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Alveolar resorbed bone near to noble anatomical structures has been a challenge to dental implants. However, this situation is more defiant when, with these structures, there is an impacted tooth. This study aimed to present a case of rehabilitation with dental implants in the posterior mandible of a patient with an impacted tooth near the mandibular canal, where the implants were placed through the tooth, aiming to avoid alveolar bone removal and subsequent bone graft reconstruction with a more complex surgery. Dental implants placed through the tooth were viable alternatives after a 5-year follow-up without any type of biologic complications.

Objective This study aimed to assess the characteristics of different designs of systematic reviews (SRs) registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) about COVID‐19. Methods The search was performed in the PROSPERO database using the strategy proposed by the database and considered only human studies. The last date of the search was April 27, 2020. Full text of all records was accessed, and data were extracted by a single researcher, which was further double‐checked by another researcher. A descriptive analysis was performed considering record characteristics using tables. Results We included 564 records from which the vast majority were registered as SRs (n = 513, 91%). In general, we found poor reporting and missing or confusing information, since 84% of the records (n = 474) did not report the full search that would be adopted, 16% (n = 90) did not report clearly the databases that would be used, and 49.1% (n = 277) did not report the number of primary outcomes. The main focus of most of the records involved clinical, epidemiological, complication, and laboratory characteristics (n = 173, 30.7%) or the treatment of COVID‐19 (n = 138, 24.5%). Conclusion A large number of SRs about COVID‐19 have been conducted, and many of the assessed records were poorly reported and would be difficult to replicate. Besides, collected data points to an epidemic of redundant reviews on COVID‐19.

This study aimed to assess root canal irrigants' effect on the bond strength between endodontic sealers and root canal dentin, through a systematic review. The study protocol is available online (h...

To evaluate the reporting of authors' justifications for choosing the scoping review methodology in oral health.This is a meta-research study about scoping reviews in dentistry. This study searched for reviews in PubMed and Scopus without year restrictions and restricted to English-language publications. Study selection was undertaken by two reviewers independently. Each of these reviewers extracted data from half of the included studies considering general study characteristics and scoping reviews objectives, as well as data about whether or not the authors clearly explained why they chose the scoping review framework.We included 184 articles. Ninety-seven of the reports did not provide a rationale as to why they chose the scoping review method (52.7%). Regarding the reported aims of the studies, 29.9% (n = 29/87) of the scoping reviews presented more than one. When comparing studies reporting the use of the PRISMA-ScR to those not reporting the PRISMA-ScR, there is no difference in the reporting of a clear explanation of why the authors used a scoping review method.There is room for improvement in how authors report their justifications for choosing the scoping review method.Scoping reviews may be used by researchers who are unaware of this method. Educational initiatives should thus be encouraged.

How best to restore endodontically treated teeth is still unclear because many types of material and techniques are involved.The purpose of this overview of systematic reviews of clinical studies was to assess the available evidence-based literature on the influence of associated clinical factors on the clinical performance (survival, failure rate, or success) of restored endodontically treated teeth.PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception until September 27, 2021, to identify systematic reviews. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, and each reviewer extracted the data of half of the included studies. A single reviewer with an independent verifier completed the quality appraisal. A descriptive analysis of the collected data was made.A total of 36 systematic reviews fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The factors most assessed were the type of coronal restorative technique (n=22) and type of post (n=22). The results indicated that metal and fiber posts seem to present similar clinical performance, endocrowns could be a suitable restorative option, there is no evidence to confirm whether single crowns are better or worse than direct restoration, the maintenance of the coronal structure is a fundamental factor, and the ferrule effect is still a controversial topic. Most of the studies (n=30, 81%) presented a final Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) rating of "critically low."The post type does not appear to influence the clinical performance of restored endodontically treated teeth. However, conclusive evidence to suggest how different materials or techniques for restoring coronal tooth structure affect the clinical performance of such restorations, as well as the impact of the ferrule effect, is still lacking.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate whether a master and PhD thesis in Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry can be based on a systematic review (SR). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed the coordinators of Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry using a self-administered questionnaire including questions about whether an SR meets requirements for approval of a master or PhD thesis, instructions regarding how to use an SR as the method for a master or PhD thesis, and reasons and barriers that SRs were not recognized as acceptable for a master or PhD thesis. The responses were analyzed descriptively, and tables and graphs were created to summarize the data. RESULTS Among 101 graduate programs invited to participate in the study, 38 (37.6%) returned the questionnaire. Over three-quarters of surveyed programs (n = 30, 78.1%) answered that SRs, in whole or in part, meet the criteria for a master or PhD thesis. Likewise, most programs answered that a master or PhD thesis could be exclusively based on an SR (n = 28, 73.7%). The same number of programs pointed out that one possible reason for not recognizing SRs as a master or PhD thesis is either the lack of SR expertise among committee members (n = 28, 73.7%) or the lack of adequate training of candidates in SR methodology (n = 26, 68.4%). CONCLUSIONS SRs are well accepted as a master or PhD thesis by Brazilian graduate programs in dentistry. Educational initiatives should be encouraged to promote understanding of SR methodology and increase acceptance among graduate programs worldwide.

