Effect of calcium hydroxide and four irrigation regimens on instrumented and uninstrumented canal wall topography

A critical analysis of research methods and experimental models to study root canal fillings

Canal filling materials and techniques have been one of the most studied topics in Endodontics. A simple search using the mesh term "root canal filling" in PubMed revealed more than 11,000 articles, an impressive number that is much higher than "root canal disinfection" (5,544 articles) or even the popular "root canal preparation" (8,527 articles). The overriding importance attributed to root filling procedures is not merely intuitive. It derived from the appealing relevance given by the appearance of the white lines in common radiographs grounded on retrospective clinical data that had identified the quality of a root filling as one of the major causes of treatment failure (lack of healing). Since the publication of the Washington study, impressive efforts have been made for the release of new materials and techniques, as well as, for the development of a plethora of laboratory methods to assess the quality of root filling procedures. This narrative review aims to address and discuss the most relevant laboratory methods to assess the root canal filling. Since filling quality improvements have not translated into higher success rates, as reported in longitudinal clinical studies, more than to deliver a simple methodology-based review, this paper aims to present an in-depth critical view on the assessment of laboratory methods used to study the filling materials and techniques. Recent data indicate that the long-term dimensional stability/degradation over time of endodontic sealers plays a central role in the treatment outcome. In this context, laboratory methods should be developed focusing on predicting, at least to some degree, the long-term clinical behaviour of root canal fillings, rather than simply ranking different materials or techniques.

The effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic, etidronic, and peracetic acids activated with ultrasonics or diode laser on calcium hydroxide removal from root canal walls

Background

To assess the efficiency of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), etidronic (HEBP), and peracetic (PAA) acids agitated with ultrasonic energy or diode laser on removing calcium hydroxide (CH) dressings from root canal walls.

Material and Methods

Single root canals of eighty extracted human teeth were chemomechanically instrumented and filled with CH. Sixty teeth were divided into six experimental groups (n = 10) according to the applied irrigation regimens for the removal of CH: Group 1: 5.25% NaOCl-17% EDTA, Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI); Group 2: 5.25% NaOCl + 9% HEBP, PUI; Group 3: 5.25% NaOCl-2% PAA, PUI; Group 4: 5.25% NaOCl-17% EDTA, Diode laser-activated irrigation (LAI); Group 5: 5.25% NaOCl + 9% HEBP, LAI; Group 6: 5.25% NaOCl-2% PAA, LAI. The other 20 teeth were served as negative (n = 10) and positive controls (n = 10). The residuary amount of CH was scored in coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals by using scanning electron microscope. The data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis H with Bonferroni adjusted Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

Etidronic acid activated with ultrasonics or diode laser removed the highest amount of CH from the middle third of root canals, compared to the other irrigation regimens (P < 0.001). Although the residual CH scores of PAA-PUI, PAA-LAI, and EDTA-PUI, EDTA-LAI groups were not statistically different from each other (P > 0.05), lower amount of CH was observed in the PAA-PUI and PAA-LAI groups.

Conclusions

Use of etidronic acid activated with ultrasonics or diode laser can be an appropriate irrigation regimen for CH removal from root canal system.

Effect of various calcium hydroxide removal protocols on the dislodgement resistance of biodentine in an experimental apexification model

Background/purpose

Residual calcium hydroxide (CH) in the root canal dentine walls may influence the adhesion of tricalcium silicate-based materials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of various CH removal protocols on the dislodgement resistance of biodentine from simulated immature root canals in an experimental apexification model.

