ABSTRACT Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been indicated for apexification because it has desirable properties such as excellent biocompatibility, low solubility and dimensional stability. This procedure consists of inducing root apex formation in teeth with incomplete root formation. This article reports a case of trauma in a young dental element, with necrotic pulp and incomplete root formation. For its treatment, apexification with white MTA was performed, which showed excellent results in inducing the continuity of root formation with mineralized tissue in the apical portion. Therefore, MTA is a viable option for apexification, bringing as its main advantage, faster treatment and immediate coronary rehabilitation of the dental element.

RESUMO O agregado trióxido mineral (do inglês, mineral trioxide agregatte - MTA) por possuir propriedades desejáveis como ótima biocompatibilidade, baixa solubilidade e estabilidade dimensional pode ser utilizado para apicificação. Este procedimento consiste na indução da formação do ápice radicular em dentes com rizogênese incompleta. Esse artigo relata um caso de trauma em um elemento dental jovem, com polpa necrosada e rizogênese incompleta. Para seu tratamento, realizou-se a apicificação com MTA branco, que demonstrou excelente resultado ao induzir a continuidade de formação da raiz com tecido mineralizado na porção apical. Portanto, o MTA é uma opção viável para a apicificação, trazendo como principal vantagem, um rápido tratamento e a possibilidade de restauração coronária imediata do dente.

Abstract: We aimed to evaluate the penetration of endodontic cement following the removal of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dressing using the XP-endo Finisher in association with different irrigating solutions. Sixty premolars were instrumented and applied with a Ca(OH)2 dressing. To remove Ca(OH)2, the teeth were divided into six groups, each with a different volume of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), as well as solution stirring time with XP-endo Finisher (0, 30, and 60 sec). Root canals were filled using the lateral condensation technique. Fluorescein dye was added to the cement for microscopic laser scanning analysis. In the generated images, linear measurements were taken in micrometers, and their averages were calculated. To analyze the perimeter penetration ratio of the cement, the total perimeter of the canal and the segment of the total perimeter of the canal where the endodontic cement penetrated into the dentinal tubules were measured in micrometers. We found that using an XP-endo Finisher in irrigation was more effective than using a needle and syringe during the extension and penetration of endodontic cement. Shaking with XP-endo Finisher with 17% EDTA increased the extent and perimeter of the penetration of the endodontic cement into the dentinal tubules. However, using the XP-endo Finisher with EDTA only was more efficient than using the instrument interchangeably in NaOCl and EDTA. Although XP-endo Finisher contributes to the removal of Ca(OH)2, none of the protocols or instruments used removed all Ca(OH)2 from the root system.

Resumo O presente relato de caso teve como objetivo descrever o manejo da perfuração lateral no terço médio cervical da raiz em dois incisivos superiores com calcificação pulpar utilizando o Bio-C Repair, com estratégias de tratamento clínico seguras e viáveis. Radiografias digitais foram obtidas em diferentes ângulos e analisadas com diferentes filtros. Imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) foram solicitadas para mostrar a real posição do canal e a localização da perfuração, e orientar o planejamento estratégico do caso. Posteriormente, o acesso à cavidade foi preparado com auxílio de microscopia cirúrgica. Após a identificação da perfuração, o tecido de granulação foi removido, o canal original foi identificado e, em seguida, recebeu medicação intracanal à base de hidróxido de cálcio. Na segunda visita, a perfuração foi selada com Bio-C Repair e o sistema de canais obturado com cones de guta-percha e cimento endodôntico (Bio-C Sealer). Os dentes foram restaurados com pino de fibra de vidro, 4 mm além do nível da perfuração, e coroas provisórias. Ambos os dentes tratados conforme descrito acima se mostraram funcionais e assintomáticos na avaliação clínica e radiográfica de 1 ano. O Bio-C Repair é sugerido como uma nova opção de cimento endodôntico para o manejo de perfurações laterais, com resultados efetivos observados após um ano de acompanhamento.

