Comparison of the shaping characteristics of Neolix and Protaper Universal systems in preparation of severely-curved simulated canals

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the shaping characteristics of two types of nickel-titanium endodontic file systems with regard to the following parameters: Canal straightening, Canal deviation and Instrumentation time. Fifty severely curved canals simulated in resin blocks were prepared to an apical size 25 using Protaper Universal orNeolix systems (n=25 canals/group). The angle of canal curvature was determined before and after instrumentation. Pre- and post-operative images were superimposed to determine any canal deviation. The instrumentation time was also recorded. The data were statistically analyzed by using independent sample t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the change in canal angle (P > 0.05). The Neolix system produced less canal deviation at 7 of the 12 measuring points (p<0.05). The Neolix system also required less instrumentation time (p<0.05). Both rotary systems were capable of maintaining the original curvature of the root canal; however, the Neolix system resulted in less canal deviation as well as shorter instrumentation time

In Vitro Comparison of Apical Leakage in Root Canals Obturated with 0.04 and 0.02 Tapered Gutta-Percha

INTRODUCTION: Gutta-percha is the most commonly used material for root canal obturation; it has been recently manufactured with different tapers. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare microleakage of canals obturated with standard gutta-percha (0.02 taper) or the new 0.04 taper gutta-percha master cone using the cold lateral condensation technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four extracted single rooted teeth were selected. The crowns were removed and all the canals were prepared using RaCe rotary files. The teeth were then divided into experimental (n=2) and control (n=2) groups. In the first study group, the teeth were obturated with 0.02 taper gutta-percha master cone and lateral condensation. In the second study group, the canals were obturated by 0.04 tapered master cones and the same obturation method. The degree of leakage was measured using fluid filtration method. Data were analyzed statistically by student t-test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the mean microleakage of two experimental groups (P=0.558). CONCLUSION: Lateral condensation technique using 0.04 tapered master cones can provide an effective apical seal similar to 0.02 gutta-percha cones

Vital Pulp Therapy with Three Different Pulpotomy Agents in Immature Molars: A Case Report

Introduction: This case report describes apexogenesis treatment of three molar teeth of an 8-year-old boy using three different pulpotomy agents. Methods: Pulpotomy was performed on decayed immature molar teeth with established irreversible pulpitis and the remaining pulp was capped with either zinc oxide eugenol, ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate or calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement. Teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Results: Eighteen months clinical and radiographic follow-up revealed successful preservation of pulpal vitality with continued root development in all treated teeth. Conclusion: Based on this case report, CEM cement may be an alternative option for pulpotomy treatment of immature permanent molars

A Review on Vital Pulp Therapy in Primary Teeth

Maintaining deciduous teeth in function until their natural exfoliation is absolutely necessary. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is a way of saving deciduous teeth. The most important factors in success of VPT are the early diagnosis of pulp and periradicular status, preservation of the pulp vitality and proper vascularization of the pulp. Development of new biomaterials with suitable biocompatibility and seal has changed the attitudes towards preserving the reversible pulp in cariously exposed teeth. Before exposure and irreversible involvement of the pulp, indirect pulp capping (IPC) is the treatment of choice, but after the spread of inflammation within the pulp chamber and establishment of irreversible pulpitis, removal of inflamed pulp tissue is recommended. In this review, new concepts in preservation of the healthy pulp tissue in deciduous teeth and induction of the reparative dentin formation with new biomaterials instead of devitalization and the consequent destruction of vital tissues are discussed

New Approaches in Vital Pulp Therapy in Permanent Teeth

Vitality of dental pulp is essential for long-term tooth survival. The aim of vital pulp therapy is to maintain healthy pulp tissue by eliminating bacteria from the dentin-pulp complex. There are several different treatment options for vital pulp therapy in extensively decayed or traumatized teeth. Pulp capping or pulpotomy procedures rely upon an accurate assessment of the pulp status, and careful management of the remaining pulp tissue. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of new approaches in vital pulp therapy in permanent teeth

Evaluation of Conventional Radiography and an Electronic Apex Locator in Determining the Working Length in C-shaped Canals

Introduction: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of working length determination using the apex locator versus conventional radiography in C-shaped canals. Methods and Materials: After confirming the actual C-shaped anatomy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), 22 extracted C-shaped mandibular second molars were selected and decoronated at the cemento-enamel junction. The actual working length of these canals were determined by inserting a #15 K-file until the tip could be seen through the apical foramen and the working length was established by subtracting 0.5 mm from this length. The working length was also determined using conventional analog radiography and electronic apex locator (EAL) that were both compared with the actual working length. The data was statistically analyzed using paired t-test and marginal homogeneity test. Results: There was no significant differences between the working length obtained with apex locator and that achieved through conventional radiography in terms of measuring the mesiolingual and distal canals (P&gt;0.05); while, significant differences were observed in measurements of the mesiobuccal canals (P=0.036). Within ±0.5 mm of tolerance margin there was no significant difference between EAL and conventional radiography. Conclusion: The apex locator was more accurate in determination of the working length of C-shaped canals compared with the conventional radiography.Keywords: C-shaped Canals; Electronic Apex Locator; Radiography; Working Lengt

Conservative Treatment of an Invaginated Maxillary Lateral Incisor with a C-shaped Canal Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

This report describes the non-surgical treatment of an invaginated maxillary lateral incisor with two fused roots. The mesial root had a C-shaped canal, while the distal one had a type III dens invagination. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to help with the diagnosis and treatment decision making. Clinical and radiographic follow-up revealed satisfactory periapical repair and absence of symptoms after 15 months.Keywords: C-Shaped Canal; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Dens Invagination; Dens Invaginatus; Dens in Dente; Invaginated Teeth; Maxillary Lateral Inciso

Microscopic Evaluation of Cleaning Efficiency of Three Different Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the cleaning efficiency of Mtwo, Race and Medin Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty mandibular molar mesial roots were selected with angle curvatures between 25-35 degrees and divided into three groups; each containing 20 teeth. Canals were prepared with the rotary files and irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl solution after each instrument. Total of 5mL of normal saline was used as the final rinse; subsequently the canals were dried with paper points. The amount of debris and smear layer in three parts of the root canal walls was evaluated using SEM and the data were analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The results for remnant debris in the coronal part of root canals were similar, whereas in the middle third, Mtwo instruments achieved significantly better results compared to Race and Medin instruments. In the apical third of the root canals more debris was created by Race instruments. CONCLUSION: Overall, Mtwo instruments had greater success in producing clean canals