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Aim To compare the degree of fibre shedding by six brands of endodontic paper point when used for the paper point technique ( PPT) of working length confirmation. Methodology An in vitro model simulating the clinical use of paper points in PPT was used to assess the degree of fibre shedding of six brands of size 20, .02 taper paper point. Whilst observing the artificial terminal foramen with polarized light microscopy, the number of fibres shed directly (point inserted 1 mm beyond the terminal foramen) and indirectly (point inserted to length then a gutta-percha point inserted) was assessed. The degree of direct fibre shedding as a function of brand was analysed with Fisher's exact test and multiple pairwise comparisons. Indirect fibre shedding was analysed with Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results All brands shed fibres both directly and indirectly, with a significant influence of brand on the proportion of fibres shed directly ( P < 0.0306) and on the mean number of fibres shed indirectly ( P < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis demonstrated a similar hierarchy of point integrity for both tests with Classic (UnoDent, Witham, UK) shedding significantly more than other brands and SS White (Gloucester, UK) and Antæos® ( VDW, Munich, Germany) shedding the least. Conclusion All brands of paper point may shed cellulose fibres both directly and indirectly with a significant influence of brand on the degree of fibre shedding. Further work should be undertaken to develop biocompatible absorbent dental points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endodontic paper points were tested for antibacterial activity after the accidental finding that bacterial cultures were inhibited by one variety. Of five types tested, two, from the same supplier, were found to exhibit diffusible antibacterial activity against salivary and subgingival plaque micro-organisms. The identity of the agent responsible for this activity has not been determined, but preliminary tests indicate that it is an aldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biocompatibility of absorbent paper points was evaluated by a haemolysis test and a tissue culture agarose overlay test. One type of paper points produced marked haemolytic activity and a cytotoxic response in the overlay test. The other types tested showed minimal haemolytic activity and no cytotoxicity. Chemical analysis of the cytotoxic paper points revealed that they contained formaldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formaldehyde content in four brands of endodontic paper points was determined with an improved 2,4Ädinitrophenvihydrazine (DNPH) method. One brand, earlier shown to exhibit cvtotoxic as well as haemolytic activity, contained significantly more formaldehyde than the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts of research papers and posters which were presented at the Sixth Congress of the European Society of Endodontology, held in London, Great Britain from November 11 to 13, 1993. Some of the topics discussed are: Modification of a resin bone cement for use as a root canal sealer, comparison between malleability of warm and cold gutta-percha, an alternative method for micro-organism detection in endodontics, reasons for endodontic treatment among Swedish general pracitioners and the incidence of mandibular premolars with more than one root canal.

Background: Periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) offers a source of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for endodontic disease. Aims: (1) To optimize basic parameters for PTF paper point sampling in vitro for subsequent in vivo application. (2) To compare proteomes of PTF from teeth with normal apical tissues (NAT) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) using high‐throughput panels. Methodology: (1) To assess volume absorbance, paper points (n = 20) of multiple brands, sizes and sampling durations were inserted into PBS/1%BSA at several depths. Wetted lengths (mm) were measured against standard curves to determine volume absorbance (μL). To assess analyte recovery, paper points (n = 6) loaded with 2 μL recombinant IL‐1β (15.6 ng/mL) were eluted into 250 μL: (i) PBS; (ii) PBS/1% BSA; (iii) PBS/0.1% Tween20; (iv) PBS/0.25 M NaCl. These then underwent: (i) vortexing; (ii) vortexing/centrifugation; (iii) centrifugation; (iv) incubation/vortexing/centrifugation. Sandwich‐ELISAs determined analyte recovery (%) against positive controls. (2) Using optimized protocols, PTF was retrieved from permanent teeth with NAT or AAP after accessing root canals. Samples, normalized to total fluid volume (TFV), were analysed to determine proteomic profiles (pg/TFV) of NAT and AAP via O‐link Target‐48 panel. Correlations between AAP and diagnostic accuracy were explored using