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The assessment of root canal curvature is essential for clinical and research purposes. This systematic review presents an overview of the published techniques for the measurement of root canal curvature features using imaging and to provide a critique of their clinical application. A database search in PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Virtual Health Library was conducted, using appropriate key words to identify measurement methods for root canal curvatures. The search strategy retrieved 10594 records in total, and 31 records fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From 2D image acquisitions, eleven studies measured exclusively the angle of curvature, an additional thirteen measured other curvature features (level, height, radius, length and shape). Seven reports described methods from 3D imaging (CBCT, μCT). Root canal curvatures should be measured, for clinical proposes, to facilitate endodontic treatment planning, and in research, to reduce the risk of selection bias. This review has revealed that there are many methods described in the literature; however, no consensus exists on which method should be used. Some of the methodologies have potential clinical translation, whereas others are suitable for research purpose only, as they require a specific software or radiographic exposure in the mesiodistal direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tetracycline resistance is commonly found in endodontic bacteria. One of the most common tetracycline-resistance genes is tet(M), which is often encoded on the broad-host-range conjugative transposon Tn 916. This study aimed to determine whether tet(M) was present in bacteria isolated from endodontic patients at the Eastman Dental Institute and whether this gene was carried on the transferable conjugative transposon Tn 916. Methods: The cultivable microflora isolated from 15 endodontic patients was screened for resistance to tetracycline. Polymerase chain reactions for tet(M) and for unique regions of Tn 916 were carried out on the DNA of all tetracycline-resistant bacteria. Filter-mating experiments were used to see if transfer of any Tn 916-like elements could occur. Results: Eight out of 15 tetracycline-resistant bacteria isolated were shown to possess tet(M). Furthermore, four of these eight were shown to possess the Tn 916-unique regions linked to the tet(M) gene. Transfer experiments demonstrated that a Neisseria sp. donor could transfer an extremely unstable Tn 916-like element to Enterococcus faecalis. Conclusions: The tet(M) gene is present in the majority of tetracycline-resistant bacteria isolated in this study and the conjugative transposon Tn 916 has been shown to be responsible for the support and transfer of this gene in some of the bacteria isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes the multidisciplinary management of a young male who presented with a Class I incisor relationship and bi-maxillary dento-alveolar protrusion on a Class I skeletal base. The occlusion was complicated by an ankylosed and moderately infra-positioned upper left permanent central incisor, an anterior crossbite, crowding, a reduced overbite and centreline discrepancy. The incisor was traumatised and avulsed when the root was immature and the tooth was reimplanted with delay. On referral for orthodontic treatment at age 11.5 years, the upper left central incisor was experiencing ankylosis-related (osseous replacement) resorption and external root resorption simultaneously. Aside from the orthodontic aims, it was important to address the disrupted alveolar development to facilitate later prosthodontic replacement of the upper left permanent central incisor by idealising the inter-coronal and inter-radicular spaces. Treatment consisted of fixed orthodontic appliances in conjunction with the extraction of all second premolars and the upper left permanent central incisor with episodic surgical curettage. An upper Hawlix retainer was provided immediately at debond and a cantilevered resin-retained bridge was placed four months later.

The present investigation was designed to determine the location and severity of root resorption associated with impacted maxillary canine teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A secondary aim was to identify possible influencing factors.

