume reconstruction of the cervical third of root and root canal. Sample analysis showed that the ages were unequally distributed in the two groups, but by combining them a more equal age distribution was obtained. The correlation coefficient between pulp/pulp+tooth volume ratio increased when data from individuals of both populations were included in the same statistical analysis (R 2 = 0.42). It has been established that methods for age estimation must be population specific. This study presents an analysis including data from individuals that are ethnically different and geographically separated, obtaining promising results.

Influence of different burs and acid ultrasonic agitation on the bonding of fiber posts to root dentin

Aim: The objective is to evaluate the influence of different burs used to prepare the root canal space and acid ultrasonic agitation on bond strength (BS) between glass fiber posts (GFP) and root dentin. Methods: After endodontic treatment, the root canal spaces of 36 extracted human canines were prepared, according to the rotary instrument used (n=18): carbide bur (CB), provided by the post manufacturer and a diamond bur (DB). In both groups, the fiber posts were cemented with the adhesive system Ambar and resin cement Allcem, following the manufacturer`s instructions. Previously to the cementation procedures, the groups were subdivided into 2 groups (n=9), according to the phosphoric acid application mode: conventional etching (CE) and active etching (AE), performed by ultrasonic tip, both for 15s. Before the cementation procedures and after the acid application, 1 root of each group was randomly selected for ultrastructural morphological evaluation by SEM. After 1 week of the cementation, 8 specimens per group were transversely sectioned into six 1-mm thick slices, the root canal regions (cervical, medium and apical) were identified and the push-out test was performed to evaluate BS. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α=0.05). Results: The results showed that the cross-product interaction of all factors was significant (P=0.035). Higher bond strength values were obtained when a DB with conventional etching, instead of CB, was used to prepare the root post space. Conclusion: It may be concluded that the use of diamond burs with conventional etching yields high BS values in all root canal thirds.

Influence of size and taper of basic root canal preparation on root canal cleanliness: a scanning electron microscopy study.

To investigate whether a minimally invasive basic root canal preparation technique has an influence on root canal cleanliness in extracted mandibular molar teeth. A total of 80 root canals (40 mesio-buccal and 40 mesio-lingual) from 40 mandibular molars were included. The teeth were divided equally into four different experimental groups depending on the subsequently root canal preparation technique: Group 1: a basic preparation was performed up to size 20, .04 taper; Group 2: a basic preparation was performed up to size 2, .06 taper; Group 3: a basic preparation was performed up to size 25, .04 taper; and Group 4: a basic preparation was performed up to size 25, .06 taper. After the use of each instrument, each root canal was irrigated with 2.5mL of 6% sodium hypochlorite for 30s. Then, 1mL NaOCl was activated for 20s using an EDDY sonic tip. Final irrigation was performed using a total of 5mL of 17% EDTA solution. The roots were then split longitudinally and all root canal thirds were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the presence of superficial debris and smear layer using a scoring system. Data were statistically analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Bonferroni tests with a level of significance set at P<0.05. In all groups, there was significantly more residual debris and smear layer in the apical third (P<0.05), with no differences between the middle and coronal thirds (P>0.05). For both the parameters analysed, there was no difference amongst the groups in the middle and coronal thirds (P>0.05), whilst in the apical third significantly less debris and smear layer was found in specimens from groups 3 and 4 than for groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). All basic root canal preparation techniques were associated with less debris and smear layer on the canal walls in the middle and coronal thirds, without differences among them. Even though debris and smear layer were always present in the apical third, an apical size of 25 resulted in significantly cleaner canals walls compared to a size 20.

Residual smear layer after root canal instrumentation by using Niti, M-Wire and CM-Wire instruments: A scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of residual smear layer after root canal instrumentation by using Ni-Ti, M-Wire, and CM-Wire instruments.Materials and Methods:Seventy-two mandibular incisors were randomly divided into six groups according to the system used: WaveOne (WO), Reciproc (RP), Unicone (UC), ProTaper Next (PN), Mtwo (MT), and HyFlex (HF). Afterward, the specimens were cleaved in the mesiodistal and buccolingual direction for analysis by scanning electron microscopy.Results:Considering both directions and root canal thirds, there was no difference between HF, MT, and PN. RP, UC, and WO presented a significant difference between the directions, and the cervical third showed a significantly smaller quantity of residual smear layer compared with the apical third. When the systems were compared among them, there was a significant difference only between RP and WO.Conclusions:Residual smear layer observed after instrumentation with the different systems was similar, except for quantities between the reciprocating systems.

