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Vertical root fracture (VRF) in root-canal–treated teeth frequently results in tooth loss, partly because VRFs are difficult to diagnose and when detected the fracture is often beyond the point of preservation with surgical intervention. Nonionizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated the ability to detect small VRFs, but it is unknown how its diagnostic capabilities compare with the current imaging standard for VRF detection, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This investigation aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity between MRI and CBCT for detecting VRF, using micro-computed tomography (microCT) as a reference. A total of 120 extracted human tooth roots were root canal treated using common techniques, and VRFs were mechanically induced in a proportion. Samples were imaged using MRI, CBCT, and microCT. Axial MRI and CBCT images were examined by 3 board-certified endodontists, who evaluated VRF status (yes/no) and gave a confidence assessment for that decision, from which a receiver operating characteristic curve was generated. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were calculated, sensitivity and specificity, and area under the curve. Intra-rater reliability was 0.29–0.48 for MRI and 0.30–0.44 for CBCT. Inter-rater reliability for MRI was 0.37 and for CBCT 0.49. Sensitivity was 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.78) and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.45–0.70), and specificity 0.72 (95% CI, 0.58–0.83) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75–0.95) for MRI and CBCT, respectively. Area under the curve was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.65–0.83) for MRI and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.66–0.84) for CBCT. There was no significant difference in sensitivity or specificity between MRI and CBCT in detecting VRF, despite the early-stage development of MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between species influence ecosystem functions and are sensitive to reintroductions. Our understanding of interactions between naturally co-occurring large herbivores, such as Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) that are now re-establishing throughout their range, and well-established native ungulates, is limited, despite the potential implications for riparian woodlands. Observations in Scotland indicate that roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) readily exploit the regenerative secondary shoots produced after tree felling by beaver. Our study, based in eastern Scotland, investigates the role of beaver herbivory in riparian woodland regeneration and asks whether deer are attracted to this novel resource because it is either a) more readily available, b) nutritionally superior, or c) morphologically more appealing than accessible browse on unfelled (standing) trees. We firstly quantified the secondary shoots available to browsing deer at different heights on felled and standing birch (Betula spp.) trees in twenty riparian woodland plots across five well-established beaver territories (occupancy ten years). Shoots from birch and willow (Salix spp.) trees with contrasting levels and combinations of beaver and deer browsing were then analysed for nutritional content (nitrogen and carbon) and morphological characteristics (number of buds and lateral branches). We found that 62% of beaver-felled trees produced secondary shoots available to browsing deer. Compared to standing trees, regenerating beaver-felled trees had 18% more secondary shoots. These shoots were significantly higher in nitrogen content (+13%), but similar in carbon content and concentrated closer to the ground. Our results show that beaver herbivory can promote riparian woodland regeneration and heterogeneity by creating a mosaic of mature and multi-stemmed coppiced trees. The addition of a common, readily available, and nutritious resource through beaver browsing could, however, also enhance habitat quality for browsing deer, with the potential to affect deer distribution and feeding habits. • Tree felling by beaver promotes riparian woodland regeneration. • Among beaver-felled trees 62 % produced secondary shoots accessible to deer. • Beaver-felled trees yielded more shoots (+18 %) that were richer in nitrogen (+13 %). • Tree felling by beaver could influence deer feeding and distribution. • Beaver-deer interactions have implications for riparian woodland conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with local anesthesia failure. The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (www.NationalDentalPBRN.org) data from 534 patients who received a nonsurgical root canal treatment completed in a single appointment were included in this analysis. Three methods for defining anesthesia failure were used: definition 1, patient-reported level of numbness; definition 2, provider-reported quality of anesthesia; and definition 3, provider-reported use of supplemental anesthesia. Fifty-one preoperative factors were investigated and analyzed individually against the overall failure rate for each method, and multivariate generalized estimating equation logistic models were fit with predictors chosen using