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Background: Newer generation humeral stem designs in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are trending towards shorter lengths and uncemented fixation. The goal of this study is to report a 2-yr minimum clinical and radiographic outcomes of an uncemented short-stem press-fit humeral stem in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). Methods: A retrospective multicenter database review was performed of all patients who received an uncemented short-length press-fit humeral stem (Equinoxe Preserve humeral stem, Exactech, Inc., Gainesville, FL, USA) in ATSA and RTSA with a minimum two-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the prevalence of humeral stems at risk of radiographic loosening. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of functional outcome scores and prevalence of revision TSA for humeral stem loosening. Two blinded observers performed radiographic analyses, which included humeral stem alignment, canal filling ratio, radiolucent lines, stress shielding (calcar and greater tuberosity), and changes in component position (subsidence and stem shift). At risk stems were defined by the presence of one or more of the following: humeral stem with shifting or subsidence, scalloping of the humeral cortex, or radiolucent lines measuring 2 mm or greater in 3 or more zones. Results: 287 patients (97 ATSA and 190 RTSA) were included in this study. The mean follow-up was 35.9 (±6.1) months. There were significant improvements for all functional outcome scores (P

Background and Aims: Microorganisms are the main cause of pulpal and periapical diseases. The most important failure factor is the lack of proper seals for the canal, resulting in microbial leakage. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of ProRoot MTA and Bio MTA in canal obturation using fluid infiltration. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 46 extracted mandibular premolar single canal teeth were used. After preparing and disinfecting the teeth with 3% sodium hypochlorite, their crowns were cut off from the cement-enamel junction. The teeth were then randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (n=20) Bio MTA, Group 2 MTA ProRoot (n=20), negative and positive control groups, each of them contained 3 teeth. The preparation of teeth was performed using the step back method. The filled teeth were then evaluated by fluid filtration for leakage prevention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test and Tukey test (α=0.05). Results: The results of statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the MTA ProRoot and Bio MTA in sealing ability (P>0.05). That micro leakage is less in the Bio MTA group than in the ProRoot MTA group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that MTA ProRoot and Bio MTA can be used as appropriate canal filling materials.

Background and Aims: Microorganisms are the main cause of pulpal and periapical diseases. The most important failure factor is the lack of proper seals for the canal, resulting in microbial leakage. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the sealing ability of ProRoot MTA and Bio MTA in canal obturation using fluid infiltration. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 46 extracted mandibular premolar single canal teeth were used. After preparing and disinfecting the teeth with 3% sodium hypochlorite, their crowns were cut off from the cement-enamel junction. The teeth were then randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (n=20) Bio MTA, Group 2 MTA ProRoot (n=20), negative and positive control groups, each of them contained 3 teeth. The preparation of teeth was performed using the step back method. The filled teeth were then evaluated by fluid filtration for leakage prevention. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test and Tukey test (α=0.05). Results: The results of statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the MTA ProRoot and Bio MTA in sealing ability (P>0.05). That micro leakage is less in the Bio MTA group than in the ProRoot MTA group, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that MTA ProRoot and Bio MTA can be used as appropriate canal filling materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the root-filling quality of a calcium silicate-based sealer and gutta percha (GP) cones by measuring the percentage of voids. Twenty artificial molar teeth were divided into two groups: one obturated using the single-cone (SC) technique, and the other using the continuous wave (CW) technique. Obturation was performed with GP cones and Endoseal MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate, Maruchi, Wonju, Korea). Obturated teeth were scanned using microcomputed tomography, and the percentage of void volume was calculated in the apical and coronal areas. A linear mixed model was used to determine the differences between the two techniques (p < 0.05). The percentage of voids between the filling materials and root canal walls was not significantly different between the two obturation methods (p > 0.05), except for the CW group, which demonstrated a significantly higher void volume in the coronal area of the distal canal (p < 0.05). The percentage of voids inside the filling material was significantly higher in the CW groups for all of the comparisons (p < 0.05), except in the apical area of the distal canal (p > 0.05). The voids between the filling material and canal wall in the apical area were not significantly different between the two techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to evaluate the quality of canal filling using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and gutta-percha (GP) in root canals, and to investigate the differences in the percentage of voids between mesial and distal canals by using microcomputed tomography. Twenty-two extracted human mandibular molars were instrumented using rotary files. Two teeth without