Bacterial Invasion of Pulp Blood Vessels in Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

IntroductionThis study described the degenerative changes and infection patterns of the pulp tissue associated with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.MethodsThe material consisted of 32 extracted teeth with untreated deep caries that were clinically and histologically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and were part of the histopathologic collection of 1 of the authors. The controls consisted of intact teeth with normal uninflamed pulps and teeth with reversible pulpitis. Teeth were processed for histopathologic and histobacteriologic analyses.ResultsAll teeth with irreversible pulpitis showed areas of severe acute inflammation, necrosis, microabscesses, and bacterial infection in the pulp chamber. These areas were surrounded by a chronic inflammatory infiltrate, and, at the distance, the pulp tissue was often uninflamed. Bacteria were also observed in the areas surrounding the necrotic foci, both as scattered cells through the extravascular space and at varying numbers within the blood vessel lumen. The number of bacteria and the density of the intravascular bacterial aggregations varied considerably. In one third of the cases, bacteria occurred in the lumen of venules in areas at a considerable distance from the necrotic focus in the coronal third of the root. No intravascular bacteria were noted in the middle and apical segments of the canal. No bacteria were found in the pulps of any of the control specimens.ConclusionsBacterial invasion and colonization of necrotic areas were observed in the pulp of all teeth with caries exposure and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Bacterial penetration of blood vessels occurred in all cases, suggesting that this may be an important mechanism of spread of bacterial infection through the pulp tissue in an endodontic infection.     

Treatment of a Large Cystlike Inflammatory Periapical Lesion Associated with Mature Necrotic Teeth Using Regenerative Endodontic Therapy

Introduction

Regenerative endodontic therapy is currently used to treat immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulp and/or apical periodontitis. However, mature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical periodontitis have also been treated using regenerative endodontic therapy. The treatment resulted in resolution of apical periodontitis, regression of clinical signs and symptoms but no apparent thickening of the canal walls, and/or continued root development. A recent study in an animal model showed that the tissues formed in the canals of mature teeth with apical periodontitis after regenerative endodontic therapy were cementumlike, bonelike, and periodontal ligament–like tissue with numerous blood vessels. These tissues are similar to the tissues observed in immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis after regenerative endodontic therapy.

Methods

A 23-year-old woman had a history of traumatic injury to her upper anterior teeth when she was 8 years old. Subsequently, #8 developed pulp necrosis and an acute apical abscess and #7 symptomatic apical periodontitis. The apex of #8 was slightly open, and the apex of #7 was completely formed. Instead of nonsurgical root canal therapy, regenerative endodontic therapy was attempted, including complete chemomechanical debridement on #8 and #7. This was based on the premise that filling of disinfected root canals with the host's biological vital tissue might be better than filling with foreign materials.

Results

After regenerative endodontic therapy of #8 and #7, there was radiographic evidence of periapical osseous healing and regression of clinical signs and symptoms. The pulp cavity of #8 decreased in size, and the apex closed. The pulp cavity of #7 appeared to be obliterated by mineralized tissue. These indicated ingrowth of new vital tissue into the chemomechanically debrided canals.

Conclusions

Regenerative endodontic therapy of mature teeth with apical periodontitis and apical abscess can result in the regression of clinical signs and/or symptoms and healing of apical periodontitis but no apparent thickening of the canal walls or continued root development. Filling of the disinfected canals with the host's vital tissue may be better than with foreign materials because vital tissue has innate and adaptive immune defense mechanisms.     

Endodontic Microsurgery with Orthodontic Treatment in a Mandibular Left Molar with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis

Endodontic microsurgery has reduced the degree of treatment trauma compared with traditional apical surgery and further increased the success rate of natural teeth retention. However, when root apices of the mandibular posterior teeth are far from the buccal cortical bone surface or near to the inferior alveolar nerve, the operational difficulty of endodontic microsurgery increased greatly. Orthodontic treatments may be helpful to decrease the difficulties. In this case, the roots of a highly calcified mandibular molar diagnosed as previously initiated, symptomatic apical periodontitis were moved initially buccally by orthodontic treatment in 2 months. Then, endodontic microsurgery was completed. The tooth remained asymptomatic and functional with a radiographically healing periapical lesion at the 4-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups.     

