Persistent extraradicular infection in root-filled asymptomatic human tooth: scanning electron microscopic analysis and microbial investigation after apical microsurgery

Introduction

Procedural accidents have a negative effect on healing and might contribute to the persistence of infections in inaccessible apical areas, requiring surgical intervention. This report describes a case of persistent apical periodontitis of a lower left first molar associated with the sinus tract and a periapical lesion that required nonsurgical endodontic retreatment and apical surgery for resolution.

Methods

The tooth had received endodontic treatment 3 years ago and had to be retreated using the crown-down technique with chemical auxiliary substance (2% chlorhexidine gel), foramen patency, and enlargement and was filled in a single appointment. The occlusal access cavity was immediately restored with composite resin. After 1 month, it could be observed that the sinus tract persisted and, radiographically, the lesion remained unaltered. Therefore, endodontic microsurgery was indicated. Apical microsurgery was performed under magnification with the use of a dental operating microscope including apicectomy, root end with ultrasound, and sealing with mineral trioxide aggregate. A microbiological sample was collected from the apical lesion. The resected distal root apex was observed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The following species were detected: Actinomyces naeslundii and Actinomyces meyeri, Propionibacterium propionicum, Clostridium botullinum, Parvimonas micra, and Bacteroides ureolyticus; scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed bacterial biofilm surrounding the apical foramen and external radicular surface. Gutta-percha overfilling at the apex because of a zip caused during initial endodontic treatment could be observed. A 6-month follow-up showed apparent radiographic periapical healing, which progressed after 24 months.

Conclusion

Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria and extraradicular biofilm seem to participate in the maintenance of persistent periapical pathology, and endodontic retreatment followed by periapical microsurgery proved to be a successful alternative in the resolution of persistent extraradicular infections.     

Investigation of Cultivable Bacteria Isolated from Longstanding Retreatment-resistant Lesions of Teeth with Apical Periodontitis

Introduction

The objective of this research was to investigate the presence of viable bacteria in tissue samples from persistent apical lesions and to correlate the microbiological findings with the histopathological diagnosis of the lesion.

Methods

Twenty persistent apical lesions associated with well-performed endodontic retreatment were collected. Tissue samples were processed through culture techniques including serial dilution, plating, aerobic and anaerobic incubation, and biochemical tests for microbial identification followed by histopathological diagnosis.

Results

Cysts were more frequently diagnosed (13/20). Strict anaerobic species predominated in both cysts (80.4% of the species detected) and granulomas (65% of the species detected). Viable gram-positive bacteria were frequently recovered from apical lesions (cysts = 70.6%, granulomas = 84.4%). Gemella morbillorum and Propionibacterium acnes were the most frequently recovered species from cysts and granulomas, respectively. At least 1 gram-positive bacterial species was present in almost every sample (cysts = 12/13, granulomas = 7/7). No significant correlation was found between histologic findings and bacterial species.

Conclusions

In conclusion, although cysts were more frequent than granulomas in cases of failure of endodontic retreatment, bacteria were isolated from both types of lesions, with a predominance of gram-positive species, suggesting that these species can survive outside the root canal and might be related to the persistence of the pathological process even after accurate endodontic retreatment.     

Outcome of Endodontic Retreatment Using 2 Root Canal Irrigants and Influence of Infection on Healing as Determined by a Molecular Method: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IntroductionThis study compared the clinical and radiographic outcome of endodontic retreatment of teeth with apical periodontitis using either 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) as the irrigant. The influence of residual infection detected by a molecular method on the outcome was also examined.MethodsFifty-two root-filled teeth with apical periodontitis were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to the irrigant used during retreatment. Root canal microbiological samples taken before (S1) and after (S2) preparation using either NaOCl or CHX irrigation and after calcium hydroxide medication (S3) were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA gene-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify total bacteria. The periapical status was scored using the periapical index and dichotomized as healed (<3) or not healed (≥3) at the 1- and 4-year follow-up.ResultsForty-five (NaOCl, n = 20; CHX, n = 25) and 33 teeth (NaOCl, n = 16; CHX, n = 17) were available at the 1- and 4-year follow-up, respectively. After 1 year, 65% in the NaOCl group and 64% in the CHX group healed, with no differences between them (P > .05). At the later follow-up, the corresponding figures were 81% and 82%, respectively (P > .05). Canals that yielded qPCR-negative results in S3 had a higher healing rate (79%) than qPCR-positive canals (45%, P < .05). The mean bacterial load increased from S2 to S3 in half of the unhealed cases (P < .05). All S3-positive canals containing <3.12 × 10³ bacterial cell counts healed. Increasing the apical level of the root canal filling influenced the outcome (P < .05).ConclusionsNo significant differences in the clinical outcome between 1% NaOCl and 2% CHX were found. Bacterial persistence at the time of filling as detected by qPCR significantly affected the outcome.     

