Abstract: This study aimed to compare the physicochemical properties of MTA Angelus (MTA-A), MTA Repair HP (MTA-HP), and Biodentine (BD). Setting times (n = 7) were determined in accordance with ASTM C266–15. Solubility (n = 11), pH (n = 10), and calcium ion release (n = 10) were evaluated up to 28 days in accordance with ANSI/ADA specification no. 57. Radiopacity was assessed by ANSI/ADA (n = 10) and the tissue simulator method (n = 10). In both methods, the specimens were radiographed using an aluminum stepwedge and the digital radiographs were analyzed in Adobe Photoshop, determining the mean grayscale pixel values of the materials, of the 3-mm aluminum stepwedge, and of the dentin, the latter of which was analyzed on the tissue simulator. The data obtained from each test were statistically analyzed and compared (p < 0.05). MTA-A presented longer final setting time compared with the other materials. There were no significant differences in the mass values of materials during the experiment. All materials presented an alkaline pH. BD promoted greater calcium ion release in most of the experimental periods. All materials presented appropriate radiopacity. BD showed lower radiopacity than MTA-A in the tissue simulator method. All groups presented higher radiopacity in the tissue simulator when compared with the ANSI/ADA method. MTA-A, MTA-HP, and BD showed appropriate physicochemical properties and radiopacity, and were considered suitable to be used in clinical practice.

Abstract: This study assessed the ability of XP-endo Finisher R (FKG, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) to remove filling remnants from curved mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars, using the passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) technique as a comparison. Twenty-four curved main mesiobuccal canals (MB1) of maxillary molars were instrumented with Wave One (#25/07) and filled with gutta-percha points and AH Plus Sealer. Samples were then re-treated with a standardized protocol with Wave One (#35/06) as the master apical file. Micro-CT scans measured baseline volume of remaining filling material (in mm3). Samples were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to the supplementary cleaning approach: (PUI) or XP-endo Finisher R. Statistics compared baseline and final volume of filling material (within-group); and the percentage of filling material reduction (between-group). Mean baseline volumes, final volumes, and percentages of reduction (%) of filling material for XP-endo Finisher R and PUI were respectively: 0.060 mm3, 0.042 mm3, and 31.28%; and 0.064 mm3, 0.054 mm3, and 16.57%. Both tested protocols reduced the amount of filling material (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R had higher percentage of reduction as compared to PUI (p < 0.05). XP-endo Finisher R and PUI used as supplementary cleaning protocols during re-treatment improved the removal of root filling material in curved canals; but XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient. The complete filling material removal during re-treatment procedures is still a challenge. Supplementary cleaning protocols may help to remove the remaining material after the complete mechanical preparation of curved canals. XP-endo Finisher R was approximately twice more efficient than PUI.

Abstract: This study analyzed the consequences of the disordered expansion of Dentistry courses on the distribution of professionals, the job market, and limitations of the National System of Higher Education Assessment (SINAES) developed as a guarantee of education quality. This observational, descriptive, and analytical study used secondary data from several official databases. The number of courses was obtained from the e-MEC registry. From the Higher Education Census, the study collected historical series of courses offered, number of candidates per open seat, number of individuals who initiated and completed the course, and information about professors in the public and private schools. The reports related to Dentistry courses from the National Health Council were also analyzed. The performance of undergraduate students was assessed from synthesis reports of Enade from 2004 to 2016. The number of dentists and their regional distribution was based on the Federal Dental Council, and Brazilian population and gross domestic product were collected from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Dentistry courses in Brazil grew exponentially from 1856 to 2020; among the 544 authorized courses, 82 currently have not yet started their activities. The fast expansion of courses in Brazil has worsened the regional asymmetries in the supply of dentist, and the SINAES has not been able to fully assure the quality of Dentistry courses. Brazilian dentistry, which has increased its scientific and technological development since the 19th century, with outstanding intellectual production, is at risk of a collapse due to a plethora of dentists.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a radipacidade de diferentes pontas de guta-percha (Endo Points®, Dentsply®, Tanari®, Meta®, Roeko® e Odous®) em amostras de 1 mm de espessura, conforme estabelecido pela especificação #57 da ANSI/ADA e pela ISO 6876/2001, em comparação com amostras de menor espessura. Doze amostras de cada material, quatro para cada espessura (0,3, 0,6 e 1 mm; 8 mm de diâmetro), foram confeccionadas por meio de laminação e compressão entre duas lâminas de vidro polidas, até a espessura desejada. Radiografias digitais foram obtidas juntamente com uma escala de alumínio graduada, com espessuras variando de 1 a 10 mm. O aparelho de raios X foi ajustado para 70 kVp, 10 mA, 0,4s de tempo de exposição, com distância focal de 36 cm. Um observador calibrado quantificou a média dos valores de pixel no programa Adobe Photoshop®. Os dados foram analisados utilizando os testes ANOVA e Tukey, com nível de significância de 5%. Nas espessuras de 0,6 e 1 mm, todos os materiais testados apresentaram radiopacidade maior do que 3 mm de alumínio (valor de referência). Na espessura de 0,3 mm, Odous e Tanari apresentaram radiopacidade significativamente menor que a referência, e as outras marcas mostraram radiopacidade semelhante à referência. Conclui-se que os materiais apresentaram diferentes radiopacidades e todos mostraram valores acima do mínimo recomendado pela especificação #57 da ANSI/ADA, sendo Odous e Tanari menos radiopacos do que o valor de referência nas amostras mais finas (0.3 mm).