Statement of problem Severely discolored substrates have been shown to limit the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) ceramic blocks because they provide insufficient color masking. Purpose The purpose of the in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a layer of high-value opaque composite resin over discolored substrates to determine its masking ability with CAD-CAM ceramics. Material and methods Six ceramic groups (n=10) were tested. A bilayer group of zirconia and porcelain served as the control. The CAD-CAM monolithic groups were translucent zirconia, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate, lithium disilicate, leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic, and feldspathic ceramic. Five substrates were used: A1 (used as reference), A3.5, C4, and coppery and silvery metals. The substrates were separated as nonlayered or layered (with flowable or restorative opaque composite resins). The tested luting agents were white, opaque, and A1. Color differences (ΔE00) were assessed with the CIEDE2000 formula. A 2-way ANOVA (α=.05) was used to detect significant differences in ΔE00 among the groups for each substrate. The results were compared with acceptability (1.77) and perceptibility (0.81) thresholds. Results The flowable composite resin layer associated with A1 luting agent ensured ΔE00 lesser the than perceptibility thresholdwith the use of CAD-CAM monolithic ceramics, with the lowest values for zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate in substrates A3.5 (0.53) and C4 (0.32) and for leucite-reinforced glass-ceramic for coppery (0.49) and silvery (0.81) substrates (P Conclusions The application of a flowable opaque composite resin and the use of a shaded luting agent ensure masking with CAD-CAM monolithic ceramics.

This scoping review study aimed to map the evidence about solvents' use for gutta-percha dissolution and removal during endodontic retreatments. The study protocol followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, available online (https://osf.io/5vy8n/). Reporting was based on PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. We selected dentistry studies that considered the effectiveness of solvents in gutta-percha dissolution in endodontic retreatments and compared their performance to the use of instrumentation techniques without solvents. The search and study screening were performed in PubMed and Scopus databases by two independent researchers. A descriptive analysis considered the study design, method/technique used for obturation, method/technique used for instrumentation during retreatment, solvent solutions tested, exposure time, and main findings. A total of 41 studies were included. Despite that, most studies suggested that solvents' use may complicate root canal cleanliness, regardless of the type of instrumentation used, and facilitate the presence of gutta-percha remnants in the root surface. Thus, the use of solvents should be avoided and its use should only be considered if the previous working length was not possible to access without it. Despite that, high heterogeneity was observed, further studies are still encouraged comparing the performance and effects of different solvents in different clinical scenarios.

Objectives This scoping review aimed to map and compile the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of decontaminating N95 respirators against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Data We selected studies written in English assessing or discussing the decontamination strategies of N95 respirators against SARS-CoV-2. Two independent researchers performed the search and study screening. A descriptive analysis was carried out considering the study design of the included studies. Sources PubMed, SCOPUS, and Preprint platforms (bioRxiv and medRxiv). Study selection We included 55 reports from PubMed and SCOPUS. Nine articles were letters to the editors, 21 were in vitro studies, 16 were literature reviews, and 9 were classified as other study designs. We included 37 preprints. Two articles were letters to the editors, 24 were in vitro studies, 3 were literature reviews, and 8 were classified as other study designs. In general, vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation were the strategies most cited and most promising. However, there is a lack of evidence and consensus related to the best method of N95 respirator decontamination. Conclusion The evidence regarding decontamination strategies of N95 respirators against SARS-CoV-2 remains scarce. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation seem to be the current standard for N95 respirator decontamination. Clinical significance Vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation appear to be the most promising methods for N95 respirator decontamination.

BackgroundAt present, it remains uncertain which method to decontaminate N95 is most suitable and should be recommended to healthcare professionals worldwide.ObjectivesThe aim of this scoping review was to map and compile the available evidence about the effectiveness of decontaminating N95 masks against coronavirus.MethodsWe selected studies written in English assessing or discussing decontamination strategies of N95 masks against coronavirus. The search and study screening were performed in PubMed and SCOPUS by two independent researchers. A descriptive analysis was performed considering the study design of included studies.ResultsWe included nineteen studies. Eight articles were letter to the editors, five were in vitro studies, three were literature reviews, and three were classified as other study designs. The use of vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation were the strategies most cited. However, there is a lack of evidence and consensus related to the best method of N95 masks decontamination.ConclusionThe evidence towards decontamination strategies of N95 masks against coronavirus remains scarce. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation seem the current standard for N95 masks decontamination.

