Regenerative Endodontic Treatment with Orthodontic Treatment in a Tooth with Dens Evaginatus: A Case Report with a 4-year Follow-up

Dens evaginatus is a developmental tooth anomaly in which an extra cusp or tubercle protrudes on the occlusal surface of the tooth along with some pulpal tissue. Because of the fragile nature of the protrusion, these teeth are often at risk of pulpal exposure. When this occurs in an immature tooth, regenerative endodontic treatment may be a good treatment approach to promote root formation. There is limited literature that documents the occurrence of orthodontic treatment in teeth that have undergone regenerative endodontic therapy using triple antibiotic paste. Here we present a case of an immature premolar tooth with dens evaginatus that was diagnosed with pulp necrosis and chronic apical abscess. The tooth was treated with regenerative endodontic treatment; after which, the patient received orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances for 2 years. The tooth responded favorably to the regenerative endodontic treatment and orthodontic tooth movement. Clinically and radiographically, all the follow-up examinations revealed an asymptomatic tooth with evidence of periapical healing with stunted root development. The tooth remained asymptomatic even after 4 years. The regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) was successful in treating an immature permanent premolar with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis with dens evaginatus. In this case, the tooth treated with an REP responded to orthodontic treatment similar to the nonendodontically treated teeth. Further studies are recommended to clarify the precise effects of orthodontic treatment on teeth treated with an REP.     

Regenerative endodontic procedure combined with non-surgical root canal treatment in an immature permanent maxillary molar: A 7-year follow-up case report

The aim of this report is to present the results of a personalised endodontic treatment for an immature molar, using regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) combined with non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT), with 7 years of follow-up. The tooth#3 presented combined endodontic pathologies in each root, with different pulpal and periapical status. A REP in the palatal (P) canal and a NSCRT in the mesio-buccal (MB) and disto-buccal (DB) canals were performed. Absence of clinical signs/symptoms and continuous palatal root development with apical closure were observed over 4-years. After 5-years an apical lesion in the MB root was observed. Both MB canals were selectively retreated by completely filling them with TotalFill BC RRM Fast Set putty. After 7-years, the tooth remained functional and the apical lesion was resolving. The palatal root was completely mature. This case report reveals the potential for use of combined treatment approaches for immature multirooted teeth.     

Combined Regenerative and Vital Pulp Therapies in an Immature Mandibular Molar: A Case Report

IntroductionThis report describes the treatment of an immature mandibular molar by combining vital pulp therapy (VPT) and regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs). It details the use of REP to regain functionality and continued root development of an immature root with pulp necrosis and VPT for an immature root containing vital pulpal tissues.MethodsAn 8-year old male presented for evaluation of a mandibular first right molar with mild buccal swelling and a nontraceable sinus tract. He recently had received a restoration. After intraoral and radiographic examination, a diagnosis of pulp necrosis and chronic apical abscess was made. After access, pulp necrosis was confirmed in the distal root; however, vital pulp tissues were present in the mesial canals. It was decided on pulpotomy (VPT) in the mesial and REP in the distal root. At the initial visit, pulpotomy was completed in the mesial root, and REP was initiated in the distal root. Three weeks later, the patient was asymptomatic and the sinus tract absent. REP was completed in the distal root, and the tooth was restored.ResultsAt the 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-up, the patient presented without symptoms, and the tooth responded positively to pulp sensibility tests. Radiographic examinations showed resolution of the apical radiolucency and completed root development.ConclusionsCombined treatment using both VPT and REP for immature molars with different pulpal status in individual roots may be a preferable treatment option because preservation of vital pulp tissues and regeneration of new vital tissues allow for continued root development and functionality.     

Impact of Case Difficulty on Endodontic Mishaps in an Undergraduate Student Clinic

Introduction

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of case difficulty on the number of endodontic mishaps and the number of treatment visits using 2 different instrumentation methods, hand files, and reciprocating engine-driven WaveOne files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) in an undergraduate student clinic.

