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This review aimed to analyze the trend and main characteristics of articles related to guided endodontics (GE). The search was conducted in May 2023 on Web of Science. GE-related articles were included, and conferences were excluded. Three researchers selected the articles and extracted: the number of citations; year and journal; design and study theme; authorship and institutions; country and continent. Collaborative networks were generated in the Visualization of Similarities Viewer software. The relationship between data was determined by Spearman's correlation. Google Trends was used to investigate the global popularity of GE research. The search resulted in 135 articles, of which 85 were included. The most cited article totaled 116 citations. The studies were published between 2016 and 2023, most frequently in 2022 (n = 22). The most prevalent journal was the Journal of Endodontics (n = 28). Case report (n = 38) was the most frequent study design. The most studied theme was the use of static GE for calcified canals (n = 27). Connert T was the author with the highest number of articles (n = 13). The University of Basel (n = 9) stood out. The most prevalent country was Brazil (n = 13). Europe was the most frequent continent (n = 38). Visualization of Similarities Viewer demonstrated an interaction between authors. There was a moderate positive correlation between citations and the impact factor (rho =.483). According to Google Trends, the United States was the country that most researched GE. Based on this review, a more significant research interest in GE was observed in Europe, addressing the application of GE in locating severely calcified root canals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apical periodontitis (AP) represents an inflammatory condition of peri-radicular tissues due to invasion and colonization of bacteria in the root canals. Primary apical periodontitis (PAP) is associated with untreated necrotic root canal and can be efficiently treated with endodontic treatment to remove bacteria. Persistent/secondary apical periodontitis (SAP) is a perpetual periapical lesion due to unsuccessfully treated root canals after an initial apparent healing of the tooth. The aim of the study was evaluating the microbial communities associated with root canals using Nanopore sequencing. Seventeen samples from the root canals of 15 patients with AP were Polymerase Chain Reaction-amplified for 16s ribosomal DNA gene and sequenced. Information regarding the presence or absence of AP symptoms, PAP and SAP, and periapical index of patients were recorded. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla detected and Phocaeicola , Pseudomonas , Rothia , and Prevotella were the most prominent genera. In samples of patients with AP symptoms, the most frequent detected genera were Cutibacterium , Lactobacillus , Pseudomonas , Dialister , Prevotella , and Staphylococcus. In PAP samples, the most represented genera were Cutibacterium , Lactobacillus , Pseudomonas , and Prevotella , whilst in SAP cases were Cutibacterium , Prevotella , Atopobium , Capnocytophaga , Fusobacterium , Pseudomonas , Solobacterium , and Streptococcus. The results provide additional information on the microbiota of root-canals. These data evidence the complexity of the microbiota and the relationship with many clinical and endodontic conditions. Future studies must evaluate these conditions and identify their role in inducing bone damage and local and systemic disease, aiming to better elucidate the relationship between microbes and endodontic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen Antecedentes La identificación microbiológica en infecciones endodónticas se ha enfocado principalmente a la caracterización bacteriana sin dar relevancia a las levaduras que, por sus factores de virulencia, pueden afectar el resultado del tratamiento clínico realizado. Objetivos Determinar la frecuencia de Candida en condiciones anaerobias en conductos radiculares con infecciones endodónticas primarias y persistentes, y evaluar un método de muestreo microbiológico por lavado y aspiración en comparación con el método tradicional por absorción con puntas de papel. Métodos Se tomaron 50 muestras microbiológicas de dientes con infección endodóntica primaria y persistente provenientes de 47 pacientes que requirieron tratamiento endodóntico. Se emplearon dos métodos de toma de muestra microbiológica: un método por aspiración y un método por absorción con puntas de papel, ambos con dos tipos de caldo de cultivo (M 1 -M 4 ). Las muestras fueron cultivadas en condiciones de anaerobiosis hasta lograr una turbidez de 0,5 en la escala de McFarland, y se resembraron en placas de agar dextrosa Sabouraud y agar sangre enriquecido para anaerobios. Se realizó una observación macroscópica y microscópica de las colonias formadas. Las pruebas de producción de tubo germinal, crecimiento en CHROMagar e identificación bioquímica se realizaron a los aislamientos levaduriformes obtenidos. Resultados De los 50 dientes evaluados, 18 de ellos (36%) mostraron infección por levaduras. En los casos de infección primaria se encontraron levaduras en 15 de 36 dientes (41,6%) y en casos de infección persistente en 3 de 14 (21,4%). El método por lavado y aspiración con caldo de dextrosa Sabouraud recuperó mayor diversidad de especies. Conclusiones La frecuencia de levaduras fue más alta en los dientes con infección primaria en comparación con los dientes con infección persistente. La especie de levadura predominante fue Candida albicans. El método de toma de muestra por lavado y aspiración fue más eficiente en la