Simultaneous bleaching of vital teeth and an open-chamber nonvital tooth with 10% carbamide peroxide

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bleaching a nonvital tooth with an open pulp chamber while simultaneously bleaching the other vital teeth with 10% carbamide peroxide. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Ten discolored nonvital teeth were treated. Each nonvital tooth was prepared as in the conventional "walking bleaching" fashion, so that the gutta-percha was sealed from the pulp chamber. The 10% carbamide peroxide was injected into the chamber of the nonvital tooth and loaded into the custom-fitted tray for all teeth. The nonvital teeth were bleached from both the inside and the outside. The patient closed the orifice with a cotton pellet during the day and changed the cotton pellet after meals. The patient applied fresh solution nightly. RESULTS: All teeth were successfully lightened. The time required to lighten the nonvital tooth was related to the duration of the discoloration. CONCLUSION: With proper patient selection and education, this technique can provide an effective way to lighten nonvital and vital teeth simultaneously, especially where extended treatment time may be required for difficult discolorations.     

Immunohistochemical localization of endothelin-1 in placenta and fetal membranes in term and preterm human pregnancy

A case is reported in which an intruded incisor was initially treated by an endodontic dressing with calcium hydroxide and then extruded using a removable orthodontic appliance. A follow-up examination seven years after completion of endodontic therapy and bleaching showed a favourable response. A review of the relevant literature indicates that intrusion occurs in five to twelve per cent of luxation cases. In this type of injury maximum damage occurs to the pulp and all supporting structures because the tooth is driven into the alveolar process. Complications which have been reported include: pulp necrosis, apical radiolucencies, partial or total pulp calcification, root resorption (surface, inflammatory or replacement), marginal periodontal bone breakdown, and arrested or disturbed root development. The prognosis for pulp survival after intrusion is much more favourable for teeth with incomplete root formation than for teeth with complete root formation. Treatment options available to bring an intruded tooth into alignment are: to await spontaneous re-eruption which may occur if root formation is incomplete, uncovering of the intruded crown, orthodontic extrusion which is allied with gentle luxation if the tooth does not move, and immediate surgical repositioning.     

Definitive injuries to the teeth. Lesions of hard tissue and pulp

Tooth infraction and enamel fracture are the most simple traumatic crown lesions. When necessary the lesions can be covered with composite material. Follow-up of the traumatized tooth is necessary since pulp necrosis and obliteration can develop. In case of an uncomplicated fracture involving enamel and dentine immediate protection of the dentinal wound is important for the preservation of tooth vitality. In case of a negative vitality test, an endodontic treatment will be performed in case of a tooth with open apex only when supplemental clinical and or radiological signs of pulp necrosis are present. When a complicated enamel-dentine fracture is present, an endodontic treatment will be performed when root formation is complete. In case of a wide open apex, a pulp capping, partial pulpotomy or cervical pulpotomy will be performed in order to preserve vitality of pulpal tissues at the level of the root. Crown root fractures can be superficial, deep or vertical. In case of a superficial localisation of the fracture line, restoration with composite material or with the fractured tooth segment is indicated. Deep crown-root fractures can only be restored when the fracture line is localized not deeper than at 1/3 of the length of the root. In case of a vertical fracture, extraction is the only possibility. Root fractures on immature teeth are in most cases unilateral and have a good prognosis. In teeth with completed root formation, fractures at the level of the cervix have a poor prognosis. The fractured segment will be removed. Only when the remaining root segment is long enough, this part can be maintained. In case of a fracture at the mid-root level, repositioning and rigid splinting for a period of 8 weeks is necessary. When the tooth becomes non-vital, endodontic treatment is performed on the coronal part. Root fracture in the apical part does not necessary result in enhanced tooth mobility and immobilisation is not always necessary. Healing of a root fracture is only possible when the tooth is immobilized for a sufficiently long period. Regular control of tooth vitality is necessary since pulp necrosis can lead to an inflammatory reaction at the level of the fracture line.     

Carbamide peroxide bleaching of teeth with dentinogenesis imperfecta discoloration: report of a case

Carbamide peroxide dental bleaching has gained much popularity in the past 5 years. Because tooth discoloration caused by dentinogenesis imperfecta involves deep, dark, dentinal stain, practitioners might believe that affected teeth would be resistant to color improvement by bleaching. This article reports the successful use of carbamide peroxide at-home bleaching in a teenager with dentinogenesis imperfecta. Six-month treatment results are shown.     