Modified Apexification Procedure for Immature Permanent Teeth with a Necrotic Pulp/Apical Periodontitis: A Case Series

The current American Association of Endodontists clinical considerations for a regenerative endodontic procedure state that a regenerative procedure is suitable for immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp when the pulp space is not needed for a post/core in the final restoration. Therefore, many immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp that have sustained a substantial loss of coronal tooth structure either from caries or trauma are treated by apexification or mineral trioxide aggregate/Biodentine (Septodent, Lancaster, PA) apical barrier techniques in which no further root maturation would occur. This case series presents 10 immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp in which a post/core was likely required in the future for adequate coronal restoration because of loss of substantial coronal tooth structure and a modified apexification procedure was used. All 10 cases after the modified apexification procedure showed no clinical symptoms/signs and showed radiographic evidence of healed/healing of periapical lesion after a 2-year review. Eight cases showed increased thickness of the apical root canal walls, increased apical root length, and apical closure. The overall percentage change in root length was 7.52%, in root width at the apical one third it was 18.89%, and in radiographic root area it was 15.04% at the 24- to 72-month follow-up period. This modified apexification procedure allows for the tooth to be restored with a post/core if required for the final restoration in the future as well as continued root development.     

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures for the Treatment of Necrotic Mature Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

IntroductionRegenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are intended to repair and regenerate part of the pulp-dentin complex. The aim of this study was to systematically appraise the existing evidence on the effectiveness of REPs on mature teeth with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis.MethodsElectronic database and hand searches were performed on 8 databases of published and unpublished literature from inception to January 3, 2021, for the identification of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective clinical trials. The related key words included “regenerative,” “pulp revascularization,” “revitalization procedure,” and “necrotic mature teeth.” A random effects meta-analysis was conducted assessing success as the main outcome treatment. Risk of bias was assessed through the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the quality of the evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.ResultsOf the 337 initial hits, 4 RCTs were eligible for inclusion, whereas 3 were included in the quantitative synthesis. Overall, there was no difference in the relative risk for a successful/unsuccessful treatment outcome between REPs or conventional treatment (3 studies, relative risk = 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.15; P = .61; heterogeneity I² = 0.0%, P = .53; prediction interval = 0.51–2.09). Risk of bias ranged from low to raising some concerns, whereas the quality of the evidence was graded as moderate.ConclusionsBased on moderate-quality evidence, REPs appear as a viable treatment alternative for mature necrotic teeth with periapical lesions at present. Furthermore, well-designed RCTs might also provide confirmatory evidence in this respect while also framing a backbone for standardization of the therapeutic protocol of REPs.     

Ingrowth of Mineralized Tissue into the Root Canal of Immature Permanent Teeth after a Traumatic Injury: A Report of 3 Cases

The aim of this case series was to describe the endodontic management of 3 immature permanent teeth that sustained traumatic injuries and subsequently presented with complete ingrowth of mineralized tissue into the canal space. Ingrowth of bone/mineralized tissue into the canal has been considered a poor long-term outcome with an inherent risk of ankylosis. In cases 1 and 2, no endodontic treatment was undertaken, except for emergency management requiring splinting. The cases were followed for 36 and 23 months, respectively. No ankylosis was evident over the review period, and normal teeth eruption was apparent. In case 1, the tooth was treated orthodontically and was responsive to pulp sensibility testing. In both cases, there was an appearance of an internal periodontal ligament–like space on the inner root wall of the canal. In case 3, 2 years postinjury, pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis occurred, and the tooth was managed with regenerative endodontic treatment consistent with the European Society of Endodontology and the American Association of Endodontists guidelines/recommendations for a regenerative procedure. The case was followed for 8 years after regenerative endodontic treatment. No ankylosis was noted with normal eruption of the teeth. The tooth was responsive to pulp sensibility testing despite the ingrowth of mineralized tissue, which was confirmed clinically.     

