A range of materials have been used for root-end filling after endodontic surgery with a systematic review by Tang and Yin in 2010 finding that; ‘mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as root-end filling is better than amalgam and purely gutta-percha but similar to intermediate restorative material(IRM).’ However, only a 5 trials could be included in that [read the full story…]
Pulpectomy is, indicated for primary teeth with irreversibly inflamed or necrotic radicular pulps because of caries or trauma. The main aim of this trial was to evaluate the outcome of pulpectomy with smear layer removal versus no smear layer removal. Patients were randomised to receive pulpectomy under rubber dam with either smear layer removal (G1) [read the full story…]
This systematic review is the second part of a review we first highlighted in Dental Elf on the 7th July. The aim of this part was to assess whether root-end surgery techniques with microinstruments but only loupes or no visualization aids (contemporary root-end surgery [CRS]) compared with endodontic microsurgery using the same instruments and materials [read the full story…]
Another critical summary of a systematic review prepared under the auspices of the American Dental Association Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry. Originally published in 2010 , the review aimed to assess the frequency of non-odontogenic dentoalveolar pain six months or more after endodontic therapy. The summariser notes the that both English and non-English language articles were [read the full story…]
The aim of this study was to determine whether in patients diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and associated periapical radiolucency with moderate to severe preoperative pain ibuprofen or ibuprofen/acetaminophen was more effective for postoperative endodontic pain. 71 patients with a symptomatic tooth with a pulpal diagnosis of necrosis and moderate to severe pain at the time [read the full story…]
The inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) does not always result in successful pulpal anaesthesia with studies noting failure rates between 44% and 81%. Previous studies have suggested that preoperative medication might increase the success rate of the IANB. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the administration of the combination of [read the full story…]
Soft-tissue numbness after local anaesthesia is considerably longer than pulpal anaesthesia and the duration of the typical dental appointment. This often impacts on patients normal daily activities. The aim of this randomized, single-blind study was to evaluate the reversal of soft-tissue anaesthesia using phentolamine in asymptomatic endodontic patients. Adults patients requiring endodontic therapy in a [read the full story…]
The pain associated with root canal treatment is a major source of fear for patients. Pre treatment, treatment, and post treatment pain is anticipated, experienced, remembered, and shared by patients. The aim of this trail was to compare the effects of single doses of three oral medications on postoperative pain following instrumentation of root canals [read the full story…]
This systematic review was first published in 2010 The American Dental Association Centre for Evidence-based Dentistry has now published a critical summary of this review. They found the review to be comprehensive using STROBE criteria to assess study quality.Eighteen of the 26 studies were prospective. However they noted that the reviewers did not report the [read the full story…]
Pulp necrosis in immature teeth arrests root development so apical closure cannot be achieved. Root canal treatment of these teeth is a challenge. Procedures to encourage apexification have long been the treatment of choice success in preserving damaged immature teeth. A range of materials have been recommended to induce apexification in teeth with immature apices. [read the full story…]