Mandibular mesial root canal morphology using micro-computed tomography in a Brazilian population.

To assess the root canal system morphology of mandibular molars by means of micro-computed tomography, one hundred and four mandibular first molars were investigated and the following were evaluated: Vertucci's classification, the presence of lateral canals and the number of apical foramina. Mesial root canal surface area and volume were obtained by the CTAn and CTvol software. The type of root canal isthmi was classified applying the Hsu & Kim and Fan criteria. The most frequent root canal configuration was Vertucci type IV (46.2%). Lateral canals were observed in all root canal thirds and the average number of apical foramina was 3.15 ± 1.77. Regarding the presence of isthmus, Types I and II were the most prevalent, according to Hsu & Kim and Fan et al. criteria, respectively. Mesial root canals of mandibular molars showed high morphology variability.

Effects of ultrasonic removal of fractured files from the middle third of root canals on dentinal cracks: a micro‐computed tomography study

To evaluate the frequency of dentinal microcracks after ultrasonic removal of fractured files from the middle third of root canals using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Eighteen bilaterally matched pairs of human mandibular incisors extracted for periodontal reasons were included. The matched pairs of teeth were then divided into a control group and an experimental group, with one member of each pair assigned to each group. In the control group, the canals were instrumented using the ProTaper Next (PTN) system. In the experimental group, size 20K-files were fractured in the middle third of the root canals, followed by their ultrasonic removal. Subsequently, the canals were instrumented with the PTN system. All teeth were scanned using high-resolution micro-CT before (preoperative) and after (intraoperative) file removal and after (postoperative) root canal preparation. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative cross-sectional images of the roots were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. Two experienced observers evaluated the images twice in a blinded manner. The incidence of dentinal microcracks was noted and statistically analysed using Fisher's exact and McNemar's tests (P=0.05), with the root cross-section and the tooth root as the units of analysis, respectively. All fractured files in the experimental group were removed successfully. New microcracks were detected in 0.56% (93/16472) cross-sections (8/18 specimens) generated after file removal in the experimental group. These microcracks were detected 4-6mm below the root canal orifice and exhibited a width and length of 12-36μm and 48-72μm, respectively. They did not disappear or propagate after canal preparation. No new dentinal microcracks were observed in the control group. There was a significant difference in the incidence of new microcracks between the two groups (P<0.05). Ultrasonic removal of fractured files from root canals resulted in the formation of short microcracks in a small number of cross-sections in approximately half the specimens. Further studies are necessary to determine the cause and consequences of this finding.

Cleaning capacity of octenidine as root canal irrigant: A scanning electron microscopy study.

The aim of this study was to assess the cleaning capacity of the octenidine hydrochloride (OCT) used as root canal irrigant by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Sixty human unirradicular extracted teeth were randomly distributed in 6 groups (n = 10) according to irrigant solutions which were used during root canal preparation: G1, 0.1% OCT; G2, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); G3, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G4, OCT + 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G5, 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA and G6, distilled water. All specimens were instrumented with ProTaper system up to F4. Teeth were sectioned and prepared for SEM. The smear layer was evaluated using a 5-score system and the data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (α = 0.05). In all root canal thirds there was no significant difference between OCT, CHX, NaOCl, and water groups (p > .05), and these groups showed higher smear layer values than NaOCl + EDTA and OCT + EDTA groups (p < .05). There was no significant difference between NaOCl + EDTA and OCT + EDTA groups (p > .05). It was concluded that OCT used as a single root canal irrigant presented poor cleaning capacity and could be used in association with a final irrigation with EDTA to obtain smear layer removal.