Super-oxidised waters, particularly Sterilox®, have been suggested for the disinfection of dental unit water lines and dental impression materials owing to their antimicrobial efficacy. One of the previously suggested characteristics is their short shelf life. The purpose of this investigation was to understand the effect of storage conditions on Sterilox®'s stability. Eight bottles (four completely full, four half-full) of freshly prepared solution were divided into four groups and subsequently stored by being either exposed to or protected from sunlight. The chlorine concentration was monitored using chlorine test strips until the concentration reached zero, or until the thirteenth week. Statistically significant differences between the groups exposed to sunlight and the non-exposed groups (p <0.001) were found. The mean loss of chlorine per day for the non-exposed samples was 1.01 mg/L, whilst the mean for the exposed samples was 2.42 mg/L. The presence of air did not affect the chlorine decomposition in the bottles. The results of this investigation indicate that when the solution is exposed to sunlight, the decrease of chlorine starts at day 4, whilst for the groups sheltered from sunlight, the process started after day 14. Therefore, Sterilox® solutions appear to be more stable than previously surmised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This randomized clinical trial assessed the outcomes of nonsurgical root canal treatment (RCT), comparing a calcium silicate-based sealer (CSBS) with the single-cone technique (SC) with a zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) sealer and warm vertical compaction (WVC)., Methodology: Ninety-two single- and multi-rooted teeth were divided into two groups and treated using either the SC with BioRoot™ RCS (BIO) or WVC with Pulp Canal Sealer™ EWT (PCS). Teeth with apical periodontitis (AP) in both groups were further divided into BIOAP and PCSAP subgroups. Standardized instrumentation and disinfection protocols were followed. Periapical index (PAI) was recorded, and clinical and radiographic follow-ups were conducted at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months. Outcomes considered included success rate (under strict and loose criteria), extraction, length of filling, voids, and extrusion rate, as well as changes in PAI score from baseline. Outcome variables and prognostic factors were analysed using binary and multiple logistic regression at p < .05., Results: Sixty-seven teeth were included (recall rate, 73%). At 4-year follow-up, the overall success rates (BIO + PCS) were 89.6% by loose criteria and 83.3% by strict criteria. Subgroup success rates (BIOAP+PCSAP) were 88.5% by loose criteria and 80.4% by strict criteria. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of success rate, extraction rate, length of filling, voids, or extrusion (p > .05). The pattern of PAI reduction was similar in both groups (p = .806)., Conclusion: Treatment using the SC-CSBS technique and the ZOE sealer with the WVC technique demonstrated a similar success rate., (© 2024 The Author(s). International Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Endodontic Society.)

Aim: Endodontic conditions are associated with severe odontogenic infections. However, no studies have explicitly explored their role in the infectious process. This study aimed to assess associations between tooth-related and patient-related factors resulting in severe odontogenic infections and clinical care needs., Methodology: A retrospective audit was conducted of all records of patients who presented with severe odontogenic infections requiring admission between 2018 and 2023, at the largest public hospital in South Australia. Pericoronitis, postoperative, and non-odontogenic infections were excluded. Associations between tooth-related factors (type, location, presence/absence of caries, restorations, root canal filling, apical periodontitis, and space of infection), patients-related factors (diabetes and smoking statuses), clinical management (length of admission, intensive care unit admission number of days, and need for general anaesthesia) were explored. χ 2 , Mann-Whitney's test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis, and the level of statistical significance was set at 5%., Results: Of 382 records identified, 189 met the inclusion criteria. Mandibular (95.8%) molars (92.1%) were the most commonly offending teeth. Eight (4.2%) were root canal filled, 27 (14.3%) restored, 166 carious (87.8%), and 181 (95.8%) were associated with an apical radiolucency. Over half the sample were smokers (56.9%) and 16.4% were diabetics. The most common infection involved the submandibular space (56.1%). Intensive care unit admission was required for 157 patients (83.1%), and stay depended on the space of infection, with buccal space having the shortest duration (median 1 day) compared with submandibular (median 4 days) (p < .001). Need for general anaesthesia was associated with Ludwig's angina (n = 3, 100%) (p = .04) and submandibular space infection (n = 104, 98.1%) (p < .001), plus intensive care unit admission (p < .001). Conversely, for buccal space infection, the need for general anaesthesia was lower (n = 5, 23.8%). No further significant differences were found., Conclusion: Untreated mandibular molars with apical periodontitis were the most frequent tooth-related findings. Results from the present study suggest associations between the most severe clinical presentations (Ludwig's angina and submandibular infection) and complexity in clinical care. Buccal space infections required the least complex management., (© 2025 The Author(s). International Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Endodontic Society.)

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) are used in root canal treatment. However, further research is needed to assess their effectiveness at time points not considered in previous guidelines. This review complements the systematic review by Rossi-Fedele and Rödig (2023) by considering time points excluded by the latter. A search was conducted in PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and repositories between March and May 2024. Four studies met the inclusion criteria, providing data from 212 teeth for irrigation and 108 for dressings. No significant differences in pain reduction within 7 days or radiographic reduction of apical lesion size were found between 2% chlorhexidine, 5.25% NaOCl, EDTA, and various NaOCl concentrations. Single and multiple visit protocols also showed no significant differences in postoperative pain. Two studies had a 'low risk' of bias and two 'some concerns'. Evidence suggests that Ca(OH) 2 dressings may not offer additional benefits., (© 2025 The Author(s). Australian Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.)