stepwise model selection to evaluate factors that may interact with each other. The overall anesthesia failure rates were 5%, 15%, and 30% for definitions 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Provider experience, diabetes, absence of sharp or aching pain, absence of smoking, and a fair expected outcome were associated with anesthesia failure (definition 1). Provider level of training, absence of a sinus tract, bite sensitivity, and stress making the pain worse were associated with anesthesia failure (definition 2). Provider level of training, pain provoked by stimulus, mandibular teeth, teeth with vital pulps, and pain interfering with daily activities were associated with the use of supplemental anesthesia (definition 3). With the range of 5%–30% of anesthesia failures, a few common factors across the models assessed were elucidated. Providers with higher levels of training had significantly fewer anesthesia failures. Patient self-reported history of diabetes and preoperative pain-related interference with daily activities were associated with more anesthesia failures. Greater severity of various tooth-related pain characteristics, as a group but not individually, accounted for more anesthesia failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periapical images are routinely made in endodontics to support diagnosis and treatment decisions, but conventional imaging may not readily demonstrate inflammatory changes. This study aims to quantify disagreement in the radiologic interpretation of apical periodontitis/rarefying osteitis between 2 expert examiners and to determine if differences exist based on anatomic location. We used 1717 pretreatment periapical images made before orthograde endodontic treatment as part of the Predicting Outcomes of Root Canal Treatment (PREDICT) study conducted within the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Periapical changes were assessed independently by 2 board-certified specialists, an oral and maxillofacial radiologist and an endodontist, blinded to other clinical information. If the examiners disagreed about whether a diagnosis of apical periodontitis/rarefying osteitis was justified, an adjudication was made by a third examiner. The overall prevalence of this radiologic diagnosis in the periapical images was 55%, and interexaminer agreement measured with the Cohen kappa statistic was calculated to be 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.60). Diagnostic disagreements between the 2 examiners occurred for 377 teeth (22%), with disagreements more frequent for jaw location (P =.038) and tooth type (P =.021). Differences between root number (P =.058) and jaw location and tooth groups (P =.069) were found not to be statistically significant. The variability of diagnostic disagreements across anatomic location and tooth type may reflect the inability of periapical images to reveal bone changes masked by the complexity and density of overlying anatomic structures, a limitation that could potentially be overcome with the use of 3-dimensional imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain is a common symptom in endodontic conditions, but differential diagnostic procedures are often needed to exclude other pain origins. Thus, general dentists and endodontists need to be aware of alternative painful orofacial conditions and be able to identify them. The new International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP) is the first comprehensive classification that uniquely deals with orofacial pain. The ICOP is a hierarchical classification modeled on the International Classification of Headache Disorders and covers pain in dentoalveolar and anatomically related tissues, muscle pain, temporomandibular joint pain, neuropathic pain affecting cranial nerves, pain resembling primary headaches, and idiopathic pain in the orofacial region. A description of each condition is given, and structured diagnostic criteria for each condition are proposed based on research data when available. This narrative review aims (1) to give an overview and brief explanation of the ICOP system, (2) to describe and give examples of how it can be of use to general dentists and endodontists with special attention to differential diagnosis of tooth pain, and (3) to highlight how endodontic research can contribute to validation and improvement of the classification. A comparison to other classification and diagnostic systems is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the evolution of research parameters helps scientists to discover the well-developed and neglected aspects of knowledge. Pain after root canal treatment is a health problem affecting millions of patients. Research in this field has a meaningful impact on quality of lives. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of research on postoperative pain over the past 50 years. Electronic searches were performed in Scopus and MEDLINE databases to identify studies on pain after nonsurgical root canal treatments/retreatments. The full texts of eligible articles were reviewed to determine the study category and to extract and analyze the methodological variables. A series of statistical analyses were performed to determine the trend of publications based on the variable of interest over time. Four hundred twenty-four articles were included. There was a positive trend for systematic reviews, studies with sample size <200, studies on single-visit treatment, and clinical trials on instrumentation and adjunct treatments (P <.05). There was a negative trend for the use of numeric rating scales, studies on multiple-visit treatments, clinical trials on medication/medicament, and studies on pain in maxillary incisors (P <.05). No trend was observed based on pulpal diagnosis or for studies with longer observation periods (>8 weeks) (P >.05). A paradigm shift is needed toward clinical studies with larger sample sizes, longer observation periods, and more focus on pulpal diagnoses associated with higher rates of postoperative pain. There is a need to view postoperative pain as an important patient-centered outcome and to develop and disseminate standard reporting guidelines for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Two groups of patients with orofacial pains that are clinically important to distinguish from each other are patients with odontogenic pain and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of 2 screening instruments in distinguishing between patients with these types of pain. Methods A convenience sample of patients seeking care at an endodontic clinic and an orofacial pain clinic were recruited. The 14-item dental pain questionnaire (DePaQ) was used to screen for odontogenic pain and the 6-item TMD screener was used to screen for TMD pain. Sensitivity and specificity calculations with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed for both instruments, and thresholds/acceptability/performance was assessed using published guidelines. Results Thirty-four patients with odontogenic pain and 37 patients with TMD pain were included in this study. The sensitivity of the DePaQ was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.69–0.95), and specificity was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.03–0.25). The sensitivity of the TMD screener was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.78–0.98), and specificity was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.41–0.75). The point estimates, a single value used to estimate the population parameter, for both the DePaQ and TMD screener were “acceptable” in identifying patients who had the pain condition in question (ie, sensitivity), whereas the point estimate for appropriately identifying patients who did not have the pain condition when they did not have it (ie, specificity) was “nonacceptable” for both. Conclusions The DePaQ and the TMD screener lack diagnostic accuracy for differentiating TMD from odontogenic tooth pain without adjunctive (clinical) investigation(s) or examination. However, the TMD screener has high sensitivity for identifying true positives (ie, TMD pain) and would therefore be useful as a screening instrument when one can definitively exclude odontogenic etiology for pain on clinical and radiographic grounds, for instance in endodontic practices. In this study, the negative predictive value was also high in the TMD screener, and, therefore, we can trust a negative result (ie, when the TMD screener is negative, we can be fairly certain the pain diagnosis is not TMD and rule out TMD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical root fracture (VRF) in root canal–treated (RCT) teeth is a common cause of pain, bone resorption, and tooth loss. VRF is also difficult to diagnose and measure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to identify VRF due to beneficial partial volume averaging, without using ionizing radiation. This investigation aimed to describe the narrowest VRFs detectable based on MRI, using micro-computed tomography (microCT) as the reference standard and proposes a method using profile integrals to measure the widths of small VRFs. VRFs were induced in 62 RCT tooth root samples. All samples were imaged in a phantom using MRI and reference imaging was obtained using microCT. The stacks of 3-dimensional axial MRIs were assessed by 3 board-certified endodontists. Evaluators determined the most coronal slice within the stack that was discernible as the extent of the VRF. This slice was measured on correlated microCT sections to determine the minimum VRF width (μm) detectable using a profile integral-based method to measure small fractures and negate the effects of the point spread function. Using profile integrals to measure VRF width was repeatable and resulted in estimates that were on average 1 μm smaller than known reference widths. Adjusted median VRF width detected using MRI was 45 μm (first quartile: 26 μm, third quartile: 64 μm). Using profile integrals is a valid way to estimate small VRF width. The MRI approach demonstrated ability to repeatedly detect VRFs as small as 26 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Endodontic diagnostic tests are often used clinically to assess pulp status as a basis for the diagnosis and determination of whether root canal treatment (RCT) is indicated. Response to cold and pain on percussion are 2 common tests, yet their validity in identifying nonvital pulp in regular dental practice has not been reported. Methods We assessed the validity of cold and percussion tests to identify nonvital pulp in teeth requiring RCT in a dental practice setting performed by 46 general dentists and 16 endodontists in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. The influence of patient-, tooth-, and dentist-related characteristics was investigated. Observed bleeding from the pulp chamber was the clinical reference. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), overall test accuracy (TA), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, and likelihood and diagnostic odds ratios (LR+, LR−, dORs) were calculated for each single test and the combined cold and percussion tests. Results Seven hundred eight patient teeth were included. Cold test showed high validity to identify a nonvital pulp status (SN = 89%, SP = 80%, TA = 84%, PPV = 81%, NPV = 88%, LR+ = 4.35, LR− = 0.14, dOR = 31.4), whereas pain on percussion had lower validity (SN = 72%, SP = 41%, TA = 56%, PPV = 54%, NPV = 60%, LR+ = 1.22, LR− = 0.69, dOR = 1.78). Combining the 2 tests did not increase validity, whereas preoperative pain, medication intake, patient age and sex, and dentist training level affected test validity significantly. Conclusions In regular dental practice, the cold test exhibits higher validity to discriminate between vital and nonvital pulp than the tooth percussion test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Pain present 6 months after root canal treatment (RCT) may be of odontogenic or nonodontogenic origin. This is important because treatments and prognoses are different; therefore, the aim of this study was to provide specific diagnoses of patients reporting pain 6 months after receiving initial orthograde RCT. Methods We enrolled patients from the Midwest region of an existing prospective observational study of pain after RCT. Pain at 6 months was defined as ≥1 day of pain and average pain intensity of at least 1 of 10 over the preceding month. An endodontist and an orofacial pain practitioner independently performed clinical evaluations, which included periapical and cone-beam computed tomographic radiographs, to determine diagnoses. Results Thirty-eight of the 354 eligible patients in the geographic area (11%) met the pain criteria, with 19 (50%) consenting to be clinically evaluated. As the sole reason for pain, 7 patients (37%) were given odontogenic diagnoses (4 involving the RCT tooth and 3 involving an adjacent tooth). Eight patients (42%) were given nonodontogenic pain diagnoses (7 from referred temporomandibular disorder pain and 1 from persistent dentoalveolar pain disorder). Two patients (11%) had both odontogenic and nonodontogenic diagnoses, whereas 2 (11%) no longer fit the pain criteria at the time of the clinical evaluation. Conclusions Patients reporting “tooth” pain 6 months after RCT had a nonodontogenic pain diagnosis accounting for some of this pain, with temporomandibular disorder being the most frequent nonodontogenic diagnosis. Dentists should have the necessary knowledge to differentiate between these diagnoses to adequately manage their patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Initial orthograde root canal therapy (RCT) is used to treat dentoalveolar pathosis. The effect RCT has on pain intensity has been frequently reported, but the effect on other dimensions of pain has not. Also, the lack of large prospective studies involving diverse groups of patients and practitioners who are not involved in data collection suggest that there are multiple opportunities for bias to be introduced when these data are systematically aggregated. Methods This prospective observational study assessed pain intensity, duration, and its interference with daily activities among RCT patients. Sixty-two practitioners (46 general dentists and 16 endodontists) in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network enrolled patients requiring RCT. Patient-reported data were collected before, immediately after, and 1 week after treatment using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale. Results The enrollment of 708 patients was completed over 6 months with 655 patients (93%) providing 1-week follow-up data. Before treatment, patients reported a mean (±standard deviation) worst pain intensity of 5.3 ± 3.8 (0–10 scale), 50% had “severe” pain (≥7), and mean days in pain and days pain interfered with activities were 3.6 ± 2.7 and 0.5 ± 1.2, respectively. After treatment, patients reported a mean worst pain intensity of 3.0 ± 3.2, 19% had “severe” pain, and mean days in pain and days with pain interference were 2.1 ± 2.4 and 0.4 ± 1.1, respectively. All changes were statistically significant ( P < .0001). Conclusions RCT is an effective treatment for patients experiencing pain, significantly reducing pain intensity, duration, and related interference. Further research is needed to reduce the proportion of patients experiencing “severe” postoperative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: This article reports on the feasibility of conducting a large-scale endodontic prospective cohort study in The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. This study was designed to measure pain and burden associated with initial orthograde root canal therapy (RCT) and to explore potential prognostic factors for pain outcomes. The main objectives