Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in the domain of healthcare, including endodontics. This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of six AI chatbots (ScholarGPT, Scholar AI, ChatGPT-4o, Gemini 2.0, DeepSeek-R1, and ChatGPT-5) in answering multiple-choice questions related to endodontics. The study evaluated the accuracy performance of six different AI chatbots in answering 122 multiple-choice questions related to endodontics asked in iterations of the Turkish Dentistry Specialization Exam (DUS) held between 2012 and 2021. The questions were divided into two categories: ‘knowledge-based’ and ‘case-based’. The responses were categorized as ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’. The chatbots’ performance levels in answering all knowledge-based and case-based questions correctly were recorded and compared. The relationship between the categorical variables was evaluated using descriptive statistics, Cochran’s Q test, and exploratory pairwise comparisons using McNemar’s test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05, with an adjusted significance level of p = 0.00416 for multiple comparisons. No statistically significant differences between the general accuracy performance of six different AI chatbots in answering DUS endodontic questions (p > 0.05) exist. No significant differences were found between the models for case-based and knowledge-based questions (p > 0.05). The evaluated AI chatbots demonstrated comparable accuracy in answering multiple-choice endodontic questions. While these findings suggest potential utility in dental education, the use of AI in clinical practice should be considered supportive rather than definitive. Therefore, ongoing evaluation and improvement of chatbot accuracy and reliability remain important.

This study compared conventional needle irrigation (CNI), shock wave–enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS), EDDY sonic-powered irrigation, and the XP-endo Finisher for organic tissue removal in simulated internal root resorption (IRR) cavities using 2.5

Background: Evidence regarding the effects of bruxism and periodontitis on root resorption is scarce and remains controversial in the literature. This case report aims to investigate the potential relationship between chronic periodontitis, severe bruxism, and aggressive external root resorption affecting multiple teeth in a patient with no systemic predisposition. Materials and Methods: Following clinical and conventional radiographic (panoramic and periapical) examinations, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was performed for a detailed analysis of the resorptive lesions. An affected tooth with an extraction indication was subjected to histopathological examination. To exclude potential systemic etiologies, a comprehensive laboratory workup was conducted, including differential blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Hb%, alkaline phosphatase, T3, T4, TSH, serum potassium, and serum calcium levels. Results: Panoramic radiographs revealed cervical resorption in tooth #13 and a radiolucent area in the apical region of tooth #26. CBCT analysis confirmed localized external root resorption in the mesial root of tooth #26, accompanied by apical periodontitis involving all three roots. Histological findings confirmed the diagnosis of ERR, while the radiographic appearance of tooth #13 supported a suspicion of multiple external root resorption. Hematological and biochemical analyses showed no systemic pathology that could increase susceptibility to resorption.Conclusion: After excluding all other etiological factors, it was concluded that the severity and extent of the root resorption in this case may be associated with the combined effects of the patient's periodontitis and excessive occlusal forces related to severe bruxism.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cleaning protocols on the push-out bond strength of fiber posts.Methods: Sixty mandibular premolars were decoronated. The root segments were prepared to size F3 and obturated with F3 gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer. The post-spaces were prepared with post drills and assigned into four groups according to supplementary cleaning protocols: conventional needle irrigation (CNI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), XP-endo Finisher, and Erbium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser (Er: YAG)- photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS). Fiber posts were luted with dual-curing self-adhesive resin cement. Each group's cervical, middle, and apical regions were measured with the push test.Results: The data were assessed through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey post-hoc test. Push-out strength was statistically different in the XP-endo Finisher, PUI, and Er: YAG laser-PIPS groups compared to the CNI. CNI showed the lowest values.Conclusion: After preparing the post space, irrigation activation methods increase the bond strength values of fiber posts to root dentin compared to CNI. strength between fiber posts and root dentin.Keywords: Fiber post, Er: YAG laser, XP-endo Finisher, ultrasonic activation, push-out

