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ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different ambient temperatures on cyclic fatigue (CF) life of two NiTi rotary systems and correlate the results with martensitic transformation temperatures.Materials and methodsHeat-treated NiTi Vortex Blue (VB) and EdgeSequel Sapphire (SP) instruments (tip sizes no. 20, 25, 30, 35, 40) were tested for CF resistance at room and body temperature (n = 20 each group) in a simulated canal (angle of curvature 60°; radius 3 mm; center from instrument tip 4.5 mm) with a motor controlled by an electric circuit. Mean half-life, beta and eta Weibull parameters were determined and compared. Two further instruments of each brand were subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).ResultsTemperature had an effect on fatigue behavior: all instruments lasted significantly longer at room than at body temperature. All VB significantly outlasted those of SP at body temperature; while smaller diameters of VB (size no. 20) were also significantly more resistant than SP when tested at room temperature; SP with larger diameters (sizes no. 30, no. 35, and no. 40) lasted significantly longer than VB did.ConclusionsImmersion in water at body temperature was associated with a marked decrease in the fatigue life of all rotary instruments tested. VB instruments were significantly more CF resistant at body temperature and showed the highest predictability in terms of fracture resistance.Clinical relevanceRotary instruments manufactured with different post-machining heat treatment responded differently to changed ambient temperatures. DSC assessment of martensitic conversion temperatures helps to predict the behavior of nickel titanium rotaries in different environments.

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of preclinical training, specifically in root canal preparation, using a virtual educational system equipped with an operating microscope. Ten postgraduate general dentistry trainees and practitioners undergoing postgraduate training in endodontics participated. The telesimulation course included three steps: theory, demonstration of practical work by the teacher and lastly practical training by the participants. The digital environment including the dental microscope was presented, and the feedback was collected with a questionnaire. The majority of participants considered that the online video conference format allowed them to acquire theoretical content but also practical knowledge and skills, owing to the contribution of the operating microscope. The technical feasibility of endodontic telesimulation was demonstrated. The operating microscope has a potential role in distance education, enabling teaching to occur synchronously and collaboratively. This allows learners to interact with each other and demonstrators in real time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diagnostic procedures for pulp vitality assessment are a crucial aspect of routine dental practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of nontraditional techniques and methodologies for assessing pulp vitality, specifically exploring promising approaches that are currently not used in dental practice. Methods: The study protocol was registered a priori (https://osf.io/3m97z/). An extensive electronic search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Inclusion criteria were guided by the research question based on the PCC model as follows: "What are the potential nontraditional techniques (Concept) for assessing pulp vitality (Population) in the field of endodontics or clinical practice (Context)?" Studies were included that explored possible approaches to pulp vitality assessment, utilizing a range of techniques, whilst any studies using traditional pulp tests (cold, heat, and electric stimulation) or well‐known methods (pulse oximetry and laser Doppler flowmetry) were excluded. Reviewers independently screened articles and extracted data. A patent search was also performed. Results: Of 3062 studies, 65 were included that described nontraditional approaches for assessing pulp vitality. These included a range of optical diagnostic methods, ultrasound Doppler flowmetry (UDF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), terahertz imaging, tooth temperature measurements, as well as invasive methodologies, including 133xenon washout, radioisotope‐labelled tracers, hydrogen gas desaturation, intravital microscopy and fluorescent microspheres isotope clearance. The patent search included artificial intelligence and biomarkers methods. Conclusions: This review provides details for potential innovative tests that may directly describe pulp vitality. Importantly, these methods range from clinically impractical through to promising methods that may transform clinical practice. Several nontraditional techniques have the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and could provide valuable insights into the assessment of pulp vitality in challenging clinical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an increased tendency towards adopting minimally invasive interventions in dentistry, supported by advancement in materials and techniques. However, the decision‐making process in choosing conservative or invasive treatments is influenced by several factors, particularly in permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Objectives: The objective of the study was to systematically review the literature regarding factors that influence decision‐making for vital pulp therapy (VPT) as definitive treatment option in permanent mature teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library). Grey literature was searched through Google Scholar and contact with experts. Defined search keys were applied, and all peer‐reviewed literature published with no language nor publication date limits were included. The All studies investigating the factors influencing treatment decision‐making in mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis were included. The quality of included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool. Results: Six articles were included in the review. All included studies used questionnaires to characterize clinician preferences and attitudes in choosing treatment options for mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis. The