recuperación de aislamientos de Candida que el método tradicional por absorción con puntas de papel. Abstract Background Microbiological identification in endodontic infections has focused mainly on bacteria without giving much attention to yeasts, which, due to their virulence factors, can affect the outcomes of root canal treatment. Aims To determine the frequency of Candida in anaerobic conditions in root canals with primary and persistent endodontic infection, as well as to evaluate a microbiological sampling method using aspiration compared to the traditional absorption method with paper points. Methods Fifty microbiological samples were obtained from teeth of 47 patients requiring endodontic treatments, due to either primary or persistent infections. Two microbiological sampling methods were used: an aspiration method, and the traditional paper point absorption method. In each of these methods, two types of medium were used (M 1 -M 4 ). Samples were cultured under anaerobic conditions until reaching 0.5 McFarland turbidity, and then inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose, as well as on anaerobic enriched blood agar plates. Macroscopic and microscopic observations of the colonies were performed. The germ-tube test, growth on CHROMagar, and biochemical identification were performed on the isolated yeasts. Results Fungal infection was found in 18 (36%) samples out of the 50 teeth evaluated. In the 18 samples positive for fungal infection, 15 out of 36 (41.6%) teeth were taken from a primary infection, and 3 out of 14 (21.4%) from a persistent infection. The aspiration method using Sabouraud dextrose medium recovered a greater diversity of species. Conclusions Yeasts frequency was higher in teeth with primary infections compared to teeth with persistent infections. The predominant yeast species was Candida albicans. The aspirating sampling method was more efficient in the recovery of Candida isolates than the traditional absorption method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction One of the factors influencing the success of endodontic treatment is anatomic knowledge of the root canal system. Because of the difficulties of using conventional radiographic methods to evaluate root canals, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been very useful for evaluating the morphology of root canals. The purpose of this study was to use CBCT to evaluate differences in the anatomy of the mandibular first molars with respect to the patient's sex and the location of the tooth in a Brazilian population. Methods The study included CBCT images from 198 patients (106 women and 92 men), representing a total of 342 teeth. Results Of the 342 mandibular first molars included in the study, 0.3% had 2 canals, 75.1% had 3 canals, 23.7% had 4 canals, and 0.9% had 5 canals. The ages of the patients ranged from 19 to 81 years old, with an average age of 48.9 years. Women were more likely to have 2 canals on the distal root of the right side than men were ( P < .05). Conclusions Because the Brazilian population has differences in root canal morphology compared with other populations around the world, further studies are needed to aid endodontic diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SWEEPS along with aPDT with curcumin and nano-curcumin reduced significantly the amount of E. faecalis. • There was no significant difference between curcumin and nano-curcumin for reduction of E. faecalis. • aPDT with nano-curcumin following SWEEPS technique produced the highest antibacterial effect. This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effects of the shock wave enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) technique and Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with curcumin and nano-curcumin photosensitizers on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilm in root canals of extracted teeth. This experimental study was conducted on extracted single-rooted human teeth. The teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction, the root canals were instrumented with BioRace system, and their apices were sealed. Smear layer was removed, and the teeth were autoclave-sterilized. E. faecalis strains were cultured in sterile brain heart infusion (BHI) and a bacterial suspension with 0.5 McFarland standard concentration was prepared. The root canals were inoculated with the bacterial suspension and incubated at 37 °C for 4 weeks. The teeth were then divided into 12 groups (curcumin, nano-curcumin, curcumin + LED, nano-curcumin + LED, curcumin + SWEEPS, nano-curcumin + SWEEPS, curcumin + LED + SWEEPS, nano-curcumin + LED + SWEEPS, SWEEPS, positive control and negative control). The number of colony forming units (CFUs) was counted and analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. A significant difference was noted in colony count among the groups (P <0.001). LED alone had the lowest and nano-curcumin + LED + SWEEPS had the highest root canal cleaning efficacy. SWEEPS along with curcumin, nano-curcumin, and LED significantly decreased the bacterial count compared with other groups (P <0.05). Application of the SWEEPS technique with curcumin and nano-curcumin as photosensitizer activated by LED in aPDT improved the reduction of E. faecalis in root canals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the precision of electronic apex locators (EALs) in locating the apical constriction (AC) during a root canal treatment compared with a histologic evaluation of the AC as well as the effects of possible influencing factors by means of a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search of the literature was performed to