Flare-ups in endodontics and their relationship to various medicaments

The purpose of this research is to investigate the frequency of endodontic flare-ups using a visual analogue scale. Definitions of flare-ups vary widely as does their reported frequency. A flare-up was defined as an increase of 20 or more points on the visual analogue scale for a given tooth, within the periods of 4 h and 24 h after the initial treatment appointment. The data from a previous study were used to determine the incidence of flare-ups after using three modalities (Ledermix, calcium hydroxide and no medication) to manage patients presenting for relief of pain of endodontic origin. A statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in flare-up rates at both the 4-h and 24-h periods between the three modalities. Further research is required using the above definition of a flare-up and standardising treatment protocols.     

Bacterial leakage in obturated root canals following the use of different intracanal medicaments

Abstract – The aim of this study was to examine whether intracanal medication prior to root canal obturation has an inhibitory effect on corono-apical penetration of bacteria. 93 single rooted teeth were instrumented and sterilized with ethylene oxide. They were assigned to three control groups and four test groups with n =20 each. For one week, they were dressed with different medicaments: The first group with a 5% chlorhexidine gel, the second with Ledermix, the third with a fresh mix of calcium hydroxide and water and the fourth without any medication. After obturation (lateral condensation, AH26) the roots were fixed between a top and a bottom chamber. The top chamber contained 3 mL trypticase soy broth with 10⁸ Staphylococcus epidermidis CFU's/mL, whereas the bottom chamber contained sterile trypticase soy broth. For one year, the mounts were incubated at 37°C. They were checked on a regular basis for turbidity in their bottom chambers indicating bacterial growth. None of the test samples leaked for three months. After one year, the calcium hydroxide group had only 6 leaking samples whereas the chlorhexidine group had 14, the Ledermix group 15, and the unmedicated group had 13 leaking samples. It may be concluded that under the conditions of this study, calcium hydroxide was the medicament of choice to avoid bacterial penetration of the root canal. Ledermix did not perform better than no pre-medication. Chlorhexidine was superior to Ledermix in the second third of the observation period.     

Reaction of inflamed periapical tissue to intracanal medicaments and root canal sealers

Abstract The effects of different intracanal medicaments and zinc oxide-eugenol based root canal sealers on an experimentally induced apical periodontitis were studied histologically in mesial roots of lower molars of Wistar rats. After root canal instrumentation each canal was filled either with an intracanal medicament twice for 3 days each time or with a sealer for 21 days. The intracanal medicament chlorophenol caused periapical tissue damage. P-chloroxylenol-camphor lead to periapical improvement as did 5% sodium-hypochlorite. 12% sodium-hypochlorite gave tissue damage. After intracanal medication with an aqueous suspension of calcium hydroxide periapical repair was clearly visible. A combination of a corticoid and an antibiotic appeared to induce damage of the periapical tissues. The root canal sealers Endomethasone and N2 essentially impaired periapical repair. The results were acceptable for Aptal-Zink-Harz root canal fillings after 21 days as well as after 56 days.     

Effectiveness of propolis and calcium hydroxide as a short‐term intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis: A laboratory study

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of propolis‐based intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis using infected dentine models, and to compare its antimicrobial efficacy with that of the non‐setting calcium hydroxide paste when used as a short‐term medication for 1 and 2 days. A total of 50 dentine discs of 7‐mm length was obtained from extracted human teeth. Five dentine discs were kept sterile to serve as a negative control. The remaining 45 were contaminated with E. faecalis and divided into two groups (n = 20) in addition to five discs that served as a positive control. The discs were treated as follow: 20 discs were filled with propolis, while the other 20 discs were filled with non‐setting calcium hydroxide. Microbiological sampling was performed utilising sterile paper point, headstrom file and disc immersion. Results showed that propolis was significantly more effective than non‐setting calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis after short‐term application, which made comparison from this prospect unlevelled. The most effective microbiological sampling technique was abrading the lumen with headstrom file. Propolis is very effective as intracanal medicament in rapidly eliminating E. faecalis ex vivo.     

