Treatment Of Apical Periodontitis Research Articles

The effectiveness of erbium laser in the treatment of apical periodontitis: results of clinical observation.

This article demonstrates a clinical case of successful therapeutic treatment of a 43-year-old patient diagnosed with chronic granulomatous periodontitis of tooth 2.4 (K04.5). The patient voluntarily signed informed consent to treatment and publication of personal medical information. Repeated endodontic treatment was carried out, including the infilling of the tooth and the formation of the root canal with K-, H-files and the ProTaper system. Distilled water was used as an irrigant. An Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a wavelength of 2780 nm and a power of 1.5 W was used to disinfect the root canals. Clinical and radiological follow-up was carried out after 6 and 12 months based on CBCT data and the periapical COPI. As a result of a 12-month follow-up, complete restoration of the periapical tissues was achieved. Long-term results indicate the effectiveness of repeated endodontic treatment using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser with a wavelength of 2780 nm.

The trend of radiographic healing after root canal treatment in teeth with apical periodontitis based on cone-beam computed tomography: A 4-year longitudinal study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to observe the radiographic healing of periapical lesions after root canal treatment via volumetric measurements based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) over 4 years. MethodsIn total, 162 single-root teeth from patients with chronic periapical periodontitis who underwent primary root canal treatment were included in this retrospective study. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 2, and 4 years after treatment. The volume of radiolucency at pretreatment and follow-up were measured, and the radiographic outcomes were classified into 4 categories: absence, reduction, uncertain or enlargement. Reduction or enlargement was considered when the volumetric change in radiolucency was 20 % or more. ResultsDuring the 4-year follow-up period, 128 teeth were reviewed at least once, including 3 extracted teeth. Of the remaining 125 teeth, the volume of radiolucency was reduced in 116 teeth (90.6 %), uncertain in 5, and enlarged in 4 teeth during 1 to 4 years after treatment. Among the 43 teeth with reduced radiolucency at 1 year after treatment, 42 (97.7 %) had continuing reduced lesions at 4 years. In the 2 teeth with enlarged radiolucency at 1 year, the volume of radiolucency doubled at 4 years. Cox regression analysis revealed that the preoperative radiolucency size was a risk factor for persistent periapical radiolucency. ConclusionsThe efficacy of root canal treatment for apical periodontitis was predictable. When the radiolucency changed by 20 % or more in volume on CBCT scans at 1 year after treatment, reversal of the radiographic healing tendency was rare. Clinical significanceThe volumetric changes in radiolucency on CBCT could reflect trends in the healing process and may foster early clinical decision-making.

Photodynamic and nitric oxide therapy-based synergistic antimicrobial nanoplatform: an advanced root canal irrigation system for endodontic bacterial infections

BackgroundThe main issues faced during the treatment of apical periodontitis are the management of bacterial infection and the facilitation of the repair of alveolar bone defects to shorten disease duration. Conventional root canal irrigants are limited in their efficacy and are associated with several side effects. This study introduces a synergistic therapy based on nitric oxide (NO) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for the treatment of apical periodontitis.ResultsThis research developed a multifunctional nanoparticle, CGP, utilizing guanidinylated poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (ε-Caprolactone) polymer as a carrier, internally loaded with the photosensitizer chlorin e6. During root canal irrigation, the guanidino groups on the surface of CGP enabled effective biofilm penetration. These groups undergo oxidation by hydrogen peroxide in the aPDT process, triggering the release of NO without hindering the production of singlet oxygen. The generated NO significantly enhanced the antimicrobial capability and biofilm eradication efficacy of aPDT. Furthermore, CGP not only outperforms conventional aPDT in eradicating biofilms but also effectively promotes the repair of alveolar bone defects post-eradication. Importantly, our findings reveal that CGP exhibits significantly higher biosafety compared to sodium hypochlorite, alongside superior therapeutic efficacy in a rat model of apical periodontitis.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that CGP, an effective root irrigation system based on aPDT and NO, has a promising application in root canal therapy.