Materials and methods

CH was applied to 120 simulated immature root canals. The samples were divided into 12 experimental groups (n = 10) according to the applied irrigation protocols used for the removal of CH: Group 1: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Conventional needle irrigation (CNI); Group 2: NaOCl, EndoActivator; Group 3: NaOCl, XP-endo Finisher; Group 4: NaOCl- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), CNI; Group 5: NaOCl-EDTA, EndoActivator; Group 6: NaOCl-EDTA, XP-Endo Finisher; Group 7: NaOCl+etidronic acid (HEBP), CNI; Group 8: NaOCl+HEBP, EndoActivator; Group 9: NaOCl+HEBP, XP-endo Finisher; Group 10: NaOCl- Peracetic acid (PAA), CNI; Group 11: NaOCl-PAA, EndoActivator; Group 12: NaOCl-PAA, XP-endo Finisher; Control Group: CH was not applied. Biodentine was placed at the apical thirds of 130 immature root canals. Vertical loading was applied to biodentine fillings inside the dentin discs. Maximum force to dislodge the material was statistically analyzed with ANOVA.

Results

The control, NaOCl+HEBP (CNI, EndoActivator, XP-endo Finisher) and NaOCl-PAA (EndoActivator, XP-endo Finisher) groups exhibited the lowest dislodgement resistance values (p < 0.001). When used CNI, irrigation with NaOCl+HEBP resulted in lower resistance to dislodgement of biodentine compared to NaOCl, and NaOCl-EDTA (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Adhesion of apical barrier materials to root canal dentine can be influenced by the irrigation protocols used for CH removal.

Intra-canal calcium hydroxide removal by two rotary systems: A comparative study

Aim:

The presence of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) in the root canal interferes with the apical root canal sealing and may result in periapical lesions in the long run. The present study was aimed to compare the efficacy of two rotary systems of Race and Mtwo in the removal of Ca (OH)₂ aqueous-based from distobuccal canals of human maxillary molars.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 44 distobuccal root canals of human maxillary molars were randomly distributed into two groups of 20 canals each and two control groups. Specimens in each group were instrumented with similar master apical rotary (MAR) and flexible files according to the manufacture's guidelines. The Ca (OH)₂ paste was placed in canals using # 20 lentulo and radiographs were taken from the two dimensions. The roots were incubated for 1 week at 37°C and 100% humidity and Ca (OH)₂ was removed from canals by MAR, afterward. Then, the roots were longitudinally split in halves by diamond disk and chisel without entering the root canals. Photos were taken from the canals’ walls by a stereomicroscope with × 10 magnification. Next, according to a defined scoring system, photos were scored by four endodontists, so that scores 1 and 2 (nonvisible remnants or scattered remnants of Ca(OH)₂) were considered as acceptable and scores 3 and 4 (distinct mass or densely-packed mass of Ca(OH)₂) were regarded as nonacceptable.

Results:

The obtained findings indicated that in coronal, middle, and apical portions of the root canal, 45, 60, and 65% of Mtwo specimens and 40, 50, and 55% of specimens prepared by the Race system acquired an acceptable score (1 and 2), respectively. Moreover, the results showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Both Mtwo and Race rotary systems with acceptable removal efficiency (score 1 and 2) were similarly able to remove Ca(OH)₂

Calcium Hydroxide Dressing Influences the Obturation of Simulated Lateral Canals

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of calcium hydroxide dressing on the filling of simulated lateral canals by different obturation techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty single-root-premolars were instrumented. Simulated lateral canals were drilled on each third of the roots. The teeth were divided into four groups: no dressing and obturation by lateral condensation technique (G1), dressing with calcium hydroxide and obturation by lateral condensation technique (G2), no dressing and obturation by hybrid technique (G3) and, dressing with calcium hydroxide and obturation by hybrid technique (G4). The teeth were maintained at 37°C in 100% humidity for 7 days, and obturation techniques were performed. Radiographs were taken and filled or unfilled lateral canals were counted. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test (a = 5%).

RESULTS

The hybrid technique filled large number of lateral canals as compared to lateral condensation technique, regardless the use of intracanal medication (p < 0.05). Calcium hydroxide decreased the number of lateral canals filled for both lateral and hybrid techniques (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed when comparing the number of filled and unfilled lateral canals in the same root third of each group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Regardless the obturation technique, calcium hydroxide dressing reduced the penetration of filling material in simulated lateral canals.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The persistence of calcium hydroxide residues reduces the penetration of filling material in simulated lateral canals, possibly representing a potential cause of failure in the future.