Efficacy of new irrigating solution on smear layer removal in apical third of root canal: A scanning electron microscope study

Aims:The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate and compare the smear layer removal efficacy of etidronic acid-based irrigating solution with others in the apical third of the root canal.Materials and Methods:Forty human single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were taken and decoronated to standardize the canal length. After biomechanical preparation, teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) and the final irrigation was carried out with tested irrigants. Group I: normal saline (negative control); Group II: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with surfactant and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with surfactant; Group III: freshly mixed BioPure MTAD; and Group IV: freshly mixed Chloroquick solution. The teeth were split into two halves and observed under a scanning electron microscope to analyze the amount of smear layer present.Statistical Analysis:Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney test.Results:Group II (5.25% NaOCl with surfactant followed by 17% EDTA with surfactant) showed least smear layer scores (1.1 ± 0.3162). This was followed by Group III (MTAD) (2.2 ± 0.4216) and then Group IV (Chloroquick) (2.4 ± 0.5164).Conclusion:Sequential use of 5.25% NaOCl with surfactant and 17% EDTA with surfactant was found to be the most efficient than MTAD and Chloroquick in the removal of smear layer in the apical third of root canal.

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of marginal adaptation of AH-Plus, GuttaFlow, and RealSeal at apical one-third of root canals – Part II: Core-sealer interface

Background:Not only the gaps at dentin-sealer interface but also at core-sealer interface may jeopardize the outcome of root canal treatment.Aim:The aim of this in vitro scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study was to determine which root canal sealer among AH-Plus, GuttaFlow, and RealSeal provides a superior marginal adaptation with the core obturating material in the apical third region of root canals.Materials and Methods:Selected 30 human freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were biomechanically prepared, then divided equally into three groups and obturated with AH-Plus, GuttaFlow, and RealSeal using single cone obturation technique. After sectioning longitudinally, apical third of the roots were observed under SEM dentin-sealer-core interface was focused. Marginal adaptation and interfacial gaps at core-sealer interface of all the samples were evaluated and analyzed statistically in this part of the article.Statistical Analysis Used:Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's test.Results:Mean average gap was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for AH-Plus (15.65 ± 10.48 μm), when compared to GuttaFlow (3.51 ± 1.81 μm) and RealSeal (6.01 ± 2.51 μm). Between RealSeal and GuttaFlow, the latter showed least marginal gap; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).Conclusions:GuttaFlow is better adapted in the apical third of root canals among 3 sealers.

Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of marginal adaptation of AH-plus, GuttaFlow, and RealSeal at apical one-third of root canals - Part I: Dentin-sealer interface.

Background:Complete seal at dentin-sealer-core interface of the root canal is required to maintain long-term periapical health.Aim:The aim of this in vitro scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study was to determine which of the commonly used root canal sealer among AH-Plus, GuttaFlow, and RealSeal provides a superior marginal adaptation with the dentin in the apical third region of root canals.Materials and Methods:Selected 30 human freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were biomechanically prepared, then divided equally into three groups and obturated with AH-Plus, GuttaFlow, and RealSeal using single-cone obturation technique. After sectioning longitudinally, apical third of the roots was observed under SEM; dentin-sealer-core interface was focused. Marginal adaptation and interfacial gaps at dentin-sealer interface of all the samples were evaluated and analyzed statistically in this part of the article.Statistical Analysis Used:Analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey's test.Results:GuttaFlow exhibited least average marginal gap of 2.38 ± 1.43 μm, followed by AH-Plus (4.11 ± 2.85 μm) and RealSeal (4.65 ± 3.91 μm) with no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the groups.Conclusions:As the dentin-sealer interfacial gap is seen to be minimum in GuttaFlow, it is better adapted to dentin in the apical third of root canals compared to AH-Plus and RealSeal.

Cleaning efficacy of rotary versus manual system for root canal preparation in primary teeth

Introduction Primary teeth are considered natural space maintainers and should be maintained till their exfoliation is chronologically appropriate. The success of endodontic treatment is directly related to the microbial reduction in the root canal system as a result of chemomechanical preparation. Objective This study was carried out to evaluate and compare cleaning efficacy of rotary and manual systems for root canal preparation in primary teeth. Materials and methods Thirty extracted single-rooted human primary teeth were selected. In group I the root canals were instrumented manually with Ni-Ti Flex K-file. Revo-S rotary instruments were used for canal preparation in group II. Irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite was done at each file change. Roots were split longitudinally and processed for scanning electron microscope examination. For evaluation of cleaning efficiency two separate scores were used for evaluation of debris and smear layer at three root canal thirds. Results However, both techniques did not achieve complete clean walls, Revo-S rotary system achieved better cleanliness than that obtained by manual instrumentation at all root canal levels. Conclusion Revo-S rotary system might be an alternative method for preparing root canal in primary teeth with better cleaning efficiency.

