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(1) Background: To improve endodontic treatments, it is necessary to find good irrigant solutions that balance potential toxic effects with optimal antimicrobial capacity. The aim of this laboratory study was to assess the cytotoxic and antimicrobial capacity of phytic acid (IP6) and BioAktTM in a laboratory setting to determine their suitability prior to endodontic evaluation. (2) Methods: The antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of IP6 and BioAktTM were compared with those of 1.5% NaOCl. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via crystal violet assay and CellTiter-Glo® 2.0 assay, while antimicrobial capacity was tested via disk diffusion and the effect of a 1-h treatment on Enterococcus faecalis. (3) Results: A crystal violet test and CellTiter-Glo® 2.0 assay showed statistically significant differences in cell viability and cell activity after 4 and 24 h for all tested solutions (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of BioAktTM was similar to that of 1.5% NaOCl, while phytic acid showed the lowest antimicrobial activity compared to BioAktTM (p < 0.05) and 1.5% NaOCl (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: BioAktTM showed an optimal balance between antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity.

(1) Background: In endodontics, anatomical complexities and irregularities in the root canal system may interfere with sealer penetration, increasing the risk of treatment failure. This work aimed to investigate the effects of sonicated Thermafil (Dentsply, Tulsa Dental Specialties, Johnson City, TN, USA) on sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. (2) Methods: Thirty teeth with single round-shaped root canals were used to compare Sonicated Thermafil with sonication (ST—10 teeth), System B (EIE Analytical Technology, Orange, CE, USA) (SB—10 teeth), and Thermafil without sonication (T—10 teeth). A confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to determine the depth, area, and percentage of sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. (3) Results: ST showed the deepest average penetration at 6 mm from the apex compared to SB (p < 0.01) and T (p < 0.01) and at 3 mm compared to SB (p < 0.01). In addition, it had the highest penetration values at both levels compared to SB (p < 0.01) and T (p < 0.05) and a higher penetration area at 6 mm compared to T (p < 0.05) and SB (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusion: Sonic activation can improve the carrier-based obturation technique thanks to deeper sealer penetration and thus better retention of materials.

Hypochlorite accidents are relatively rare events. Therefore, there is a lack of precise and accurate reports in the scientific literature that could help clinicians better understand the phenomenon and associated risk factors. This study reported four hypochlorite accidents attributable to 5% NaOCl extrusion in patients who had undergone treatment of the maxillary elements canal treatments. In all cases, the accidents occurred during the irrigation phase and were characterised by intracanal bleeding, ecchymosis, and swelling on the hemiface corresponding to the treated tooth. Antibiotics, paracetamol, NSAID, corticosteroids, and cold or warm compresses for oedema were prescribed to treat the symptoms of the accidents. Significant improvement of symptoms was observed in all patients after 5–6 days. Anatomic risk factors such as apical fenestration, root perforation, and large foramina were identified as possible risk factors for the accidents. After the accidents, clinicians applied endodontic procedures for which there is no scientific evidence to continue endodontic treatments, such as changing the type of irrigant or the irrigation method. Our results suggest that using a standardised approach to document each hypochlorite accident will allow researchers to collect more accurate and detailed data that can subsequently be used to identify potential risk factors and better manage the symptomatology of hypochlorite accidents.

Background: After the first lockdown, Italian dentists resumed their practice while handling several challenges. Reducing contagion risk by complying with the stringent measures recommended by the Italian Ministry of Health for dental activity while also balancing patient needs was a difficult task. This work aims to understand the procedures that were adopted in the second phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (5 May–30 September 2020) and the dentists’ expectations and concerns about returning to normalcy. Methods: A national survey with 38 questions was conducted from November 2020 to January 2021 and comparisons were performed among the five main Italian geographic areas. Results: Located mainly in northwest Italy, 1028 dentists were included in the survey. About 83% of the Italian dentists fully restarted their activities after the lockdown. The resumption was significantly marked in North Italy and the Center than in the South (p < 0.01). Over 80% adopted the recommended precautional guidelines, modifying them according to the specific dental treatment executed. Fifty percent of dentists were confident in returning to normalcy after the COVID-19 crisis. Many precautions adopted during the pandemic will be continued, especially in South Italy and the Islands (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Italian dentists reported excellent autonomous organizational skills and the maintaining of high-quality precautions during the reopening phase.