Eficácia da irrigação ultrassônica passiva na remoção de hidróxido de cálcio

INTRODUÇÃO: Remanescentes de Hidróxido de Cálcio [Ca(OH)2] podem interferir na qualidade da obturação endodôntica. OBJETIVO : Avaliar a eficácia da Irrigação Ultrassônica Passiva (IUP) associada à técnica convencional na remoção de medicação intracanal à base de Ca(OH)2. METODOLOGIA: Trinta dentes humanos anteriores monorradiculares foram usados. Os canais radiculares foram preparados com instrumentos manuais tipo K e preenchidos com medicação intracanal à base de Ca(OH)2, contendo PMCC e propilenoglicol. Após sete dias, a pasta de Ca(OH)2 foi removida de todos os canais radiculares com um instrumento manual e irrigação de NaOCl 1% com seringa. Os espécimes foram randomizados em dois grupos (n=12) de acordo com a irrigação final: Irrigação Manual - agitação manual de EDTA 17 % e irrigação de NaOCl 1%; IUP - agitação ultrassônica de NaOCl 1% (três ativações de 20s) seguida da ativação de EDTA 17% por 1 min. O Grupo Controle (n=6) não recebeu medicação intracanal. Todos os espécimes foram clivados e a quantidade de Ca(OH)2 remanescente foi calculada com o auxílio do estereomicroscrópio (20×). Os testes Kruskall-Wallis e Wilcoxon foram utilizados para avaliar a porcentagem de Ca(OH)2 remanescente. RESULTADO: O grupo da IUP apresentou, estatisticamente, as menores porcentagens de Ca(OH)2 remanescente, quando comparado ao grupo da Irrigação Manual, independentemente dos terços analisados (P < 0,05). O terço apical apresentou a maior quantidade de medicação residual, em ambos os grupos (P < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO : A associação da IUP com a técnica convencional demonstrou ser mais eficiente na remoção de medicação intracanal à base de Ca(OH)2 do que a combinação da Irrigação Manual com a técnica convencional.

Dislocation resistance of ProRoot Endo Sealer, a calcium silicate-based root canal sealer, from radicular dentine

AIM

To examine the dislocation resistance of three root canal sealers from radicular dentine with and without immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF), using a modified push-out test design that produced simulated canal spaces of uniform dimensions under identical cleaning and shaping conditions.

METHODOLOGY

Sixty single-rooted caries-free human canine teeth were used. Standardized simulated canal spaces were created using 0.04 taper ProFile instruments along the coronal, middle and apical thirds of longitudinal tooth slabs. Following NaOCl/ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid cleaning, the cavities were filled with ProRoot Endo Sealer, AH Plus Jet or Pulp Canal Sealer. After setting, half of the cavities were tested with a fibre-optic light-illuminated push-out testing device. The rest were immersed in SBF for 4 weeks before push-out evaluation. Failure modes were examined with stereomicroscopy and field emission (FE)-scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

Location of the sealer-filled cavities did not affect push-out strengths. ProRoot Endo Sealer exhibited higher push-out strengths than the other two sealers particularly after SBF storage (P < 0.001). Failure modes were predominantly adhesive and mixed for Pulp Canal Sealer and AH Plus Jet, and predominantly cohesive for ProRoot Endo Sealer. Spherical amorphous calcium phosphate-like phases that spontaneously transformed into apatite-like phases were seen in the fractured specimens of ProRoot Endo Sealer after SBF storage.

CONCLUSIONS

When tested in bulk without a main core, both 'sealer type' and 'SBF storage' were significant in affecting push-out results. The ProRoot Endo Sealer demonstrated the presence of spherical amorphous calcium phosphate-like phases and apatite-like phases (i.e. ex vivo bioactivity) after SBF storage.

