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Background: Given the lack of an ideal endodontic irrigant on the market, this study evaluates the antimicrobial potential of a formulated solution of 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose against E. faecalis within infected root canals, and explores any associated impacts related to the duration of irrigation. Methods: 32 single-rooted teeth extracted for periodontal reasons were infected with Enterococcus faecalis, and subsequently subjected to endodontic treatment with two different irrigation systems: sodium hypochlorite or a solution of 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose. These samples were then incubated in sterile culture media at 37 °C to observe microbial activity through turbidity. The culture broth of each individual sample was assessed as positive or negative by observing the turbidity or lack of turbidity in the culture at the time of evaluation. Results: the analysis of the results obtained from the comparison of groups irrigated with sodium hypochlorite or a solution of 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose demonstrates that the case solution has no bactericidal effect against E. faecalis inoculated in the endodontic system. Conclusions: the HMOs used in this study do not have a bactericidal effect on E. faecalis inoculated in an endodontic system.

Aim: This study investigates the collaborative efforts between speech language therapists and dentists to address the challenges faced by patients with concurrent dental and speech issues. It underscores the importance of understanding the complex interactions within the craniofacial system and its implications for both oral health and communication abilities. Methods: A questionnaire-based research was conducted involving speech language therapists and dentists, using Google Forms as the medium of data collection. This study was disseminated through professional networks, where practitioners provided information on their demographics, practices of collaboration, and the perceived advantages of such interdisciplinary work. All ethical standards were adhered to, ensuring the confidentiality and informed consent of the participants. Results: The findings indicate that dentists, often see first patient visits beyond recommended ages primarily for existing conditions, deviating from preventive norms. About half communicate monthly with speech language therapists, revealing gaps in early care and collaboration. Speech language therapists focus on language disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders (SMOF), with 37% collaborating frequently with dentists. This interaction highlights the potential for enhanced patient outcomes through interdisciplinary cooperation. Despite these challenges, both groups acknowledged the benefits of their collaborative efforts. Conclusions: The partnership between speech language therapists and dentists represents a vital area of healthcare, aimed at tackling the complex issues of oral health and communication through a multidisciplinary approach. Although obstacles in collaboration were identified, the positive outcomes observed from such partnerships emphasize the importance of developing a unified framework to improve integrated healthcare delivery in the future.

Aim: This study examines the prevalence and severity of orofacial disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The research assesses the correlation with the Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) index. The goal is to improve the clinical approaches to these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire focused on the correlation between FMS and orofacial problems. The research involved 107 rheumatology patients diagnosed with FMS. Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s correlation, were utilized to investigate the relationships between the FAS index scores and various orofacial symptoms. Results: Of the participants, 11.2% responded that they were aware of the correlation between fibromyalgia and oral health. The statistical analysis showed statistically significant correlations between the FAS index and symptoms such as gum bleeding, teeth grinding during the day, and neck pain (p < 0.05). The correlation between the FAS index and joint noise upon opening the mouth, as well as dissatisfaction with one’s smile, also proved to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrate that, as the FAS index increases, the likelihood of developing orofacial disorders also increases among FMS patients. This highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Background: All endodontic treatment techniques are associated with the extrusion of debris into periradicular tissues through the apex. The extrusion of apical debris can lead to delayed healing or even therapy failure. It is possible to reduce the extrusion into periapical tissues through various approaches. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate whether, in cases of non-surgical endodontic retreatment, reciprocating instruments cause greater extrusion of debris compared to instruments with continuous rotation. Methods: A search was conducted on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Web of Science. The inclusion criterion was in vitro studies comparing apical extrusion in endodontically treated elements using continuously rotating and reciprocating files. Results: The search on scientific databases yielded 164 results, out of which only 16 were eligible for evaluation after screening. Conclusions: The authors of the research included in this review do not agree on the results obtained. Based on the articles analyzed in this systematic review, it remains unclear whether continuous rotation or reciprocating movement of the endodontic instrument can lead to significant differences in apical debris extrusion; it is not possible to provide a clear clinical recommendation regarding the choice of instrument movement for endodontic procedures.