principal‐component analysis (PCA) and area under receive‐operating‐characteristic curves (AUC [95% CI]), respectively. Statistical comparisons were made using Mann–Whitney U, anova and post hoc Bonferonni tests (α <.01). Results: (1) UnoDent's 'Classic' points facilitated maximum volume absorbance (p <.05), with no significant differences after 60 s (1.6 μL [1.30–1.73]), 1 mm depth and up to 40/0.02 (2.2 μL [1.98–2.20]). For elution, vortexing (89.3%) and PBS/1% BSA (86.9%) yielded the largest IL‐1β recovery (p <.05). (2) 41 (NAT: 13; AAP: 31) PTF samples proceeded to analysis. The panel detected 18 analytes (CCL‐2, ‐3, ‐4; CSF‐1; CXCL‐8, ‐9; HGF; IL‐1β, ‐6, ‐17A, ‐18; MMP‐1, ‐12; OLR‐1; OSM; TNFSF‐10, ‐12; VEGF‐A) in ≥75% of AAP samples at statistically higher concentrations (p <.01). CXCL‐8, IL‐1β, OLR‐1, OSM and TNFSF‐12 were strongly correlated to AAP. 'Excellent' diagnostic performance was observed for TNFSF‐12 (AUC: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.86–1.00]) and the PCA‐derived cluster (AUC: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.89–1.00]). Conclusions: Optimized PTF sampling parameters were identified in this study. When applied clinically, high‐throughput proteomic analyses revealed complex interconnected networks of potential biomarkers. TNFSF‐12 discriminated periradicular disease from health the greatest; however, clustering analytes further improved diagnostic accuracy. Additional independent investigations are required to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple gauge made either of metal or plastic has been described. This is ideally suited for the correct measurement of paper points but it may also be used for the accurate setting of root canal instruments used during endodontic therapy. Once the length of the tooth has been established the gauge is set at this length and the instrument stops are placed at the correct points, simply by pushing the instrument along to the predetermined setting without the need for taking a separate measurement. The stop has previously been placed on the instrument and this stop is rested against the side of the gauge. Any method of sterilization may be used which includes autoclaving, dry heat or gaseous.

Aim: The lipopolysaccharides‐dentine‐infection (LPS‐dentine‐infection) models and sampling techniques frequently used to evaluate LPS disinfection have limitations. In this study, a LPS‐dentine‐infection model was devised using fluorescent conjugate LPS. Secondly, a sampling technique using cryogenic grinding for intraradicular LPS analysis was evaluated. Thirdly, the effectiveness of the XP‐endo Finisher (XP‐EF) was compared with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) in removing LPS from root canal system. Methodology: Sixty‐nine mandibular premolars were submitted to dentine pretreatment and inoculated with fluorescent LPS conjugate (Alexa Fluor® 594). Twenty‐three teeth were analysed under confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to validate this modified LPS‐dentine‐infection model. Forty‐six teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups: XP‐EF (n = 23) and PUI (n = 23). All teeth were instrumented with XP‐endo shaper (XPS; FKG Dentaire) and 2.5% NaOCl. The root canals were sampled with paper points before (s1) and after (s2) instrumentation and after supplemental treatment (s3) with XP‐EF and PUI. After s3, all roots were cryogenically ground for intraradicular LPS analysis (s4). Limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used for LPS quantification. The Friedman test was used for differences in LPS among four time‐points (s1, s2, s3, and s4). Dunn's test was used for pairwise testing of time‐points. The significance level was set at 5% (p <.05). Results: Fluorescent LPS conjugate was detected in 100% of the samples under CLSM with a penetration depth of approximately 400 μm into dentine. Chemo‐mechanical preparation using XPS files significantly reduced LPS levels (p <.05). Both the XPS and PUI improved the LPS disinfection (p <.05), with no difference between them (p >.05). LPS was recovered from all samples after cryogenic grinding. The residual amount of LPS detected using the cryogenically sampling technique at s4 was approximately three times greater than with the paper‐point sampling technique at s3. Conclusion: This study established a modified LPS‐dentine‐infection model using fluorescent conjugate LPS, and validated a LPS sampling technique for using cryopulverization intraradicular LPS analysis. Moreover, both the XP‐EF and PUI further improved LPS disinfection from the root canals, and the innovative XP‐EF was as effective as PUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results Discussion Conclusions Bibliometric analysis is a critical indicator of the influence and relevance of scientific papers, whilst also highlighting key contributors and gaps in