Effect of the Piezoelectric Device on Intraoperative Hemorrhage Control and Quality of Life after Endodontic Microsurgery: A Randomized Clinical Study

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the piezoelectric device on intraoperative hemorrhage control during surgery and the quality of life of patients after endodontic microsurgery.MethodsA total of 40 patients were randomly divided into the piezo group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 20). In the piezo group, after flap reflection, bone cutting, granulation tissue removal, and root-end resection were performed using the piezoelectric surgical device and surgical carbide burs, and curettes were used in the control group. The quality of life of patients was evaluated daily for 1 week postsurgery for limitations of oral and general functions, pain, and other symptoms. Limitation of functions and other symptoms were recorded by a modified version of the patient’s perception questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale for mouth opening, chewing, speaking, sleeping, daily routine, missed work, swelling, nausea, and bad taste/breath, and the visual analog scale was adopted for pain. Hemorrhage control during surgery was independently assessed by the surgeon and 2 blinded observers and recorded as 0 (no hemorrhage control), 1 (intermittent control), and 2 (complete control). The chi-square test was used to assess hemorrhage control. For variables related to function and symptoms other than pain and analgesics taken, the Fisher exact test was used. For the assessment of pain between the 2 groups, the Mann-Whitney U test was used.ResultsFor parameters of quality of life, the piezo group showed significantly less swelling on the first, second, and third days and pain on the first and second days compared with the control group (P < .05). Analgesics taken were also significantly less in the piezo group (P < .05). In the piezo group, complete hemorrhage control was achieved in 10 patients, and in the control group, it was achieved only in 1 patient (P < .05).ConclusionsPiezoelectric surgery resulted in improved quality of life of patients in the first week postsurgery with lower levels of pain and swelling as well as the number of analgesics taken and better hemorrhage control during surgery.     

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Spanish version of the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire for patients with dentofacial deformities

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to develop a Spanish version of the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ) that is conceptually equivalent to the original questionnaire, as well as acceptable, reliable, valid, and responsive for use in Chilean patients with dentofacial deformities.Material and methodsThe recommended standard methodology, with direct and back-translation, was used. A prospective longitudinal multicenter study of adult patients diagnosed with dentofacial deformity was carried out, self-administrating OQLQ, OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile), and SF-36 (Short Form 36 Health Survey) during the presurgery visit in order to examine construct validity. To evaluate reproducibility, questionnaires were re-administered 4 weeks later to subjects with a stable dental condition. Responsiveness was assessed among subjects followed up until 3 months after surgery.ResultsOf the 230 patients under presurgical orthodontic treatment included in the study, 216 completed the questionnaire, 142 formed the reliability sub-sample, and 30 were evaluated 3 months after surgery. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.94 and test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.84 to 0.91 (p = 0.001) by dimension. The correlation matrix between OQLQ dimensions and SF-36 and OHIP-14 confirmed most of the associations previously hypothesized as moderate (r_s > 0.4). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the same structure as the original instrument, considering four dimensions. Responsiveness was demonstrated by the large improvement observed in the global score 3 months after surgery: mean change ±SD = −15.1 ± 18.05 and standard response mean = −0.84 (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Spanish version of OQLQ has demonstrated good levels of reliability, validity, and responsiveness – similar to those of the original questionnaire.     

Tooth Survival after Surgical or Nonsurgical Endodontic Retreatment: Long-term Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction

The aim of the study was to determine long-term tooth survival after endodontic retreatment and whether the presence of intraradicular posts influences the outcome.