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and medical education has advanced rapidly, with conversational AI systems gaining attention for their potential in academic assessment and clinical reasoning. This study aimed to evaluate AI chatbots’ performance on restorative dentistry questions from the Turkish Dental Specialty Examination (DUS), a high-stakes national exam assessing theoretical and clinical knowledge. An in silico, cross-sectional, comparative design was employed. A total of 190 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from 19 DUS sessions between 2012 and 2025 were obtained from the Assessment, Selection, and Placement Center (ÖSYM) website. After excluding annulled items, 188 questions were analyzed. Eight AI chatbots (ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4o Free, ChatGPT-4o Plus, Claude Sonnet 4, Microsoft Copilot, DeepSeek, Gemini 1.5, and Gemini Advanced) were tested using a standardized single-attempt protocol in Turkish. Performance measures included accuracy, response length, and response time. Questions were categorized by year, content domain, and length for subgroup analyses. Statistical analyses were conducted in Python using standard libraries. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were calculated, while comparisons involved the Shapiro-Wilk test, Levene’s test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Dunn’s post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. No significant difference was found in overall accuracy (p = 0.18). However, response time and word count differed significantly (p < 0.001). Gemini Advanced showed the highest accuracy (96.28

To investigate the influence of endodontic access cavity designs and root canal sealers on extracted mandibular incisors’ fracture resistance (FR) after 6 months of ageing. Fifty mandibular incisors with similar dimensions and root lengths were collected and randomly divided into five groups (n = 10) based on endodontic access cavity: traditional access cavity (TAC) or minimally invasive access cavity (MIAC) and root canal sealers (AH Plus or NeoSealer Flo) with an intact tooth as control group. The teeth underwent FR testing after root canal filling and composite resin restoration. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey tests with the significance level set at 0.05. The control group exhibited the highest FR (434.60 ± 80.65 N). Significant differences were observed between the control and all experimental groups (p < 0.001 for TAC/AH Plus, and TAC/NeoSealer Flo, p = 0.002 for MIAC/AH Plus, and p = 0.001 for MIAC/NeoSealer Flo). The mean values for the experimental groups were 309.62 ± 82.51 N (TAC/AH Plus), 281.75 ± 50.79 N (TAC/NeoSealer Flo), 320.85 ± 40.77 N (MIAC/AH Plus), and 313.91 ± 42.44 N (MIAC/NeoSealer Flo), with no significant differences among them (p > 0.05). Neither the shape of the endodontic access cavity nor the type of sealer affected the FR of extracted mandibular incisors after 6 months of ageing.

Amaç: Bu çalışma diş hekimliği fakültesi öğrencilerinin uzmanlık alanı tercihlerine etki eden faktörleri araştırmayı ve Endodonti bölümüne bakış açılarını ve Endodonti bölümünde uzmanlaşma konusundaki görüşlerini değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kırıkkale Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi 4. Sınıf ve 5. Sınıf öğrencilerine uygulanmak amacıyla toplam 12 soruluk bir anket hazırlandı. Anket 84’ü 4. Sınıf, 85’i 5. Sınıf olmak üzere toplamda 169 öğrenciye uygulandı. Analiz için Ki-kare testi kullanıldı ve p

Objective This study evaluated the effect of different apical preparation sizes and root canal sealers on fracture resistance.Materials and methods In total, 100 mandibular premolars were collected; 90 were prepared with the VDW R25 file, obturated with AH Plus a single gutta-percha cone and stored for one month, after which ProTaper Universal Retreatment System instruments were used to remove the root canal filling materials. The K3XF rotary nickel-titanium files (25/0.04, 30/0.04, 35/0.04, 40/0.04, respectively, according to the experimental groups) were used to complete retreatment and obturated with root canal sealer and a single gutta-percha cone per the experimental groups. The root segments were randomly divided into ten experimental groups (n = 10 roots/group) as follows: Negative Control Group 1 (intact tooth group); Positive Control Group 2 (25/0.04 preparation, without obturation); Positive Control Group 3 (30/0.04 preparation, without obturation), Positive Control Group 4 (40/0.04 preparation, without obturation); Group 5A (30/0.04, AH Plus); Group 5B (40/0.04, AH Plus); Group 6A (30/0.04, NeoSealer Flo); Group 6B (40/0.04, NeoSealer Flo); Group 7A (30/0.04, MTA Bioseal); and Group 7B (40/0.04, MTA Bioseal). All the experimental groups were incubated at 37 °C for 12 months in 100% humidity. A universal testing machine measured the fracture resistance of each segment and the results were recorded in Newtons.Results There were no significant differences between the sealers and apical preparation sizes. The root segments obturated with AH-Plus, NeoSealer Flo and MTA Bioseal yield values significantly higher than those in the negative control groups.Conclusions All types of sealer (AH Plus, NeoSealer Flo and MTA Bioseal) exhibited nearly the same fracture resistance in retreated root segments aged 12 months.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chitosan (Cht), gelatin (Gel) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at different concentrations as a medicament for the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) from infected dentin. Fifty-two single-rooted premolar teeth were standardized to 12 ± 1 mm in length and prepared up to size #100 with K-hand files. The root segments were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 21 days. Two root segments were used to confirm the mature biofilm formation by scanning electron microscope. After irrigation with 1.5