氢氧化钙预防根管治疗术后疼痛的临床观察

目的评价氢氧化钙作为根管内药物预防根管治疗术后疼痛的效果。方法选择90颗牙髓坏死的前磨牙,将其随机分为A、B、C组,每组30颗牙。A组患牙1次完成根管治疗;B组患牙2次完成根管治疗,但约诊期间根管内不封任何药物;C组患牙2次完成根管治疗,但约诊期间根管内封Ca(OH)2糊剂。采用改良10点视觉模拟量表对患者根管治疗后疼痛的严重程度进行评价,比较3组患者根管治疗后的疼痛水平。结果A组与B组、B组与C组患者根管治疗术后疼痛的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),A组与C组患者根管治疗术后疼痛的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论氢氧化钙作为根管内封药可有效预防根管充填后疼痛的发生。     

Antimicrobial action of intracanal medicaments on the external root surface

Objectives

To assess in vitro the antimicrobial action of intracanal medicaments in the external root surface, with or without of cementum.

Methods

After the placement of intracanal medicaments, the coronal and apical openings were sealed. The antimicrobial action of 2% chlorhexidine gel (2%CHX); calcium hydroxide + 2% chlorhexidine gel (CH + 2%CHX); calcium hydroxide + 2% chlorhexidine gel + zinc oxide (CH + 2%CHX + ZnO); calcium hydroxide + saline solution (CH + SS) was evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, Actinomyces viscosus and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The samples were placed over the agar, and the zones of inhibition of microbial growth were measured after the incubation period.

Results

The antimicrobial effects of the medicaments could be ranked from strongest to weakest as follows: 2%CHX, CH + 2%CHX, CH + 2%CHX + ZnO, CH + SS. No differences among groups were verified in the presence or absence of cementum.

Conclusions

2%CHX containing medicaments diffused into the dentin and reached the outer surface, exerting antimicrobial action.     

Effectiveness of different intracanal irrigation techniques in removing intracanal paste medicaments

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different intracanal irrigation techniques in removing intracanal medicaments prior to obturation. A total of 168 single roots were prepared with ProTaper® rotary files and medicament pastes applied (Ledermix®, Odontopaste®, Doxypaste and Pulpdent®), left in for 2 weeks, then removed using filing followed by one of four methods: irrigation with an open‐ended notched irrigation needle (Appli‐Vac) either at the working length or 5 mm from the canal orifice, or the Max‐I‐probe or EndoActivator® at the working length. Following the removal of medicaments, the roots were split into two and the internal surfaces photographed, for digital image analysis of the overall percentage of residual medicament. With the exception of canals irrigated 5 mm apical to the root canal orifice, all four irrigation techniques achieved an average of 95% for removal of Ledermix®, Odontopaste® and Doxypaste. Calcium hydroxide paste was the most difficult medicament to remove, with no difference between irrigation techniques. Up to 27% of the Pulpdent® material remained after irrigation. No irrigation technique could completely remove all traces of medicaments. The position of the irrigational needle and the type of medicament used are key factors, which influence the effectiveness of irrigation in removing medicaments.     

The pH changes of four different calcium hydroxide mixtures used for intracanal medication

The purpose of this study was to determine the pH values of calcium hydroxide mixtures in combination with either distilled water, two different local anaesthetic solutions or physiological saline solution, which are commonly used as a dressing materials during endodontic treatment. The pH of each vehicle prior to mix with calcium hydroxide and subsequently each prepared combination was determined using a digital pH meter. The pH measurements were determined at 3 min, 10 min, 1 h, 24 h, 48 h and 7 days. The results of this study indicated that four different water-based vehicles demonstrated similar pH changes range within pH 11-12 when mixed with calcium hydroxide.     

Human pulpectomy: incidence of postoperative pain using two different intracanal dressings

A clinical study using vital maxillary central incisors was performed to evaluate the incidence of postoperative pain after pulpectomy and dressing with a corticosteroid-antibiotic preparation or a calcium-hydroxide paste. Sixty teeth from 45 patients were prepared and dressed on the first visit and re-evaluated 7 days later. No difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative pain between the two groups.     