Abstract These case reports aimed to describe the management of lateral perforation in the middle cervical third of the root in two maxillary incisors with pulp canal calcification using Bio-C Repair, with safe and viable clinical treatment strategies. Digital radiographic exams were obtained with different angles and analyzed using different filters. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were requested to show the actual position of the canal, location of the perforation, and guide the strategic planning of the case. Subsequently, cavity access was prepared with the aid of dental operating microscopy. After perforation was identified, granulation tissue was removed and the original canal was identified and then dressed with calcium hydroxide. In the second visit, the perforation was filled with Bio-C Repair and the canal system filled with gutta-percha points and a root canal sealer (Bio-C Sealer). The teeth were restored with glass fiber post, 4 mm beyond the perforation level, and provisory crowns. Both teeth treated as described above were functional and asymptomatic with a 1-year clinical and radiographic assessment. The Bio-C Repair is suggested as a new cement option for the management of lateral canal perforations, with effective results as observed after a one-year follow-up.

Abstract: This study aimed to describe the morphometric relationship of root canal orifices on the pulp floor in the presence/absence of mesiobuccal second canal (MB2) in the maxillary first molars and other aspects of its internal anatomy. Sixty-two maxillary first molars were scanned by micro-CT. The presence of the MB2 canal was verified. The distance between the center points of the MB1, MB2, distobuccal (DB), and palatal (P) canal orifices on the pulp floor were measured (MB1-MB2, MB1-DB, MB2-DB, MB1-P, and DB-P). The MB1-P to DB-P ratio was calculated. The distances between the anatomic apex and the MB1 and MB2 apical foramina were measured. The length of the band-shaped isthmus was also measured. Student's t-test was applied to verify the association between the presence of an MB2 canal, the interorifice distances, and the ratio of the MB1-P to DB-P distance (α = 5%). The MB2 canal was present in 43 roots (69.35%). Statistics showed significant differences when MB2 was present for the largest MB1-P distance (p < 0.05) and higher values for the MB1-P to DB-P ratio (p < 0.05). A band-shaped isthmus was detected in 25.8% of MB roots. The mean distance from the apical foramen to the isthmus floor ranged from 1.74 for MB1 canals to 1.42 for MB2 canals. Canal orifice distances on the pulp floor may predict the presence of MB2 canals. There was a high incidence of isthmus, accessory canals, and apical delta in the critical apical zone in MB roots of maxillary first molars.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the sealing capacity and retention of apical barriers made with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement (PC). Material and Methods: Fifty-six bovine incisors were sectioned 8 mm above and 12 mm below the cement-enamel junction. The root canal was enlarged with a diamond drill to create a standard 2.5 mm diameter opening. Apical sheets of 5 mm thickness were placed using white MTA-Angelus or white PC. Fifteen samples of each material were exposed to human saliva in a dual chamber apparatus and casting was evaluated at 30 days. Samples without apical barriers and fully sealed samples were used as positive and negative controls (n = 3), respectively. Data were analyzed by Fisher's exact test (p<0.05) after 3 periods: 1 to 10 days (P1); days 11 to 20 (P2); and days 21 to 30 (P3). Then, three 1 mm thick sections were obtained at the apical level of other root samples of each material (n = 10) and the push-out test was performed Results: The leakage rates in P1, P2 and P3 were 60%, 73.3% and 100% for the MTA; and 73.3%, 86.7% and 100% for CP, with no significant difference between materials, regardless of the period analyzed. There were no significant differences between the bond strengths for both cements (p>0.05) Conclusion: Mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement apical barriers presented similar sealing ability and bond strength values.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a incidência do tratamento endodôntico e a qualidade das obturações de canais radiculares numa população de estudantes de odontologia brasileiros. O estudo foi semelhante a estudos prévios realizados há 10, 20, 30 e 40 anos. Métodos: Um total de 407 estudantes de odontologia foi avaliado por meio de questionários para identificação de tratamentos endodônticos, sendo cada tratamento radiografado para a análise da presença de radioluscência periapical e a qualidade da obturação endodôntica. Resultados: Foram encontrados 40 canais radiculares obturados, sendo 32 (80%) com adequada obturação, sete (17,5%) com subobturação e um (2,5%) sobreobturado. Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou uma baixa prevalência de tratamento endodôntico em estudantes de odontologia, e os tratamentos avaliados apresentaram alta qualidade, com poucos casos sugerindo lesões periapicais.