This study aimed to evaluate the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) and CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs) scores, nutritional habits, and oral hygiene behaviors of first-year (Class-1) and fifth-year (Class-5) dental students at Kırıkkale University Faculty of Dentistry, and to compare these metrics with age-matched general population patients. In this cross-sectional study, DMFT and CPITN scores were recorded for three distinct groups: Class 1 and Class 5 dental students, and a randomly selected group of age-matched patients from the general population who applied to our clinic. The effects of individual social and behavioural characteristics on these indexes were examined. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparisons between groups. Chi-Square analysis was used in the evaluation of categorical data. A significance level of 0.05 was used. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms for gender (p = 0.331), number of snacks (p = 0.406), tooth brushing (p = 0.069), toothbrush type (p = 0.244) and mouthwash use (p = 0.562). However, the Class-5 group showed a significant difference from the other groups with the highest number of “yes” answers in the question of visit to the dentist for a check-up (82

Bioceramic-based root canal sealers are increasingly important in root canal treatment because of their biocompatible properties. This study aimed to evaluate postobturation pain incidence and intensity after root canal obturation with NeoSealer Flo, MTA-Bioseal, and GuttaFlow bioseal calcium silicate-based sealers and AH Plus epoxy resin-based sealer in patients with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis or necrotic pulp with chronic apical periodontitis. A total of 120 participants with single-rooted teeth were included and randomly divided into four groups according to the root canal sealer used (n = 30). The patients were subsequently categorised based on the pulp vitality (vital or nonvital) in each group (n = 15) and all teeth were obturated in a single-visit. The postobturation pain scores were recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 d and 30 d. Moreover, analgesic intake was also noted at 24 h and 48 h. The Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal‒Wallis H test, Friedman test, and Spearman’s correlation test were used, and a p value < 0.05 was considered significant. VAS scores were highest for the 6 h > 24 h > 48 h ≈ 72 h ≈ 7 d ≈ 30 d time intervals for both pulp status in each root canal sealer. A significant decrease in the VAS score was observed for all sealers from 6 h to 48 h (p 0.05). Nonvital cases had lower VAS scores at all time intervals. Analgesic intake was greater in the first 24 h (p < 0.05) in vital cases (p < 0.05) and also in females than males. The level of pain experienced after obturation was similar in patients with different pulp status for all the root canal sealers. Analgesic intake was greater in vital cases and females within 24 h. ClinicalTrial.gov , NCT06515756, record date: 2024-07-17, retrospectively registered.