Ex-vivo Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Two Activated Irrigation Techniques After Reciprocating Instrumentation in Curved Canals.

Introduction:This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two activated irrigation techniques in removing the smear layer after single-file reciprocating instrumentation in curved canals.Materials and Methods:Sixty distobuccal roots of maxillary molars were standardized to create a closed system, and then instrumented using WaveOne Primary (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) instruments. Fifty-four specimens were randomly distributed into 3 groups for final irrigation: Non-activated irrigation, passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and EndoActivator (EA;Dentsply Maillefer, Tulsa, USA) irrigation. All specimens received 3 mL of 17% EDTA for 1 minute, followed by irrigation with 6 mL of 2.5% NaOCl. The apical, middle and cervical thirds of the specimens were analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and the amount of remaining smear layer on the canal walls was rated by three examiners using a five-category scoring system. Kendall’s concordance coefficient was used to assess inter-rater agreement. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney (Bonferroni) tests were used to compare the scores.Results:Kendall’s concordance coefficient was ≥ 0.7, indicating an excellent level of agreement between the raters. No statistically significant difference in irrigation techniques efficacy for removal of the smear layer (p=0.061) was found for the apical third. The scores attributed to the specimens irrigated with the EA system were significantly lower than those of the other groups in the cervical and middle thirds (p< 0.05).Conclusions:The efficacy of the EA system in removing the smear layer in the cervical and middle thirds of root canals instrumented with reciprocating motion was significantly higher than that of either PUI or non-activated irrigation. Both EA and PUI performed similarly in apical third.

EFFICACY OF XP-ENDO FINISHER, PASSIVE ULTRASONIC IRRIGATION, VIBRINGE AND CONVENTIONAL SYRINGE IRRIGATION ON DEBRIS REMOVAL IN OVAL ROOT CANALS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of XP- Endo finisher (XP) (FKG Dentaire SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) on removal of debris from coronal, middle and apical thirds of oval root canals in comparison to passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), vibringe (VB) and conventional syringe irrigation (CSI).Methods: Eighty extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolars were used in this study. Specimens with a standardized length of 16 mm were mechanically prepared with Race (FKG Dentaire) till # 40/4%. Teeth were divided into 4 groups (n=20) according to the final irrigant activation protocol into the following groups: CSI, PUI, XP and VB. Root canals were then split longitudinally. Digital images were acquired to evaluate the amount of debris by using a digital camera mounted on a stereomicroscope at 25x magnification and transferred to the computer and scored in mm2 and recorded as a percentage of the overall canal surface area by using image analysis software. Debris percentage was analyzed by One-way ANOVA. Results: The XP and PUI groups revealed significantly lower debris percentage than the other groups in the coronal, middle, and apical regions (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between XP and PUI. Regarding all systems the coronal third was cleaner than the apical thirds. Conclusions: In our study, none of the activation systems completely removed the debris from the root canal walls; nevertheless, the XP and PUI showed the best results along all thirds in comparison to the other systems.

What happens to unprepared root canal walls: a correlative analysis using micro‐computed tomography and histology/scanning electron microscopy

To microscopically examine the cleanliness of root canal walls that remained unprepared as revealed by micro-CT. The root canals of 10 freshly extracted mandibular premolars with necrotic pulps and apical periodontitis along with the mesiobuccal canals of 11 mandibular molars with vital pulps were prepared using Reciproc instruments R40 and R25, respectively, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Specimens were scanned in micro-CT before and after preparation, and the unprepared areas were identified. The outer root surface corresponding to the untouched areas was marked on each root third to guide further analysis using histological (for teeth with vital pulps) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM; for necrotic teeth) examination. In the teeth with vital pulps, the root canal area occupied by tissue remnants was calculated. In SEM analysis of teeth with necrotic pulps, scores were attributed for the amount of debris on the untouched areas. The proportion of unprepared areas in the mesiobuccal molar canals was 18.1% and 9.6% over the full canal length and apical canal, respectively. In premolars, corresponding figures were 34.6% and 17.6%, respectively. Histological analysis of canals with vital pulps revealed tissue remnants over the untouched walls almost exclusively in the apical canal. SEM analysis of the canals with necrotic pulps revealed debris along the untouched walls in all root canal thirds. The areas that remain untouched by Reciproc instruments used with 2.5% NaOCl irrigation as revealed by micro-CT analysis were usually covered with debris, in the form of pulp tissue remnants, bacteria and dentine chips, especially in the apical root canal.