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of endodontic treatment and the quality of root canal fillings in Brazilian undergraduate dental students. The study was similar those conducted 10, 20, 30, and 40 years earlier. Methods: A total of 407 undergraduate dental students were evaluated by using questionnaires to identify endodontic treatments, with each treatment being radiographed for the analysis of the presence of a periapical radiolucency and the quality of the root canal filling. Results: Forty root canal fillings were found: 32 (80%) completely filled, seven (17.5%) incompletely filled, and one (2.5%) overfilled. Conclusion: This study showed a low prevalence of endodontic treatment in dentistry students, and the evaluated root canals that were filled were high quality, with few cases suggesting periapical lesions.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a efetividade da obturação e capacidade de penetração no interior dos túbulos dentinários dos cimentos: AH Plus, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, Sealapex e MTA Fillapex, associado à técnica de obturação da condensação vertical da guta-percha termoplastificada. Selecionou-se 40 dentes unirradiculados. Após o preparo químico-mecânico e obturação, secções das raízes (a 2, 4 e 6 mm do ápice) foram obtidas e analisadas através de microscopia estéreo e confocal de varredura a laser. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados estatisticamente. Em relação à avaliação de espaços vazios na obturação a 2 mm, os cimentos apresentaram resultados similares, entretanto a 4 e 6 mm MTA Fillapex apresentou desempenho inferior em relação a AH Plus (a 4 mm), Pulp Canal Sealer EWT (a 4 e 6 mm) e Sealapex (a 6 mm) (p<0,05). Em relação à capacidade de penetração nos túbulos dentinários a 2 mm, os cimentos apresentaram resultados similares, contudo a 4 e 6 mm, o Pulp Canal Sealer EWT mostrou-se inferior ao MTA Fillapex e AH Plus, respectivamente (p<0,05). Os quatro cimentos foram similares em relação à adaptação da obturação nas paredes dos canais radiculares, exceto o MTA Fillapex, que evidenciou falhas a 4 e 6 mm. Na capacidade de penetração nos túbulos dentinários, os cimentos foram equivalentes, exceto o Pulp Canal Sealer EW que se mostrou inferior a 4 e 6 mm, quando comparado com MTA Fillapex e AH Plus, respectivamente.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the filling effectiveness and dentinal penetration of the sealers AH Plus, Pulp Canal Sealer EWT, Sealapex and MTA Fillapex applied according to the vertical condensation technique using thermoplastic gutta-percha. Forty single-rooted teeth were selected. After chemical-mechanical preparation and root-canal filling, sections of the root (2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex) were obtained and analyzed by stereo microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. With regard to the assessment of void spaces in the filling material at 2 mm from the apex, the sealers showed similar results, but at 4 and 6 mm from the apex, MTA Fillapex had inferior performance compared to AH Plus (at 4 mm), Pulp Canal Sealer EWT (at 4 and 6 mm) and Sealapex (at 6 mm) (p<0.05). With regard to the penetration into dentinal tubules at 2 mm from the apex, the sealers also showed similar results, but at 4 and 6 mm Pulp Canal Sealer EWT had an inferior performance compared to MTA Fillapex and AH Plus, respectively (p<0.05). All four sealers were found to be similar regarding adaptation of the filling material to the root canal walls, except the MTA Fillapex, which showed failures at 4 and 6 mm from the root apex. With regard to the ability to penetrate into the dentinal tubules, the sealers were found to be equivalent, except for the Pulp Canal Sealer EWT as it had poorer results at 4 and 6 mm compared to MTA Fillapex and AH Plus, respectively.