Evaluation of Complete Pulpotomy With Biodentine on Mature Permanent Molars With Signs and Symptoms of Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: 12-months Follow-up

IntroductionComplete pulpotomy is the removal of the coronal portion of a vital pulp and is a means of preserving the vitality of the remaining root portion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 12-months success rate of complete pulpotomy with Biodentine on mature permanent molars with signs and symptoms of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.Materials and methodsA total of 68 molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in 68 patients aged 20 years and older were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were intraoperative clinical signs of pulp necrosis on the molar to be treated such as no bleeding, or uncontrollable pulp hemorrhage (more than 5 minutes of hemostasis) on at least 1 canal. A complete pulpotomy with Biodentine was performed on molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis by the same operator and with the same protocol. A 12-months postoperative follow-up was conducted to evaluate clinical and radiologic success.ResultsA total of 66 patients received complete pulpotomy; 52 could be examined 12 months postoperatively. Clinical and radiologic analysis at 12 months postoperatively revealed a success rate of 87% (45 of 52 molars) and a failure rate of 13% (7 of 52 molars). There was a relationship between age, tooth type, and preoperative periapical condition and treatment success with P < .05.ConclusionCompliance with the indications and protocol for complete pulpotomy with Biodentine on mature permanent molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis gives positive results at the 12-month follow-up.     

Vital pulp therapy of mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis from the perspective of pulp biology

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Consensus Conference Recommended Diagnostic Terminology states that mature permanent teeth clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis are treated with pulpectomy and root canal filling because inflamed vital pulp is not capable of healing. Histological studies have demonstrated that clinically diagnosed irreversible pulpitis does not involve the entire pulp. A recent International Endodontic Journal Editorial suggested clinical diagnosis of pulp disease should be reassessed because of the poor correlation between clinical symptoms and pulp sensibility testing and the actual histological status of the pulp. This review identified studies in a PubMed search that provide evidence for vital pulp therapy (VPT) of mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis is predictable if correctly diagnosed and properly treated. A narrative review was undertaken to outline the correlation between the clinical symptoms/signs and pulp sensibility testing and the histological findings of the pulp. Treatment procedures for permanent teeth are outlined.     

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.     

Preoperative Intraligamentary Injection of Dexamethasone Can Improve the Anesthetic Success Rate of 2% Lidocaine during the Endodontic Management of Mandibular Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

IntroductionThe aim of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of intraligamentary injections of diclofenac sodium and dexamethasone on the anesthetic efficacy of 2% lidocaine given as an inferior alveolar nerve block in the endodontic management of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.MethodsOne hundred seventeen patients randomly received 1 of the 3 intraligamentary injections before the endodontic treatment: 0.9% normal saline, 25 mg/mL diclofenac sodium, or 4 mg/mL dexamethasone. After 30 minutes, patients received an inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine and 1:80,000 epinephrine. The teeth were tested with electric pulp testing after 10 minutes. In case of a positive response, the anesthesia was considered as “failed.” If the electric test response was negative, a rubber dam was applied, and endodontic treatment was started. Any pain during the treatment was recorded. The anesthesia was considered successful if the patients experienced no pain or faint/weak/mild pain during root canal access preparation and instrumentation (Heft-Parker visual analog scale score <55 mm). The effect of intraligamentary injections on maximum heart rates was also recorded. The anesthetic success rates were analyzed with the Pearson chi-square test at 5% significance.ResultsThe control, diclofenac sodium, and dexamethasone groups had anesthetic success rates of 32%, 37%, and 73%, respectively. Dexamethasone was significantly more successful than the control and diclofenac sodium groups (P < .001, χ²₂ = 14.7). There were no differences between the control and diclofenac groups (P > .05). All the solutions did not significantly affect heart rates.ConclusionsThe administration of an intraligamentary injection of dexamethasone before endodontic intervention of mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis increases the success rates of an inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine.     

The Effect of Cryotherapy Application on the Success Rate of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

IntroductionThis randomized clinical trial assessed the effect of preoperative intraoral cryotherapy application on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANBs) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).MethodsOne hundred four patients with SIP were randomly distributed into 2 groups: control and cryotherapy groups. In the control group, patients received an IANB injection with 2% lidocaine. In the cryotherapy group, intraoral cryotherapy application was performed for 5 minutes after the IANB. Endodontic therapy was then conducted 15 minutes after the IANB injection. If the patients reported moderate or severe pain during the procedure, the IANB was defined as “unsuccessful,” and a supplementary injection was administered.ResultsAll patients reported profound lip numbness. The overall success rate for the IANBs was 43.3%. In the cryotherapy group, the success rate of the IANBs was 55.8%, whereas in the control group it was 30.8% (P < .05).ConclusionsIntraoral cryotherapy application increased the success rate of IANBs in mandibular molar teeth with SIP. However, supplemental anesthesia techniques may still be required to provide profound pulpal anesthesia in many cases.     