Statement of problem The best protocol to restore endodontically treated teeth is still unclear, with many factors to be considered, including the selection and necessity of a post, the type of coronal restoration, the amount of remaining coronal structure, and the type of luting agent. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the restorative preferences for endodontically treated teeth between dentists and dental students. Material and methods Survey studies, written in English, of dentists and dental students, which evaluated the use of intracanal posts and other restorative options for endodontically treated teeth, were selected. Searches were performed in the PubMed and SCOPUS databases without time restriction. Screening and data extraction were performed by 2 researchers independently. A standardized outline was used to extract the data (questions related to the theme and the response rate of each question on the survey), and the risk of bias was assessed. Descriptive analysis was performed of the collected information. Results Twenty-five articles were included. Most dentists who answered the surveys reported the time since graduation as 1 to 20 years (40%), and 44% were specialists. The most reported choices concerning the type of posts used were prefabricated posts (45.8%), cast metal posts (16.7%), and both posts (16.7%). The cast metal posts were cited more frequently in surveys published between 1994 and 2010, whereas prefabricated posts, both metal and glass fiber ones, were cited between 2006 and 2019. The preferred luting agent for intracanal posts was resin-based (47%). These choices seem to have been influenced by time and by the level of postgraduate training. Conclusions Restorative preferences related to posts have changed over time, from the use of cast posts to prefabricated ones or the use of both posts and seem to be influenced by experience and postgraduate training.

Introduction The aim of this study was to identify through a scoping review whether root canal irrigants influence the mechanical properties of endodontically treated teeth, and which properties could be affected. The protocol of this study, available online ( https://osf.io/yc9nb/ ), followed the Joana Briggs Institute guidelines. Reporting was based on PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews. Methods We selected studies written in English that evaluated the effect of at least one irrigant on the mechanical properties of endodontically treated teeth. The search and study screening were performed in PubMed and Scopus databases by 2 independent researchers. A descriptive analysis was performed to consider the study design, the characteristics of the irrigants, and the properties tested. Results The initial search yielded 608 citations, of which 66 were included. On the basis of the collected data, the most commonly used solutions were 17% EDTA, 2.5% or 5% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% chlorhexidine, and the most common tested properties were hardness and strength. Alterations in the modulus of elasticity, stress and strain concentration during preparation, and roughness were also assessed. Conclusions The majority of studies corroborated a negative effect of all solutions on the mechanical properties of endodontically treated teeth. Furthermore, increases in the concentration of the solution and in the time of exposure were found to intensify deleterious effects. However, disinfection of the canal is also a crucial factor in endodontic success. Thus, clinicians should consider these factors to mitigate the effects without interfering with antibacterial properties, customizing the choice of the solution to the case in hand.

The effect of root canal preparation technique on microcrack initiation is a controversial issue. This systematic review aimed to assess the role of root canal preparation techniques with different kinematics (manual, rotary, reciprocating, adaptive, self-adjusting file) on microcrack initiation. In vitro and in situ studies comparing the influence of at least two different root canal preparation techniques on the initiation of dentin microcracks were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS up to June 5, 2018 without language and period restriction. Two authors independently reviewed all identified titles and abstracts for eligibility. Tables were generated to summarize the included studies, and the included studies were assessed for bias. Fifty-four (n=54) articles met the eligibility criteria. The results were classified according to the method used for microcrack evaluation, and most studies that used micro-computed tomography showed no formation of new cracks after root canal preparation. In general, the instrumentation techniques induced microcrack formation when the methods were destructive, irrespective of kinematics. In relation to the apex region, when the preparation working length was set as the root canal length subtracted of 1 mm, the risk of microcrack initiation reduces. The majority of the included studies had low risk of bias for all assessed domains. Our results seem to indicate that the various root canal preparation techniques considered in this study will not cause damage to the dental structure when adequately employed and the proper methodology is applied. Resumo O efeito da técnica de preparo do canal radicular na iniciação e/ou propagação de microfissuras dentinárias é um tema controverso. Essa revisão sistemática teve como objetivo avaliar o papel das técnicas de preparo do canal radicular com diferentes cinemáticas (manual, rotatória, reciprocante, adaptativa e self-adjusting file) na iniciação e/ou propagação de microfissuras dentinárias. Estudos in vitro e in situ comparando a influência de pelo menos duas técnicas diferentes de preparo do canal radicular foram identificados no PubMed/MEDLINE e SCOPUS até 05 de junho de 2018 sem restrição de idioma e tempo. Dois autores revisaram de maneira independente todos títulos e resumos para elegibilidade dos estudos. Tabelas foram criadas para sumarizar os estudos incluídos e os estudos foram avaliados quanto ao risco de viés. Cinquenta e quatro (54) estudos enquadraram-se nos critérios de elegibilidade. Os resultados foram classificados de acordo com o método utilizado para avaliação das microfissuras. A maioria dos estudos que utilizaram micro-tomografia não demonstraram formação de novas microfissuras após preparo do canal radicular. Em geral, técnicas de instrumentação induziram formação de microfissuras quando os métodos de avaliação foram destrutivos, independente da cinemática. Em relação a região do ápice, quando comprimento de trabalho foi definido como o comprimento do canal menos 1 mm, o risco de indução de microfissuras é reduzido. A maioria dos estudos incluídos apresentaram baixo risco de viés para todos os domínios apresentados. Nossos resultados parecem indicar que as diferentes técnicas de preparo do canal radicular não causam danos a estrutura dental quando adequadamente utilizadas e a metodologia adequada é utilizada.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate how meta-analyses are conducted and reported in dentistry. Methods: We conducted a search to identify dentistry-related Systematic Reviews (SRs) indexed in PubMed in 2017 (from January 01 until December 31) and published in the English language. We included only SRs reporting at least one meta-analysis. The study selection followed the 4-phase flow set forth in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (PRISMA), and it was independently conducted by two researchers. Data extraction was performed by one of three reviewers, and data related to conducting and reporting of the meta-analysis were collected. Descriptive data analysis was performed summarizing frequencies for categorical items or median and interquartile range for continuous data. Results: We included 214 SRs with meta-analyses. Most of the studies reported in the title that a meta-analysis was conducted. We identified three critical flaws in the included studies: Ninety (90) meta-analyses (43.1%) did not specify the primary outcome; most of the meta-analyses reported that a measure of statistical heterogeneity was used to justify the use of a fixed-effect or random-effects meta-analysis model (n=114, 58.5%); and a great part did not assess publication bias (n=106, 49.5%). Conclusion: We identified deficiencies in the reporting and conduct of meta-analysis in dentistry, suggesting that there is room for improvement. Educational approaches are necessary to improve the quality of such analyses and to avoid biased and imprecise results.