Aim: To evaluate the agreement between six currently available periapical radiography-based methods for measuring the root canal curvatures in mesial roots of mandibular first molars, assessed by two examiners with different proficiency levels., Methodology: Non-endodontically treated mesial roots of 41 human mandibular first molars were radiographed using the parallelling technique. Two independent observers (a specialist in endodontics and radiology and a final-year dental student) assessed their root canal curvature using the methodologies described by Schneider (1971, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 32, 271), Weine (1982, Endodontic therapy), Berbert and Nishiyama (1994, Revista Gaúcha de Odontología, 356), Luiten et al. (1995, Journal of Endodontics, 21, 26), Hankins and ElDeeb (1996, Journal of Endodontics, 22, 123) and Pettiette et al. (1999, Journal of Endodontics, 25, 230). Intra- and inter-examiner reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The differences in curvature angle measured by the different methods were compared using the one-way anova for repeated measures test, followed by Tukey's post hoc analysis. The effect was calculated using the Cohen's d method. To determine the agreement between methods, the Bland-Altman analysis was used. The significance level was set at 5%., Results: Agreement for the observers was excellent (>0.81) for the six methods considered. For the angle comparisons between methods, the maximum differences were for Schneider versus Weine (35.77°) and Luiten versus Hankins (35.14°), whilst the highest percentage of angles with a difference >10° were Weine versus Luiten and Berbert versus Pettiette (90%) and the comparison Weine versus Hankins presented with the lowest frequency (15%). Excellent agreement was found for five comparisons: Weine versus Luiten (0.940), Berbert versus Pettiette (0.917), Weine versus Pettiette (0.907), Luiten versus Pettiette (0.904) and Berbert versus Luiten (0.812). Compared to Schneider's method, the other methods showed a tendency of increasing difference as the angles became more acute. The other methods exhibited linear differences, remaining constant for smaller and larger angles., Conclusions: Reliability was excellent for all methods assessed separately. Maximum differences in curvature angles were found when comparing Schneider versus Weine and Luiten versus Hankins. Excellent agreement was found for Weine versus Luiten, Berbert versus Pettiette, Weine versus Pettiette, Luiten versus Pettiette and Berbert versus Luiten. In the presence of dilacerations, the method by Schneider was less sensitive., (© 2024 The Author(s). International Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Endodontic Society.)

This retrospective cohort study compared the effect of primary root canal treatment (RCT) with root canal retreatment (Re-RCT) on patient-reported outcomes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Forty randomly selected adults participated (RCT n = 20; Re-RCT n = 20). The impact their dentition had on the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was assessed by calculating the prevalence of oral health impact, and the severity score. Focus group discussions using a semi-structured guide were arranged through an online meeting platform. Qualitative content analysis identified common themes, and relevant quotes gathered. The impact on OHIP-14 was limited for both RCT and Re-RCT groups with no significant differences in the prevalence of oral health impact. Significant differences were found for functional limitation (RCT higher) and psychological discomfort (Re-RCT higher). Common themes from the discussions include the importance of retaining teeth, the significance of effective communication between clinicians and patients and that the respondents were satisfied with the treatment., (© 2024 The Author(s). Australian Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in geometry following root canal preparation using R-Motion instruments with different apical sizes and tapers., Methods: Fifty-four mesial canals of mandibular molars with single curvature of angles ranging between 20° and 30° were stratified into 3 groups according to their internal anatomy (R-Motion 25/.06, 30/.04, Reciproc Blue) (n = 18 per group). Micro-computed tomography was used to standardize the samples before instrumentation and, after instrumentation, to assess canal transportation, changes in canal volume and centering ability. Canals were irrigated with 17% EDTA and sodium hypochlorite, and the final rinse included subsonic agitation of these solutions. Measurements were analyzed automatically using the Dragonfly software (Come, Montreal, Canada) and were confirmed by a technician and an endodontist, based on a previously validated methodology. The results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis's and Mann-Whitney's tests. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%., Results: Significant differences were found in the coronal third for canal transportation, with Reciproc Blue R25 having greater values compared with both R-Motion instruments (P < .05) and greater changes in volume when compared with R-Motion 30/.04 (P < .05)., Conclusions: R-Motion of apical size and taper 25/.06 and 30/.04 were associated with similar changes in geometry following root canal preparation in curved mesial canals of mandibular molars, whereas Reciproc Blue was associated with greater canal transportation in the coronal root third., (Copyright © 2024 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Numerous systematic reviews (SRs) have produced conflicting findings on engine-driven nickel-titanium reciprocating instruments (reciprocating instruments) since Yared's seminal study 15 years ago. This umbrella review analysed SRs examining the clinical and laboratory evidence regarding reciprocating instruments for root canal treatment. SRs that evaluated qualitatively and/or quantitatively the outcomes postoperative pain, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), shaping ability, debris extrusion, microbial load, endotoxins reduction, cyclic fatigue, file fracture, dentinal cracks and root canal filling removal were included. The AMSTAR 2 tool was used to evaluate SRs quality, while the ROBIS tool to assess risk of bias (RoB). Forty SRs were included. The SRs revealed predominantly 'high' RoB and 'critically low' quality. Most focused on technical outcomes, exhibiting significant methodological and statistical heterogeneity. Findings suggest comparable efficacy between reciprocating and rotary instruments. However, due to the scarcity of high-quality evidence, future well-designed studies and reviews considering core outcome measures are needed., (© 2024 The Author(s). Australian Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.)