of this first report in a series are to describe the project''s feasibility and methods and the demographics of the sample obtained. Methods: Sixty-two dentist practitioner-investigators (ie, 46 generalists and 16 endodontists) in 5 geographic areas were certified within the network and trained regarding the standardized study protocol. Enrollment and baseline data collection occurred over 6 months with postobturation follow-up for another 6 months. Patients and dentists completed questionnaires before and immediately after treatment visits. Patients also completed questionnaires at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after obturation. Results: Enrollment exceeded target expectations, with 708 eligible patient-participants. Questionnaire return rates were good, ranging between 90% and 100%. Patient demographics were typical of persons who receive RCT in the United States (ie, mean age = 48 years [standard deviation = 13 years], with most being female [59%], college educated [81%], white non-Hispanic [86%], and having dental insurance [81%]). The tooth types being treated were also typical (ie, 61% molars, 28% premolars, and 11% anteriors, with maxillary teeth being predominant [59%]). Conclusions: This study shows the feasibility of conducting large-scale endodontic prospective cohort studies in the network. Patients were rapidly recruited with high levels of compliance in data collection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Little is known about ill-defined pain that persists after endodontic procedures, including an estimate of the problem''s magnitude. We conducted a systematic review of prospective studies that reported the frequency of nonodontogenic pain in patients who had undergone endodontic procedures. Methods: Nonodontogenic pain was defined as dentoalveolar pain present for 6 months or more after endodontic treatment without evidence of dental pathology. Endodontic procedures reviewed were nonsurgical root canal treatment, retreatment, and surgical root canal treatment. Studies were searched in four databases electronically, complemented by hand searching. A summary estimate of nonodontogenic tooth pain frequency was derived using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Of 770 articles retrieved and reviewed, 10 met inclusion criteria, and nine had data on both odontogenic and nonodontogenic causes of pain. A total of 3,343 teeth were enrolled within the included studies and 1,125 had follow-up information regarding pain status. We identified 48 teeth with nonodontogenic pain and estimated a 3.4% (95% confidence interval, 1.4%-5.5%) frequency of occurrence. In nine articles containing data regarding both odontogenic and nonodontogenic causes of tooth pain, 56% (44/78) of all cases were thought to have a nonodontogenic cause. Conclusions: Nonodontogenic pain is not an uncommon outcome after root canal therapy and may represent half of all cases of persistent tooth pain. These findings have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of painful teeth that were previously root canal treated because therapy directed at the tooth in question would not be expected to resolve nonodontogenic pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Little is known about the frequency of persistent pain after endodontic procedures even though pain is a core patient-oriented outcome. We estimated the frequency of persistent pain, regardless of etiology, after endondontic treatment. Methods: Persistent tooth pain was defined as pain present ≥6 months after endodontic treatment. Endodontic procedures included in the review were pulpectomy, nonsurgical root canal treatment, surgical root canal treatment, and retreatment. Four databases were searched electronically complemented by hand searching. Two independent reviewers determined eligibility, abstracted data, and assessed study quality. A summary estimate of persistent all-cause tooth pain frequency was established by using a random-effects meta-analysis. Using subgroup analyses, we explored the influence of treatment approach (surgical/nonsurgical), longitudinal study design (prospective/retrospective), follow-up rate, follow-up duration, initial treatment versus retreatment, and quality of reporting (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology rankings) on the pain frequency estimate. Results: Of 770 articles retrieved and reviewed, 26 met inclusion criteria. A total of 5,777 teeth were enrolled, and 2,996 had follow-up information regarding pain status. We identified 168 teeth with pain and derived a frequency of 5.3% (95% confidence interval, 3.5%-7.2%, p < 0.001) for persistent all-cause tooth pain. High and statistically significant heterogeneity among studies (I 2 = 80%) was present. In subgroup analysis, prospective studies had a higher pain frequency (7.6%) than retrospectives studies did (0.9%). Quality of study reporting was identified as the most influential reason for study heterogeneity. Conclusions: The frequency of all-cause persistent tooth pain after endodontic procedures was estimated to be 5.3%, with higher report quality studies suggesting >7%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Consensus Conference Subcommittee 2 was charged with the identification and definition of