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of different gutta-percha points (Endo Points®, Dentsply®, Tanari®, Meta®, Roeko® and Odous®) in samples of 1 mm thick as established by ANSI/ADA Specification #57 and ISO 6876/2001, in comparison with thinner samples. Twelve test specimens for each material, four for each thickness (0.3, 0.6, and 1 mm and diameter of 8 mm), were laminated and compressed between two polished glass plates until the desirable thickness. Digital radiographs were obtained along with a graduated aluminum stepwedge varying from 1 to 10 mm in thickness. The X-ray unit was set at 70 kVp, 10 mA and 0.4 s exposure time, at a focal distance of 36 cm. One calibrated observer quantified the average values of pixels with Adobe Photoshop® software. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey tests, at 5% significance level. At 0.6 and 1 mm thickness, all the tested materials showed radiopacity higher than 3 mm of aluminum (reference value). At 0.3 mm thickness, Odous and Tanari presented significantly less radiopacity than the reference, and the other materials showed similar radiopacity to the reference. The study concluded that the materials demonstrated different radiopacities and all had values above the minimum recommended by ANSI/ADA specification #57, being Odous and Tanari less radiopaque than the reference value in thinner samples (0.3mm).

Objetivo: Avaliar a neoformação óssea, por meio da análise de densidade óptica, em cavidades em ratos preenchidas com cimento de fosfato de cálcio (CFC) e vidro bioativo (VB). Métodos: Utilizou-se 21 ratos distribuídos em três grupos, sendo Grupo I (CFC), Grupo II (VB) e Grupo III (controle) avaliados em 07, 15 e 30 dias. Foram realizadas três cavidades, junto ao fêmur esquerdo e preenchidas com CFC, VB e sem material (controle). Realizaram-se radiografias digitais e os resultados foram submetidos à análise estatística de variância (ANOVA), complementada através dos testes não-paramétricos de Friedman e Kruskal-Wallis, com níveis de significância de 5%. Resultados: Comparando a densidade óptica o Grupo I apresentou valores estatísticos significativamente maiores que o Grupo III, e também apresenta valores maiores, sem diferença estatística significativa, em todos os períodos, quando comparado ao Grupo II. Quando comparamos o Grupo II com o Grupo III, o Grupo II apresenta valores maiores de densidade óptica, sem diferença estatística significativa, em todos os períodos. Conclusão: Observou-se maior densidade óptica dos biomateriais em relação ao grupo controle em todos os períodos avaliados, sendo o cimento de fosfato de cálcio a melhor opção para restauração de cavidades ósseas, porém sem diferenças estatisticamente significantes em relação ao vidro bioativo.