Treatment of an Acute Apical Abscess in a Patient With Autoimmune Hepatitis Taking Alendronate: A Case Report

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to report a patient's clinical case who was diagnosed with severe apical abscess and with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) using immunosuppressive drugs and bisphosphonate.MethodsA 32-year-old man of black African descent urgently sought dental surgery because of an increase in volume in the right genic region and a nuisance in the region of the lower right second premolar when chewing. After intraoral and radiographic clinical examination, the patient was diagnosed with pulp necrosis and an acute apical abscess. Because he had AIH and was taking corticosteroids and bisphosphonate (alendronate), he was submitted to endodontic therapy as a minimally invasive treatment, considering his systemic state.ResultsAfter 3 years of follow-up treatment with periapical and tomographic radiographic control, bone repair of the periapical region of the tooth was observed.ConclusionsThrough this report, we can infer that it is possible to reverse the condition of a periapical lesion in a tooth with an acute apical abscess and necrotic pulp in an AIH patient who is using alendronate without the need for more invasive procedures and that would put at risk the patient's general and oral condition in the postoperative period.     

Contribution of Endodontic Pathology to Persistent Orofacial Pain: A Case Report

Identifying the etiology and correct diagnoses for long-standing orofacial pain can be very challenging, especially in patients who have both odontogenic and nonodontogenic pain. This case report describes the successful management of a complex case of chronic orofacial pain in a patient with nonodontogenic chronic pain conditions and a maxillary molar tooth with persistent periapical pathology after endodontic treatment. The debilitating orofacial pain began after initial nonsurgical root canal treatment of the maxillary molar 3 years before presenting to our clinic. The initial clinical and radiographic assessment by our multidisciplinary team found that there were potentially both peripheral endodontic pathology and central pain mechanisms contributing to the long-standing pain. The diagnosis was shared with the patient's neurologist, who prescribed gabapentin, a centrally acting analgesic, and partial pain reduction was achieved. The odontogenic component of the orofacial pain was then addressed, by treating the persistent periapical infection and buccal bone fenestration of the roots of the maxillary molar. Treatments included both nonsurgical retreatment and surgical endodontic therapy (including root resection, root-end preparation, and retrofilling), and each significantly improved the patient's ongoing orofacial pain. After the successful endodontic treatments, the patient reported minimal pain and normal oral function. The case report highlights the importance of systematically treating endodontic pathology in a patient with long-standing orofacial pain, with both odontogenic and nonodontogenic components.     

Regenerative Endodontics: A Potential Solution for External Root Resorption (Case Series)

IntroductionRegenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are aimed to treat apical periodontitis and promote root maturation of immature necrotic teeth. However, REPs are not intended to be a primary indication for treating or arresting external root resorption (ERR). The purpose of this study was to describe REP treatment in the cessation of ERR.MethodsFour cases (5 teeth) of posttraumatic immature teeth diagnosed with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess were treated with REPs using plasma-rich fibrin as a scaffold. All the teeth showed ERR and have been followed up to 3 years.ResultsThis case series shows how REPs arrested ERR. In 3 of the cases, replacement resorption was arrested, thus avoiding complications of ankylosis and the need for decoronation.ConclusionsIn addition to the known advantages of REPs, we show that REPs are a promising treatment modality for arresting ERR, warranting further clinical trials.     

Association of Chronic Systemic Medications with the Incidence,Prevalence, or Healing of Endodontic Disease: A Systematic Review

IntroductionRecently, the use of long-term systemic medications, including biologicals, to manage various chronic systemic diseases has increased. The association between these medications and the pathogenesis or healing of endodontic diseases remains poorly understood. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the relationship between the long-term use of systemic medications and the incidence, prevalence, and/or healing of endodontic diseases and conditions.MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted using the electronic MEDLINE Ovid, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases followed by manual searching and citation mining for all articles eligible per the inclusion criteria.ResultsA total of 2470 citations were screened, and 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The selected studies included 9 cohort or cross-sectional studies and 3 case-control studies with a low to moderate overall risk of bias mostly. Some medications were associated with either an increased or decreased prevalence of apical periodontitis, whereas other medications were associated with an incidence of pulp calcification or cervical root resorption.ConclusionsSystemic medications may be associated with the incidence, prevalence, or healing of endodontic diseases and conditions, but the level of evidence is low. This warrants more well-designed longitudinal clinical studies on the role of chronic systemic medications as well as controlling for medications when the systemic diseases are studied.     