The evaluation of removal of calcium hydroxide paste from an artificial standardized groove in the apical root canal using different irrigation methodologies

AIM

To evaluate the capacity to remove a calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) paste from the root canal and to evaluate the efficacy of Ca(OH)2 removal during passive ultrasonic irrigation using either sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or water as an irrigant.

METHODOLOGY

Sixteen mandibular premolars were used. Each root was prepared to the apical foramen using GT instruments of size 30, 0.06 taper. Each root was split longitudinally. In one half of the root, a groove was cut in the canal wall 2-6 mm from the apex which was then filled with a Ca(OH)2 paste. Subsequently the roots were reassembled. In group 1 (n = 16), the teeth were ultrasonically irrigated using 50 mL 2.0% NaOCl as the irrigant. Group 2 (n = 16) was treated in the same manner as group 1, but using 50 mL water in place of the NaOCl. In group 3 (n = 16), the teeth were irrigated by syringe injection of 50 mL 2.0% NaOCl. The quantity of remaining Ca(OH)2 in the groove was scored and the data analysed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

RESULTS

The difference in remaining Ca(OH)2 between all groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Group 1 had significantly lower scores than group 2 (P < 0.001) and group 3 (P = 0.002), but there was no significant difference between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.765).

CONCLUSIONS

Passive ultrasonic irrigation with 2% NaOCl was more effective in removing Ca(OH)2 paste from artificial root canal grooves than syringe delivery of 2% NaOCl or water as irrigant.

A Quantitative Assessment of Efficacy of Various Calcium Hydroxide Removal Techniques

This study evaluated the amount of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2))] remaining in canals after removal with various techniques including combinations of NaOCl with EDTA irrigation, hand filing, rotary instrumentation, or ultrasonics. The mesial canals of 12 mandibular molars were uniformly instrumented. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally along the length of the instrumented canals. Acrylic jigs were fabricated, allowing reapproximation of the opposing segments. After Ca(OH)2 placement into the canals, four techniques were used for its removal. In the first method, the master apical file was placed to working length in between two 5-ml rinses of NaOCl. The other three techniques combined with the first method either a 2.5-ml EDTA rinse, a rotary file (MAF size) to working length, or passive ultrasonication. Results showed that no technique removed all Ca(OH)2. Rotary and ultrasonic techniques, while not different from each other, removed significantly more Ca(OH)2 than irrigant only techniques. The irrigant only techniques were not different from each other.

Effectiveness of NaOCl alone or in combination with EDTA on the diffusion of hydroxyl ions released by calcium hydroxide paste

AIM

To evaluate the effect of different irrigant solutions employed during removal and replacement of calcium hydroxide paste on the diffusion of hydroxyl ions through root canal dentine in vitro.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-five maxillary and mandibular human canines with straight and fully developed roots were used. After mechanical preparation up to 1mm short of tooth length, 30 canals were filled with calcium hydroxide paste and 5 canals were left empty; all teeth had their coronal accesses properly sealed. Teeth were placed in plastic containers with distilled water, and pH was read after 30 days when the paste from 20 teeth was renewed. After removal of the paste by endodontic instrumentation and irrigation with distilled water, canals were replenished with newly mixed paste in Group 1 and 2. In these groups, final irrigation was conducted with 5 mL of EDTA followed by 5 mL of NaOCl in specimens in Group 1, and 5 mL of NaOCl only in specimens in Group 2. In 10 teeth the paste was not replenished at 30 days (Group 3). All specimens were returned to the containers with fresh distilled water, and the pH was recorded after another 30 days. The differences between the first (30d) and second (60d) pH readings were calculated and submitted to analysis of variance and individual comparisons using the Scheffeé's test.