Purpose: To evaluate new bone formation, by the analysis of optical density, in rat femoral defects filled with calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and bioactive glass (BG). Methods: Twenty-one rats were divided into three groups, Group I (CPC), Group II (BG), and Group III (control), and assessed after 7, 15, and 30 days. Three bone cavities were made in the left femur and filled with CPC, BG, and no material (control). Digital images were obtained and the results were subjected to statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by the Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Regarding optical density, Group I showed statistical values significantly higher than Group III and also higher, although not statistically significant, than Group II, in all observation periods. When Groups II and III were compared, Group II showed higher optical density values, without statistically significant differences, in all periods. Conclusion: The biomaterials analyzed showed higher optical density in relation to the control group in all observation periods, calcium phosphate cement being the best option in the repair of bone defects, but without statistically significant differences in relation to bioactive glass.

Este estudo utilizou a tomografia computadorizada (TC) para comparar o transporte do canal radicular nos canais mésio-vestibulares de molares superiores preparados por diferentes técnicas. Sessenta molares superiores foram divididos em 3 grupos (n=20) de acordo com a técnica utilizada para o preparo do canal radicular: instrumentação manual com limas K-Flexofile, limas K-Flexofile acopladas a um sistema oscilatório e sistema rotatório ProTaper. Imagens de TC pré e pós-instrumentação foram obtidas 3 mm aquém do forame apical e superpostas para comparar o transporte do canal. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pela Análise de Variância (ANOVA) e Teste de Tukey utilizando o software SPSS (α=0,05). Na direção vestibular, a técnica manual produziu significantemente menos transporte do canal radicular do que a técnica oscilatória (p<0,05) e ambas foram similares a técnica rotatória (p>0,05). Nas direções distal e disto-palatina, a técnica oscilatória produziu mais transporte do canal radicular (p<0,05). Na direção mésio-palatina, a técnica oscilatória produziu mais transporte do canal radicular do que a técnica manual (p<0,05), sendo que ambas foram similares à técnica rotatória (p>0,05). Em conclusão, todas as técnicas produziram transporte do canal radicular e a técnica oscilatória produziu os maiores desgastes de dentina na direção interna da curvatura.

This study used computed tomography (CT) to compare apical canal transportation in mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars prepared with different techniques. Sixty teeth were assigned to 3 groups (n=20), according to the technique used for root canal instrumentation: hand instrumentation with K-Flexofiles, K-Flexofiles activated by an oscillatory system and ProTaper NiTi rotary system. Pre and post-instrumentation CT images were obtained 3 mm short of the apical foramen and were superimposed to compare canal transportation. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey's test using the SPSS software (α=0.05). In the buccal direction, the manual technique produced significantly less canal transportation than the oscillatory technique (p<0.05) and both were similar to the rotary technique (p>0.05). In the distal and distopalatal directions, the oscillatory technique produced more canal transportation (p<0.05). In the mesiopalatal direction, the oscillatory technique produced more canal transportation than the manual technique (p<0.05), and both were similar to the rotary technique (p>0.05). In conclusion, all techniques produced canal transportation, and the oscillatory technique produced the greatest removal of root dentin toward the innerside of the root curvature.

OBJETIVO: No Brasil, o SINAES é a proposta de avaliação da educação superior atualmente em vigência e que avalia as instituições de educação superior, os cursos de graduação e o desempenho dos estudantes (ENADE). Este estudo abordou a avaliação dos cursos de Odontologia em 2003 e 2004 para observar se os resultados da avaliação induziram melhora no processo ensino-aprendizagem. METODOLOGIA: Este estudo transversal foi realizado por meio de questionários com questões abertas e fechadas enviados por e-mail a 165 professores/coordenadores dos programas de graduação em Odontologia do Brasil em 2003/2004. As questões 1, 2 e 3 se referiram à avaliação das Instituições e dos cursos de Odontologia. As questões 5, 6 e 7 se referiram ao ENADE. RESULTADOS: As mudanças com objetivo de melhora na qualidade do ensino em Odontologia e na educação de novos profissionais são impulsionadas pelos resultados do processo de avaliação. Tais mudanças foram implementadas em todas as Instituições de ensino que retornaram os questionários preenchidos. CONCLUSÃO: Mudanças na qualidade da Odontologia brasileira somente serão possíveis se ocorrer melhora no processo educativo de estudantes e professores.