Antibiotic Over-Prescription by Dentists in the Treatment of Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the global pattern of antibiotic prescription in the treatment of apical disease. PRISMA Guidelines were followed to carry out this systematic review. The research question was as follows: What is the pattern of antibiotic prescription by dentists in the treatment of the different clinical forms of apical periodontitis? A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Wiley Online Database, Web of Science and Scopus. All studies reporting data about the pattern of antibiotic prescription by dentists in the treatment of apical disease were included. The meta-analyses were calculated using the Open Meta Analyst version 10.10 software. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. The search strategy identified 96 articles and thirty-nine cross-sectional studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The overall percentage of antibiotic prescriptions by dentists in cases of symptomatic AP was 25.8%, and 31.5% in cases of asymptomatic AP with sinus tract present. The percentage of dentists prescribing antibiotics in cases of acute apical abscess with no/mild symptoms was 47.7%, whereas, in cases of acute apical abscess with moderate/severe symptoms, 88.8% of dentists would prescribe antibiotics. Endodontists prescribe antibiotics at a lower rate than general practitioners. The total risk of bias was considered moderate, and the final rating for the certainty of the evidence was low. Dentists worldwide are over-prescribing antibiotics in the management of apical disease. It is necessary to improve antibiotic prescribing habits in the treatment of endodontic infections, as well as educational initiatives to encourage the rational and appropriate prescription of antibiotics in periapical diseases.

STING inhibition alleviates bone resorption in apical periodontitis.

The goal of this study was to investigate the potential effects of an immunotherapeutic drug targeting STING to suppress the overreactive innate immune response and relieve the bone defect in apical periodontitis. We established an apical periodontitis mouse model in Sting-/- and WT mice in vivo. The progression of apical periodontitis was analysed by micro-CT analysis and H&E staining. The expression level and localization of STING in F4/80+ cells were identified by IHC and immunofluorescence staining. RANKL in periapical tissues was tested by IHC staining. TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclasts. To clarify the effect of STING inhibitor C-176 as an immunotherapeutic drug, mice with apical periodontitis were treated with C-176 and the bone loss was identified by H&E, TRAP, RANKL staining and micro-CT. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were isolated from Sting-/- and WT mice and induced to osteoclasts in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory environment in vitro. Moreover, WT BMMs were treated with C-176 to determine the effect on osteoclast differentiation by TRAP staining. The expression levels of osteoclast-related genes were tested using qRT-PCR. Compared to WT mice, the bone resorption and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced in exposed Sting-/- mice. In the exposed WT group, STING was activated mainly in F4/80+ macrophages. Histological staining revealed the less osteoclasts and lower expression of osteoclast-related factor RANKL in Sting-/- mice. The treatment of the STING inhibitor C-176 in an apical periodontitis mice model alleviated inflammation progression and bone loss, similar to the effect observed in Sting-/- mice. Expression of RANKL and osteoclast number in periapical tissues were also decreased after C-176 administration. In vitro, TRAP staining showed fewer positive cells and qRT-PCR reflected decreased expression of osteoclastic marker, Src and Acp5 were detected during osteoclastic differentiation in Sting-/- and C-176 treated BMMs. STING was activated and was proven to be a positive factor in bone loss and osteoclastogenesis in apical periodontitis. The STING inhibitor C-176 administration could alleviate the bone loss via modulating local immune response, which provided immunotherapy to the treatment of apical periodontitis.

Sex-specific nociceptor modulation of the apical periodontitis transcriptome.

Introduction: Apical periodontitis (AP) is a painful disease that develops quickly following dental infections and is primarily characterized by robust inflammation surrounding the tissues of the affected tooth, resulting in disruption of bone homeostasis and periradicular bone loss. Moreover, there are distinct clinical presentations, symptoms, and responses to AP treatment between male and female subjects, creating a desperate need to further understand the sex-specific mechanisms of AP. Methods: With the growing evidence that nociceptors modulate AP development, we utilized RNA sequencing in nociceptor-ablated (Nav1.8 cre+/-, diphtheria toxin Alox+/-) transgenic mice to study the nociceptor regulation of the periapical lesion transcriptome using a rodent model of AP in female mice over 14days. Results: Overall, we found that female mice exhibit unique patterns of differentially expressed genes throughout AP infection compared to male mice and that the expression of these genes is regulated by nociceptors. Additionally, nociceptor ablation results in a more significant enrichment of biological processes related to immune responses earlier compared to cre-control (Nav1.8 cre+/-) females and greater expression of genes involved in inflammatory processes and osteolytic activity. Discussion: Therefore, while nociceptor ablation augments inflammatory and bone resorption responses in both males and females in a mouse model of AP, transcriptomic analyses demonstrate that the mechanisms through which nociceptors modulate AP are distinct between sexes. These studies will provide the foundation needed to study further mechanisms of sex differences in AP, an area with a desperate need for investigation to treat current AP patients. Understanding these mechanisms can ultimately inform treatment options to alleviate suffering for millions of patients suffering from AP.

Radiographic outcome of endodontic treatment and retreatment of teeth with apical periodontitis using two different root canal irrigants. A prospective cohort study.