canal fillings served as negative controls, and the other teeth were obturated with either ProRoot® MTA or gutta-percha and AH Plus® sealer. Obturated teeth were scanned with microcomputed tomography, and the percentage of voids (V%) was calculated. These specimens were also examined under a scanning electron microscope. The MTA group showed a significantly higher V% than the GP groups (p<0.05). The mesial canal groups showed significantly higher V% than did the distal canal groups (p<0.05). In orthograde filling, MTA exhibited significantly lower filling quality than did GP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to apply microcomputed tomography to quantitative evaluation of voids and to test any specific location of voids in tooth's root canal obturations. Materials and Methods: Twenty root canals were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and Tubli-Seal sealer using the thermoplastic compaction method (System B + Obtura II). Roots were scanned and three-dimensional visualization was obtained. The volume and Feret's diameter of I-voids (at the filling/dentine interface) and S-voids (surrounded by filling material) were measured. Results: The results revealed that none of the scanned root canal fillings were void-free. For I-voids, the volume fraction was significantly larger, but their number was lower (P = 0.0007), than for S-voids. Both types of voids occurred in characteristic regions (P < 0.001). I-voids occurred mainly in the apical third, while S-voids in the coronal third of the canal filling. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, our results indicate that microtomography, with proposed semi-automatic algorithm, is a useful tools for three-dimensional quantitative evaluation of dental root canal fillings. In canals filled with thermoplastic gutta-percha and Tubli-Seal, voids at the interface between the filling and canal dentine deserve special attention due to of their periapical location, which might promote apical microleakage. Further studies might help to elucidate the clinical relevance of these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To describe a technique for the placement of apical Mineral trioxide aggregate ( MTA) plugs in canals with wide apices. Summary A novel technique to fill root canals with an apical diameter larger than 0.4 mm is presented. The technique includes three main stages; three Thermafil carriers of increasing size, previously de-sheathed by removing the Gutta-percha coating, are selected to engage 1, 2 and 3 mm short of the apex. Their use allows the negotiation of acute curvatures and ledged canals. Subsequently, an MTA plug matching the apical gauge is pre-formed with a pellet block, placed and condensed using the modified carriers in sequence. The presented protocol for the management of teeth with apices of a diameter greater than 0.4 mm allows a favourable apical control of the MTA. Clinical cases completed using this methodology are presented. Key learning points MTA placement in teeth with wide apices was facilitated by using de-sheathed Thermafil carriers, to create an appropriate seal and stable platform for Gutta-percha backfilling or subsequent fibre post placement., The use of de-sheathed Thermafil carriers of different sizes allows predictable placement of pre-formed MTA plugs., Gauging of Thermafil carriers enhances control of the condensation phase to limit the extrusion of MTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhang C, Huang W, Sun Z, Hou B. A comparison of two gutta-percha master points consisting of different phases in filling of artificial lateral canals and depressions in the apical region of root canals when using a warm vertical compaction technique. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 1041-1046, 2011. Abstract Aim Two types of gutta-percha master points consisting of different phases of the material were compared during the filling of lateral canals and depressions in the apical region of root canals when using warm vertical compaction (WVC). Methodology Two split-tooth models were constructed one with lateral canals 1, 2 and 3 mm from the working length (WL) and another with depressions 1 and 3 mm from the WL. For each model, canal filling was performed with either alpha-phase or beta-phase gutta-percha. The gutta-percha was condensed with a System B plugger placed 7, 5 or 3 mm from the WL. The mean depth of gutta-percha penetration into the lateral canals and the percentage of depression area covered by gutta-percha were measured. A two-factor analysis of variance and a Student-Newman-Keuls test ( P < 0.05) were used to compare the two gutta-percha and three plugger insertion depths. Results At the 1-2 mm apical levels, alpha-phase gutta-percha and deeper plugger depth elicited better flow into canals and depressions ( P < 0.01). At the 3 mm apical level, the alpha-phase and beta-phase gutta-percha penetrated to the same extent with 3- and 5-mm plugger insertions ( P > 0.05); however, with the 7-mm plugger insertion, the alpha-phase gutta-percha flowed significantly more deeply than the beta-phase gutta-percha ( P < 0.01). At the 2-3 mm apical levels, the 3 and 5 mm plugger depths elicited similar flow ( P > 0.05); both elicited significantly better flow than the 7 mm plugger depth ( P < 0.01). Conclusion The alpha-phase gutta-percha with deep plugger insertion during warm vertical compaction using a System B heat source moved singificantly more into lateral canals and depressions than the beta-phase gutta-percha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To analyze a new endodontic sealer material commercially known as Resilon™ and to describe in detail the experimental techniques employed that lead to the identification of the composite material. Methods: An extensive structural, thermal, and physical characterization was used to identify a new endodontic sealer material using the following