Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the bond strength of two calcium silicate–based sealers to dentin following different canal-drying protocols. Methods: Sixty bovine incisors were assigned to six groups according to three drying methods (absorbent paper, suction cannula, or isopropyl alcohol) and two sealer types (ready-to-use and powder–liquid). The teeth were obturated using the single-cone technique and stored at 37°C and 100% humidity for 30 days. Subsequently, they were sectioned to obtain three slices for the push-out test. Failure patterns were analyzed under optical microscopy. Results: No significant differences were observed among the drying protocols for the BioRoot sealer (P > 0.05). However, for the Bio-C Sealer, the lowest bond strength values were recorded with the suction cannula drying method (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the absorbent paper and isopropyl alcohol protocols (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The canal-drying protocol affected only the bond strength of the Bio-C Sealer.
Aims: To evaluate the effect of different final irrigation protocols on the push-out bond strength of EndoSeal MTA and MTA Fillapex. Methods: Sixty extracted human single-rooted teeth were allocated into six experimental groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation protocol (distilled water, QMix, or 17% EDTA) and root canal sealer (EndoSeal MTA or MTA Fillapex). After obturation, the roots were sectioned and subjected to the pushout bond strength test. Failure modes were classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey-Kramer test ( = 0.05). Results: Push-out bond strength differed significantly among the experimental groups (p < 0.001). For EndoSeal MTA, QMix (0.80 ± 0.25 MPa) and EDTA (0.83 ± 0.34 MPa) resulted in significantly higher bond strength than distilled water (0.24 ± 0.11 MPa; p < 0.001), with no difference between QMix and EDTA (p > 0.05). Final irrigation did not significantly affect the bond strength of MTA Fillapex (p > 0.05). EndoSeal MTA exhibited significantly higher bond strength than MTA Fillapex after QMix or EDTA (p < 0.001), whereas the sealers did not differ after distilled water (p > 0.05). Cohesive and mixed failures predominated, while adhesive failures occurred only in the distilled water groups. Conclusions: The effect of final irrigation on push-out bond strength was sealer dependent. EDTA and QMix favored the bond strength of EndoSeal MTA, whereas MTA Fillapex was not influenced by the final irrigation protocol.
Aims: To evaluate the tissue reaction promoted after performing apicoectomy with an erbium:YAG laser compared to other methods. Methods: Seventy-two human premolars were submitted to the root resection with 699 bur carbide, 699 bur carbide and finishing with Shofu point, Zekrya bur or erbium:YAG laser. After apicoectomy, roots from the different groups were implanted in the rats subcutaneous for 48 hours, 7 and 30 days. The number of inflammatory (IC) and fibroblast (Fb) cells and the capsule thickness in the tissue adjacent to the implants was measured. Data were submitted to statistical analyses (p<0.05). Results: After 48 hours, a moderate to intense inflammatory reaction was seen in all groups. Within 7 days, a decrease in the number of inflammatory cells and increasing in the Fb adjacent to the 699+Shofu and Laser groups was noted (p<0.05). At 30 days, the comparison amongst groups showed a thinner capsule and a smaller number of IC adjacent to 699+Shofu and Laser (p<0.05). Conclusions: Both the Er:YAG laser and #699 bur with Shofu point finishing caused less intense tissue inflammation and accelerated the repair process compared to other methods.
Aims: This clinical case report describes the rehabilitation of an endodontically treated maxillary first molar presenting a defective extensive restoration and loss of the mesial marginal ridge using a conservative direct composite resin restoration associated with polyethylene fiber reinforcement. Case report: A 37-year-old female patient attended the IOA-Belém Specialization Clinic complaining about the condition of tooth #16. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed an extensive mesio-occlusal restoration with poor marginal adaptation, compromised occlusal anatomy, and absence of restorative material in the pulp chamber. Replacement of the existing restoration was indicated. After anesthesia and rubber dam isolation, the defective restoration was removed, followed by cavity cleaning and adhesive procedures. The pulp chamber floor was sealed with flowable composite resin to protect the endodontic treatment and provide a uniform cavity base. A polyethylene reinforcing fiber (Ribbond®) was then impregnated with adhesive and strategically positioned within the cavity to connect the remaining walls and reinforce the area corresponding to the lost marginal ridge. The definitive restoration was completed with composite resin using the incremental technique, followed by finishing and polishing procedures. Results: The procedure restored the morphology and function of tooth #16 while preserving the remaining coronal tooth structure. Because no clinical follow-up was performed after the immediate postoperative assessment, the present report does not allow conclusions regarding long-term survival, longevity, or superiority over other restorative strategies. Conclusions: For the tooth described in this report, a fiber-reinforced direct composite restoration provided a conservative means of restoring form and function while preserving the remaining coronal structure. The clinical rationale was based on the distribution of the remaining tooth structure and current evidence concerning direct adhesive restorations of endodontically treated posterior teeth. Longer-term clinical follow-up is required before conclusions about durability can be drawn.
Aims: To evaluate the performance and the time required for Rotate Glider 15/.04 and Univy Glider 15/.04 instruments to reach the working length in mesiobuccal canals of three-dimensional (3D) printed replicas of mandibular molars. Methods: Thirty replicas were divided into two groups (n = 15): Rotate Glider 15/.04 and Univy Glider 15/.04. Glide path preparation was performed using a VDW Silver motor at 350 rpm and 1.5 N/cm² torque. Ability to reach WL and required time were recorded by video analysis. Success was defined as reaching WL within nine pecking motions. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact and Student’s t-tests. Scanning electron microscopy evaluated instruments’ cutting angle, helical angle, spiral number, and cross-sectional design. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between the tested instruments regarding the number of pecking motions required to reach the WL or the instrumentation time (p > 0.05). Morphological analysis demonstrated differences in geometric characteristics between the instruments; however, these differences did not influence their overall performance. Conclusions: Both rotary glide path instruments demonstrated similar and satisfactory performance in reaching the WL and may be safely used prior to mechanized root canal preparation procedures.