Long-term Success and Survival of Endodontic Microsurgery

IntroductionHealed rates of endodontic microsurgery (EMS) may decrease over time, but research on the long-term outcomes is scarce. The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to evaluate the 5- to 9-year healed and survival rates of EMS, to identify associations between prognostic factors and healing status, and to compare the short-term (1- to 2-year) with long-term (5- to 9-year) outcomes.MethodsOne hundred fifty-one eligible patients (166 teeth) who underwent EMS in 2007–2010 were invited for a follow-up examination. Eighty-three patients (94 teeth) participated in the study. Survival status and reasons for extraction of all teeth were determined, and survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Outcomes were determined on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings and associated with potential prognostic variables via multivariate Cox regression analyses.ResultsThirty-two teeth were extracted: 6 because of endodontic failure, 20 for unrelated reasons, and 6 for unknown reasons. Outcomes were categorized as healed and not healed. Multivariate analysis revealed that adjusted hazard ratio for failure was 5.95 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.54–22.91) for teeth treated with intermediate restorative material than with mineral trioxide aggregate and 3.38 times higher (95% confidence interval, 1.05–10.9) for teeth with no known history of nonsurgical retreatment. Teeth classified as healed in the 1- to 2-year review mostly remained healed at 5- to 9-year review (45/48 teeth); those with uncertain healing had varied outcomes at long-term review.ConclusionsEMS results in high long-term healed (78.3%, 72/92 teeth) and survival (95.2%) rates. Root-end filling material and nonsurgical retreatment before EMS may influence the long-term outcome.     

Factors Related to the Outcomes of Cracked Teeth after Endodontic Treatment

IntroductionCracked teeth are a common clinical finding; however, their presence renders diagnosis and prognosis unreliable. The purpose of this research was to assess the correlations of multiple factors on the prognosis of cracked teeth that had undergone endodontic treatment.MethodsA total of 3680 patients who received endodontic treatment by an advanced postdoctoral education program in endodontics with follow-up records of at least 1 year were assessed. From this sample, 62 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The factors being evaluated included demographics, clinical symptoms and signs, radiographic findings, and restoration type. Statistical analysis was then completed using the chi-square and Fisher exact tests.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 23.3 months, with an overall tooth success rate of 75.8%. The success rates differed significantly when the patient had an existing preoperative periapical lesion, lacked a proper permanent restoration on the treated tooth, or had a post placed after root canal treatment. Data analysis showed that restoring the tooth after endodontic treatment was the single most important factor for prognosis. In fact, the endodontically treated teeth with definitive full-coverage restorations had a 2-year success rate of 93.6%.ConclusionFull-coverage restorations should be considered an important part of the treatment plan for cracked teeth treated endodontically.     

Impact of Three Radiographic Methods in the Outcome of Nonsurgical Endodontic Treatment: A Five-Year Follow-up

Introduction

The periapical film radiograph (PFR) and digital periapical radiograph (DPR) techniques have some limitations in the visualization of small periapical lesions (PLs) when compared with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). However, the evidence supporting their effectiveness is very limited. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study evaluated the outcome of endodontic treatments measured/monitored by PFR, DPR, and CBCT during a 5-year follow-up and also determined the prognostic factors that influenced treatment success.

Methods

A total of 132 teeth (208 roots) with vital pulps received endodontic treatment. The periapical indexes with scores ≥2 for PFR and DPR and ≥1 for CBCT indicated the presence of PLs. Prognostic factors were determined by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was defined at a P level <.05.

Results

CBCT detected a higher number of PLs (18.7%, n = 39 roots), followed by DPR (7.7%, n = 16 roots) and PFR (5.7%, n = 12 roots). Likewise, CBCT was more sensitive than PFR and DPR in detecting deficiencies in extension and density of the root canal filling (P ≤ .001). Of the 17 prognostic factors evaluated, 4 were significantly associated with poor outcome to the treatment (P < .05): root canal curvature, disinfection of gutta-percha, presence of missed canals, and the quality of definitive coronal restoration.

Conclusions

The success outcome of endodontic treatment after 5 years in teeth with vital pulps varied with each radiographic method: 94.3%/PFR, 92.3%/DPR, and 81.3%/CBCT.     