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare the radiographic outcome of endodontic treatment and retreatment of teeth with apical periodontitis using either 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) for root canal irrigation. In the years from 2013 to 2015 standard irrigation varied by semester between NaOCl and CHX at the Department of Endodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry. During that time, 912 teeth received treatment for apical periodontitis in 744 patients, of whom 532 responded to the request for a 1-year follow-up. Only one tooth per person (the most distally located) were included; 285 teeth treated with NaOCl and 247 with CHX. One hundred cases were then randomly sampled from each irrigation group and analysed for outcome by periapical index (PAI) scoring using criteria for success, uncertain and failure. Clinical and other radiographic parameters were scored or recorded and analysed for associations with radiographic outcome using chi-square, ANOVA and regression analyses. Success rates (PAI score 1 or 2 at control) were nearly identical for the two irrigation liquids. The use of irrigating solution also did not significantly influence the outcome in chi-square analyses of subgroups of teeth or regression analyses with other variables included. Ordinal regression analysis established that preoperative lesion size or preoperative PAI score were significantly associated with outcome, and teeth in the mandible had significantly better outcomes than in the maxilla. No significant differences in the radiographic outcome using either 1% NaOCl or 2% CHX as irrigants were found. The outcome was better for teeth with small lesions or lower PAI scores at completion of treatment and for mandibular teeth.

Thermosensitive hydrogel with programmed dual-octenidine release combating biofilm for the treatment of apical periodontitis.

The utilization of intracanal medicaments is an indispensable procedure in root-canal treatment. However, the conventional intracanal medicaments still need improvement regarding antimicrobial efficacy and ease of clinical operation. To address the above issues, OCT/PECT@OCT + ALK composite hydrogel characterized by programming sequential release of dual antimicrobial agents has been proposed. Thanks to the self-assemble ability of amphiphilic copolymer poly(ε-caprolactone-co-1,4,8-trioxa [4.6]spiro-9-undecanone)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone-co-1,4,8-trioxa[4.6]spiro-9-undecanone) (PECT), dual hydrophilic and hydrophobic antimicrobial agents could be easily encapsulated in the hydrogel system and tailored for sequential drug release for a better antibiofilm effect. The hydrophilic octenidine (Octenidine dihydrochloride, OCT-HCl) is encapsulated in the hydrophilic part of hydrogel for instantaneous elevating the drug concentration through bursting release, and the hydrophobic octenidine (Octenidine, OCT) is further loaded into the PECT nanoparticles to achieve a slower and sustained-release profile. Additionally, calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was incorporated into the system and evenly dispersed among PECT nanoparticles to create an alkaline (ALK) environment, synergistically enhancing the antibiofilm effect with higher efficiency and prolonged duration. The antibiofilm effect has been demonstrated in root-canal models and apical periodontitis rats, exhibiting superior performance compared to clinically used Ca(OH)2 paste. This study demonstrates that OCT/PECT@OCT + ALK composite thermosensitive hydrogel is a potential intracanal medicament with excellent antibiofilm effect and clinical operability.

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

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

Systematic Review on Copper Calcium Hydroxide Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Apical Periodontitis.

Apical periodontitis is an inflammation and destruction of the periradicular tissues due to various insults to the pulp in the form of infection, trauma, and faulty dental procedures. Conditions regarding this are treated employing root canal therapy. Recent innovations show that copper calcium hydroxide nanoparticles and their electrophoresis can be used to treat apical periodontitis effectively. To evaluate the effectiveness of copper calcium hydroxide nanoparticles in the treatment of apical periodontitis, a literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Science Direct, and Lilacs using the MeSH (Medical Subject Heading) terms Copper calcium hydroxide, apical periodontitis, nanoparticles, and electrophoresis. Of a total of 167 articles screened, 44 were full-text articles assessed for eligibility and four articles were taken for the qualitative analysis. This review was recorded according to the PRISMA GUIDELINES. Four randomized controlled trials were included in the review process. The copper calcium hydroxide particles were compared with other root canal medicament materials. It was found that copper calcium hydroxide and its electrophoresis were used in the treatment of apical periodontitis and were found to be one of the effective methods. Copper calcium hydroxide nanoparticles were effective against the destruction of the periradicular tissues.

Prevalence of oral infections in chronic kidney disease patients: A cross-sectional study.

The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and periodontal disease (periodontitis) (PD) in Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in relation to their treatment phase. In this cross-sectional study, 188 patients with CKD were divided into two groups: patients without dialysis (WD group, n = 53) and patients on dialysis (DP group, n = 135). Panoramic radiographs were used to diagnose AP. The presence of periodontal disease was evaluated radiographically assessing alveolar bone loss. Student's t-test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the significance of differences between groups. In the WD group, 55% of patients had at least one tooth with AP, whereas in the DP group 67% had at least one tooth with AP (OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.09-4.08; p < 0.05). PD was more prevalent in the DP group (78%) than in the WD group (36%) (OR = 6.26; CI 95% = 3.13-12.52; p < 0.01). Oral infections are more prevalent in the advanced stages of CKD. The treatment of PD and AP should be incorporated in the treatment planning of patients with CKD.