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı Kırıkkale Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi’nde eğitim gören 4. ve 5. sınıf öğrencilerinin klinik eğitimleri sırasında yaptıkları kök kanal tedavilerinin kalitesini periapikal radyografiler üzerinden değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Eylül 2022- Nisan 2023 ayları arasında Kırıkkale Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi Endodonti Ana Bilim Dalı’nda 4. ve 5. sınıf öğrencileri tarafından yapılan kök kanal tedavilerinin kalitesi radyografik olarak incelendi. Radyografik görüntüler; kanal dolgusunun boyu, taper ve densite parametreleri, kırık alet, perforasyon, basamak oluşumu ve transportasyon gibi iyatrojenik hatalar göz önüne alınarak değerlendirildi. Tüm parametrelere ilişkin frekans dağılımları belirlendi. Kategorik değişkenleri tanımlamak için tanımlayıcı istatistikler uygulandı (n, %). p değeri 0.05’den küçük olduğunda aradaki fark anlamlı kabul edildi. Bulgular: 85 anterior (%20.74), 156 premolar (%39,25), 161 molar (%40) diş olmak üzere toplam 402 kök kanal tedavisi radyografik olarak incelendi. Kök kanal tedavisinde başarı oranının; anterior dişlerde %80, premolar dişlerde %78 ve molar dişlerde %44 olduğu tespit edildi. 4.sınıf öğrencilerinin yaptıkları kök kanal tedavilerinin %62 olan başarı oranının, 5.sınıf öğrencilerinde %67.4’e yükseldiği görüldü. İyatrojenik hatalar; %3.7 kırık alet, %0.25 perforasyon, %6.75 basamak oluşumu, %1 oranında kök kanal transportasyonu olarak tespit edildi. Anterior dişlerde yapılan kanal tedavileri posterior dişlere göre daha başarılı bulundu. Sonuç: Karmaşık bir anatomik yapı göstermesi ve ulaşım zorluğu sebebiyle molar dişlerdeki endodontik tedavilerde başarı oranı daha düşük olabilmektedir. Bu nedenle özellikle molar dişlere yönelik preklinik eğitimlere ve klinik çalışmalara ağırlık verilmesi gerekmektedir.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and analyse the quality, accuracy and content of videos about endo-perio lesions on the Youtube platform. Material and Methods: The search term "endo-perio lesions" was identified using the Google Trends application. On 1 December 2023, between 10:00 and 13:00, the term "endo-perio lesions" was searched on YouTube videos. The URLs of the first 200 videos were copied and the 40 videos that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated and scored for Global Quality Score (GQS), Modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) scale and completeness. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, as well as the Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney U tests. The significance level was determined as p<0.05. Results: The highest average GQS (mean±SD: 4,40 ± 0,52), mDISCERN (mean±SD: 4,80 ± 0,42) and completeness score (mean±SD: 4,90 ± 1,45), were found in videos posted by dentists or specialists. Among the content of the 40 videos, the most frequently mentioned topic was 'treatment of endo-perio lesions' (%82.5), followed by 'clinical and radiographic findings' (%77.5), 'etiological factors' (%62.5) and 'diagnosis' (%62.5). Other topics included, in decreasing order, 'classification of endodontic lesions' (%55), 'prognosis (%50)', 'microbiology' (%10) and 'pathology' (%10). Conclusion: It can be concluded that YouTube can provide valuable and useful information about endodontic lesions, within the limitations of this study. However, it is recommended to supplement this information with additional details on the prognosis, microbiology, and pathology of the lesions.

Background: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of XP-endo finisher R file and PIPS technique using Er: YAG laser on removal of gutta-percha in root canals obturated with two different obturation techniques. Methods: The root canals of sixty single-rooted teeth were prepared with ProTaper Next Rotary instruments up to X3 (Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Half of the root canals were obturated with cold lateral condensation technique and the other half with System B technique (Kerr Corporation, CA, USA) and BioRoot RCS sealer (Setodent, Louisville, USA) was used in all groups as a root canal sealer. After one week, all root canals were retreated using Protaper Universal retreatment instruments (Dentsply, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and enlarged to ProTaper Next X5 File at the working length. Both groups were divided into 3 subgroups according to the additional cleaning methods: control group without an additional cleaning method, XP-endo Finisher R or PIPS technique using Er: YAG laser. Finally, all teeth were split longitudinally and images were taken using an operation microscope (Carl Zeiss, Heidelberg, Germany). The images were analyzed by Image J program. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the canal filling techniques applied in the evaluation of remnants (p=0.010). There was no significant difference between additional cleaning methods (p=0.196). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, cleanliness is more difficult in root canals obturated with System B technique. Use of additional cleaning method was not effective in removal of root canal filling materials.