all diagnostic terms for pulpal health and disease states by using a systematic review of the literature. Methods: Eight databases were searched, and numerous widely recognized endodontic texts were consulted. For each reference the level of evidence was determined, and the findings were summarized by members of the subcommittee. Highest levels of evidence were always included when available. Areas of inquiry included quantification of pulpal pain, the designation of conditions that can be identified in the dental pulp, diagnostic terms that can best represent pulpal health and disease, and metrics used to arrive at such designations. Results and Conclusions: On the basis of the findings of this inquiry, specific diagnostic terms for pulpal health and disease are suggested. In addition, numerous areas for further study were identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Initial root canal treatment and the replacement of a single tooth with an implant are both viable treatment options, but various success rates have been reported for each treatment modality. This retrospective study compared 196 implant restorations and 196 matched initial nonsurgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) teeth in patients for four possible outcomes: success, survival, survival with subsequent treatment intervention and failure. Cross classifications/ tabulations were analyzed using Pearson's X² test for association of the two classifications (endodontic vs implant and outcome). Polytomons regression with likelihood ratio tests were used in testing association with tooth location and outcome, Outcomes were as follows for implants and NSRCT respectively; success 73.5% and 82.1%; survival with no intervention 2.6% and 8.2%; survival with intervention 17.9% and 3.6%; and failure 6.1% and 6.1%. Location of the restoration in the mouth did not affect outcome. This study suggests that restored endodontically treated teeth and single tooth implant restorations have similar failure rates, although the implant group showed a longer average and median time to function and a higher incidence of postoperative complications requiring subsequent treatment intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Initial root canal treatment and the replacement of a single tooth with implants are both viable treatment options, but various success rates have been reported for each treatment modality. This study compared 196 implant restorations and 196 matched initial nonsurgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) teeth in patients for four possible outcomes- success, survival, survival with subsequent treatment intervention and failure. Cross classifications/tabulations were analyzed using Pearson’s χ2 test for association of the two classifications (endo vs. implant and outcome). Polytomous regression with likelihood ratio tests were used in testing association with tooth location and outcome. Outcomes were as follows for implants and NSRCT outcomes, respectively: success 73.5% and 82.1%; survival with no intervention 2.6% and 8.2%; survival with intervention 17.9% and 3.6%; and failure 6.1% and 6.1%. Location of the restoration in the mouth did not affect outcome. This study suggests that restored endodontically treated teeth and single-tooth implant restorations have similar failure rates, although the implant group showed a longer average and median time to function and a higher incidence of postoperative complications requiring subsequent treatment intervention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the present study, we used Fos expression as an index of nociceptive input to the spinal trigeminal nucleus after exposure of the coronal pulp tissue of maxillary right first molars and examined the effects of pretreatment with an opioid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or a local anesthetic before pulp exposure. Exposure of the tooth pulp produced a significant increase in Fos-like immunoreactivity in the superficial laminae of subnucleus caudalis; pretreatment with a control infiltration injection of saline directly above the maxillary molar 30 min before pulp exposure had no effect on Fos expression. Pretreatment with morphine 30 min before pulp exposure dose-dependently (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg subcutaneously) reduced Fos expression in subnucleus caudalis whereas pretreatment with ibuprofen (10–100 mg/kg subcutaneously) did not significantly affect Fos expression. Local anesthetic pretreatment was effective in reducing Fos expression only for the long acting bupivacaine; lidocaine without and with epinephrine (1:100,000) failed to significantly affect Fos expression. These results suggest that pre-emptive opioid treatment can decrease postoperative central nervous system changes associated with tooth pulp injury, and therefore, may decrease postoperative pain. Given the effects of local anesthetic on Fos expression, a combination of long acting local anesthetic with pre-emptive opioid would likely be most efficacious in decreasing postoperative dental pain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This case report demonstrates the simultaneous development of furcation bone loss in three-rooted tooth #30 with vital pulp tissue in identical