RESULTS

Results of mean analysis on differences of pH readings showed that greater diffusion had occurred on specimens in Group 3. Individual comparisons using Scheffeé's test showed statistical significance between Groups 2 and 3, and equivalence between all other groups.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that the use of EDTA did not enhance diffusion of hydroxyl ions through root canal dentine.

Enterococcus faecalis-mediated biomineralized biofilm formation on root canal dentinein vitro

Enterococcus faecalis is the most predominant bacteria in teeth with failed root canal therapy and is found to survive harsh conditions prevailing in the root canals of endodontically treated teeth. This study aims to investigate the interaction between E. faecalis and root canal dentine substrate. Towards this end, tooth specimens were prepared and divided into two groups. The tooth specimens in group 1 were incubated with E. faecalis for periods of 2-, 4-, and 6-week intervals and the chemical composition of the biofilm was determined using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The tooth specimens in group 2 were incubated with E. faecalis for a period of 6 weeks and the topography and ultrastructure of the biofilm were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy, and laser confocal scanning microscopy. The sediments formed from the bacterial interaction on the dentine (in group 1) were also examined by SEM and FTIR. These experiments highlighted different stages in the interaction of E. faecalis with root canal dentine. Further, a bacterial-induced apatite reprecipitation on mature biofilm was also observed. This ability of E. faecalis to form such calcified biofilm on root canal dentine may be a factor that contributes to their persistence after endodontic treatment.

What We Leave Behind In Root Canals After Endodontic Treatment: Some Issues and Concerns

The benefits of using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as endodontic irrigants, and calcium hydroxide as an inter-appointment medicament, are well known to dentists. Many steps undertaken during endodontic treatment and retreatment are rather mechanical in nature, and less attention is committed to understanding the biological issues underlying endodontic treatment and retreatment. It should be noted that dentine is the fundamental substrate in endodontic treatment, and its properties and characteristics are the key determinant of nearly all disease and post-disease processes in the teeth. In this article the effects and counter-effects of NaOCl and EDTA on root canal dentine, and some other related issues are reviewed. This information will enable clinicians to use the beneficial effects of these chemicals, while necessary steps are considered to reduce their harmful effects on dentine substrate.

Effects of calcium hydroxide paste medication on coronal leakage

The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the coronal leakage of canals medicated with Ca(OH)(2) compared with the canals which did not receive Ca(OH)(2) medication before obturation with laterally condensed gutta-percha points and sealer. Sixty-one single rooted permanent canines and premolars were used. The crowns were removed from the cemento-enamel junction. After the canals were chemomechanically prepared, the roots were divided into three experimental groups as group 1, 2 and 3. The canals in group 1 and 2 were treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and NaOCl in order to remove the smear layer and then the canals were filled with Ca(OH)(2) paste. The coronal 3 mm of the cavities were sealed with Cavit and the samples were kept in an incubator at 37 degrees C for 7 days. No intra-canal medication was applied in group 3. The root canals were irrigated with NaOCl in group 1 and with EDTA and NaOCl in group 2, in order to remove Ca(OH)(2) before obturation. Two samples from group 1 and two from group 2 were examined under SEM in order to reveal the removal of Ca(OH)(2) paste. Following this, the canals in the experimental groups were obturated with gutta-percha and sealer. The roots were placed in India ink for 7 days and the linear dye penetration was evaluated. No significant statistical difference was found in the amount of coronal dye leakage between experimental groups (P > 0.05). The results of the present study indicated that the application of Ca(OH)(2) as a temporary dressing material had no effect on coronal leakage.

Chelating agents in root canal treatment: mode of action and indications for their use

Chelating agents were introduced into endodontics as an aid for the preparation of narrow and calcified root canals in 1957 by Nygaard-Østby. A liquid solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was thought to chemically soften the root canal dentine and dissolve the smear layer, as well as to increase dentine permeability. Although the efficacy of EDTA preparations in softening root dentine has been debated, chelator preparations have regained popularity recently. Almost all manufacturers of nickel-titanium instruments recommend their use as a lubricant during rotary root canal preparation. Additionally, a final irrigation of the root canal with 15-17% EDTA solutions to dissolve the smear layer is recommended in many textbooks. This paper reviews the relevant literature on chelating agents, presents an overview of the chemical and pharmacological properties of EDTA preparations and makes recommendations for their clinical use.