Este trabalho avaliou o potencial de formação óssea do fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas na isoforma BB (PDGF-BB), fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina I (IGF-I), e a mistura PDGF-BB/IGF-I administrada em lipossomas comparando com tampão fosfato salino (PBS), no processo de cicatrização de alvéolos dentários de ratos. Cento e doze ratos Wistar foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 7 grupos de 16 animais cada e foram avaliados aos 3, 7, 14 e 21 dias após a extração dos segundos molares maxilares. Os alvéolos esquerdos foram tratados com PBS (P), lipossomas vazios (L), IGF-I em PBS (IP), IGF-I em lipossomas (IL), PDGF-BB em PBS (PDP), PDGF-BB em lipossomas (PDL) e ambos os fatores de crescimento (GFs) em associação dentro de lipossomas (PDIL). Os alvéolos direitos foram preenchidos com coágulo sanguíneo (BC). As análises histomorfométrica e histológica foram utilizadas para avaliar a formação de novo osso e vasos sanguíneos. Imunohistoquímica foi realizada para avaliar a expressão de osteocalcina e o fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (VEGF) durante o reparo ósseo. Os dados foram testados estatisticamente utilizando o teste de Tukey em acordo com análise de Dunn e o teste Mann-Whitney U seguido pela análise de um passo de Kruskal-Wallis. Os resultados foram considerados significantes quando p<0,05. Uma percentagem altamente significativa de osso trabecular e alto número de vasos sanguíneos foram observados nos grupos IL, PDL e PDIL (p<0,05). Todavia, esses grupos lipossoma-GF tiveram resultados similares estatisticamente. Ensaios de imunohistoquímica inicialmente detectaram a expressão de osteocalcina e VEGF aos 3 dias, seguida por um pico aos 7 dias. Niveis mais baixos de imunorreatividade foram observados em BC, L, P, PI e PDP quando comparados com os grupos IL, PDL e PDIL (p<0,05). Os resultados sugerem que GFs carreados por lipossomas, na forma isolada ou em combinação, aceleram o processo de cicatrização em alvéolos dentários de rato. A expressão diferencial dos marcadores osteogênicos VEGF e osteocalcina, nas fases iniciais de cicatrização óssea, confirma esses achados.

This work evaluated the bone-forming potential of the platelet-derived growth factor isoform BB (PDGF-BB), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and mixed PDGF-BB/IGF-I delivered in liposomes compared with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), in the healing process of rat tooth sockets. One hundred and twelve Wistar rats were randomized into 7 groups of 16 animals each and were evaluated at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after extraction of the maxillary second molars. The left sockets were treated with PBS (P), empty liposome (L), IGF-I in PBS (IP), IGF-I in liposome (IL), PDGF-BB in PBS (PDP), PDGF-BB in liposome (PDL) and both growth factors (GFs) together within liposomes (PDIL). The right sockets were filled with blood clot (BC). Histological and histomorphometric analyses were used to evaluate the formation of new bone and blood vessels. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of osteocalcin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during bone repair. Data were tested statistically using a Tukey's test according to a Dunn's analysis and Mann-Whitney U test followed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis. Results were considered significant when p<0.05. A significantly higher percentage of bone trabeculae and a higher number of blood vessels were observed in the IL, PDL and PDIL groups (p<0.05). However, these GF-liposome groups had statistically similar results. Immunohistochemical assays first detected osteocalcin and VEGF expression at 3 days followed by a peak at 7 days. Lower immunoreactivity levels were observed in the BC, L, P, IP and PDP groups compared with the IL, PDL and PDIL groups (p<0.05). The results suggest that GFs carried by liposomes, either in isolated or mixed forms, enhanced the healing process in rat tooth sockets. The differential expression of the osteogenic markers VEGF and osteocalcin in the early phases of bone healing support these findings.