BACKGROUND The efficacy of endodontic irrigation procedures can be compromised by the complexity of the root canal system. Delivering irrigants to the apical third of curved canals presents a particular challenge to endodontists. This study compared the effects of two ultrasonic irrigation techniques on the penetration of sodium hypochlorite into the main canal and simulated lateral canals of c...

Objectives: Since forgetfulness is the major cause of missed appointments, reminder systems can be used prior to appointments. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different reminders [e-mails, social networks, telephone, and short message service (SMS)] in order to reduce missed appointments by orthodontic patients. Methods: Of a total of 751 active orthodontic patients, 379 we...

Aims of this work were to examine lateral canals in extracted teeth, to propose a new technique to produce artificial lateral canals, and to compare two obturation techniques. Cleared roots were examined to record measure and shape of lateral canals. Artificial lateral canals were prepared on human demineralized teeth before final clearing. Specimens were divided in two groups: canals of group ...

The efficacy of tactile detection of the apical constriction in flared and nonflared root canals was examined in 120 root canals of adult patients. In 68 nonflared (group 1) root canals, a #15 or #20 K-file was used to detect ("feel") the apical constriction. In 52 teeth (group 2), Hedstrom files, Gates Gliden drills #2 to #4, and ultrasonic files were used to enlarge the canal orifice and flar...

AIM To evaluate the relative performance of ProTaper nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) instruments shaping root canals of varying preoperative canal geometry. METHODOLOGY Extracted human maxillary molars were scanned, before and after shaping with ProTaper, employing micro computed tomography (muCT) at a resolution of 36 mum. Canals were three-dimensionally reconstructed and evaluated for volume, surfa...

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to describe the canal shaping properties of ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), ProTaper Universal (PTU; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN), and WaveOne (Dentsply Maillefer) nickel-titanium instruments in mandibular first molars by using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning. METHODS A total of 36 ...

INTRODUCTION This study compared the reduction of Enterococcus faecalis in straight and curved canals using an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet laser and irrigation with 6.15% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). METHODS Fifty-five single-rooted extracted teeth were divided into straight and curved canal groups. The root lengths were standardized (14.0mm) and NiTi instruments were use...

Lateral canals establish connection between the main root canal and periodontal ligament. The necrotic tissues and bacteria residing in the lateral canals are difficult to remove by mechanical and chemical cleaning and this influences filling the root canal efficiently and the outcome of the root canal therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the filling of artificially prepared lateral c...

A mandibular first molar requiring root canal therapy was found with five canals, three mesial canals, and two distal canals. Initially, four canals (mesiobuccal, mesiolingual, distobuccal, and distolingual) were identified. The mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals were found in their normal locations, and a fifth canal was noted between these two. This case demonstrates a rare anatomical config...