techniques: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) technique, X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The surface morphology was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: The material was identified as a composite of polycaprolactone, which is a polymer of the polyester family and bioactive glass, which is radiopaque filler. Conclusions: The Resilon™ sealer material is a thermoplastic synthetic degradable polymer (polycaprolactone), it contains bioactive glass. Its properties, such as strength, modulus, shape-memory effect and biodegradability depend on the crystalline fraction, which is affected in turn by conditions of crystallization. Investigation of the crystallization kinetics of PCL is of practical significance. It is especially necessary to study its the dynamic and non-isothermal crystallization process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cathro PR, Love RM. Comparison of MicroSeal and System B/Obtura II obturation techniques. International Endodontic Journal, 36, 876–882, 2003. To compare the proportion of gutta-percha, sealer and voids following the filling of simulated root canals in plastic blocks using two warm gutta-percha techniques. Ten simulated root canals in plastic blocks were prepared using System GT Rotary Files® and a .02 taper size 40 Quantec rotary nickel–titanium instrument and then filled with MicroSeal and Kerr EWT sealer. A further 10 simulated canals were prepared solely with System GT Rotary Files® and obturated with System B/Obtura II and Kerr EWT sealer. All blocks were sectioned at 1 mm intervals. The sectioned root fillings were photographed through a stereomicroscope and the resultant slides scanned. The images were analysed using adobe photoshop 6.0 to give the proportions of gutta-percha, sealer or void at each level. The data were analysed using unpaired Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test. The MicroSeal technique produced a dense homogeneous gutta-percha fill at the apical 1 and 2 mm levels similar to the System B/Obtura II technique, but further coronally the sealer became mixed into the MicroFlow gutta-percha producing a heterogeneous mass with significantly less ( P < 0.05) solid gutta-percha in the root filling compared to System B/Obtura II. The MicroSeal technique generally had more pooling of cement than the System B technique, however, this was only significantly different ( P < 0.05) at the 4 mm level. The System B/Obtura II obturation gave an average of 99.27% ± 1.09 gutta-percha fill at all levels. The MicroSeal technique produced a heterogeneous fill consisting of the MicroFlow Master Cone and gutta-percha from the MicroFlow Cartridge mixed with sealer. The System B/Obtura II technique produced a homogeneous fill at all levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of ultrasonic vibration and thermo-hydrodynamic obturation (VibraTHO) using two types of root canal sealers, in comparison to the single-cone (SC) technique and a calcium silicate-based root canal sealer in complex root canal anatomies. Thirty single-rooted human maxillary premolars with two canals that had a complex root canal anatomy of transverse anastomoses or ramifications were prepared and assigned to the following three experimental groups, according to the filling method: SE group, SC technique with Endoseal TCS; VE group, VibraTHO with Endoseal TCS; and VG group, VibraTHO with GuttaFlow 2. Each tooth was scanned using micro-computed tomography, and the volume percentages of the filling material were calculated. The analysis of variance was used to analyze the statistical differences between the three groups (p < 0.05). The mean volume of the filling material was higher in the VG and VE groups than that in the SE group (p < 0.05) along the apical to middle-to-coronal thirds, and significant differences were observed between each root canal area (p < 0.05), with the only exception being at the apical thirds between the VE and SE groups. The VibraTHO technique using GuttaFlow 2 can be a more effective root canal filling method for anatomically complex root canal systems than the SC technique with Endoseal TCS. On the other hand, the VibraTHO technique using Endoseal TCS has a limited effect on improving the quality of the root filling at the apical portion of anatomically complex root canal systems, compared to the SC technique with Endoseal TCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the void of root canal filling over time when a calcium silicate sealer was used in the single gutta-percha cone technique., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four J-shaped simulated root canals and twenty-four palatal root canals from extracted human maxillary molars were instrumented with ProFile Ni-Ti rotary instruments up to size 35/0.06 or size 40/0.06, respectively. Half of the canals were filled with Endoseal MTA and the other half were with AH Plus Jet using the single gutta-percha cone technique. Immediately after and 4 weeks after the root canal filling, the samples were scanned using micro-computed tomography at a resolution of 12.8 μm. The scanned images were reconstructed using the NRecon software and the void percentages were calculated using the CTan software, and statistically analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance, paired t- test and Tukey post hoc test., Results: After 4 weeks, there were no significant changes in the void percentages at all levels in both material groups ( p > 0.05), except at the apical level of the AH Plus Jet group ( p < 0.05) in the simulated root canal showing more void percentage compared to other groups. Immediately after filling the extracted human root canals, the Endoseal MTA group showed significantly less void percentage compared to the AH Plus Jet group ( p < 0.05)., Conclusions: Under the limitations of this study, the Endoseal MTA does not seem to reduce the voids over time., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2020. The Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry.)