Endodontic shaping can lead to canal and apical anatomical alterations, which may compromise the outcome of root canal treatment. The objective of this systematic literature review is to assess whether the use of martensitic endodontic instruments can result in less apical transportation compared to austenitic instruments during endodontic therapy. A search was conducted on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and the Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were in vitro studies comparing apical transportation using endodontic instruments with austenitic or martensitic alloys. The search of the scientific databases yielded 592 results, of which only 10 were eligible for evaluation after screening. Based on the analysis of the selected articles, it can be concluded that martensitic endodontic instruments result in less apical transportation compared to austenitic instruments during the shaping phase of endodontic treatment. This behavior can be attributed to the increased flexibility of martensitic instruments. Further research is warranted to further explore this topic and provide additional evidence supporting the use of martensitic instruments in clinical practice.

Background: The phenomenon of vapor lock, characterized by the formation of gas bubbles, poses challenges in achieving effective cleaning and debridement during endodontic treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of vapor lock and to quantify its volume in the root canal system. Methods: Ten single-rooted teeth were selected, and their root canals were shaped using the Protaper Next system and irrigated with 5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Then, the canals were irrigated with a solution made of contrast medium (8 M cesium chloride solution) mixed in equal proportions with 5% sodium hypochlorite. CBCT scans were performed to analyze the presence and volume of bubbles in different canal thirds. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the number of bubbles and the percentage of space occupied by them. Results: The results demonstrated the presence of vapor lock in all treated teeth, with a higher concentration of gas bubbles in the apical canal third. The formation of gas bubbles hindered the cleaning and debridement procedures, particularly in the apical region. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the occurrence of vapor lock and highlights the importance of enhancing the cleaning phase in endodontic treatments to minimize bubble formation or eliminate them once formed. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the challenges posed by vapor lock and suggest avenues for optimizing endodontic procedures.

Background and Objectives: White spot lesions (WSLs) denote regions of subsurface demineralization on the enamel that manifest as opaque and milky-white regions. Treatment for WSLs is essential for both clinical and aesthetic reasons. Resin infiltration has been identified as the most efficacious solution for alleviating WSLs, but studies with long-term monitoring are scarce. The aim of this clinical study is to assess the color change stability of the lesion after four years of implementing the resin infiltration technique. Materials and Methods: Forty non-cavity and unrestored white spot lesions (WSLs) were treated with the resin infiltration technique. The color of the WSLs and adjacent healthy enamel (SAE) was assessed using a spectrophotometer at T0 (baseline), T1 (after treatment), T2 (1 year after) and T3 (4 years after). The Wilcoxon test was utilized to determine the significance of the variation of color (ΔE) between WSLs and SAE over the observed time periods. Results: When comparing the color difference ΔE (WSLs-SAE) at T0-T1, the Wilcoxon test demonstarated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). For ΔE (WSLs-SAE) at T1-T2 and T1-T3, the color variation was not statistically significant (p = 0.305 and p = 0.337). Conclusions: The study’s findings indicate that the resin infiltration technique is an effective solution for resolving the appearance of WSLs, and the results have demonstrated stability for a minimum of four years.

Minimal root-canal preparation has been suggested to reduce the risk of root fracture, but as a result, satisfactory cleaning and shaping do not take place. Large-scale taper instrumentation can contribute to removing infected tissue; however, it may weaken the tooth structure. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate whether root-canal shaping with low-taper instruments decreases the risk of root fracture, compared to high-conicity shaping. A search was performed on Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were: studies comparing the root fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth, shaped with low- and high-conicity taper instruments, in human trials, and via in vitro study. The review includes all types of endodontically treated teeth, with various instrument tapers. The scientific search engines produced 328 results. Only 20 of the results were evaluated after screening. Based on the articles analyzed, it is not clear whether a taper difference can determine differences in root fracture resistance. No randomized controlled trial (RCTs) with long follow-ups have been published to date. It must also be taken into account that the in vitro studies do not consider the numerous differences that there are between in vitro and clinical evaluation. The review was registered on the PROSPERO website, with the protocol number CRD42020151451.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between marginal gingivitis, oral hygiene parameters, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in gingival crevicular fluid of 40 children. The marginal periodontal pathology was evaluated by gingival index (GI). The status of oral hygiene was estimated by using patient hygiene performance (PHP), brushing frequency (BF), and plaque index (PI). IL-6 levels in gingival crevicular fluid were measured to evaluate the inflammation in marginal gingiva. PHP score showed a significant correlation with GI, BF, and PI. The groups based on PHP ranges were significantly related to IL-6 concentration in crevicular fluid.