Vários fatores podem influenciar o desempenho clínico de dentes com tratamento endodôntico (DTE). Além disso diversas são as opções restauradoras indicadas em respeito a este cenário, em especial com o notório avanço de novas técnicas e tecnologias para uso clínico. Dentre estas corriqueiramente envolvem-se o uso de restaurações diretas (confeccionadas com resina composta), pinos metálicos ou de fibra de vidro, pinos pré-fabricados ou fresados, assim como restaurações indiretas compostas de coroas cerâmicas, inlays, onlays ou endocrowns; sempre com o foco na reabilitação funcional e estética do caso em tela. Neste trabalho, através de uma revisão narrativa, foram expostos conceitos relativos às modalidades restauradores que se advêm do uso de novas tecnologias na reabilitação de dentes tratados endodonticamente.

Aim: this study assessed the patients’ perception of the outcomes of prosthetic treatment in a University of Southern Brazil. Methods: patients seeking for prosthetic treatment were invited to answer a questionnaire with 41 items about the potential risks, benefits, and consequences of no treatment. Answers were obtained according to a five-item Likert-scale varying from 1 (completely disagree) to 5 (completely agree). Sociodemographic data was included in the comparison. Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis (95%) compared data depending on the variable. Results: two-hundred twenty-five patients answered the questionnaire. Median age of participants was 45-54 years. The potential benefits were similar among participants irrespective of the variable adopted. The perception of risks was significant influenced by variables gender, age, education level, type of edentulous space, prior treatment with prosthodontics, type of prosthodontics, and prosthodontics usage in years. Consequences of no treatment were affected by age, prior treatment with prosthodontics, and prosthodontics usage in years. Conclusions: the study showed the fundamental importance of correct elucidation about the potential risks (negative perception) in the initial appointment for the studied population. Elucidation about the consequences of no treatment are relevant because some differences were seen into the variables. Prosthodontics patients from the city of Passo Fundo seem well informed about the benefits of the prosthetic treatment, besides the significant influence of some sociodemographic and prosthetic conditions.

Resumo Objetivo: analisar as tendências da força de trabalho de cirurgiões-dentistas no Brasil, no período de 2007 a 2014. Métodos: estudo de séries temporais com dados do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES) e da Fundação Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE); regressões lineares generalizadas de Prais-Winstein foram utilizadas para estimar as tendências temporais e calcular a variação percentual anual da força de trabalho de cirurgiões-dentistas no período estudado. Resultados: houve crescimento do número de cirurgiões-dentistas atuando como clínicos gerais e especialistas, em média 12,7% e 17,3% ao ano, respectivamente; a expansão da força de trabalho de clínico geral (0,5%) e de especialista (11,6%) foi menor no setor público, em relação ao setor privado (24,5% e 30,3%, respectivamente). Conclusão: o número de cirurgiões-dentistas é elevado, embora estejam desigualmente distribuídos em ambos setores de atuação, o que pode implicar barreiras no acesso aos cuidados odontológicos no Brasil.