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.     

Effect of Diclofenac Potassium Premedication on Postendodontic Pain in Mandibular Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial

IntroductionThe aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of a preoperative, single, oral dose of diclofenac potassium (DFK) on postoperative pain and rescue analgesic intake in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars treated in 1 visit.MethodsSeventy emergency patients with moderate to severe preoperative pain randomly received either 50 mg DFK or placebo tablets 1 hour before starting endodontic treatment (n = 35 per group). Patients recorded their pain level 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment on a 170-mm Heft-Parker visual analog scale. The incidence of rescue analgesic intake was also recorded. Outcome data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon signed rank, and chi-square tests. Binary logistic regression assessed the association of predisposing factors with postoperative pain. The significance level (α) was set at 0.05.ResultsOf the 70 patients, 68 were analyzed (n = 34 per group). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics (P > .05). DFK showed significantly less pain incidence and intensity than the placebo at 48 hours only (P < .05). A significant decrease occurred from 24 to 48 hours with DFK (P < .05), which was not recorded with the placebo (P > .05). No difference in the incidence of rescue analgesic intake was reported between groups (P > .05). Food intake timing, sex, and rescue analgesic intake were associated with postoperative pain (P < .05).ConclusionsPremedication by a single, oral dose of 50 mg DFK could be effective in reducing postendodontic pain at 48 hours after 1-visit endodontic treatment in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.     

Success Rate of 3 Injection Methods with Articaine for Mandibular First Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A CONSORT Randomized Double-blind Clinical Trial

Introduction

Previous studies have reported that it is difficult to obtain proper anesthesia in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, and supplemental injections are usually unavoidable. The aim of the present study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of articaine in mandibular first molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with 3 injection methods: an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), an IANB with an intraligamentary injection, and an IANB with buccal infiltration before initiating the endodontic treatment.

Evaluating the Periapical Status of Teeth with Irreversible Pulpitis by Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scanning and Periapical Radiographs

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) on individual roots of teeth with irreversible pulpitis viewed with periapical (PA) radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.

Methods

PA radiographs and CBCT scans were taken of 138 teeth in 130 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis (symptomatic and asymptomatic). Two calibrated examiners assessed the presence or absence of AP lesions by analyzing the PA and CBCT images. A consensus was reached in the event of any disagreement. The data were analyzed using the hypothesis test, and significance was set at P ≤ .05.

Results

Three hundred seven paired roots were assessed with both PA and CBCT images. A comparison of the 307 paired roots revealed that AP lesions were present in 10 (3.3%) and absent in 297 (96.7%) pairs of roots when assessed with PA radiography. When the same 307 sets of roots were assessed with CBCT scans, AP lesions were present in 42 (13.7%) and absent in 265 (86.3%) paired roots. The prevalence of AP lesions detected with CBCT was significantly higher in the symptomatic group compared with the asymptomatic group (P < .05). An additional 22 roots were identified with CBCT alone.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the advantages of using CBCT for detecting AP lesions, especially in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.     

Efficacy and Safety of Pulpal Anesthesia Strategies during Endodontic Treatment of Permanent Mandibular Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

IntroductionSeveral strategies have been investigated for achieving successful pulpal anesthesia during endodontic treatment of mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. However, comprehensive evaluation and identification of the most efficacious and safe intervention are lacking. We aimed to determine this using network meta-analysis.MethodsMEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Eligible randomized controlled trials were meta-analyzed to estimate the treatment effects (odd ratios [ORs]; 95% credible interval (CrI) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA)]. CINeMA software (University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland) was used to assess the quality of results.ResultsThirty-seven interventions from 46 studies were identified. Compared with the common practice of an inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine, a supplemental intraosseous injection was ranked the most efficacious with very low to moderate confidence (2% lidocaine + preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] + acetaminophen [OR = 74; 95% CrI, 15–470; SUCRA = 97%], 2% lidocaine + preoperative NSAIDs [OR = 46; 95% CrI, 8–420; SUCRA = 94%], 2% lidocaine [OR = 33; 95% CrI, 14–80; SUCRA = 93%], 2% lidocaine + preoperative opioids + acetaminophen [OR = 20; 95% CrI, 4.4–98; SUCRA = 86%], and 4% articaine [OR = 20; 95% CrI, 6.3–96; SUCRA = 87%]) followed by supplemental buccal and lingual infiltrations using 4% articaine + preoperative NSAIDs (OR = 18; 95% CrI, 6–56; SUCRA = 86%; very low confidence). No major safety concerns were reported.ConclusionsVery low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests intraosseous injection using 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or buccal and lingual infiltrations of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine are superior strategies to achieve pulpal anesthesia during endodontic treatment of mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Preoperative NSAIDs or opioids with or without acetaminophen may increase the efficacy of these injections.     