knowledge in a scientific field.To update and analyse the 100 most‐cited papers in regenerative endodontics from 2019 to 2023.A search of the most‐cited recent papers focusing on regenerative endodontics using journals included in the category, ‘Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine’, in the Clarivate Web of Science database from 2019 to 2023 was performed. Three researchers conducted the study selection and data extraction. Data extraction included publication title and year, authors, number and mean number of citations, institution, country and continent, study design, journal title, keywords and research topic. Citation counts were also collected in Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Graphical bibliometric networks were created using VOSviewer software.The number of citations of the 100 most‐cited articles ranged from 6 to 85. Most were published in 2020 (n = 48), principally in the Journal of Endodontics (47%), followed by International Endodontic Journal (13%), Journal of Dental Research (6%) and Dental Materials (6%). Laboratory study was the most common study design amongst the included papers (n = 47), followed by narrative reviews (n = 17) and observational studies (n = 16). The most frequent first author on the top three most‐cited papers was Hacer Aksel, whilst Adham A. Azim (n = 6; 89 citations) contributed most to the top 100 articles. The institution from which most articles originated was the University of Hong Kong (China) (n = 5; 81 citations), whereas the corresponding authors were predominantly from the United States of America (USA) (n = 31; 560 citations). The VOSviewer map of co‐authorship demonstrated research collaborative clusters. ‘Regenerative endodontics’ and ‘stem‐cells’ were the most employed keywords (37 and 36 occurrences respectively).The current study was designed not only to showcase the most influential papers in regenerative endodontics since 2019 but also to provide a better understanding of global research in this area over the last five years.This bibliometric analysis highlighted papers, authors, institutions and keywords in regenerative endodontics. The 100 most‐cited papers primarily consisted of laboratory studies published in the USA, focusing on evaluating biomaterials and scaffold design strategies in contact with stem cells. Clinical studies and systematic reviews representing higher levels of scientific evidence are currently not the most influential in the regenerative endodontic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate, retrospectively, the quality of previously published case reports in Endodontics according to the PRICE 2020 guidelines. Methodology: An electronic literature search was conducted in PubMed database on 12 March 2020, to identify case reports published during the last five years in the International Endodontic Journal and the Journal of Endodontics. For each of the included case reports, information regarding fulfilment of each of the items of the PRICE 2020 guidelines was extracted as '0' (not present in the manuscript), '1' (present in the manuscript) and 'NA' (not applicable) and translated into a score (percentage of items fulfilled). Additionally, the percentage of papers fulfilling each item was calculated. Results: Overall, 70 endodontic case reports were identified. The scores of the papers ranged between 56.41% and 79.55%, with a mean score of 70.26 ± 4.36% (SD). The percentage of papers fulfilling each item of the applicable PRICE 2020 items ranged widely, between 0% and 100%. The median of the percentage of all the items (n = 47) was 97.01% and mean 73.33 ± 36.28% (SD). The lowest scores were recorded for specific items in the following domains: 'Case Report Information'‐Items 6c, 6g–i, 'Patient Perspective'‐Item 8a and 'Quality of Images'‐Items 12c–d. Conclusions: Several areas with low reporting rates were identified in case reports published over the last 5 years in Endodontics. Authors should be encouraged to follow the PRICE 2020 guidelines in order to increase the quality and improve reproducibility of their case reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts of research papers and posters presented at the Seventh Congress of the European Society of Endodontology, held on November 7-10, 1995, in Tel Aviv; Israel. The first research paper was about animal models for the study of perforations of the pulp chamber floor. The purpose of this study was to find a suitable animal model for the study of perforations of the pulp chamber floor. Five animal species were used in this study including rat, hamster, guinea pig, ferret and dog. These animals were clinically and radiographically investigated for anatomy of the furcation area, the resemblance of the animal model to the human, the accessibility and visibility of the operative field, and the availability to investigate the histological reaction.