Smear layer removal capacity of disinfectant solutions used with and without EDTA for the irrigation of canals: a SEM study

The purpose of this study was to carry out a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of the cleaning qualities and smear layer removal from root canal walls, instrumented and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl, 2.0% chlorhexidine and saline solutions. Fifty extracted teeth were used in this study. All teeth were radiographed to determine the existence of a single canal. The crowns were cut at the cervical limit and the root canals were instrumented with K-type files up to size 45. During root canal preparation, irrigations were made with the different solutions being evaluated: Group 1: 2.5% NaOCl (10 roots); Group 2: 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA for 2 minute (10 roots); Group 3: 2.0% chlorhexidine (10 roots); Group 4: 2.0% chlorhexidine and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes (10 roots); Group 5: saline solution (5 roots); Group 6: saline solution and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes (5 roots). After instrumentation, the canals were irrigated with each one of the solutions and the roots were cut in the buccolingual direction for SEM analysis, at the cervical, middle and apical thirds, to ascertain the presence or absence of smear layer and debris. SEM analysis was performed by three calibrated examiners and scores were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis test at the significance level of p = 5%. Results showed that the use of 17% EDTA decreased the smear layer significantly (p < 0.05) for all evaluated solutions in all thirds. When EDTA was not used, a significantly higher quantity of smear layer on the apical third was observed only in the NaOCl groups. The use of 17% EDTA was significant for debris removal except for the chlorhexidine groups. The following conclusion could be drawn: the use of 17% EDTA was necessary to enhance cleanness of the root canals.

Influence of calcium hydroxide dressing on the obturation of simulated lateral canals

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate what influence an interappointment dressing with calcium hydroxide might have on the ability to subsequently obturate simulated lateral canals. Twenty extracted single-rooted human teeth were instrumented at the working length to a #35 file before creating three simulated lateral canals on the mesial and distal surfaces of the root, one in each third, using a #15 engine reamer. After enlarging the root canals to a #45 file, the teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 10. In both groups AH26 was used as the sealer. In group A, the obturation was performed immediately using Ultrafil. In group B, root canals were filled with calcium hydroxide and incubated for 7 days. The teeth were then reinstrumented, irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, dried with paper points, and obturated as in group A. Teeth in group A showed a larger number of filled lateral canals compared with those in group B. Statistical significant differences were observed when comparing the same third in the two groups (apical third p < 0.05, middle third p < 0.01, and coronal third p < 0.01). No differences were found among the different thirds in the same group (p > 0.05).

Effect of calcium hydroxide form and placement on root dentine pH

AIM

The aim of this study was to measure variations in dentinal pH following the placement of various forms of calcium hydroxide in either the root canal or the pulp chamber.

METHODOLOGY

Extracted single-rooted human teeth were prepared, and the root canals instrumented using a conventional technique. Three cavities were drilled through the root dentine to within 1 mm of the canal wall at the cervical, middle and apical thirds. A total of 125 teeth were randomly divided into five groups; group 1: pure aqueous calcium hydroxide paste (calcium hydroxide/distilled water solution) was placed in the root canal; group 2: the same aqueous calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the pulp chamber; group 3: Hycal, a new form of calcium hydroxide paste, was placed in the pulp chamber; group 4: calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points were placed in the root canal; group 5: control group, wet canal (distilled water) without medication. The access cavities and apical ends were sealed, and the teeth were placed in individual vials containing phosphate-buffered saline, and stored at 37 degrees C. The pH was measured in the dentinal cavities at 8 h and at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days using a calibrated microelectrode.