Comparative analysis of root canal irrigation in endodontic treatment of apical periodontitis in patients with root canal systems contaminated with Candida albicans

Comparative analysis of root canal irrigation in endodontic treatment of apical periodontitis in patients with root canal systems contaminated with Candida albicans

Recent Advances in Apical Periodontitis Treatment: A Narrative Review.

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory response caused by pulp infection. It induces bone resorption in the apical and periapical regions of the tooth. The most conservative approach to treat this condition is nonsurgical endodontic treatment. However, clinical failure has been reported with this approach; thus, alternative procedures are required. This review highlights recent literature regarding advanced approaches for the treatment of apical periodontitis. Various therapies, including biological medications, antioxidants, specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, and stem cell therapy, have been tested to increase the success rate of treatment for apical periodontitis. Some of these approaches remain in the in vivo phase of research, while others have just entered the translational research phase to validate clinical application. However, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms that occur during development of the immunoinflammatory reaction in apical periodontitis remains unclear. The aim of this review was to summarize advanced approaches for the treatment of apical periodontitis. Further research can confirm the potential of these alternative nonsurgical endodontic treatment approaches.

Evaluation of chronic apical periodontitis treatment results with Tricalcium silicate

Background: Chronic apical periodontitis is potential infection with poor symptoms that are easily overlooked. Disease progession can lead to cellulitis, osteomyelitis, sinusitis, endocarditis, nephritis, arthritis, persistent fever and sepsis. In recent times, thanks to advances in endodontic in improving instruments, root canal antiseptics, techniques for shaping, obturation canals, endodontic treatment has achieved remarkable success rate. BioRootTM RCS is born from Active Biosilicate technology, is the lasted generation biomaterial, with the main ingredient being Tricalcium silicate and recommended for root canal obturation. Materials and Methods: 33 tooth with diagnosis of chronic apical periodontitis of 33 patients with inclusion criterias were selected in study sample, carried out endodontis treatment and obturation canals with BioRootTM RCS and cone Gutta Percha. Evaluating treatment results after 3 months, 6 months and factors associated with treatment results. Results: About treatment result after 3 months, 6 months: very good accounted for 87.9% and 90.9%, good were 12.1% and 9.1%, no poor cases; there was a relationship between the periapical index, lesion size, lesion boudaries with treatment results. Conclusion: BioRootTM RCS was a reliable material in the treatment of chronic apical periodontitis. Key words: Chronic apical periodontitis, Tricalcium Silicate, BioRootTM RC

Volumetric Assessment of Apical Periodontitis Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography—A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to investigate the scientific literature on volumetric studies concerning the diagnosis and treatment of apical periodontitis using CBCT. A systematic review protocol was written following the preferred reporting items for the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant publications in English, which were published up to 21 January 2023. The inclusion criteria and corresponding search keys were applied. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistic Assessment and Review Instrument. The search strategy identified 202 studies, with 123 studies excluded during the title and abstract screening and 47 studies left for full text screening. A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The lesion volume was measured and classified according to different indices which compared the effectiveness of their diagnostics. Moreover, the volume of AP lesions increased with the thickness of the maxillary sinus mucosa in primary and secondary infections and decreased due to endodontic treatment. Volumetric measurements using CBCT are useful in the correct definition of periapical tissue pathosis using a CBCT periapical volume index and assessment of the dynamics of the treatment of apical lesions.

Treatment of Apical Periodontitis Induced BRONJ with Endodontic Treatment

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), which is one of the serious side effects of bisphosphonates, has an increasing clinical importance due to the widespread use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of many diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, Paget's disease, osteogenesis imperfecta, and multiple myeloma. BRONJ can spontaneously develop in the jawbones. In addition, many factors such as tooth extraction, periodontal diseases, and local trauma can trigger BRONJ. In our case, it was detected that the lesion appearing like BRONJ in the left lower jaw of the 67-year-old female patient with a history of oral bisphosphonate use developed due to apical periodontitis resulting from the tooth numbered 34. Root canal treatment was administered to the relevant tooth of the patient, the fistula tract was closed after this treatment, and as a result of the CBCT examination, it was observed that the enlargement in the necrotic bone area stopped. In addition, the patient's complaints about the relevant tooth disappeared. As a result, endodontic treatment is an effective treatment approach in the treatment of BRONJ developing due to apical periodontitis. In order to avoid the risk of BRONJ, a detailed oral examination should be performed before starting the bisphosphonate treatment, and necessary endodontic, restorative and periodontal treatments should be followed.

