Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the tissue repair capacity of four bioceramic endodontic sealers by quantifying type I and III collagen fibers. The following sealers were tested: EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler, Brasseler, Savannah, USA), Bio C Sealer (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil), Bioroot RCS (Septodont, Santa Catarina, Brazil), and Sealer Plus BC (MKLife, Porto Alegre, Brazil). Polyethylene tubes 1.5 mm in diameter and 1 cm in length containing the endodontic sealers were implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of five rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar lineage). After 14 days, the animals were euthanized, and collagen fibers were quantified from the histological tissue sections. Given a non-normal distribution of the data, a gamma regression with log link function was employed and implemented through the generalized linear models module, was used to test whether there was a significant difference between the sealers. The pairwise comparison was performed using Least significant difference. There were significant differences between the sealers for type I (p=0.001), type III (p=0.023), and total collagen (p=0.002). Overall, Bioroot sealer was statistically superior to the other sealers, except in the analysis of type III collagen, in which there was no difference between the Bioroot sealer and Bio C Sealer sealer and the control group (p>0.05). Bioroot RCS bioceramic endodontic sealer stimulates a greater production of collagen.

Resumo Este estudo visou avaliar a capacidade de reparação de tecidos de quatro cimentos endodônticos biocerâmicos através da quantificação de fibras colágenas de tipo I e III. Foram testados os seguintes cimentos: EndoSequence BC Sealer (Brasseler, Brasseler, Savannah, EUA), Bio C Sealer (Angelus, Londrina, Brasil), Bioroot RCS (Septodont, Santa Catarina, Brasil), e Sealer Plus BC (MKLife, Porto Alegre, Brasil). Foram implantados tubos de polietileno de 1,5 mm de diâmetro e 1 cm de comprimento contendo os cimentos endodônticos no tecido subcutâneo de cinco ratos (Rattus norvegicus albinus, linhagem Wistar). Após 14 dias, os animais foram eutanasiados e as fibras colágenas foram quantificadas a partir de cortes histológicos do tecido. Diante de uma distribuição não-normal dos dados, uma regressão gama com função de ligação log, implementada por meio do módulo de modelos lineares generalizados, foi empregada para testar se havia diferença significativa entre os cimentos. A comparação dois a dois foi realizada utilizando Least significant difference. Houve diferença significativa entre os cimentos para os colágenos tipo I (p=0,001), tipo III (p=0,023) e colágeno total (p=0,002). No geral, o cimento Bioroot foi estatisticamente superior aos demais cimentos, com exceção na análise do colágeno tipo III na qual não houve diferença entre o cimento Bioroot e o cimento Bio C Sealer e o grupo controle (p>0,05). O cimento endodôntico biocerâmico Bioroot RCS foi capaz de estimular uma maior produção de colágeno.