This article presents abstracts of research papers presented at the Third Congress of the European Society of Endodontology, held in Madrid, Spain on November 12-14, 1987. Bacterial contamination is now widely recognized as an important factor influencing the response of the dental pulp to operative trauma and to dental materials. In histologically based trials, approximately one third of the sections are normally stained specifically to demonstrate bacteria. There is little evidence in the literature of an evaluation of the sensitivity of such technique. The antibacterial activity of the vapours of camphorated phenol, iodine potassium iodide, aqueous 2 per cent glutaraldehyde, phenol, formaldehyde and cresophene has been tested in vitro against 20 species of bacteria frequently isolated from root canals.

This article presents abstracts of papers to be presented at a conference related to biocompatibility of dental materials, which will be held during September 21-22, 1987 at Birmingham University in Great Britain. Various topics that will be discussed at the conference are, in vitro assessment of toxicity of dental materials, agar overlay method, the millipore filter method, chromium release method, model cavity method, tooth cavity method, comparison of the methods available for assessing cytotoxicity and cell growth and colony-forming rate calculated by microcomputer.

The article presents several abstracts of the research papers on endodontics presented at the Second Congress of the European Society of Endodontology, held in Geneva, Switzerland from 12 to 14 September, 1985. Automatization is the result of the adaptation of such a helicoidal movement to the requirements of the tooth. The most important factor in successful endodontic treatment is the accurate mechanical cleaning and shaping of the root canal. A new era in endodontics has developed with the advent of high technology.

Presents abstracts of research posters and papers presented at the June 1997 Congress of the European Society of Endodontology, held in Goteborg, Sweden. Inclusion of 'Studies on nitrogen assimilation in Porphyromonas endodontalis and Peptostreptococcus micros using conductivity measurements,' by N.S. Adam et al; 'A methylene blue dye microleakage study of retrograde filling materials,' by I. Anic et al.

The article presents abstracts of research papers and posters on endodontics presented at the Fourth Congress of the European Society of Endodontology, held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands from November 16 to 18, 1989. The purpose of the article, "Effect of citric acid treatment on periodontal healing after replantation of permanent teeth in dogs," by P. Zervas, T. Lambrianidis and I. Karabouta Volugaropoulou, was to evaluate the effect of surface demineralization on the healing of replanted teeth.

Aim: To report the most common terminology used in titles of scientific papers published in the International Endodontic Journal (IEJ) and Journal of Endodontics (JOE) between 1980 and 2019 and to identify the most‐cited papers in these journals. Methodology: The Web of Science database was searched to retrieve all the manuscripts published in the IEJ and JOE between 1980 and 2019. The articles were analysed using the VOS viewer software and the terms within the titles extracted. The top‐10 terms were categorized according to the number of occurrences and the decade of publication. Maps were created using the text data for each decade of publication. Classic papers were identified when the number of citations was >400. During the same period of time, highly cited studies were identified including the authors, institutions and countries associated with these papers. Results: Terms such as canal, molar and periapical lesion were the most commonly used in titles between 1980 and 1999. The terms instruments, expression, case report and cell were the most often terms used between 2000 and 2019. During the last 10 years, an increase in the number of reviews and papers on cone beam computed tomography occurred. The organizations with the largest number of citations in each decade were University of São Paulo, University College London, Loma Linda University and United States Army. The country with the largest number of citations and greatest number of top 10 and top 100 manuscripts was the United States. A paper had to be associated with more than 167 citations to be included in the top‐100 most‐cited list; at least 14 papers met the criteria to be categorized as a citation classic (>400 citations). Conclusion: While many diverse areas of endodontics have been explored in the last 40 years within the IEJ and JOE, only a relatively few topics are highly cited and can be considered as classics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the susceptibility to infection. A plausible association between apical periodontitis (AP) and DM has been reported, but the underlying mechanism is not yet elucidated. Aim: To investigate the bacterial quantity and the expression of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in necrotic teeth with AP in type 2 DM (T2DM), pre‐diabetic and non‐diabetic control patients. Methodology: In all, 65 patients with necrotic pulp and AP [periapical index (PAI) scores ≥3] were included. The age, gender, medical history and medications list, including metformin and statin intake, were recorded. