Quantitative assessment of apical debris extrusion and intracanal debris in the apical third, using hand instrumentation and three rotary instrumentation systems

Apically Extruded Debris during Instrumentation using Different Engine Driven File Systems: A Comparative In Vitro Study

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the amount of apically extruded debris using three engine driven systems. METHODS: Sixty mandibular premolars with single root were used. The samples were divided into three groups with 20 teeth for each group: group 1 Neolix Neoniti A1 (25, 0.08), group 2 WaveOne GOLD Primary (25.07, red), and group 3 Protaper Next (PTN), using X1 (017/0.04), X2 (025/0.06) files. All files were used to prepare the root canals according to manufacturer instruction. Root canal preparation for each group was done according to manufacturer instructions using 16:1 gear reduction hand piece powered by a torque controlled electric motor. Debris collection was made using apparatus described by Myers and Montgomery. The extruded debris weight was measured by subtracting the weight of the empty Eppendorf tubes from the weight of the debris containing tubes results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance test revealed that there was statistically significant differences between all the three groups being tested (p < 0.001) showed that apical extrusion of the debris of WaveOne Gold was the least followed by Neolix Neoniti and finally PTN which showed the most apical extrusion of debris with a significant difference between all groups. CONCLUSIONS: WaveOne Gold was found to be the least apical extruded debris system among all groups.

Evaluation of postoperative pain in infected root canals after using double antibiotic paste versus calcium hydroxide as intra-canal medication: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Postoperative pain is defined as pain of any degree after initiation of endodontic treatment either intra-appointment or post-obturation and is considered an undesirable occurrence for both patient and dentist. It was suggested that bacterial injury is probably the major cause of pain. Intra-canal medicaments are widely used to kill any bacteria surviving after instrumentation and irrigation. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of double antibiotic paste versus calcium hydroxide used as intra-canal medication in reducing postoperative pain. Methods: 36 patients with single rooted necrotic premolars with apical periodontitis were randomly assigned into two groups according to the intra-canal medication used: calcium hydroxide group (CH) and double antibiotic paste group (DAP). Preoperative pain was recorded using numerical rating scale. After isolation, access cavity was performed followed by chemico-mechanical preparation using rotary Race files with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Subsequently, intra-canal medication was placed and postoperative pain was recorded at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Both groups resulted in an increase in median pain value from preoperative to 6 hours postoperative, followed by gradual decrease from 6 hours to 12, 24, 48 hours postoperatively with statistically significant difference. When comparing both groups, DAP group showed lower postoperative pain values than CH group at 12 and 24 hours, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The use of intra-canal medication in necrotic teeth with apical periodontitis was efficient in reducing postoperative pain regardless of type of intra-canal medication used. Trial registration: PACTR201605001482394 (Date: 22 nd February 2016).

Preferences of dentists and endodontists, in Saudi Arabia, on management of necrotic pulp with acute apical abscess

Background

This study aimed at investigating dental clinicians’ preferences on management of necrotic pulp with acute apical abscess (NPAAA) cases.

Methods

Following an ethical approval and two pilot studies, an electronic survey was emailed to 400 general dental practitioners (GDPs) and 56 endodontists. The email explained the study’s methods and assured that participants’ identities and information given would remain anonymous and confidential. A reminder email was sent after eight weeks. Responses were collected and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test at p = 0.05.

Results

The majority of respondents (86.3%) would deal with NPAAA cases “differently” from vital-pulp ones (p < 0.001). More endodontists (40%) used two or three irrgants than GDPs (29.5%). Whilst the highest proportion of endodontists (29.7%) rarely prescribed antibiotics, the highest proportion of GDPs (26%) generally did so (p < 0.001). Whilst the highest proportion of GDPs (26.9%) over-instrumented the largest canal in the first visit, most endodontists (56.8%) performed complete cleaning & shaping (C&S) (p < 0.001). In cases of non-stopped exudates, whilst the highest proportions of endodontists would either let the patient wait till the exudates significantly reduce then continue their intended approach (40.5%) or insert ICMs and temporize the tooth (40.5%), the highest proportion of GDPs (30.8%) would insert only dry cotton pellet without temporizing the tooth (p = 0.002). Of those who would leave the tooth open if non-stopped exudates presents in the first visit, the majority (81.9%) would temporize the tooth if little exudates present after C&S (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Clinicians, especially GDPs, opted to treat teeth involved in NPAAA differently from those with vital-pulp, such as: were using different ICMs and irrigants, C&S to different apical size preparation. GDPs should improve their practice by implementing multi-irrigants protocol while C&S, limit prescribing antibiotics, perform complete debridement of the root canal system and not to leave the tooth open between visits. Clinicians, especially GDPs, relied on their own experiences in managing NPAA cases which necessitates scientific-based guidelines.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12903-018-0574-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of three different rotary instrumentation systems on postinstrumentation pain: A randomized clinical trial

Background:

Endodontic instrumentation is liable to cause some postinstrumentation pain (PIP). Rotary endodontic instruments differ in their design, metallurgy, surface treatment, etc.

Aim:

This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the incidence of PIP after root canal instrumentation with three different rotary endodontic systems which differ in their design, namely, ProTaper, Mtwo, and K3.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 150 patients between the ages of 25 and 50 were chosen for the study. Teeth with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis due to carious exposure were selected. The patients received local anesthesia by inferior alveolar nerve block. After preparing the access cavity, root canal instrumentation was done with one of the three instruments (n = 50) and closed dressing was given. PIP was assessed every 12 h for 5 days, and tenderness to percussion was analyzed at the end of 1, 3, and 7 days.

Statistical Analysis:

Mann–Whitney U-test to determine significant differences at P < 0.01.

Results:

The PIP and tenderness were less in Mtwo group when compared to ProTaper and K3 groups up to 84 h and 72 h respectively and statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between ProTaper and K3 both in PIP and tenderness.

Conclusion:

Rotary endodontic instrumentation causes some degree of PIP and tenderness to percussion. Among the instruments used, Mtwo causes less PIP and tenderness when compared to ProTaper and K3, and there was no difference between ProTaper and K3.

Clinical Relevance:

PIP is highly subjective and may vary among different subjects. The apical (3 mm) taper of ProTaper was 0.08 followed by a smaller taper, whereas, the other two files were of a constant 0.06 taper, which means there could have been a greater apical extrusion and therefore more PIP. Despite, the mean of the age was similar, there could have been a difference in the size of the canal and therefore a difference in apical extrusion and PIP.