PURPOSE: In Brazil, the SINAES is a process that is currently used to assess higher education institutions, undergraduate programs and students' performance on the ENADE national exam. This study aimed at assessing the Brazilian undergraduate programs in Dentistry, inquiring if the evaluation results induced to changes to improve the teaching-learning process. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized a questionnaire that was e-mailed to 165 professors/coordinators of undergraduate programs in Dentistry in Brazil in 2003/2004. The data analysis was based on the themes of the various open- and closed-ended questions: questions 1, 2, 3 and 4 referred to the evaluation of each institution and its undergraduate program, whereas questions 5, 6 and 7 referred to the ENADE. RESULTS: Changes to improve the quality of teaching in Dentistry and the education of new professionals were driven by the results of the evaluation. These changes were implemented at all institutions that returned the completed questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Improvements in the quality of Brazilian Dentistry will only be possible if the education of the students and the professors is improved.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do pré-alargamento sobre a medição eletrônica do comprimento de trabalho em raízes mésio-vestibulares de molares superiores. METODOLOGIA: Trinta raízes foram incluídas em um modelo de alginato. Canais radiculares foram irrigados com hipoclorito de sódio a 2,5%, e uma lima de tamanho 10 K foi inserida no canal até onde o localizador indicou que a constrição apical tinha sido alcançada. A porção cervical de cada canal foi alargada usando as limas do sistema ProTaper, quando então as medições eletrônicas foram realizados novamente. RESULTADOS: O teste t de Student para amostras pareadas não mostrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas medições obtidas para canais pré-alargados e não alargados (P<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Com base na falta de relevância clínica significativa das comparações realizadas no presente estudo, é possível concluir que a medição do comprimento eletrônico de trabalho pode ser realizado antes ou após o preparo cervical.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of preflaring on the electronic measurement of working length in mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars. METHODS: Thirty roots were embedded in an alginate model. Root canals were irrigated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and a size 10 K file was inserted into the canal until the locator indicated that apical constriction had been reached. Then, the cervical portion of each canal was flared using the ProTaper system shaping files, whereupon electronic measurements were carried out again. RESULTS: The Student's t test for paired samples did not reveal statistically significant differences in the measurements obtained for preflared and unflared canals (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the lack of clinical significant relevance of the comparisons carried out in the present study, it is possible to conclude that electronic working length measurement can be carried out either before or after cervical preparation.

There is little material in the literature that compares biological width measurements in periapical and bite-wings radiographs with clinical measurements. The purpose of this study was to compare measurements of biological width taken by three different methods which are frequently used for planning periodontal surgery - periapical radiograph, bite-wing radiograph and transperiodontal probing - with the trans-surgical measurements. Thirty-four sites from twenty-one subjects were analyzed. The intra-class correlation coefficients between measurements obtained trans-surgically (gold standard) and those obtained by transperiodontal probing, periapical radiography and bite-wing radiography were determined. Average measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon test at a significance level of 0.05. Also, the frequency distribution of differences between test measurements and the gold standard was calculated. The results showed that transperiodontal probing (mean 2.05 mm) was the most accurate measurement, as compared to the gold standard (mean 1.97 mm), with no statistically significant difference observed. On the other hand, periapical and bite-wing radiographic mean values (1.56 mm and 1.72 mm, respectively) were smaller than the gold standard, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). It was concluded that transperiodontal probing was the most accurate measurement, as compared to the gold standard, followed by that obtained with the bite-wing radiograph. The clinical relevance of these results could be that planning for crown lengthening surgery should, preferably, include transperiodontal probing.