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was analysed, and the patients were divided into three groups: T2DM (n = 20), pre‐diabetics (n = 23) and non‐diabetic (n = 22). Bacterial samples (S1) were collected by file and paper points. Bacterial DNA was isolated and quantified using 16S ribosomal RNA gene‐targeted quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). For IL‐17 expression, (S2) samples were collected from the periapical tissue fluid using paper points passing through the apical foramen. The IL‐17 total RNA was extracted, and reverse transcription (RT‐qPCR) analysis was performed. Comparisons between the three study groups were conducted using one‐way anova and Kruskal–Wallis test to explore the relationship between bacterial cell counts and IL‐17 expression in each group. Results: The distributions of PAI scores were equivalent among the groups, p =.289. T2DM patients had higher bacterial counts and IL‐17 expression than other groups, but these differences were not statistically significant, p =.613 and p =.281, respectively. T2DM patients taking statin appear to have lower bacterial cell count than those who do not take statin, approaching the significance level, p =.056. Conclusion: T2DM patients had a non‐significant higher bacterial quantity and IL‐17 expression compared to pre‐diabetic and healthy controls. Although these findings indicate a weak association, it may impact the clinical outcome of endodontic diseases in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To comparatively analyse the levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins (LPS), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and substance P in teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) and vital normal pulp (VNP) tissues. Methodology: Thirty‐two patients were included (20 teeth with SIP and 12 teeth with VNP tissues) in this cross‐sectional study. Samples were collected from the full length of the root canals (microbial analysis) and periapical tissues (2 mm beyond the apex for immunological analysis), using sterile absorbent paper points. The levels of culturable bacteria (culture method), endotoxins (LAL Pyrogent 5000), TNF‐α, IL‐1β and substance P (ELISA) were assessed. The Mann–Whitney test was used for comparisons between the levels of CFU/mL, LPS, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and substance P in the SIP and VNP groups. The statistical analysis was performed with the significance level set at 5%. Results: Culturable bacteria were recovered from all teeth with SIP. On the other hand, no positive cultures were observed in the VNP tissues group (p >.05). The levels of LPS were approximately four times higher in teeth with SIP than in teeth with VNP tissues (p <.05). Higher levels of TNF‐α and substance P were detected in teeth with SIP (p <.05). On the other hand, no difference in the levels of IL‐1β was detected between the two groups (p >.05). Conclusion: Teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis present higher levels of culturable bacteria, endotoxins, TNF‐α and substance P than those with vital normal pulp tissues. On the other hand, the levels of IL‐1β were similar in teeth from both groups suggesting reduced implications of this inflammatory mediator in the early stages of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The primary aim was to identify techniques used to sample and analyse periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) in permanent teeth diagnosed with apical disease during root canal treatment. Secondly, to identify the types of inflammatory mediators studied using this approach. Methodology: Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science and OpenGrey. Eligibility Criteria: Clinical studies published until 1 June 2018 which utilized orthograde techniques to sample and analyse PTF were included. Cell culture, laboratory or animal studies and those concerned with investigating inflammatory mediator activity from within healthy or diseased pulp tissue, and not periradicular tissues, were excluded. Study appraisal and methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, data were extracted on study characteristics, target mediators, sampling and assay techniques and the parameters associated with the PTF sampling and eluting protocol. A qualitative synthesis was conducted, and studies were critically appraised using a modified version of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Study Characteristics: From 251 studies, 33 were eligible for inclusion. Sampling techniques included the use of paper points (n = 27), fine needle aspiration (n = 4) and filter strips (n = 2). Assay techniques included enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (n = 18), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 9), radioimmunoassay (n = 4), colorimetric assay (n = 2), immunofluorometric assay (n = 1) and cytometric bead array (n = 1). Forty‐five different inflammatory mediators were targeted at the proteomic/metabolomic (n = 25) or transcriptomic level (n = 9). Limitations: Significant heterogeneity exists within the methodology, and only 5 studies disclosed unambiguous information about their PTF sampling and eluting protocols. Conclusions: Paper points and proteomic/metabolomic analysis are currently the preferred methods for studying and analysing PTF during root canal treatment. The most studied analytes were IL‐1β and TNF‐α. Implications: Further research is required to develop an optimized PTF sampling and eluting protocol to overcome methodological heterogeneity, and future studies are advised to follow a standardized approach to reporting their methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many clinical cases a dentist may feel certain when for example diagnosing, deciding on treatment, or assessing the prognosis—in other cases many dentists may feel a degree of doubt or uncertainty. This paper aims to explore the philosophical concept of uncertainty and its different dimensions, using the condition "persistent apical periodontitis associated with a previously root filled tooth" as an example. Acknowledging that uncertainty exists in any clinical situation can be perceived as uncomfortable, as some might regard it as a weakness. Whilst some types of uncertainty met in dental practice can be addressed and reduced, there are other types which are inevitable and must be accepted. To make sound decisions, it is pertinent that the dentist reflects on and values the consequences of uncertainty. In this paper, a conceptual model is presented by which the dentist can identify the type of uncertainty in a clinical case, making it possible to decide on a strategy on how to manage the uncertainty and its possible consequences, with the aim to support the dentist's care for their patients. The understanding that uncertainty exists and the ability to acknowledge and be comfortable with it when making decisions should be addressed throughout our professional career, and thus ought to be developed during undergraduate education. Some suggestions on how teachers could target this are given in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Discussion Conclusions Root resorption consists of complex, multistep processes that involve cell signalling caused by inflammation and stromal cells, which promotes the secretion of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand/ macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (RANKL/M‐CSF) resulting in a resorptive process.The aim of this narrative review was to analyse the literature related to root resorption resulting from microbial infection and to comparing it with non‐microbial infection.An electronic literature search was performed using the PubMed database and applying keywords of articles published in English. Eligible papers were reviewed to reveal the descriptions of bone and root resorption processes. The abstracts were searched manually to identify articles about infection‐stimulating bone and root resorption.Three main types of root resorption were identified, two associated with primary bacterial infection and one secondary to bacterial infection. These include external inflammatory resorption, internal inflammatory resorption and external cervical (invasive) resorption.The magnitude of cytokine involvement that promotes resorption and M‐CSF/RANKL production depends on multiple factors, including pathogen virulence, site of infection and host genetic factors that activate the inflammation at the infection site. Two mechanisms activate the resorption mechanisms—the canonical and non‐canonical pathways that can activate clastic cells independently of the RANKL/RANK canonical pathways.Two pathways of root resorption co‐exist in the body. When resorption is caused by infection, chronic inflammation due to bacterial infection prolongs the secretions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that intensify root and bone resorption. The second pathway is bacterial independent of the non‐infection root resorption that is part of the wound healing process, which is limited in time due to its innate ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was twofold: (i) it aimed to investigate the morphometric changes of three temperature‐sensitive nickel–titanium (NiTi) instruments at different temperatures, and (ii) to conduct an in vivo real‐time analysis of intracanal temperature changes. Methods: Changes in the shape and length of XP‐Endo Shaper, XP‐Endo Finisher, and XP‐Endo Finisher‐R were evaluated in real time whilst heated in a temperature‐controlled water bath from 22 to 45°C. Instruments were fixed to a laminated water‐resistant 1 mm graph paper attached to a stone block. Instruments were imaged whilst subjected to increasing temperature using a digital camera attached to an operating microscope. From recorded videos, still frames were extracted at 10‐s intervals and changes in the length and shape