twins. In the first report, resolution of furcal bone loss was seen after nonsurgical root canal treatment. In the second report, furcal bone loss resolved after non-surgical root canal treatment, and periodontal therapy reduced probing depths to maintainable levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We measured the long-term outcomes of patients reporting persistent pain 6 months after root canal treatment (RCT) and assessed the characteristics differing patients with pain chronification from those with pain resolution. Forty-five patients previously found to have persistent pain 6 months post-RCT from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network were approached for a 3-year follow-up, and 27 participated in the survey. The frequency of self-reported pain, its impact on the ability to perform daily activities, and health care use were measured. The differences between patients whose persistent pain continued and those whose pain resolved were assessed. Five patients met criteria for pain at 3.4 years (range, 3.1–3.9 years) post-RCT, which was moderate in intensity, occurred for about 3 days in the preceding month, and kept 1 patient from usual activities. Additional health care was received by 4 of 5 patients whose pain continued compared with 7 of 22 patients whose pain resolved. A longer duration of preoperative pain and higher pain intensity and interference at 6 months were found among patients with pain chronification. Of 13 patients with specific diagnoses for the persistent pain derived at 65 ± 41 days (∼8 months) post-RCT, 10 improved regardless of the diagnosis or treatment, and 11 had a temporomandibular disorder and/or headache as comorbid diagnoses (6) or causes (6) of the persistent "tooth" pain. Progression of persistent post-RCT pain occurred in 19% of patients. The majority (56%) of patients improved without additional interventions. Both the group that improved and the group that continued to experience pain had a mixture of odontogenic and nonodontogenic etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to aid in determining the presence and extent of cracks/fractures in teeth because of better contrast without ionizing radiation. The objectives were to develop MRI criteria for root crack/fracture identification and to establish reliability and accuracy in their detection. MRI-based criteria for crack/fracture appearance was developed by an MRI physicist and a panel of 6 dentists. Twenty-nine human adult teeth previously extracted after a clinical diagnosis of a root crack/fracture were frequency matched to 29 controls. Samples were scanned using an in vivo MRI protocol and the reference standard (ie, ex vivo limited field of view cone-beam computed tomographic [CBCT] imaging). A blinded, 4-member panel evaluated the images with a proportion randomly retested to establish intrarater reliability. Overall observer agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were computed for each imaging modality. Subjectively, MRI has increased crack/fracture contrast and is less prone to artifacts from radiodense materials relative to CBCT imaging. Intrarater reliability for MRI was fair to excellent (κ = 0.38–1.00), and for CBCT imaging, it was moderate to excellent (κ = 0.66–1.00). Sensitivity for MRI was 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.76; P =.46), and for CBCT imaging, it was 0.59 (95% CI, 0.59–0.76; P =.46). Specificity for MRI was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.64–0.94; P <.01), and for CBCT imaging, it was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.73–0.98; P <.01). Despite advantages of increased contrast and the absence of artifacts from radiodense materials in MRI, comparable measures of sensitivity and specificity (to limited field of view CBCT imaging) suggest MRI quality improvements are needed, specifically in image acquisition and postprocessing parameters. Given the early stage of technology development, there may be a use for MRI in detecting cracks/fractures in teeth. • Reliabilities for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were similar to cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging when detecting cracks/fractures in teeth. • MRI and CBCT imaging had high specificity and moderate sensitivity for detecting tooth cracks/fractures. • MRI, which is free of ionizing radiation, may have a role in detecting tooth cracks/fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: When pulp tissue becomes necrotic in immature teeth, the prognosis of the teeth is compromised. Disinfection of the root(s) presents several challenges including difficulties in cleaning and shaping large canals with open apices, obturation of canals with open apices, and potential root fractures caused by thin and/or weakened root walls. Regenerative endodontic procedures may increase the prognosis of the compromised immature tooth by re-establishment of a functional pulp tissue that fosters continued root development and immune competency. This article reviews the literature related to and discuss considerations for regenerative endodontic procedures and how these procedures may increase the prognosis for immature teeth with necrotic pulp tissue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]