Do variations in the concentrations of EDTA and citric acid affect the release of different growth factors from the dentin matrix?

Apikal periodontitis (AP), pulpa dokusunda gelişen polimikrobiyal enfeksiyon nedeniyle periradiküler alanda gelişen akut veya kronik inflamatuar lezyon olarak bilinir. Kök kanal tedavisi sırasında enfektif doku, irrigasyon solüsyonları veya dolgu maddelerinin periapikal alana taşırılmasıyla da oluşabilen, görülme sıklığı oldukça yüksek bir patolojidir. Mikrobiyal faktörlerle konakçı immun yanıtı arasındaki etkileşim periradiküler dokuların iltihaplanması ve mineralize dokuların rezorpsiyonuyla sonuçlanır. Apikal periodontitiste görülen inflamasyon sürecinin, sistemik etkileri konusunda araştırmalar yapan endodontik tıp kavramı doğmuştur. Milattan önceki yıllara kadar dayanan endodontik tıp, endodonti bilimini pulpa ve periapikal doku patolojilerinin lokal incelenmesi ve tedavisinin ötesine taşımış; odontojenik enfeksiyonların romatoid artrit, diabet, kalp hastalıkları gibi çeşitli sistemik hastalıklarla ilişkisi incelenmiştir. İnflamatuar mediatör salınımının yoğun olduğu kronik enfeksiyonda bakterilerin metastatik yolla lokalize kalmayabileceği, uzak dokulardaki patolojiyi destekleyebileceği düşünülmektedir. Dünyada mortalite ve morbidite oranı en yüksek hastalıklar arasında üst sıralarda yer alan kardiyovasküler hastalıkların major risk faktörlerinin yanında koagulasyon eğilimini arttıran faktörler ve inflamasyon göstergeleri (fibrinojen, CRP, Cu, Fe, IL-6, TNF-α gibi) eklenmiştir. Tedavi edilmemiş enfekte kök kanalları ve apikal periodontitiste yükseldiği tespit edilen bu değerlerin, genel sağlığı etkileyebileceği düşünülmektedir. Endodontik enfeksiyonun sistemik bir hastalığa sebep olabileceği gibi sistemik hastalığın da endodontik enfeksiyonun patogenezinde rol alabileceği ve ayrıca endodontik tedavi görmüş dişlerin iyileşme sürecini de etkileyebileceği öne sürülmüştür. Bu derlemenin amacı; güncel araştırmalar ışığında kronik inflamasyona neden olan apikal periodontitis ile kardiyovasküler hastalıklar arasındaki ilişkinin araştırılmasıdır.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the content and educational quality of videos on YouTube about mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in endodontics.Methods: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/)was searched for videos using the search term "endodontics, MTA, " which was determined using Google Trends.The video contents were analyzed under three categories (etiology, procedure, and prognosis) and the Global Quality Score (GQS).The descriptive statistics were evaluated, and the statistical analyses included Fleiss Kappa, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tamhane's T2 test. Results:The total number of videos, 67.5% were uploaded by specialists.The content completeness was significantly different among the uploaders (4.2±1.69).The highest mean GQS was found for videos published by specialists (4.03±1.09).The videos generally shared content about furcation perforation repair, management of teeth with open apex and apical plug technique, and product presentations. Conclusion:Specialists should post more videos focused on information about MTA in root canal treatment and regenerative endodontics.

Instagram is a popular social media platform for sharing videos and photos that is widely used by individuals worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the information quality of Reels videos on Instagram with respect to broken files, a complication in endodontic treatment. Reels videos were searched on May 16 between 19:00 and 23:00 using English hashtags (#brokenfile, #brokenfileremoval, #brokeninstrument, #brokeninstrumentremoval). The videos related to the subject were examined based on their characteristics and uploaders. The videos were evaluated by Global Quality Scale (GQS) scores, modified DISCERN, and JAMA criteria. Descriptive statistics were obtained, and the data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman rho tests. Of the 205 downloaded Reels videos, 54 met the criteria for analysis. Most posts were posted by specialists (79.62