of each instrument were measured and changes were plotted against time. Moreover, the intracanal temperature of distal roots of lower molars was measured in vivo for patients attending the clinic for non‐surgical root canal treatments. The temperature was measured using a K‐type thermocouple probe inserted into the mid‐root level after irrigating the canal with a solution set at room temperature (22°C) or heated to 45°C. The intraoral and intracanal temperatures were recorded using a video camera for 180 s at 5‐s intervals to plot the change in the intraoral and intracanal temperature, after both irrigation solution temperatures, with time. Results: The shape transformation of XP‐Endo Shaper began at 31.5 ± 2.0°C and reached its optimal transformation at 35.1 ± 1.0°C. For the Finisher and Finisher‐R, shape transformations began at 29.2 ± 1.9 and 26.9 ± 2.2°C reaching the optimal transformation at 33.9 ± 1.4 and 32.7 ± 1.7°C, respectively. The average decreases in lengths of XP‐Endo Shaper, Finisher, and Finisher‐R after full transformation were 0.43 ± 0.23, 1.07 ± 0.22, and 1.15 ± 0.22 mm, respectively. The intracanal temperature reached 32.9 ± 0.8 and 33.2 ± 1.0°C after 3 min of application of irrigation solutions set at 22 or 45°C, respectively. Conclusion: The tested instruments exhibited diverse changes in their shapes and lengths at varying temperatures. Despite the temperature of the irrigation solution, the intracanal temperature consistently remained lower than the intracanal temperature once equilibrium was reached. This highlights the importance of considering the temperature of irrigation solution during in vitro testing of endodontic instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the use of periapical radiographs and digital panoramic images displayed on monitor and glossy paper in the assessment of the periapical status of the teeth using the periapical index (PAI)., Methodology: A total of 86 subjects were examined. All participants underwent a full-mouth radiographic survey (14 periapical radiographs) and a panoramic radiography. The periapical status, using the PAI score, of all appraised teeth was assessed., Results: Periapical radiographs allowed the assessment of the periapical status of 87% of teeth using the PAI. On the contrary, digital radiography had a significantly reduced potential to allow assessment of the periapical status (P<0.01). Only 57.6% and 34.1% of teeth could be appraised using digital panoramic images displayed on monitor and glossy paper respectively (P<0.01). The total percentage of teeth with periapical pathosis was five fold higher when assessed with digital panoramic images displayed on glossy paper compared with periapical radiographs (P<0.01)., Conclusions: Teeth were best viewed on periapical radiographs except maxillary second and third molars, which were better viewed in orthopantomograms. Orthopantomograms on screen were scorable more often than when on printed images. Apical periodontitis was scored more often on paper than on screen, and more often on screen than in periapical radiographs.

Aim: To analyse the main characteristics of the top 50 most‐cited articles published in the International Endodontic Journal from 1967 to 2018. Methodology: The Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science 'All Databases', Elsevier's Scopus, Google Scholar and PubMed Central were searched to retrieve the 50 most‐cited articles in the IEJ published from April 1967 to December 2018. The articles were analysed and information including number of citations, year of publication, contributing authors, institutions and countries, study design, study topic, impact factor and keywords was extracted. Results: The number of citations of the 50 selected papers varied from 575 to 130 (Web of Science), 656 to164 (Elsevier's Scopus), 1354 to 199 (Google Scholar) and 123 to 3 (PubMed). The majority of papers were published in the year 2001 (n = 7). Amongst 102 authors, the greatest contribution was made by four contributors that included Gulabivala K (n = 4), Ng YL (n = 4), Pitt Ford TR (n = 4) and Wesselink PR (n = 4). The majority of papers originated from the United Kingdom (n = 8) with most contributions from King's College London Dental Institute (UK) and Eastman Dental Hospital, London. Reviews were the most common study design (n = 19) followed by Clinical Research (n = 16) and Basic Research (n = 15). The majority of topics covered by the most‐cited articles were Outcome Studies (n = 9), Intracanal medicaments (n = 8), Endodontic microbiology (n = 7) and Canal instrumentation (n = 7). Amongst 76 unique keywords, Endodontics (n = 7), Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) (n = 7) and Root Canal Treatment (n = 7) were the most frequently used. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify and analyse the top 50 most‐cited articles in a specific professional journal within Dentistry. The analysis has revealed information regarding the development of the IEJ over time as well as scientific progress in the field of Endodontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]