OBJETIVO: Comparar índices obtidos de radiografias panorâmicas odontológicas com a densitometria óssea na identificação de indivíduos com osteopenia/osteoporose. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os índices panorâmico mandibular, mentoniano, antegoníaco, goníaco e cortical mandibular foram obtidos de radiografias panorâmicas de mulheres na pós-menopausa e comparados aos resultados da densitometria óssea, por um observador duas vezes, e por outro observador uma vez. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as duas medições realizadas pelo mesmo observador, exceto para o índice antegoníaco no lado esquerdo. Houve boa concordância entre os diagnósticos utilizando o lado esquerdo e o lado direito e entre os diagnósticos dos dois observadores. A análise de variância demonstrou diferenças significativas entre os grupos (normal, osteopenia e osteoporose) para todos os índices. Para os índices panorâmico mandibular e mentoniano todas as médias diferiram entre si. Já para os índices antegoníaco e goníaco, somente o grupo normal apresentou média superior aos demais (osteopenia e osteoporose), as quais não diferiram entre si. CONCLUSÃO: Os índices avaliados foram reprodutíveis; os índices panorâmico mandibular e mentoniano foram os que apresentaram maiores valores de sensibilidade para detectar osteopenia/osteoporose, porém a especificidade do índice panorâmico mandibular foi baixa; todos os índices avaliados foram capazes de identificar baixa massa óssea, contudo, apenas os índices panorâmico mandibular e mentoniano permitiram diferenciar pacientes com osteopenia/osteoporose.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at comparing indices obtained from dental panoramic radiographs with bone densitometry results in the identification of individuals affected by osteoporosis/osteopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic mandibular, mental, antegonial, gonial and mandibular cortical indices calculated with basis on dental panoramic radiographs of postmenopausal women were compared with bone densitometry results, twice by one observer and once by a second observer. RESULTS: Significant differences were not found between the two measurements performed by the same observer, except for the antegonial index on the left side. Interobserver agreement for both sides was good. The variance analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences among groups (normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis) for all the indices evaluated. Differences were significant among all mean panoramic mandibular and mental indices. On the other hand, for the antegonial and gonial indices, only the normal group presented higher means as compared with the other groups (osteopenia and osteoporosis) which did not differ between themselves. CONCLUSION: The indices evaluated were reproducible; panoramic mandibular and mental indices presented the highest sensitivity in the detection of osteopenia/osteoporosis, however the panoramic mandibular index specificity was low. Although all the indices evaluated could identify low bone density, only the panoramic mandibular and mental indices could differentiate patients affected by osteopenia/osteoporosis.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito imediato e tardio da teleterapia fracionada por cobalto-60 sobre o percentual médio de osteoplastos em mandíbula de ratos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Os animais (n = 45) foram divididos em três grupos: grupo 1 (n = 15) - submetidos a teleterapia fracionada e sacrificados terminada a última dose de irradiação; grupo 2 - idêntico ao grupo 1, porém mortos 30 dias após a conclusão da teleterapia; grupo 3 (n = 15) - não-irradiado, servindo como grupo-controle. O protocolo radioterápico consistiu de 30 sessões de teleterapia, fracionadas em doses de 2 Gy/dia, totalizando 60 Gy. Após a perfusão dos animais com paraformaldeído a 4%, a hemimandíbula esquerda foi processada histologicamente. Secções seriadas (5 µm) foram coradas com hematoxilina-eosina. Selecionaram-se duas áreas próximas às raízes dos primeiros e segundos molares. O percentual médio de osteoplastos foi calculado nessa região, em duplicata, valendo-se do programa Image Tool. RESULTADOS: A análise de variância, complementada pelo teste de comparações múltiplas de Tukey, evidenciou que os grupos irradiados 1 e 2 não diferiram entre si, apresentando maiores percentuais de osteoplastos (p = 0,005) quando comparados com o grupo-controle. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que a teleterapia fracionada por cobalto-60, na dose estabelecida, provoca um aumento do número de osteoplastos em tecido ósseo mandibular de ratos.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate both immediate and late effects of fractionated cobalt-60 teletherapy over the mean percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae in rats mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals sampling (n = 45) was divided into three groups with 15 specimens each: group 1 - submitted to fractionated teletherapy (60 Gy) and sacrificed following the last irradiation dose; group 2 - the specimens were submitted to the same procedure as group 1, however were sacrificed 30 days after finishing radiotherapy; group 3 - non-irradiated specimens, control group. The radiotherapy protocol consisted of a course of 30 radiotherapy sessions, fractionated in 2 Gy/day-doses, totalling 60 Gy. After specimens perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde, the left hemimandibles were histologically processed and 5 mm serial sections were hematoxylin-eosin stained. Duplicate calculation of the mean percentage of empty osteocyte lacunae was performed in the areas adjacent to the first and second molar roots with the Image Tool software. RESULTS: The analysis of variance supplemented with the Turkey's multiple comparison test indicated that irradiated groups 1 and 2 showed no difference, presenting higher rates of empty osteocyte lacunae (p = 0.005) in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSION: Fractionated cobalt-60 teletherapy causes an increase in the number of osteoplasts in bone tissues of rats' mandibles.