RESULTS

At 8 h and 1, 2, and 3 days, the highest pH values were obtained when the aqueous calcium hydroxide paste was placed in the pulp chamber. At 7 days, the pH had increased in the Hycal group without being significantly different from the aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed either in the root canal or in the pulp chamber. At 14 days, Hycal( had the highest pH values (pH 10.65); however, at 21 days no significant difference was noted amongst these first three groups. Control group values ranged from 7.88 to 8.60; the pH created by the calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points was lower than for the control group. Whatever the product or placement location, cervical pH was similar to middle pH, and greater than apical. However, there was no significant difference between the three when all groups were combined. Overall, aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed in the pulp chamber provided the highest pH values during the experiment, except at day 14. The aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed in the root canal or Hycal had similar values at days 7 and 21.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions of this study, an aqueous calcium hydroxide paste placed in the pulp chamber increased dentinal pH more than the other techniques. The pH of dentine is affected by the form of calcium hydroxide used.

Root and canal morphology of Burmese mandibular molars

AIM

To study the root canal morphology of Burmese mandibular molars using a canal staining and tooth clearing technique.

METHODOLOGY

Mandibular molars (331) were collected from indigenous Burmese patients and designated; first (139), second (134), third (58) molars. Following pulp tissue removal and staining of the canal systems with Indian ink, the teeth were decalcified and rendered clear with methyl salicylate. Under magnification (x3), the following features were evaluated: (i) root number and morphology, (ii) number of canals per root, (iii) root canal configuration (Vertucci's classification), (iv) number of apical foramina per root, (v) number and location of lateral canals and (vi) the presence of intercanal communications.

RESULTS

Most of the mandibular molars had two separate roots (90% in first molars, 58% in second molars, 53% in third molars) and three-rooted teeth were (10%) confined to first molars. C-shaped roots occurred in 22.4% of mandibular second molars and a further 14.9% had two fused roots. The majority (81-100%) of conical distal roots possessed a simple type I (single canal) configuration. Whilst the canal system of mesial roots was more complex: 52-85% contained two canals, of which type II (two orifices, one foramen) and type IV (two separate canals) were the most prevalent. A broad range of 6.5-70% had intercanal communications. Fused/single-rooted molars had a wide variety of canal system types but intercanal communications were rare except in C-shaped roots (33%) of second molars. The majority of roots of all molars contained one or two apical foramina (91-96%) and the apical third had the highest prevalence of lateral canals.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of three-rooted mandibular first molars and C-shaped roots/canals in mandibular second molars from a Burmese population. Conical roots tend to have simple canal systems, whilst flatter/broader roots have more complex canal systems.

The influence of preparation technique and sodium hypochlorite on removal of pulp and predentine from root canals of posterior teeth

AIM

To test the null hypothesis that removal of pulp tissue and predentine from root canals of multirooted teeth is not significantly different when performed by one of two mechanical preparation techniques in conjunction with either water or 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation.

METHODOLOGY

Forty-six freshly extracted premolar or molar teeth, with pulps vital at the time of extraction, were assigned to four groups balanced by anatomy (group 1, step-back filing/NaOCl; group 2, step-back filing/water; group 3, automated rotary/NaOCl; group 4, automated rotary/water). Preparation was undertaken by a single operator and the volumes of irrigant recorded for each tooth. One root from each tooth was prepared for transverse histological assessment at eight levels, including one at and two apical to the working length. A validated index was used to measure the presence and location of residual pulp tissue and predentine.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found in the frequency with which residual pulp tissue or predentine were observed amongst the groups. Coronal parts were more frequently devoid of pulp tissue and predentine than the apical. Canals were frequently occluded with residual pulp tissue apical to the working length. There was a trend for better pulp and predentine removal in accessible parts of the canal as a function of rotary preparation and NaOCl irrigation. The isthmus had residual pulp tissue less frequently in the NaOCl groups. Accessory anatomy was unaffected regardless of technique or irrigant.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulp tissue and predentine removal were not significantly different between a step-back filing and an automated rotary preparation technique in conjunction with water or NaOCl.