Effect of Surgical Defect Coverage on Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity and Quality of Life

Background: Root exposure due to gingival recession (GR) can cause cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH), which is characterized by tooth pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgical defect coverage on CDH and quality of life in patients with GR. Methods: Twenty‐five GRs in maxillary canines and premolars were treated with coronally positioned flap plus connective tissue graft. GR dimensions, amount of keratinized gingiva, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. CDH was assessed by thermal and evaporative stimuli. Quality of life was assessed by use of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) questionnaire. All parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Statistically significant reduction in CDH (P <0.001), significant reduction in impact of oral health on quality of life (P <0.001), and significant changes in periodontal parameters were observed after 3 months. Mean defect coverage of 67.90% was achieved, with full coverage in 11 cases. Percentage defect coverage showed no correlation with air blast–stimulated CDH (P = 0.256) or cold stimulus (P = 0.563). The OHIP‐14 physical disability dimension was correlated with the amount of keratinized tissue (P = 0.010) and also with defect coverage (P = 0.035). Conclusions: Surgical defect coverage may reduce CDH and improve patient quality of life, by keratinized gingiva augmentation and impact on physical disability, irrespective of amount of defect coverage.     

Comparison of a Novel Static Computer-aided Surgical and Freehand Techniques for Osteotomy and Root-end Resection

IntroductionThis study compared the accuracy and efficiency of a novel static computer-aided surgical technique using a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed surgical guide (3D-SG) with a fully guided drill protocol (3D-SG FG) to the freehand (FH) osteotomy and root-end resection (RER).MethodsForty-six roots from 2 cadaver heads were divided into 2 groups: 3D-SG FG (n = 23) and FH (n = 23). Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were taken preoperatively and postoperatively. The endodontic microsurgery was planned in Blue Sky Bio software, and the 3D-SG was designed and 3D printed. The osteotomy and RER were conducted using a guided twist drill diameter of 2 mm and an ascending tapered drill with diameters of 2.8/3.2, 3.2/3.6, 3.8/4.2, and 4.2 mm with respective guided drill guides. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual deviations and angular deflection were calculated. Linear osteotomy measures and root resection angle were obtained. The osteotomy and RER time and the number of mishaps were recorded.ResultsTwo-dimensional and three-dimensional accuracy deviations and angular deflection were lower in the 3D-SG FG protocol than in the FH technique (P < .05). The height, length, and depth of the osteotomy and root resection angle were less in the 3D-SG FG protocol than in the FH technique (P < .05). The osteotomy and RER time with the 3D-SG FG protocol were less than the FH method (P < .05).ConclusionsWithin the limitations of this cadaver-based study using denuded maxillary and mandibular jaws, 3D-SG FG protocol showed higher accuracy than FH osteotomy and RER. Moreover, the 3D-SG FG drill protocol significantly reduced the surgical time.     

Prognostic Factors after Endodontic Microsurgery: A Retrospective Study of 111 Cases with 5 to 9 Years of Follow-up

IntroductionA study was performed of the healing rate of teeth subjected to endodontic microsurgery after a minimum follow-up of 5 years with an analysis of the influence of different pre- and postoperative factors on the outcome.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients subjected to endodontic microsurgery with the use of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for retrograde filling between January 2011 and December 2015. In patients with multiple treated teeth, only 1 random tooth was selected for the statistical analysis. Clinical and radiographic parameters were used to assess healing. Simple binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the influence of patient age and sex, the type of tooth, prior radiographic lesion size, the presence of a post, the type of restoration, and the apical extent of prior filling of the root canal on the endodontic microsurgery success rate. Two calibrated observers evaluated the periapical radiographs on an independent basis.ResultsA total of 111 patients (63.1% women and 36.9% men) were included in the study. Of the 111 teeth analyzed, 90 were classified as healed (mean healing rate = 81.1%). Patient age and sex, the presence of a post, the type of tooth, the type of restoration, and the apical extent of prior filling of the root canal had no significant impact on the outcome. Large lesions (>5 mm) were associated with a lower healing rate than smaller lesions, although the difference was not significant. Anterior teeth had a significantly higher healing rate (93.8% maxillary and 100% mandibular) than molars (70.8% maxillary and 57.1% mandibular) (P < .05). The differences between the anterior teeth and the molars were statistically significant.ConclusionsThe mean healing rate of teeth subjected to endodontic microsurgery was 81% after 5–9 years of follow-up. The success rate was lower for upper and lower molars than for teeth in the anterior zone, although the sample was small and further studies are needed to establish whether the type of tooth influences the treatment outcome.     