identify studies that histologically evaluated the precision of EALs in human teeth. The identified studies were subject to strict inclusion criteria followed by data extraction and meta-analysis. Results From 247 articles, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 1105 EAL measurements performed by 4 types of EALs: Root ZX (J Morita, Tokyo, Japan), Justy II (Hager & Werken GmbH & Co, Duisburg, Germany), Endy 5000 (Loser Co, Leverkusen, Germany), and Endox (Lysis Co, Milan, Italy). Root ZX, Justy II, and Endy 5000 were found to be significantly more accurate than Endox in determining the distance between the file tip and the apical constriction ( P < .05). The longest mean distance was measured by Endox (1.35 ± 0.41 mm), and the shortest mean distance was measured by Justy II (0.25 ± 0.17 mm, P < .05). The mean distance measured by Root ZX and Justy II in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was shorter compared with the mean distance measured by them in the presence of sodium hypochlorite ( P < .05). The pulp status (vital or necrotic) had no significant effect on the precision of the EALs. Conclusions The precision of electronic working length measurement depends on the device used and the type of irrigation and is not influenced by the status of the pulp tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Enterococcus faecalis is the bacterium most commonly isolated from infected root canals. This study evaluated the effects of four instrumentation techniques on reducing E. faecalis in curved root canals. Materials and methods: Sixty maxillary first molar teeth were used. After mesiobuccal canals had been instrumented with nickel-titanium (NiTi) K-files up to size 25, the teeth were autoclaved, immersed in a broth inoculated with E. faecalis, and incubated for 48 hours. The teeth were divided into four experimental groups (n = 15). The mesial root canals were instrumented using ProTaper, RaCe, and Mtwo rotary instruments, and hand-operated NiTi files. Irrigation was performed using sterile saline solution. For each root canal, three samplings were performed: twice before preparation and once after preparation. After serial dilutions, samples were incubated, and the colony-forming units were counted. Results: All instrumentation techniques reduced E. faecalis infection in curved root canals. However, there were statistically significant differences among the instrumentation techniques regarding the numbers of residual bacteria (P < 0.01). The ProTaper and RaCe NiTi rotary instruments were more effective than Mtwo and hand-operated NiTi instruments. Conclusion: This study indicates that instruments with a greater taper play an important role in maximizing the effectiveness of mechanical preparation. However, since using mechanical instrumentation alone is insufficient to completely eliminate root canal infection, the use of complementary antibacterial compounds is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a member of the mammalian gastrointestinal microbiota but has been considered a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. In the oral cavity, it is commonly detected from root canals of teeth with failed endodontic treatment. However, little is known about the virulence and genetic relatedness among E. faecalis isolates from different clinical sources. This study compared the presence of enterococcal virulence factors among root canal strains and clinical isolates from hospitalized patients to identify virulent clusters of E. faecalis. Methods: Multilocus sequence typing analysis was used to determine genetic lineages of 40 E. faecalis clinical isolates from different sources. Virulence clusters were determined by evaluating capsule (cps) locus polymorphisms, pathogenicity island gene content, and antibiotic resistance genes by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The clinical isolates from hospitalized patients formed a phylogenetically separate group and were mostly grouped in the clonal complex 2, which is a known virulent cluster of E. faecalis that has caused infection outbreaks globally. The clonal complex 2 group comprised capsule-producing strains harboring multiple antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity island genes. On the other hand, the endodontic isolates were more diverse and harbored few virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. In particular, although more closely related to isolates from hospitalized patients, capsule-producing E. faecalis strains from root canals did not carry more virulence/antibiotic genes than other endodontic isolates. Conclusions: E. faecalis isolates from endodontic infections have a genetic and virulence profile different from pathogenic clusters of hospitalized patients' isolates, which is most likely due to niche specialization conferred mainly by variable regions in the genome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Although Enterococcus faecalis is a member of the normal microbiota, it is also a major cause of nosocomial infections. Some strains of E. faecalis produce capsule, which contributes to pathogenesis through evasion of host defenses, and its production is dependent on the capsule (cps) operon polymorphism. This study investigated cps locus polymorphism in distinct lineages of E. faecalis isolated from canals of root-filled teeth with periapical lesions. Methods: Twenty-two E. faecalis isolates were evaluated regarding the cps operon polymorphism and genetic diversity. The 3 known CPS types were determined by polymerase chain reaction. This information was correlated with multilocus sequence typing data, which were used to define genetic