Effect of calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing on apical leakage

In this in vitro study, we investigated the effects of the use of two different calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) preparations as an intracanal dressing on the sealing ability of two different sealers were investigated. Eighty-eight freshly extracted, single-rooted maxillary anterior teeth were used. After the root canals were hand-instrumented, they were divided into six groups of 10 each. The root canals were dressed with Ca(OH)2 paste, either mixed with sterile water (in groups 1 and 2) or with glycerine (in groups 3 and 4). The dressed root canals were incubated in 100% humidity at 37 degrees C for 7 days. In groups 5 and 6, the root canals were not dressed. After the root canal dressings were removed by irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl and reaming with a K-type file, all canals of the experimental groups were obturated with sealer and gutta-percha using a cold lateral condensation technique. Calciobiotric Root Canal Sealer, (CRCS), (in groups 1, 3 and 5) and Diaket (in groups 2, 4 and 6) were used as sealers. All specimens were placed in India ink for 7 days, and the amount of apical leakage was scored. Eight further prepared specimens were dressed with Ca(OH)2 plus water or Ca(OH)2 plus glycerine and examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) following the removal of dressings. There was a statistical difference in the leakage patterns amongst the 6 experimental groups (P < 0.05). Specimens in group 2 exhibited less leakage than the other experimental groups, except group 4 (P < 0.05). There were no other significant interactions. SEM examination revealed that Ca(OH)2 crystals were present on the surface of smear layer in both groups where Ca(OH)2 paste had been placed, but they did not penetrate into the dentinal tubules.     

对氢氧化钙根管消毒作用的再认识

氢氧化钙是临床上常用的根管消毒药物之一,其消毒效果得到广泛认同.但近年来的研究表明,氢氧化钙的抗菌作用并非全能,特别是对于一些难治性根尖周病的病原菌抗菌效果不佳,其药物剂型和临床操作也存在着一定的局限性.本文就氢氧化钙的抗菌作用、临床操作等作一综述.     

Disinfection of dentinal tubules with 2% Chlorhexidine gel,Calcium hydroxide and herbal intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis: An in-vitro study

AimThis in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the disinfection of dentinal tubules using 2% Chlorhexidine gel, Honey, Aloe vera gel, Curcuma longa, Propolis gel and Calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis.Materials and methodTwo hundred and ten human mandibular first premolars were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days. Samples were divided into 7 groups. Group I- Saline (negative control), Group II- 2% Chlorhexidine gel(CHX), Group III- honey, Group IV- Aloe vera gel, Group V- 20% Curcuma longa gel, Group VI- Propolis gel and Group VII -Calcium hydroxide (CH). At the end of 1, 3 and 5 days, the antimicrobial efficacy of medicaments against E.faecalis was assessed at the depths of 200 µm and 400 µm.Results2% Chlorhexidine gel was most effective followed by Propolis and Curcuma longa.Conclusion2% Chlorhexidine gel gave the best results. Among the herbal extracts Propolis and Curcuma longa hold a promising future but to implement their use as sole intracanal medicaments clinically, further in vivo and long term studies are warranted.     

Periodontal response to two intracanal medicaments in replanted monkey incisors

Abstract – Intracanal medicaments are recommended for use in replanted teeth to inhibit inflammatory root resorption. This study compared the effect of calcium hydroxide (Pulpdent^®) and a corticosteroid-antibiotic paste (Ledermix^®) on periodontal healing and root resorption following replantation. Incisors of eight Macaca fascicularis monkeys were extracted, stored dry for 15 min and replanted. After 11 days, root canals in two adjacent maxillary incisors were treated with one medicament and contralateral incisors with the other medicament, or left as untreated controls. Animals were sacrificed 8 weeks later and the teeth prepared for histomorphometric evaluation of periodontal ligament inflammation and root resorption. Periodontal ligament inflammation and inflammatory root resorption were markedly inhibited by both calcium hydroxide and corticosteroid-antibiotic relative to untreated controls. Replacement resorption was lowest in the corticosteroid-antibiotic group, and significantly ( P <0.05) more normal periodontal ligament was present in this group (79.6%) than in calcium hydroxide and control groups (64.6% and 62.7%, respectively). Treatment with the corticosteroid-antibiotic inhibited inflammatory resorption and was slightly more effective than calcium hydroxide in producing a periodontal healing response.     