Effectiveness of the ProTaper Next and Reciproc Systems in Removing Root Canal Filling Material with Sonic or Ultrasonic Irrigation: A Micro–computed Tomographic Study

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ProTaper Next (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) systems in removing filling material from oval root canals using sonic or ultrasonic irrigation as additional cleaning methods. MethodsThirty-two human extracted mandibular premolars with oval canals were prepared using the ProTaper Universal system (Dentsply Maillefer) up to instrument F4 (40/.06) and then filled by the single-cone technique using Endofill sealer (Dentsply Maillefer). The teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8) according to the instrumentation system and the additional cleaning method as follows: Reciproc 40 with ultrasonic activation, Reciproc 40 with sonic agitation, ProTaper Next (X2, X3, and X4) with ultrasonic activation, and ProTaper Next (X2, X3, and X4) with sonic agitation. All specimens were analyzed using micro–computed tomographic imaging before and after removal of the filling material and also after applying the additional cleaning methods. The data, in mm3 of remaining filling material, were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, and Mann-Whitney tests. ResultsNone of the retreatment protocols completely removed the filling material from the root canals, and there was no significant difference between the instrumentation systems or between root thirds assessed in terms of the average volume of remaining filling material (P > .05). Likewise, no significant difference was observed between the additional cleaning methods in any of the root canal thirds assessed (P > .05). ConclusionsThe ProTaper Next and Reciproc systems were equivalent with respect to effectiveness in removing filling material regardless of the additional cleaning method used. The additional cleaning methods were also equivalent and did not improve the removal of filling material significantly.

Comparison of the EndoVac system and conventional needle irrigation on removal of the smear layer in primary molar root canals.

This study aimed to compare the EndoVac system and conventional needle irrigation in removing smear layer (SR) from primary molar root canals. Fifty extracted human primary second molar roots were instrumented up to an apical size of 0.04/35 and randomly divided into two main groups; Group 1: EndoVac system (n = 25) and Group 2: Conventional needle irrigation (n = 25) and three subgroups (a) NaOCl + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (n = 20) (b) ozonated water (OW) + EDTA (n = 20) and (c) saline (control, n = 10). After a standardized final irrigation protocol performed for all teeth, scanning electron microscope images were taken at ×1000 magnification for each thirds of each root canal. Data were analyzed by the weighted kappa, Kruskal-Wallis, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. EndoVac was more effective than conventional needle in the removal of SR from the apical third of the root canal system (P < 0.05). The OW + EDTA regimen provided similar SR removal compared with NaOCl + EDTA. EndoVac has better performance than conventional needle irrigation in the removal of the SR in the apical thirds of the primary molar root canals. As a final irrigation regimen, the OW + EDTA regimen is as effective as the NaOCl + EDTA regimen.

A Comparative Evaluation of Smear Layer Removal Using Apical Negative Pressure (EndoVac), Sonic Irrigation (EndoActivator) and Er:YAG laser -An In vitro SEM Study.

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the smear layer removing efficacy of the EndoActivator, EndoVac and Er:YAG laser in extracted mandibular premolars, at the apical, middle and coronal third of root canal, through scanning electron microscopy.Material and Methods40 extracted mandibular premolars were decoronated to a standardized length of 12 mm. Specimens were shaped to ProTaper F4 size and irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite at 370C between instrumentation. Teeth were divided into four groups (n=10), one control (needle irrigation) and three experimental, according to the irrigant activation technique used i.e. sonic irrigation (EndoActivator), apical negative pressure (EndoVac) or laser (Er:YAG). The final irrigants used were 10ml,17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 10ml, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Root canals were then split longitudinally and observed under a scanning electron microscope. The presence of smear layer at the apical, middle and coronal third of root canal was evaluated. Scores were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability were determined by Kappa test.ResultsThe EndoVac system was significantly more effective in removing debris from the apical third than all other groups. EndoActivator performed better than laser at the apical third. All three experimental groups (EndoVac, EndoActivator, and laser) were better than needle irrigation at the middle and apical third. At the coronal third, no significant difference was seen between the four groups.ConclusionsNone of the activation systems completely removes the smear layer from the dentine walls; nevertheless, EndoVac is significantly better in removing debris from the apical third of canal. Key words:EndoVac, EndoActivator, Er:YAG laser, smear layer, scanning electron microscopy.