lineages. Results: cpsA and cpsB were the only detected genes within the cps operon in 62.5% of E. faecalis strains (14/22), indicative of genotype CPS 1, which lacks capsule expression. The essential genes in the cps operon for capsule production were detected in the remaining strains, whereas 3 belonged to genotype CPS 5 and 5 strains to genotype CPS 2. A total of 14 sequence types (STs) were resolved in 22 E. faecalis isolates. Comparison with the E. faecalis international multilocus sequence typing database revealed that 9 STs were previously found, and that the 5 STs were novel. Conclusions: Certain E. faecalis genotypes from canals of root-filled teeth with periapical lesions belong to lineages associated with capsule expression and production of multiple virulence factors, which might account for their increased pathogenic potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Root canal treatment of maxillary molars presenting with complex root canal configurations can be diagnostically and technically challenging. Methods: Nonsurgical endodontic therapy of a left maxillary first molar with three roots and eight root canals was successfully performed. This unusual morphology was diagnosed using a dental operating microscope (DOM) and confirmed with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Results: CBCT axial images showed that both the mesiobuccal and distobuccal root contained a Sert and Bayirli type XV canal, whereas the palatal root showed a Vertucci type II canal configuration. Conclusions: The use of a DOM and CBCT imaging in endodontically challenging cases can facilitate a better understanding of the complex root canal anatomy, which ultimately enables the clinician to explore the root canal system and clean, shape, and obturate it more efficiently. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, phenotype, and genotype of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from saliva and root canals in patients with endodontic treatment failure. Methods: Samples were collected from 32 adults undergoing retreatment for periapical lesions after endodontic treatment performed at least 2 years previously. Isolates that were presumed to be E. faecalis were identified by both API20 Strep kits and 16S rRNA sequencing. Phenotypic tests for hemolysin and gelatinase production and antibiotic susceptibility were performed. Genotype analysis comprised virulence gene detection and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: The prevalence of E. faecalis was 18.8% in saliva and 40.6% in root canals (P = .666, Fisher exact test). Of the 19 isolates of E. faecalis, 6 were from saliva and 13 were from root canals. In 3 patients, E. faecalis isolates from saliva were more resistant to gentamicin than those from root canals. The genes ace, asa, gelE, cylA, and efaA were detected from all isolates. PFGE after SmaI digestion showed a genetic correlation among all isolates of 62%–100%. Conclusions: Phenotype and genotype evidence of potential virulence factors was identified in E. faecalis from both saliva and root canals. A single patient might carry different E. faecalis strains in saliva and root canals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to research the presence of filamentous fungi in the root canals of teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions and to perform the taxonomic study of the isolates. Methods: Samples collected from 60 root canals with sterile absorbent paper points were inoculated in Sabouraud dextrose agar supplemented with chloramphenicol. The material was cultured from 7–14 days at room temperature to observe mycelial growth. Samples with growth were seeded in media specific for microculture (CYA agar, malt extract agar, or potato dextrose agar). Taxonomy was evaluated by macroscopic examination and optical microscopy. Results: Filamentous fungi were isolated in situ from 17 of 60 samples (28.3%). Considering the positive root canal isolates, the genus Aspergillus was isolated from 7 samples (41%); 4 species were identified: Aspergillus ustus, A. granulosus, A. niger, and A. sydowii. Emericella quadriluniata, sexual form of Aspergillus, was isolated from 1 sample. Penicillium species (Penicillium implicatum, P. micsynvisk, P. lividum, and P. citrionigrum) were isolated from 4 samples (24%). Fusarium species (Fusarium moniliforme and F. melanochorum) were isolated from 2 samples (12%). The species Aureobasidium pullulans, Exophiala jeanselmei, Eurotium amstelodame, and Cladosporium sphaerospermum were isolated from 1 sample each. Conclusions: The root canals of teeth with pulp necrosis and periapical lesions might present positive culture for filamentous fungi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Photodynamic therapy is an alternative treatment for root canal decontamination. • Photosensitizers used in PDT can stain the tooth and hinder rehabilitation esthetic procedures. • Mechanical agitation of distilled water minimizes the deleterious effects of sodium hypochlorite residues. • Conventional irrigation did not show good bond strength values. • Using inserts improves the bond strength values of the fiber post cementation. This study evaluated the effects of final agitation methods of irrigants to remove methylene blue and sodium hypochlorite residues after PDT-assisted endodontic treatment on the bond strength of fiber posts cemented with etch-and-rinse adhesive and conventional resin cement. Ninety bovine teeth were endodontically treated. In sequence, post space preparation followed by methylene blue-mediated PDT and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation were performed. Six final irrigations protocols for dye and NaOCl removal were performed prior to cementation with etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Scocthbond Multipurpose) and conventional dual resin cement (RelyX ARC): Conventional endodontic irrigation (CEI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), mechanical agitation with XP Endo Finisher (XPF), XP Clean (XPC) or Easy Clean (ECL) and distilled water (NCO - control). After fiber post cementation, push-out bond strength test was performed at different thirds of the post space. Failure mode was also analyzed. ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test was used for data analysis (α=5%). PUI, XPF e XPC protocols showed the highest bond strength values with no difference among them (p > 0.05), although they were similar to NCO, regardless of the post space third. CEI e ECL showed similar bond strength values, regardless of the third (p > 0.05). Adhesive failure was the most incident for CEI and ECL, while mixed and cohesive failures were predominant in PUI, XPF, XPC and NCO groups. Mechanical agitation of distilled water with XPF, XPC and PUI after methylene blue-mediated PDT and irrigation with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite promoted bond strength of the resin cementation system in post space dentin comparable to control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the photodynamic effects of methylene blue on multispecies root canal biofilms comprising Actinomyces israelii, Fusobacterium nucleatum subspecies nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia in experimentally infected root canals of extracted human teeth in vitro. The 4 test microorganisms were detected in root canals by using DNA probes. Scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of biofilms in root canals before therapy. Root canal systems were incubated with methylene blue (25 μg/mL) for 10 minutes followed by exposure to red light at 665 nm with an energy fluence of 30 J/cm2. Light was delivered from a diode laser via a 250-μm diameter polymethyl methacrylate optical fiber that uniformly distributed light over 360 degrees. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) achieved up to 80% reduction of colony-forming unit counts. We concluded that PDT can be an effective adjunct to standard endodontic antimicrobial treatment when the PDT parameters are optimized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Enterococcus faecalis can survive for extended periods in obturated root canals. In this study, the hypotheses tested were that long-term survival of E. faecalis is dependent on (1) the type of endodontic sealer and (2) the capacity for microbial gelatinase activity, a potential “virulence” trait identified previously in clinical isolates. Root canals of extracted human canines (n = 95) were inoculated with either E. faecalis OG1RF or its gelatinase-negative mutant E. faecalis TX5128. After 48 hours of incubation at 37°C, canals were obturated with gutta-percha and either the epoxy-resin-based AH-Plus (Dentsply, De Trey, Konstanz, Germany), the silicone-based RoekoSeal (Coltène/Whaledent, Langenau, Germany), or zinc oxide eugenol-based Roth’s sealer (Root Canal Cement Type 801; Roth International Ltd, Chicago, IL). Access cavities were sealed. After 8 months of incubation at 37°C, viable E. faecalis was recovered from more teeth sealed with RoekoSeal (95%) compared with AH-Plus (40%) (p = 0.0004, Fisher’s exact test) and Roth’s sealer (45%) (p = 0.0012, Fisher’s exact test). In the RoekoSeal groups, viable counts of E. faecalis OG1RF were higher than E. faecalis TX5128 (p = 0.03, Mann-Whitney U test) suggesting that gelatinase activity plays a role in long-term survival of E. faecalis in obturated root canals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on endodontic pathogens in planktonic phase as well as on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in experimentally infected root canals of extracted teeth. Strains of microorganisms were sensitized with methylene blue (25 μg/ml) for 5 minutes followed by exposure to red light of 665 nm with an energy fluence of 30 J/cm2. Methylene blue fully eliminated all bacterial species with the exception of E. faecalis (53% killing). The same concentration of methylene blue in combination with red light (222 J/cm2) was able to eliminate 97% of E. faecalis biofilm bacteria in root canals using an optical fiber with multiple cylindrical diffusers that uniformly distributed light at 360 degrees. We conclude that PDT may be developed as an adjunctive procedure to kill residual bacteria in the root canal system after standard endodontic treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pulpal inflammation is primarily caused by coronal caries, and leads to root canal therapy (RCT). Chronic inflammation has been associated with various cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluates the association between pulpal inflammation (using RCT as a surrogate) and incident coronary heart disease (CHD). We report results among males from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), excluding participants with prior cardiovascular disease or diabetes. We obtained RCT data from the HPFS cohort (n = 34,683). Compared to men without RCT, those with ≥1 RCT had a multivariate RR of 1.21 (95% CI 1.05-1.40) for CHD. The association was limited to dentists (RR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.14-1.67). There was no association among nondentists (RR = 1.03). Dental caries was not associated with CHD. The results suggest a possible modest association between pulpal inflammation and CHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]