氢氧化钙用于根管消毒作用的临床研究

目的观察氢氧化钙对感染根管的临床疗效和细菌学改变。方法采用随机分组对照实验,以樟脑对氯酚为对照,分别记录两组封药前后的临床和实验室指标,并进行统计学分析。结果氢氧化钙组显效率为83.33%,一次封药即可进行根管充填。樟脑对氯酚组显效率为56.67%,两组差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。细菌培养结果显示两组在厌氧菌、链球菌和乳杆菌阳性率的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论氢氧化钙是一种高效、广谱的抗菌药物,能很好地改善临床症状。     

Removal efficacy of various calcium hydroxide/chlorhexidine medicaments from the root canal

Aim To compare the efficiency of removing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂]/chlorhexidine (CHX) (gel), Ca(OH)₂/CHX (solution) and Ca(OH)₂/saline pastes with the use of instrumentation and irrigation with sodium hypochlorite and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions. Moreover the role of the patency file in the cleanliness of the apical third of the root canal was evaluated. Methodology Sixty‐four human single‐rooted teeth with straight canals were used. Root canal preparation was performed with a stepback technique using Hedström (H) files. Teeth were randomly assigned to three groups and subsequently filled with one of the pastes: Ca(OH)₂/CHX (gel), Ca(OH)₂/CHX (solution) and Ca(OH)₂/saline paste. The medicaments were removed 10 days later using instrumentation and irrigation with 1% sodium hypochlorite and 17% EDTA, with or without obtaining patency of the apical foramen with a size 10 H‐file. The crowns were removed at the cemento‐enamel junction and the roots were grooved longitudinally and split into halves. Images of all halves were acquired with the use of a flatbed scanner. A scoring system of 1 to 4 was used to assess the amount of residue on the cervical, middle and apical third of the canal. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests, with Bonferroni correction, at 95% confidence level (P < 0.05). Results Remnants of medicament were found in all experimental teeth regardless of the experimental material used and the use of the patency file. When examining the root canal as a whole, Ca(OH)₂/CHX (gel) paste was associated with significantly larger amount of residue, whereas the Ca(OH)₂/CHX (solution) paste was associated with less amount (P < 0.05) than the other two medicaments with or without the use of a patency file. Conclusions None of the techniques used in this study removed the inter‐appointment root canal medicaments effectively; the use of the patency file facilitated removal of more of the medicament in the apical third of those straight canals.     

Systemic,prophylactic and local applications of antimicrobials in endodontics: an update review

Antibiotics were first discovered in the late 1920s but were not routinely used clinically until the early 1940s during the Second World War. They can be used as an adjunct to endodontic treatment in a number of ways‐systemically, prophylactically and locally. There are few real indications for the systemic use of antibiotics in conjunction with endodontic treatment. They are only needed when the body's efforts at fighting bacteria are failing. Use of antibiotics to prevent infection (antibiotic prophylaxis) may prevent some case of bacterial endocarditis. Therefore, prophylaxis is recommended for individuals in high‐risk and moderate‐risk categories. Another mode of application of antibiotics is local application as intracanal medicaments and root canal irrigants.     

Effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine gel and calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis in bovine root dentine in vitro

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate gel and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as intracanal medicaments against Enterococcus faecalis. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and eighty dentine tubes prepared from intact freshly extracted bovine maxillary central incisors were infected in vitro for 7 days with E. faecalis. The specimens were divided into four groups, according to the intracanal medicament used, as follows: Group 1: 2% chlorhexidine gluconate gel; Group 2: calcium hydroxide in a viscous vehicle (polyethyleneglycol 400); Group 3: 2% chlorhexidine gluconate gel + calcium hydroxide and Group 4: Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth (control group). The medicaments were placed into the canal lumen and left there for experimental times of 1, 2, 7, 15 and 30 days. After each period, irrigation with sterile saline to remove the medicament was performed and the canals were dried with sterile paper points. Dentine chips were removed from the canals with sequential sterile round burs at low speed. The samples obtained with each bur were immediately collected in separate test tubes containing BHI broth. The tubes were incubated at 37 degrees C and daily observed for microbial growth, visualized by the medium turbidity. RESULTS: Chlorhexidine gel alone completely inhibited the growth of E. faecalis after 1, 2, 7 and 15 days. Calcium hydroxide allowed microbial growth at all experimental times. The combination of chlorhexidine and Ca(OH)2 was effective after 1 and 2 days demonstrating 100% antibacterial action; however, its antibacterial activity reduced between 7 and 15 days. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, it can be concluded that 2% chlorhexidine gel alone was more effective against E. faecalis than calcium hydroxide (P < 0.05). However, its antibacterial activity depended on how long it remained inside the root canal.