Studies investigating the accuracy of diagnostic tests should provide data on how effectively they identify or exclude disease in order to inform clinicians responsible for managing patients. This consensus-based project was undertaken to develop reporting guidelines for authors submitting manuscripts, which describe studies that have evaluated the accuracy of diagnostic tests in endodontics. These guidelines are known as the Preferred Reporting Items for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies in Endodontics (PRIDASE) 2024 guidelines. A nine-member steering committee created an initial checklist by integrating and modifying items from the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) 2015 checklist and the Clinical and Laboratory Images in Publications (CLIP) principles, as well as adding a number of new items specific to the specialty of endodontics. Thereafter, the steering committee formed the PRIDASE Delphi Group (PDG) and the PRIDASE Online Meeting Group (POMG) in order to collect expert feedback on the preliminary draft checklist. Members of the Delphi group engaged in an online Delphi process to reach consensus on the clarity and suitability of the items in the checklist. The online meeting group then held an in-depth discussion on the online Delphi-generated items via the Zoom platform on 20 October 2023. According to the feedback obtained, the steering committee revised the PRIDASE checklist, which was then piloted by several authors when preparing manuscripts describing diagnostic accuracy studies in endodontics. Feedback from this process resulted in the final version of the PRIDASE 2024 checklist, which has 11 sections and 66 items. Authors are encouraged to use the PRIDASE 2024 guidelines when developing manuscripts on diagnostic accuracy in endodontics in order to improve the quality of reporting in this area. Editors of relevant journals will be invited to include these guidelines in their instructions to authors., (© 2024 British Endodontic Society. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The European Society of Endodontology published in 2023, the S3-level clinical practice guidelines, which supersede the Quality Guidelines for Endodontic Treatment published in 2006., Objectives: This review aims to summarize and compare the above guidelines to support their dissemination., Method: A narrative synthesis of the main differences alongside tabulation according to the main themes., Results: Three tables were prepared according to the following themes: diagnosis of pulpal and apical condition; treatment of pulpitis; and treatment of nonvital pulp and apical periodontitis., Conclusions: A compared and simplified message regarding the most recent clinical practice guidelines has been prepared., Registration: Not applicable as a narrative review., (© 2024 The Authors. International Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Endodontic Society.)