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess Brazilian endodontists’ level of knowledge about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and examine its professional repercussions. The link to the online survey that was created for this study was shared with Brazilian endodontists through social networking applications. The questionnaire contained questions that pertained to COVID-19 and its impact on dental practice. The collected data were analyzed using t-test, chi-square analysis, and analysis of variance, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. A total of 2,135 participants responded to the questionnaire, and all five Brazilian regions were represented in the sample. A total of 98.50% of endodontists reported that dental procedures can transmit COVID-19. Complete social distancing was practiced by 96.68% of the participants, and approximately 25% knew someone who had COVID-19. Moreover, in their daily practice, 72.13% of them implemented biosecurity measures that are ineffective in preventing COVID-19. Furthermore, 91.7% of them reportedly suspended elective dental procedures. Only 55.69% of them reported that they performed only emergency procedures in their workplaces. Those who believed that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted during dental procedures were less knowledgeable about the symptoms of COVID-19 (p = 0.0095). Endodontists who believed that personal protective equipment cannot prevent contamination were more knowledgeable about the symptoms of COVID-19 than their counterparts (p = 0.0003). The participating Brazilian endodontists demonstrated adequate knowledge about the risk of contamination during dental procedures and the main symptoms of COVID-19. Only some professionals reported providing emergency dental care during the pandemic.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the internal configuration of the maxillary molars of a population from the Northeast region of Brazil. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams from 512 patients (1501 teeth) were evaluated regarding the anatomical configuration of the root canal system, according to Vertucci’s classification. The images were obtained using a Prexion 3D scanner operating at 90 kVp and 4 mA. The voxel size was 0.125 mm and the cut thickness was 1 mm. The images were then analyzed in the Prexion 3D Viewer software. The data were analyzed statistically by Pearson’s chi-square test, with 5% of significance. The first and second molars presented three roots in 99.14% and 87.27% of the cases, respectively. In relation to the number of canals, the first and second molars had a significantly higher frequency of three and four root canals respectively, presenting a higher prevalence of types I and II (p < 0.001). The second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) was observed in 48.21% and 22.72% of the first and second molars, respectively (p < 0.001). The identification of the MB2 canal was greater in young and adult patients (p < 0.001), presenting a higher prevalence in male patients (p < 0.001). The internal configuration of the MB root was influenced by gender and by age, presenting a higher prevalence of the MB2 in male patients younger than 50 years of age.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to assess the penetration capacity of two endodontic cements, Endosequence BC Sealer and AH Plus, in artificial lateral canals. Twenty-six two-rooted, maxillary first premolars were instrumented to size 40.06 using K3 files. In each root, six lateral canals of two diameters (0.06 and 0.10 mm) were created with a working length of 2, 4, and 6 mm. The specimens were randomly divided into two groups according to the endodontic cement to be used (Endosequence BC Sealer and AH Plus) and obturated by the single-cone technique. The specimens were imaged by digital periapical radiography and scores from 0 to 4 were attributed according to the degree of penetration by sealers into the lateral canals. Data were analyzed statistically by Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. No significant difference was observed between the two endodontic cements used to fill the simulated lateral canals (p > 0.05). The diameter of lateral canals only influenced the capacity of the Endosequence BC Sealer in filling the canals, and presented greater penetration in the lateral canals of diameter 0.10 mm (p < 0.05). We concluded that the bioceramic endodontic cement Endosequence BC Sealer presented similar ability as AH Plus to fill simulated lateral canals.

Abstract: The introduction of automated instrumentation in endodontics represented a major advance in progress for this specialty, with improvements in the quality and predictability of root canal preparation and a significant reduction in procedural errors. In recent years, endodontic instruments have undergone a series of changes brought about by modifications in design, surface treatments, and thermal treatments. In addition, new movements have also been incorporated to offer greater safety and efficiency, optimizing the properties of the NiTi alloy, especially through eccentric rotary motion. An understanding of the mechanical properties of these new NiTi instruments and their effect on the clinical performance of root canal preparation is essential if dental practitioners are to select the instruments that provide optimal clinical outcomes, especially in curved or flattened canals. The objective of this literature review is to present and discuss the characteristics of the NiTi alloys used in the major instrumentation systems available in the market, as well as the influence of the metallurgical and mechanical properties of NiTi instruments and the movements that drive them, to enable more accurate and predictable planning of root canal preparation.

<sec><title>Aim:</title><p> To assess the effect of different torque values on cyclic fatigue resistance of K3 rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) files.</p></sec><sec><title>Methods:</title><p> Eighty K3 files, size 25 mm, taper 0.04 were divided in 4 groups according to different torques (0.5, 1, 2 and 6 Ncm) and were submitted to a cyclic fatigue test. This test was performed with a device that allowed the file to rotate inside a stainless steel artificial curved canal, simulating the pecking motion. Files rotated until fracture occurred and time to failure was recorded in seconds with a stopwatch. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05).</p></sec><sec><title>Results:</title><p> All groups were compared and only the group of 6 N.cm showed statistically significant difference (p=0.0002).</p></sec><sec><title>Conclusions:</title><p> For #25.04 K3 files, the evaluated torques up to 2 N.cm had no influence on cyclic fatigue resistance. Using 6 N.cm torque value resulted in lower resistance to cyclic fatigue.</p></sec>

The objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of reciprocating instrumentation in disinfecting oval-shaped root canals infected with Enterococcus faecalis. Forty-five human lower premolars were infected with a culture of E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) for 28 days. Five other teeth that were neither contaminated nor instrumented were used as controls. The 45 specimens were divided into three experimental groups (n = 15) based on the root canal preparation technique used: manual (K-type, Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland); rotary (MTwo, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany); and reciprocating (Reciproc R50, VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) instruments. During chemomechanical preparation, 21 mL of 2.5% NaOCl was used as the irrigating solution. Microbiological sampling was performed before (S1) and immediately after (S2) the chemomechanical preparation using sterilized paper points. Specimens were then cleaved, and 0.02 g of dentine chips was collected from the root thirds to verify the presence of microorganisms in dentinal tubules. All three preparation techniques reduced the number of microorganisms in the root canal lumen and dentine chips from the root thirds, but no significant differences were observed between the three groups (p > 0.05). Reciprocating instrumentation with Reciproc R50 was effective in reducing the number of microorganisms within the root canal system. Although this technique involves the use of only one file to perform the root canal therapy, it is as effective as conventional rotary instrumentation in reducing theE. faecalis biofilm from the root canal system. However, further clinical investigations are warranted in order to ratify these results.