Treatment of a Hypertaurodontic Maxillary Second Molar in a Patient with 10 Taurodonts: A Case Report

Introduction

Taurodontism is an aberration in tooth morphology characterized by vertically enlarged pulp chambers, apical displacement of pulp floors, and short roots. So far in the literature, no more than 8 taurodonts have been reported in 1 patient. The aim of this case report was to describe the endodontic management of a hypertaurodont maxillary second molar and to present a rare case with 10 taurodonts in a black man with a biometric analysis using cone-beam computed tomographic imaging.

Methods

An 18 year-old black man was referred to the postgraduate endodontic clinic for emergency treatment. The patient's medical history was noncontributory. Tooth #2 had lingering pain in response to the cold test and was positive to both percussion and palpation. Radiographic examination showed the characteristics of taurodontism and periapical radiolucency around the root apices of tooth #2. Tooth #2 was diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. The tooth was endodontically treated in 2 appointments. A panoramic radiograph showed multiple taurodontism. At the follow-up, a cone-beam computed tomographic scan was taken to further evaluate and diagnose taurodontism. Ten molars showed taurodontism including 7 hypertaurodonts, 2 mesotaurodonts, and a hypotaurodont. High variations of root canal anatomy were observed among taurodonts including maxillary and mandibular hypertaurodonts with C-shape canals.

Conclusions

The present case describes 10 taurodonts in a patient with no specific syndromes and endodontic treatment of a hypertaurodont maxillary second molar. Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging may be useful in the evaluation and management of the anatomic complexity of roots and root canals of taurodonts.     

Influence of Apical Diameter on the Outcome of Regenerative Endodontic Treatment in Teeth with Pulp Necrosis: A Review

Introduction

The aim of this review was to evaluate whether the apical diameter of teeth with necrotic pulp affects the outcomes of regenerative endodontic treatment and to determine the minimal apical size needed to obtain proper pulp revascularization.

Long-term Complications of Previously Successful Regenerative Endodontic Procedures after Orthodontic Movement: A Report of 3 Different Complications after 4, 8, and 11 Years

There is a paucity of literature on late complications of regenerative endodontic procedures. The aim of this article was to report 3 cases of previously successful regenerative endodontic procedures with long-term follow-up that developed different complications after the application of orthodontic forces. In the first case, an 8-year-old female patient received a regenerative endodontic procedure in her previously intruded tooth (tooth no. 21) that had been rendered necrotic after a successful spontaneous repositioning procedure. The 5-year follow-up revealed uneventful healing, continuous root development, dentinal wall thickening, and regaining of pulp vitality for tooth no. 21. Four years later, the patient received orthodontic treatment with mild forces that lasted 2 years. The 11-year follow-up revealed severe external invasive cervical resorption, and the tooth had to be extracted. In the second case, a 6-year-old female patient suffered a lateral luxation injury in tooth no. 11. Six months after the injury, the tooth developed symptoms and discoloration and tested negative in pulp vitality testing. Single-step regenerative endodontic procedures were applied, and successful continuous root development, dentinal wall thickening, and apical closure were achieved at the 3-year follow-up. Two months after the initiation of orthodontic treatment, the tooth developed symptomatic apical periodontitis. Root canal treatment was performed to treat the disease, and the orthodontic treatment was continued. In the third case, a previously published successful regenerative endodontic procedure developed a perforating internal resorption 6 months after the application of orthodontic forces. The internal resorption was arrested with root canal treatment, the resorptive defect was repaired with bioceramic obturation, and the orthodontic treatment plan was modified. Previously successful regenerative cases might develop external invasive cervical resorption, regenerative tissue necrosis, or internal resorption after the application of orthodontic forces. Best practice/evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate orthodontic management of successful regenerative endodontic therapy teeth are lacking. Whenever possible, careful monitoring and partial or complete exclusion off orthodontic treatment might be necessary. In some cases, preventive root canal treatment before the initiation of orthodontic movement might be considered.     