Survey of Vital Pulp Therapy Treatment in Permanent Dentition Being Taught at U.S. Dental Schools

IntroductionIn May 2021, the American Association of Endodontists released a Position Statement on Vital Pulp Therapy (VPT) as a conservative means by which to treat inflamed vital pulps in permanent dentition. The objective of this study was to conduct a survey to understand how U.S. dental schools are educating their students regarding VPT.MethodsThis survey was administered through Qualtrics. Participation was voluntary and anonymous.Results43 of 66 (65%) of the dental schools in the United States completed the survey. All schools (n = 43) indicated that students receive a didactic lecture about VPT on permanent teeth. In contrast, 14 of 43 (33%) schools teach VPT on permanent teeth as a technique exercise in the simulation/pre-clinic; 29 of 43 (67%) do not. Fifty percent of newer dental schools (0-15 years) teach VPT on permanent teeth as a simulation/pre-clinic technique exercise compared with 30% of older dental schools (16 years or older). In older schools, VPT is taught by endodontists 59% of the time, whereas the percentage of endodontists teaching in newer schools is roughly half of that (33%).ConclusionA paradigm shift in endodontics has occurred due to the development and use of bioceramic dental materials. The standard of dental care is shifting in favor of more conservative treatment options. The results of the study indicate that there is a deficiency in the number of U.S. dental schools teaching VPT on permanent teeth as a simulation/pre-clinic technique exercise.     

Comparison of ADAMTS Levels in Pulp Tissue Samples of Healthy and Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Teeth

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the levels of different A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS; ie, ADAMTS-1, -4, and -9]) related to the breakdown of the proteoglycans and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP-3) levels that inhibit ADAMTS in the extracellular matrix of healthy pulp and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.MethodsPulp tissue samples diagnosed with healthy and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were collected from 48 participants. Healthy and inflamed pulps were directly transferred to Eppendorf tubes (Labosel, Istanbul, Turkey) and stored at ?80°C (Nüve-DF490; Nüve, Ankara, Turkey) until further use. Routine root canal treatment procedures for the teeth were performed, after which the treatment process was completed. The levels of ADAMTS-1, -4, and -9 and TIMP-3 were measured in supernatants of human dental pulp tissue extracts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits (USCN, Wuhan, China). The independent sample t test and 1-way analysis of variance were used for parametric data, and the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for nonparametric data.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference between ADAMTS-1 and -9 and TIMP-3 levels of the healthy pulp and pulpitis groups (P < .05), but there was no significant difference for ADAMTS-4 levels (P > .05). It was found that the levels of ADAMTS-1 and -9 were higher in the pulpitis group compared with the healthy pulp group, whereas the TIMP-3 level decreased (P < .05).ConclusionsAs a result of this study, it was concluded that ADAMTS-1 and -9 and TIMP-3 might have a role in pulpal inflammation, whereas ADAMTS-4 was not related to pulpal inflammation.     

Response to Pulp Sensibility Tests after Full Pulpotomy in Permanent Mandibular Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Retrospective Data Analysis