Background: Repairing a restoration is a more advantageous and less invasive alternative to its total makeover. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chemical and mechanical surface treatments aimed at increasing the roughness of a supra-nano composite resin. Methods: 27 cylindrical blocks of microhybrid composite were made. The samples were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 3). The samples’ surface was treated differently per each group: acid etching (35% H3PO4, 30 s and 60 s), diamond bur milling, sandblasting and the combination of mechanical treatment and acid etching. The samples’ surface was observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a confocal microscope for observational study, and surface roughness (Ra) was recorded for quantitative analysis. Results: The images of the samples sandblasted with Al2O3 showed the greatest irregularity and the highest number of microcavities. The surfaces roughened by diamond bur showed evident parallel streaks and sporadic superficial microcavities. No significant roughness differences were recorded between other groups. The difference in roughness between the control group, diamond bur milled group and sandblasted group was statistically significant. (p < 0.01). Comparison between the diamond bur milled group and the sandblasted group was also significant (p < 0.01). Conclusion: According to our results, sandblasting is the best treatment to increase the surface roughness of a supra-nano composite.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the color changes and the stability at a 1-year follow-up of white spot lesions (WSLs) treated with an infiltrating technique by using etching and TEGDMA resin. The color of 22 white spot lesions and the sound adjacent enamel (SAE) were assessed with a spectrophotometer at T0 (baseline), T1 (after treatment), and T2 (1 year after). The color change ΔE (WSLs-SAE) at T0 vs. T1 were compared to evaluate the camouflage effect efficiency, and at T1 vs. T2 to assess the stability of outcomes. To evaluate the effect on the treatment outcome of gender, the presence or not of previous orthodontic treatment, WSLs onset more/less than 10 years, the age of the patient, and the ΔE WSL (T0 vs. T1) was analyzed. The difference between ΔE (WSLs-SAE) at T0 and T1 resulted in statistical significance (p < 0.01). No statistical difference was found between ΔE (WSLs-SAE) at T1 vs. T2. The variables considered showed no statistical differences in treatment outcomes. The results of our investigation show that the technique used is immediately effective and the camouflage effect keeps up and steady one year after treatment. Such results do not appear to be influenced by analyzed clinical variables.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical properties of a fiber hollow endodontic post characterized by the presence of an empty central cylindrical channel extended along the whole length. This particular shape allows clinicians to use the post also as a cementation resin carrier. Ten hollow posts were divided in two groups: the control group (unfilled hollow posts) (Group 0) and hollow posts filled with dual resin cement (Group 1). The samples of both groups were subjected to mechanical and micromorphological analysis by performing a three-point test and SEM observations. In the three-point test, the Group 1 samples exhibited a fracture load of 57.09 ± 5.06 N, a flexural strength of 1323.53 ± 110.09 MPa, and a Young’s modulus of 42.87 ± 0.86 GPa. The samples of Group 2 exhibited a fracture load of 38.17 ± 1.7 N, a flexural strength of 908.87 ± 30.98 MPa, and a Young’s modulus of 40.33 ± 1.9 GPa. The difference between fracture load, flexural strength, and deflection between the two groups was statistically highly significant (p < 0.01). Further, the difference between the Young’s modulus of the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The values obtained are similar to those of other posts available on the market.

Background: Bone regeneration is a reliable technique when the bone volume is insufficient to provide a functional and aesthetic outcome in surgery and implantoprosthesis procedures. When bone blocks are used but do not match the shape of the defect, the block must be adapted. The aim of our research was to evaluate, by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) morphological observation, how different cutting devices modify the bone surface. Method: Four equine bone blocks were divided into 15 cubic shape samples with ultrasonic and sonic tips, as well as diamond, tungsten carbide, and Lindemann burs. The uncut surface of the obtained bone block was used as a control. Two observers independently analyzed the SEM observation recording, including cut precision, depth of incision, thermal damages, and presence of bone debris. For each group, sharpness, depth, carbonization, and bone debris were expressed as mean values. Results: The osteotomy performed with an ultrasonic tip shows the best results, preserving the bone morphology in both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The bone surface appeared sufficiently clean from debris and showed a reduced presence of carbonization. Conclusion: The shaping of the bone block as in vivo osteotomy respects the bone morphology and allows it to achieve the relevant biological and clinical outcome.