Internal Resorption of Multiple Posterior Teeth in a Patient Diagnosed with Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report

This case reports a 46-year-old man with end-stage renal disease and internal resorption (IR) affecting multiple posterior teeth. IR involves odontoclast’s removal of dentin within pulp chambers and root canal space. Typically, asymptomatic until detected on radiographs, IR is relatively rare, so the etiology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. Patients’ radiographs with cone-beam computed tomography revealed extensive IR in multiple premolars and all remaining molar teeth. Blood tests and hormonal assay measured elevated phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels consistent with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Histopathology showed highly vascularized and inflamed pulp tissues with numerous odontoclast-like multinucleated giant cells along dentinal walls and in resorption lacunae. Immunohistochemistry showed that multinucleated giant cells and adjacent mononuclear precursors stained strongly for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase like osteoclasts. Extraction of crown-root fractures and endodontic treatment with crown restorations for all IR teeth effectively arrested disease progression at 9 months’ follow-up. Elevated parathyroid hormone from secondary hyperparathyroidism that promotes bone osteoclast activity may also stimulate odontoclasts causing IR.     

Infection in a Complex Network of Apical Ramifications as the Cause of Persistent Apical Periodontitis: A Case Report

Introduction

This article reports a case of persistent apical periodontitis lesion in a mesiobuccal root of a maxillary molar subjected to single-visit endodontic treatment.

Methods

The treatment protocol followed endodontic standards including using nickel-titanium instruments with working length ending 0.5-mm short of the apex, establishment and maintenance of apical foramen patency, irrigation with 5% NaOCl, smear layer removal, a final rinse with and ultrasonic agitation of chlorhexidine, and filling by the vertical compaction technique. Even so, the lesion in the mesiobuccal root became larger in size after follow-up examination at 1 year 6 months, and periradicular surgery was performed. Radiographic control after 11 months showed that periradicular healing was almost complete. The root apex and the lesion were analyzed histologically and histobacteriologically.

Results

The lesion was diagnosed as a “pocket cyst,” and no bacteria were noted extraradicularly. The cause of continued disease was a heavy bacterial biofilm infection located in an intricate network of apical ramifications. Bacteria were also observed on the walls of one of the mesiobuccal canals packed between the obturation material and the root canal wall.

Conclusions

This case report reinforces the need for treating the infected root canal as a complex system that possesses anatomic intricacies in which bacteria can spread and remain unaffected by treatment procedures.     

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures in Necrotic Mature Teeth with Periapical Radiolucencies: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Study

IntroductionThis preliminary study compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) with that of conventional root canal treatment (CRCT) in necrotic mature teeth with periapical radiolucencies.MethodsFifty-six mature necrotic teeth with large periapical radiolucencies were distributed into 2 groups: group 1, REPs and group 2, CRCT (n = 28/group). Clinical and radiographic follow-up assessments were undertaken up to 12 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t test and the chi-square test, and the level of significance was set at P = .05.ResultsWith a follow-up rate of about 73.4% of the total patients for 12 months, favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes were found in 92.3% and 80% in REPs and CRCT groups, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). Half of the teeth treated with REPs responded to the electric pulp test.ConclusionsRegenerative endodontic procedures have the potential to be used as a treatment option for mature teeth with large periapical radiolucencies.     

Evaluation of Microsurgery with SuperEBA as Root-end Filling Material for Treating Post-treatment Endodontic Disease: A 2-year Retrospective Study

Introduction

This retrospective study assessed the effects of microsurgical treatment of post-treatment endodontic disease using SuperEBA (Bosworth, Skokie, IL) as the root-end filling material and evaluated the potential prognostic factors in relation to outcome.

Methods

Data were collected from patients diagnosed with post-treatment endodontic disease who then underwent endodontic microsurgery between April 2007 and October 2010. The effect was evaluated 2 years after the operation. Surgical procedures were performed by a single endodontic specialist. After surgery, operation records were recorded including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors from the clinical and radiographic measures. For statistical analysis of the predisposing factors, the dependent variable was the dichotomous outcome (ie, success vs failure).

Results

Eighty-two patients with 101 treated teeth met the inclusion criteria. The recall rate was 87.2%. Of these microsurgically treated cases, the overall healing rate was 93.1%. At the 0.05 significance level, age, sex, tooth position, size of periapical radiolucency, biopsy result of periapical lesion, and presence of a sinus tract appeared to have no significant effects on the outcome (P > .05).

Conclusions

Microsurgical endodontic treatment using SuperEBA as the root-end filling material is a favorable option for post-treatment endodontic disease.