Objective: This study evaluated the root and canal morphology in permanent mandibular incisors teeth using cone-beam computer tomography imaging in a Spanish subpopulation, and compared these findings with ipsilateral (similarity) and contralateral (symmetry) incisors. In addition, the position of canal splitting was measured., Methods: A total of 229 datasets comprising four mandibular teeth each (n=916 incisors) were analysed using Vertucci and Ahmed et al. classifications, and, the similarity and symmetry were calculated. The distance from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and the most coronal canal divergence was measured (if present). The role of sex was also assessed. The Cochran Q Test, LOGIS PROC in SUDAAN, Chi-square, and Kappa were used for the different comparisons. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant., Results: All incisors were single-rooted and no significant differences regarding root canal morphology were found according to the sex of the subjects included in the database. The most common morphology was Vertucci type I/Ahmed et al. 1MI1(65.3% for central and 66.8% for lateral incisors respectively), followed by type III/1MI1-2-1 (31% for central and 30.6% for lateral incisors). 1.8% of the samples were considered as non-classifiable with Vertucci but were classified with codes using the Ahmed et al. system. Similarity values were 74.7% for the left side, and 74.2% for the right side, whereas symmetry values were 90% for central and 84.3% for lateral incisors. In the presence of divergences, the main (SD) distances from the CEJ were for type II/1MI1-2-1 3.8+-0.8 (centrals) 4.0+-0.7 mm (laterals); for type V/1MI1-2 this value ranged between 6.0+-1.8 and 5.5+-1.5 mm, whereas values for 1MI1-2-3-2-1 were 1.8 and 2.1 mm. No significant differences were found when the position of the most coronal divergence was compared between lateral and central incisors for the different morphologies., Conclusion: A high prevalence of Vertucci I/Ahmed et al. 1MI1 configuration was present in mandibular incisors from Spanish individuals. Similarity and symmetry were common, particularly for central incisors. The position of the coronal splitting of the canals varied according to the root canal morphology.

With the ever-increasing understanding of tooth anatomy, there is a renewed focus on the pulp chamber as an important component of the root canal system. For example, the pulp chamber is of critical relevance during diagnostic procedures such as pulp sensibility tests, deep caries removal, vital pulp treatments, access cavity preparation, tooth whitening, tooth restoration as well as methods for examining the floor of the pulp chamber to aid the detection of root canal orifices or the presence of perforations and cracks. The more recent concept of minimal invasive endodontics has also created a need to understand better the anatomy of the pulp chamber. The purpose of this article is to discuss the research methods used to study pulp chamber anatomy and the significance of the pulp chamber in endodontic research and clinical practice. In addition, directions for future research are emphasised.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the curvature severity of mesio-buccal (MB) canals between sagittal and coronal planes using cone-beam computed tomography., Methods: In a Brazilian subpopulation, untreated MB1 (n = 141) and MB2 (n = 72) with single curvatures in sagittal and coronal planes were measured to determine their angle and radius (r), plus the prevalence of S-shaped canals was recorded. Curvature severity was defined according to the American Association of Endodontists Case Difficulty Assessment form (AAE) and EndoApp (EA), as well as their modified versions that consider angle and radii (AAE-r, EA-r). Data were converted into mean angle and r, percentage of canals >30°, AAE, EA, AAE-r and EA-r categories. The influence of r on case severity was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and chi-squared tests. The level of significance was set as P ≤ .05., Results: For single curvatures, significantly higher mean degrees (SD) angles were found in the sagittal views in both canals (MB1 sagittal: 35 [11]; MB1 coronal: 13 [13]; MB2 sagittal: 29 [14]; MB2 coronal: 22 [15] [P < .05]). A greater percentage of angles >30° (MB1: 56.7% vs 6.4%; MB2: 44.4% vs 22.2%) in sagittal planes compared to coronal planes was also found. Conversely, a higher prevalence of S-shaped canals (MB1: 33.3% vs 7.1% MB2: 31.9% vs 15.3%) was observed in coronal planes. Significant differences between AAE and AAE-r were present with greater case severity when radii were considered (P < .05)., Conclusions: Sagittal planes were associated with more severe single curvatures, while coronal planes had a greater prevalence of S-shaped canals., (Copyright © 2023 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A novel system to classify root and canal morphology was recently introduced (Ahmed et al. 2017). This systematic review aimed to answer the following research question: Does the Ahmed et al. system provide a more accurate and practical classification of root and canal anatomy compared to other classifications? A literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus and Wiley Online Library to identify the citation counts for the article entitled 'A new system for classifying root and root canal morphology; doi.org/10.1111/iej.12685'. After removal of duplicates and unrelated articles, 15 studies were included and analysed. All studies compared the Ahmed et al. system with the Vertucci classification. Results revealed that both systems were able to classify simple canal configurations in single-rooted anterior and premolar teeth, disto-buccal and palatal roots of maxillary molars. However, the Ahmed et al. system provided more accurate and comprehensive categorisations of single-rooted teeth with complex canal anatomy, multi-rooted maxillary and mandibular premolars and the mesio-buccal root of maxillary molars. Further evidence on the utility of the Ahmed et al. system is required using other diagnostic devices especially in molars., (© 2023 The Authors. Australian Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Endodontology Inc.)