This new review of root canal retreatment indirectly compares the outcomes of two approaches, non-surgical retreatment and microsurgery. Only 4 of the studies were RCTs but these did not involve direct comparison of the two approaches. Pooled success rates suggest better outcomes for the microsurgical approach.
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This review compared root fracture rates of metal and fibre root canal posts and found not difference. While 14 studies were included only 7 were randomised trials and all were of low quality so higher quality studies are needed.
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A 2010 Cochrane review that was not able to include any dental studies did find that buffering lidocaine decreased pain on injection and augmented patient comfort and satisfaction. This new dental trial included 80 patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis but found no significant difference with success rates with buffered lidocaine.
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This small study found good short term success rates for a new MTA derived pulp capping material in permanent teeth. Larger well-conducted longer-term studies are necessary to establish its clinical utility.
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This systematic review was looking to compare endodontic microsurgery with single implant placement. No studies directly comparing the two treatments were available. 44 studies of single implants and 6 studies of endodontic microsurgery found 2 -4 years survival rates for endodontic microsurgery were 94% and single implants 96%. The quality of the available evidence was moderate.
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Only 10 low quality studies were available for this review to assess if a vital pulp restored with composite resin is at greater risk of pulpal complications than one restored with other materials. Questions over the studies qualities make it difficult to draw any conclusions.
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A non-surgical root canal treatment for periodontal-endodontic lesions was usually performed as an initial treatment step, but this systematic review found little high quality evidence.
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The recommended treatment for apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess is removal of the source of inflammation or infection by local, operative measures ie tooth extraction or pulp extirpation possibly in combination with the incision and drainage of any swelling present. Antibiotics are only recommended where there is evidence of spreading infection or systemic symptoms. [read the full story…]
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been suggested as a potential adjunctive aid to disinfection of the root canal. In principle, it uses a nontoxic photosensitizer that is selectively absorbed in a target tissue and a low-intensity light source. Upon photo-induced activation of the photosensitizer, in the presence of oxygen, a series of reactions produce free radicals [read the full story…]
When performing root canal treatment determining the position of the apical constriction of the tooth in order to gauge the ‘working length’ of the root canal is an important step. Traditional this has been performed with radiographs although electronic apex locators (EALs) have been available for may years and are becoming increasingly popular. The aim [read the full story…]