Severe Pain after Endodontic Surgery: An Analysis of Incidence and Risk Factors

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of postoperative pain after endodontic microsurgery and to identify potential predictors for severe pain.MethodsOne hundred seventy-three patients who underwent endodontic microsurgery at a private practice were included in the study. The patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire to assess their postoperative pain levels for 5 days after surgery. The questionnaires were analyzed to record the changes in pain levels over time. The presence and size of preoperative lesions and bone thickness were determined on preoperative cone-beam computed tomographic scans. Statistical analyses were performed to identify predictors for developing severe pain after surgery. A binary logistic regression model was established to predict the occurrence of severe pain.ResultsSevere pain was most prevalent on day 1 (17.3%) and gradually decreased until a small increase on day 5. The average pain level also peaked on day 1 postoperatively and gradually decreased afterward. No significant difference was observed between patients who reported severe pain and those who did not report severe pain regarding tooth position (anterior vs posterior), lesion size, and presence of fenestration. However, sex, age, and bone thickness were all significant predictors of severe postoperative pain, with odds ratios of 2.8, 0.96, and 1.41, respectively.ConclusionsSevere pain was reported only in a small number of patients after endodontic microsurgery. Younger patients, females, and patients with thicker bone covering the apex are significantly more likely to develop severe pain.     

Microbial Analysis of Endodontic Infections in Root-filled Teeth with Apical Periodontitis before and after Irrigation Using Pyrosequencing

Introduction

The root canal microbiota in root-filled teeth with post-treatment apical periodontitis before and after chemomechanical instrumentation and irrigation with either 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate were analyzed by using the pyrosequencing method.

Quality of Life and Its Importance in Orthodontics

Abstract

The Cleft Palate Index and, more recently, the Craniofacial Anomalies Register‐CARE ‐have been in operation since 1982. This paper summarizes its development and plans for the future. CARE is a multidisciplinary committee involving all specialities involved in the treatment of this group of patients therefore it should and can be well placed to co-ordinate the cleft data arising from these patients.     

CBCT在根管治疗后疾病诊治中的临床应用研究

目的：评估CBCT影像系统在根管治疗后疾病诊治中的应用。方法：对41颗完成根管治疗的牙齿进行回访,拍摄X线片,进行CBCT扫描重建,对比研究患牙根管治疗前以及回访时病变区域的变化,了解根管治疗后疾病的发生情况,评价根管治疗效果和预后。结果：17例临床术前诊断为根尖周病的病例在CBCT上均可见根尖周组织存在破坏,而X线上仅8例可见根尖区存在破坏。回访病例中根据X线片和CBCT影像诊断为根管治疗后疾病分别为17.03%和39.02%（P〈0.05）。结论：CBCT有利于评估根管治疗程序的可靠性,对根管治疗后疾病诊断及再治疗方案的选择具有重要的临床参考价值,值得在牙髓病诊治中推广应用。     

Impact of Periodontal Disease Experience on Oral Health–Related Quality of Life

Background: Periodontal research has traditionally focused on the site level, regarding etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment outcome. Recently, some studies have indicated that the presence of periodontal disease is associated with reduced quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of periodontal disease experience on the quality of life. Methods: This cross‐sectional study includes 443 individuals. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed; in conjunction, the oral health–related quality of life of all participants was assessed using the Swedish short‐form version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). Based on marginal bone loss, measured on radiographs, three different groups were identified: participants with loss of supporting bone tissue of less than one third of the root length (BL?), loss of supporting bone tissue of one third or more of the root length in <30% of teeth (BL), or loss of supporting bone tissue of one third or more of the root length in ≥30% of teeth (BL+). Results: The effect of periodontal disease experience on quality of life was considerable. For the BL? group, the mean OHIP‐14 score was 3.91 (SD: 5.39). The corresponding mean values were 3.81 (SD: 5.29) for the BL group and 8.47 (SD: 10.38) for the BL+ group. The difference among all groups was statistically significant (P ≤0.001). A comparison among the mean OHIP‐14 scores in the different groups (BL?, BL, and BL+) revealed significant differences in six of seven conceptual domains. Conclusions: The BL+ individuals experienced reduced quality of life, expressed as the OHIP‐14 score, compared with the BL and BL? participants.