available evidence suggests that dentist‐related factors have a significant influence on the chosen treatment in teeth with irreversible pulpitis, with speciality training and years of experience influencing the choice of VPT over other treatment options. COVID‐19 reportedly swayed the dentists' decision to favour VPT. Only one article studied the influence of patient‐related factors, such as age and presence of spontaneous pain on decision‐making. Of note, a history of cardiovascular disease moved dentists towards prescribing VPT. Discussion: Collectively, the included studies demonstrated an overriding influence of dentist‐related factors on choosing among treatment options for painful teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Patient‐related factors were acknowledged but there are also potential factors such as socio‐economic constraints that were not included in the component studies. Conclusion: In teeth with irreversible pulpitis clinicians educational background influence the decision towards a specific treatment option. Further data, preferably derived from clinical records, is necessary in future investigations to explore the effect of other important factors related to both dentists and patients. Registration: PROSPERO database (CRD42022339653). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 different temperatures (20°C and 37°C) on the cyclic fatigue life of rotary instruments and correlate the results with martensitic transformation temperatures.MethodsContemporary nickel-titanium rotary instruments (n = 20 each and tip size #25, including Hyflex CM [Coltene, Cuyahoga Falls, OH], TRUShape [Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK], Vortex Blue [Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties], and ProTaper Universal [Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties]) were tested for cyclic fatigue at room temperature (20°C ± 1°C) and at body temperature (37°C ± 1°C). Instruments were rotated until fracture occurred in a simulated canal with an angle curvature of about 60° and a radius curvature of 3 mm; the center of the curvature was 4.5 mm from the instrument tip. The number of cycles to fracture was measured. Phase transformation temperatures for 2 instruments of each brand were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. Data were analyzed using the t test and 1-way analysis of variance with the significance level set at 0.05.ResultsFor the tested size and at 20°C, Hyflex CM showed the highest resistance to fracture; no significant difference was found between TRUShape and Vortex Blue, whereas ProTaper Universal showed the lowest resistance to fracture. At 37°C, resistance to fatigue fracture was significantly reduced, up to 85%, for the tested instruments (P

Aim: This study investigated the adoption of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) by dentists and endodontists around the world, including their preferences in endodontic CBCT usage. Methodology: An online questionnaire surveyed dental association members in Australia and New Zealand, and endodontic association members in Australia, Britain, Canada, Italy, New Zealand and the USA, about their CBCT training history, considerations in acquisition/interpretation, access to and usage of CBCT, preferred scan interpreter, and preferred endodontic scan settings. Data were analysed with Chi‐squared, independent sample t‐tests, Cochran's Q and McNemar's tests. Results: Responses from 578 endodontic specialists or postgraduates (Group E) and 185 non‐endodontic dentists (Group NE) were included. Continuing professional education (CPE) was the most common source of CBCT training (69.2%). Factors considered in CBCT acquisition/interpretation included beam hardening (75.4%), radiation exposure (61.1%) and patient movement (58.3%). Group E reported higher CBCT usage (90.8%) than Group NE (45.4%, p <.001) and greater workplace access to CBCT (81.1% vs. 25.9%, p <.001). Scans were interpreted by the respondent in most workplace scans (83.3%) and externally taken scans (60.5%); Group E were significantly more likely to interpret themselves than Group NE. Small field of view (83.6%) and high resolution (86.6%) were most preferred as settings for endodontic CBCTs; Group NE were less likely to choose these settings. There were some geographic variations within Group E. Conclusions: CBCT training was most commonly acquired via CPE. Endodontic respondents reported very high CBCT usage and access in the workplace. There are educational implications regarding CBCT limitations, appropriate applications and interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the deployment of telemedicine has accelerated considerably. Like telemedicine, teledentistry involves the use of telecommunication technologies to provide medical information and services. Teledentistry can contribute to remote assessment (teletriage) and continuity of care (telemonitoring). This evaluation at a distance can be done by sending photos taken by the patient with a smartphone. Providing patients with a simple and reproducible protocol and explaining how to take a photo is important for sufficient image quality. The aim of this technical note is to help clinicians advise their patients on how to take photographs of their oral cavity simply and with sufficient quality to be reproducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiographic evaluation of bone changes is one of the main tools in the diagnosis of many oral and maxillofacial diseases. However, this approach to assessment has limitations in accuracy, inconsistency and comparatively low diagnostic efficiency. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)‐based algorithms like deep learning networks have been introduced as a solution to overcome these challenges. Based on recent studies, AI can improve the detection accuracy of an expert clinician for periapical pathology, periodontal diseases and their prognostication, as well as peri‐implant bone loss. Also, AI has been successfully used to detect and diagnose oral and maxillofacial lesions with a high predictive value. This study aims to review the current evidence on artificial intelligence applications in the detection and analysis of bone loss in the oral and maxillofacial regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]