Effect of access cavity location and design on degree and distribution of instrumented root canal surface in maxillary anterior teeth

AIM

The null hypothesis tested in this study was that in single-rooted anterior teeth with simple root canal anatomy, different access cavity designs ('lingual cingulum', 'lingual conventional', 'incisal straight-line') do not influence the ability of endodontic files to plane the walls of the root canals.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty extracted human maxillary anterior teeth were divided randomly into three groups for each access cavity. The access cavities were prepared according to predefined criteria and the roots embedded in individual polyvinyl-siloxane putty matrices. The matrices allowed these teeth to be split into buccal and palatal halves and to be reassembled. The split teeth enabled removal of pulpal remnants from the root canal system and the walls to be stained with an even layer of permanent black ink. Once dried, the split roots were reassembled in the putty matrices and a step-back filing technique was used to prepare the canals with water irrigation. The canal walls were examined for residual ink staining and scored by three independent assessors using an index devised for the purpose.

RESULTS

There was good agreement between the assessors. None of the access cavities allowed file contact with the entire root canal wall. The overall (palatal and buccal sections) scores showed significant differences (P < 0.01) between the access cavity groups in the extent to which the canal walls could be filed. The straight-line incisal access cavity had the greatest proportion of instrumented root canal surface. The lingual cingulum access cavity was the worst in this respect. The differences in residual ink scores between the access cavity types were significant for the buccal halves (P < 0.01) but not for the palatal halves (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The null hypothesis was proven. Regardless of access cavity design, mechanical preparation did not allow instrumentation of the entire root canal wall. Straight-line access allowed the greatest proportion of the root canal wall to be instrumented and the lingual cingulum access the least.

Effect of exposing dentine to sodium hypochlorite and calcium hydroxide on its flexural strength and elastic modulus

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions (3%, 5%) and saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution, individually and consecutively, on the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of standardized dentine bars.

METHODOLOGY

Standardized plano-parallel dentine bars (n = 121) were divided into five test groups and one control group. The control group 1 consisted of dentine bars, stored in normal saline until testing. The dentine bars in the five test groups were treated by exposure to the following solutions; group 2--3% NaOCl, 2 h; group 3--5% NaOCl, 2 h; group 4--saturated Ca(OH)2 solution, 1 week; group 5--3% NaOCl, 2 h and then saturated Ca(OH)2 solution 1 week; group 6--5% NaOCl, 2 h and then saturated Ca(OH)2 solution 1 week. The dentine bars were then loaded to failure in a three-point bend test.

RESULTS

The data revealed a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the modulus of elasticity and flexural strength of the dentine bars treated with 3% and 5% NaOCl. There was no significant difference in the flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity between the 3% and 5% NaOCl groups. Exposure to Ca(OH)2 significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the flexural strength but had no significant effect on the modulus of elasticity. The groups treated with sodium hypochlorite followed by calcium hydroxide did not have moduli of elasticity and flexural strengths that were significantly different from those treated only with sodium hypochlorite.

CONCLUSIONS

NaOCl (3 & 5%) reduced the modulus of elasticity and flexural strength of dentine. Saturated Ca(OH)2 reduced the flexural strength of dentine but not the modulus of elasticity. Sequential use of NaOCl and Ca(OH)2 has no additional weakening effect.

Advances in endodontics

Progress in diagnosis, prevention of diseases, treatment of exposed pulp, root canal treatment, retreatment and surgery is reported. Contemporary biological research techniques could set the foundation for a more rational approach to treatment. Pulp inflammation may be prevented by inhibiting bacteria from colonising dentine surfaces. Specific factors could be synthesised to stimulate normal dentine deposition over pulp exposures. Significant improvements have been made in instruments and techniques available for root canal treatment and surgery but there is no clinical evidence that they improve periapical healing.