IntroductionThis retrospective study analyzed the 12-month pulp sensibility (cold and electric) test response after mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) full pulpotomy in mature permanent teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.MethodsThe records of 120 subjects from 3 completed and 1 ongoing clinical study on MTA full pulpotomy were retrieved. Ninety-six first and second mandibular molar teeth with a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis that underwent a single-visit MTA full pulpotomy and had completed a 12-month clinical, radiographic, and pulp sensibility (cold and electric) test follow-up were included. The data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, the Pearson chi-square test, and the McNemar test. The significance level was predetermined at P < .05.ResultsA higher percentage of teeth (94.7%) responded to the electric pulp test in comparison with the cold test (13.5%) (P < .05). Sex-based responses to the electric pulp test (P > .05) and the cold test were similar (P > .05). The age-based response was similar for the electric pulp test (P > .05) but was significant for the cold test (P < .05). The tooth quadrant (left and right), the tooth (mandibular first and second molar), and the location of restoration (proximal or occlusal) did not influence the response of either the electric pulp test (P > .05) or the cold test (P > .05). At the 1-year follow-up, all the teeth that were classified as clinically and radiographically successful responded to the electric pulp test; however, only 13 teeth responded to the cold test (P = .00).ConclusionsThe majority (94.7%) of the teeth that underwent MTA full pulpotomy responded to the electric pulp test at a 1-year time interval.     

Regeneration of Pulp-Dentin Complex in a Tooth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis and Open Apex Using Regenerative Endodontic Procedures

Regenerative endodontic procedures are undertaken on permanent teeth with necrotic pulps and open apices in an attempt to resolve symptoms, to allow the continued development of the root(s), and to reestablish vitality. The available histologic analysis of these teeth has, in the majority of studies, shown that true regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex is not achieved. A recent investigation using an animal model outlined a procedure wherein pulpal amputation a few millimeters short of the apex followed by evoked bleeding allowed the complete regeneration of the normal pulp-dentin complex in immature vital teeth of ferrets. By implementation of this procedure, we report successful pulp regeneration outcome evidenced by continued root development and a positive response to pulp vitality tests in a maxillary central incisor with an open apex diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.     

Effect of a Combination of Nitrous Oxide and Intraligamentary Injection on the Success of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

IntroductionThe purpose of this prospective study was to determine the effect of a combination of nitrous oxide/oxygen and 1 set of supplemental intraligamentary/periodontal ligament (PDL) injections followed by a second set of PDL injections on anesthetic success in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).MethodsNinety-four patients with a mandibular posterior tooth diagnosed with SIP received nitrous oxide/oxygen and an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Patients rated the pain of PDL injections and endodontic access on a visual analog scale. If moderate to severe pain was felt during treatment, the operator administered 1 set of supplemental PDL injections with 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. If moderate to severe pain was felt again during treatment, the operator administered a second set of supplemental PDL injections. Anesthetic success was defined as having no to mild pain during endodontic treatment.ResultsThe success of the IANB with nitrous oxide was 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34%–54%). The overall anesthetic success rate (IANB with PDL injections) was increased from 69% (95% CI, 60%–78%) with 1 set of PDL injections to 80% (95% CI, 72%–88%) with a second set of PDL injections.ConclusionsAlthough the second set of PDL injections increased anesthetic success, it was not sufficient to ensure complete pulpal anesthesia.     

Effect of a Combination of Intranasal Ketorolac and Nitrous Oxide on the Success of the Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective,Randomized, Double-blind Study

Introduction

Previous studies in patients with irreversible pulpitis have reported increased success of the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) using premedication with ketorolac. Preemptive nitrous oxide administration has also shown an increase in the success of the IANB. Recently, ketorolac has been made available for intranasal delivery. Perhaps combining ketorolac and nitrous oxide would increase success. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to determine the effect of a combination of intranasal ketorolac and nitrous oxide/oxygen on the anesthetic success of the IANB in patients presenting with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

牙髓血运重建术用于根尖孔宽大的年轻恒牙临床疗效分析

目的:通过对根尖孔未发育完全的年轻恒牙实施牙髓血运重建治疗,并追踪随访患牙9~24个月,观察牙髓血运重建术的临床疗效。方法:对9例(11颗牙)患牙进行常规开髓,清除坏死的牙髓组织,2.5%的次氯酸钠和17%的EDTA溶液冲洗后封入三联抗生素糊剂。待患牙临床症状消失后,对其进行牙髓血运重建术,严密冠方封闭,定期复诊观察。结果:9例(11颗牙)年轻恒牙经牙髓血运重建术治疗后,临床症状全部消失。其中,6颗牙根尖孔闭合,牙根发育,牙髓电活力测试有反应;4颗牙根尖孔闭合,牙根发育,牙髓电活力测试无反应;1颗牙治疗失败。结论:牙髓血运重建术能使牙根继续发育,为治疗牙髓炎症、坏死和根尖周感染的年轻恒牙提供了可选择的方法。