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

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

Macrophages in periapical lesions: Potential roles and future directions.

Periapical lesions are infectious diseases that occur in the apical region of teeth. They result in the destruction of alveolar bone and are usually accompanied by swelling, pain, and possible systemic impacts. A complex interaction between pathogens and the host immune system determines the development, progression, and outcome of periapical lesions. The lesions, if not treated promptly, may cause resorption of bone tissue, destruction of the periodontal ligament, and loss of the affected teeth, all of which can severely worsen the quality of life of patients, often at considerable economic cost to both patients and medical organizations. Macrophages are a group of heterogeneous cells that have many roles in the development of infections, destruction and reconstruction of bone tissues, and microbe–host interactions. However, the differential and comprehensive polarization of macrophages complicates the understanding of the regulatory mechanism of periapical lesion progression. This report provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in our knowledge of the potential role of macrophages in determining the turnover of human periapical lesions. For example, macrophage differentiation might indicate whether the lesions are stable or progressing while the extent of bacteria invasion could regulate the differentiation and function of macrophages involved in the periapical lesion. In addition, alternative strategies for the treatment of apical periodontitis are discussed.

Comparison of EASYDO ACTIVATOR, passive ultrasonic, and needle irrigation techniques on the treatment of apical periodontitis: a study in rats

ObjectivesTo evaluate the long-term therapeutic effect of EASYDO ACTIVATOR, passive ultrasonic irrigation, and needle irrigation in experimental apical periodontitis in rats.Materials and methodsSprague-Dawley male rats were used to produce periapical lesions. The pulp chambers of the bilaterally first mandibular molars were exposed and left open for 21 days. The rats were divided into four groups according to different irrigation protocols. Seven days after irrigation, the mandibles were removed for micro-CT, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Statistical data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with LSD tests.ResultsThe passive ultrasonic irrigation and EASYDO ACTIVATOR groups had the smallest apical lesions compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), while the needle irrigation group had smaller lesions than the control group (P < 0.05). The EASYDO ACTIVATOR group had less inflammation infiltration compared to the control and needle irrigation groups (P < 0.05). The control and needle irrigation groups had more TNF-α expression compared to the passive ultrasonic irrigation and EASYDO ACTIVATOR groups (P < 0.05). The lowest IL-6 expression was observed in the EASYDO ACTIVATOR group. The EASYDO ACTIVATOR group had the lowest serum level of TNF-α than other groups (P < 0.05). IL-6 expression was significantly lower in the EASYDO ACTIVATOR group in comparison with the control and needle irrigation groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEASYDO ACTIVATOR can significantly reduce the apical lesions and decrease the inflammatory response around the periapical area.Clinical relevanceEASYDO ACTIVATOR is recommended for clinical application.

Effectiveness of root canal filling materials and techniques for treatment of apical periodontitis: A systematic review.

Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the apical periodontium as sequelae of pulp death. It is managed by disinfection and filling of the root canal space. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether obturation techniques and materials used for root canal filling led to the management of AP. A systematic review protocol was written following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist and registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021260275) including two populations, interventions, comparisons, outcomes and time (PICOT) for the research questions querying the effectiveness of obturation techniques (PICOT 1) and materials (PICOT 2) for the management of AP. Electronic searches were conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Embase search engines. Searches on International Endodontic Journal, Journal of Endodontics, Clinical Oral Investigations, Journal of Dental Research and Journal of Dentistry websites were also conducted, until May 2021. Both primary (tooth survival) and secondary outcomes were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane RoB2 for the randomized and ROBINS-I for the nonrandomized trials. The search strategy identified 1652 studies, with 1600 excluded on the title and abstract screening, leaving 52 studies for full-text screening. In total, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The obturation technique and materials used did not affect the outcome of AP. Vertical compaction resulted in faster resolution of periapical lesions. The oral health-related quality of life of patients treated with lateral condensation exhibited poorer outcomes compared with single matched cone after 6months of recall. The inclusion and exclusion criteria used for this systematic review enabled the capture of all the literature available on the effect of obturation techniques and materials on the outcome of AP. The data were heterogenous, and a number of articles investigating obturation techniques had no information on the materials and techniques used as they looked at the quality of fill. Included studies did not find any difference between different procedures (PICOT 1) and materials (PICOT 2). The risk of bias was high, thus the findings should be interpreted with caution. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021260275.