Hyperdontia is one of the more studied anomalies of human dentition. This alteration represents the appearance of one or more teeth in a number greater of normal, occurring in mandible or in maxilla and could be unilateral or bilateral. The etiology of supernumerary teeth may be explained mainly due to the hyperactivity of dental plate in its initial phase; its early detection is important because of there have been a series of complications that may to cause diastemata, eruption retard or impacted teeth, inappropriate positioning of permanent teeth, occlusal misalignment and the development of odontogenic cysts or tumors. Thus, the diagnosis is normally made from a conventional radiographic examination, mainly the panoramic X-ray. The objective of present paper is the present four clinical cases of patients presenting with supernumerary molars, seen in the Radiology Service during the course of stomatology of the Federal University of Ceará.

La hiperdontia constituye una de las anomalías más estudiadas de la dentición humana. Esa alteración representa la aparición de uno o más dientes en cantidades mayores de lo normal, que puede ocurrir en la mandíbula o maxila y de manera unilateral o bilateral. La etiología de los dientes supernumerarios puede ser explicada principalmente por hiperactividad de la lámina dentaria en la fase inicial. Es importante la detección precoz de dientes supernumerarios porque se ha visto una serie de complicaciones como los diastemas, que pueden causar en la cavidad bucal: retardo de la erupción o dientes impactados, posicionamiento inadecuado de dientes permanentes, desajuste oclusal y el desarrollo de quistes y tumores odontógenos. Así el diagnóstico es normalmente realizado a partir de un examen radiográfico convencional, principalmente la radiografía panorámica. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo relatar 4 casos clínicos de pacientes con presencia de molares supernumerarios, que fueron atendidos en el Servicio de Radiología de la Escuela de Odontología de la Universidad Federal de Ceará.

The dental transposition is an anomaly characterized by the change in position among 2 or more teeth in the dental arch and it may to provoke different functional and esthetic problems being needed a correct diagnosis and an early treatment involving by general, a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of present paper is to relate the history of 3 cases in which the presence of a dental transposition was diagnosed and also to discuss on the possible therapeutical approaches emphasizing the significance of the early diagnosis.

La transposición dentaria es una anomalía caracterizada por el cambio de posición entre 2 dientes o más en el arco dentario. Esta anomalía puede provocar diversos problemas funcionales y estéticos y por estas razones necesita de un correcto diagnóstico para un tratamiento precoz, que involucra generalmente un abordaje multidisciplinario. El objetivo de este artículo fue relatar 3 casos donde fue diagnosticada la presencia de transposición dentaria. Se discutieron los posibles abordajes terapéuticos y se hizo énfasis en la importancia del diagnóstico precoz.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the removal of smear layer from the middle and apical root thirds after use of different irrigating solutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty roots of permanent human teeth had their canals instrumented and were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=10), according to the irrigating solution: apple vinegar (group A), apple vinegar finished with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (group B), 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) finished with 17% EDTA (group C) and saline (group D - control). After chemomechanical preparation, the roots were cleaved longitudinally and their middle and apical thirds were examined by SEM at ×1,000 magnification. Two calibrated examiners (kappa=0.92) analyzed the SEM micrographs qualitatively attributing scores that indicated the efficacy of the solutions in removing the smear layer from the surface of the dentin tubules (1 - poor, 2 - good and 3 - excellent). Data from the control and experimental groups were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test, while the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the middle and apical thirds of the canals within the same group (a=0.05). RESULTS: The middle third presented less amount of smear layer than the apical third, regardless of the irrigant. There was statistically significant difference (p=0.0402) among the groups in the middle third. In the apical third, the apple vinegar/EDTA group showed the greatest removal of smear layer (p=0.0373). CONCLUSION: Apple vinegar associated or not with EDTA was effective in removing smear layer when used as an endodontic irrigant.