The Tubular Penetration Depth and Adaption of Four Sealers: A Scanning Electron Microscopic Study.

Background. The tubular penetration and adaptation of the sealer are important factors for successful root canal filling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tubular penetration depth of four different sealers in the coronal, middle, and apical third of root canals as well as the adaptation of these sealers to root canal walls. Materials and Methods. 50 single-rooted teeth were prepared in this study. Forty-eight of them were filled with different sealers (Cortisomol, iRoot SP, AH-Plus, and RealSeal SE) and respective core filling materials. Then the specimens were sectioned and scanning electron microscopy was employed to assess the tubular penetration and adaptation of the sealers. Results. Our results demonstrated that the maximum penetration was exhibited by RealSeal SE, followed by AH-Plus, iRoot SP, and Cortisomol. As regards the adaptation property to root canal walls, AH-Plus has best adaptation capacity followed by iRoot SP, RealSeal SE, and Cortisomol. Conclusion. The tubular penetration and adaptation vary with the different sealers investigated. RealSeal SE showed the most optimal tubular penetration, whereas AH-Plus presented the best adaptation to the root canal walls.

To Comparison of Standard and New Chelating Solutions in Endodontics

Background: The use of 17% EDTA, followed by NaOCl irrigation during root canal instrumentation has been reported to effectively remove the smear layer from the root dentine walls. But EDTA is considered a pollutant and so it would be useful to identify alternative agents that offer greater biocompatibility. Materials and methods: The root canals of fifty single-rooted were randomly divided into five groups (n=10): 0.3% chitosan, 17% EDTA, 20% citric acid, 2.25% peracetic acid, and a control group (deionized water). The total volume of each chelating solution was collected and analyzed by FAAS for quantification of calcium ions. The roots were split longitudinally and examined by SEM for assessment of smear layer removal. Results underwent statistical analysis by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tamhane’s test. Results: 17% EDTA and 20% citric acid showed similar capacities for smear layer removal, with significant difference in comparison with 0.3% chitosan and the control groups; there were no significant differences between different parts of the roots. The highest calcium ion concentration was observed with 20% citric acid. Conclusion: 20% citric acid, 17% EDTA, 2.25% peracetic acid and 0.3% chitosan all removed the smear layer from the middle and apical thirds of root canals.

Effects of Different Final Irrigating Solutions on Depth of Sealer Penetration into Dentinal Tubules: An in vitro Confocal Laser Microscopic Study

ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate the maximum depth of sealer penetration into dentinal tubules at the coronal, middle, and apical third of root canals, following the use of different final irrigation solutions. Materials and methods Eighty freshly extracted mandibular premolars were selected for the study. After decoronation, instrumentation of samples was done using Protaper universal rotary file system till F4. During shaping and cleaning of root canal, 5.25% concentration of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was used for irrigation. The samples were then randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) depending on the final irrigating solution used. Group I: 17% aqueous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (MA) (aq. EDTA); group II: 10% citric acid (CA); group III: 5% maleic acid; group IV: 5.25% conc. NaOCl. Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) was used to activate each final irrigating solution. The samples were obturated using warm lateral condensation technique with guttapercha coated with AH plus sealer mixed with rhodamine B dye. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) examined the sealer penetration depth. Results The Kruskal-Wallis analysis results showed that there was a significant difference in the maximum depth of sealer penetration among all groups in all sections (p &lt; 0.05). The coronal sections of the root canals in each group showed a significantly higher depth of sealer penetration than did the apical and middle sections (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion A combination of 17% aq. EDTA and PUI used for final irrigation proved to be more effective for sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. Clinical significance Final irrigation protocol followed is of paramount importance in achieving complete disinfection within the root canal, and also the penetration of sealer serves as an indicator of the extent to which the smear layer was removed. How to cite this article Shetty MA, Hegde V. Effects of Different Final Irrigating Solutions on Depth of Sealer Penetration into Dentinal Tubules: An in vitro Confocal Laser Microscopic Study. J Oper Dent Endod 2017;2(2):69-73.