Conventional endodontics and the operating microscope

Patients are increasingly wishing to undergo conventional endodontic treatment rather than to risk the loss of a tooth. Endodontic treatment in teeth that have been previously restored with extensive intracoronal or extracoronal restorations are often difficult to treat. The orientation of the root canals to the crown of the tooth may be lost, and this may often be compounded by the deposition of reparative dentin in the pulp chamber. The operating microscope allows better visualization of the working field, ensuring that the anatomy of the tooth is more readily inspected. This greatly enhances the clinician's ability to locate extra root canals and therefore increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. It should not be forgotten that the operating microscope also has a place in other fields of dentistry, especially restorative dentistry, and is an asset to both the specialist and the generalist.     

The influence of endodontic treatment upon periodontal wound healing

The interrelationship between periodontal and endodontic disease has aroused much speculation, confusion, and controversy. Pulpal and periodontal problems are responsible for more than 50% of tooth mortality today. Diagnosis is often difficult since these diseases have been studied primarily as separate entities. The toxic substances of the pulp may initiate periodontal defects through canal ramifications and patent dentinal tubules, thus impairing wound healing in regenerative procedures. Although no studies exist addressing the direct effect of pulpal infection on the outcome of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedures, several studies do indicate that pulpal status may play a significant role toward the end results of GTR. This review article discusses the potential influence of endodontic treatment on the long-term outcomes of GTR. Potential pathways between the pulp and periodontal ligament, which may be responsible for the failure of the regeneration of new periodontal attachment apparatus, are explored. Examination and review of the clinical and research findings in the literature relating to perio-endo lesions are made to demonstrate that a negative influence may exist between GTR outcomes and the status of the pulp.     

Conservative treatment of a case of periapical lesion with complications. Report of a case and calcium hydroxide therapy

A case and treatment of extraoral fistula on the chin-caused by necrotic pulp of lower left canine--is being presented. In this case an endodontic origin should always be considered from the aspect of differential diagnosis. Nonsurgical endodontic therapy, sometimes complimented by surgery, or extraction are the treatment modalities of these cases. For the treatment calcium hydroxide powder mixed with chlorhexidin gluckonat (0.1%) was used. Usage of calcium hydroxide paste was leaded to rapid and successful healing of extraoral lesions communicating with necrotic tooth.     

Assessing health in musculoskeletal disorders--the appropriateness of a German version of the Sickness Impact Profile

Intra-coronal bleaching of root-filled teeth has been associated with invasive cervical root resorption. It is considered that during bleaching hydrogen peroxide diffuses through the tooth structure into the cervical periodontium, resulting in periodontal tissue destruction and initiating a resorptive process. Hydrogen peroxide is capable of generating hydroxyl radical, an oxygen-derived free radical, in the presence of ferrous salts. Hydroxyl radicals are extremely reactive and have been shown to degrade components of connective tissue, particularly collagen and hyaluronic acid. The aim of the present study was to determine whether hydroxyl radicals are generated during the bleaching of root-filled teeth which have been discoloured by blood. Forty extracted human premolar teeth were root-filled with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer cement. Twenty of the teeth were experimentally discoloured by blood. All teeth were then thermo-catalytically bleached using 30% hydrogen peroxide while tooth roots were seated in a test solution of sodium salicylate. Hydroxyl radical generation was determined by the detection of reaction products of this radical with salicylate using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The presence of hydroxyl radicals was detected in twenty-five of the teeth. There was a significant association between the production of hydroxyl radicals and the presence of tooth discolouration caused by blood components. Greatest yields of hydroxyl radicals occurred in teeth in which EDTA had been used to clean the pulp chamber prior to bleaching. It was concluded that hydroxyl radicals are generated during the thermo-catalytic bleaching of root-filled teeth. Generation of this toxic chemical species may be one mechanism underlying periodontal tissue destruction and root resorption after intra-coronal bleaching.     

Injuries to the permanent teeth. Periodontal lesions

Tooth luxations are relatively common. In case of concussion or subluxation the tooth is not displaced. The treatment will consist of relief of the tooth. Most frequent complications are pulp necrosis and obliteration of pulpal tissues. In case of extrusive luxation pulpal tissues and the periodontal ligament are injured. When tooth mobility is increased flexible splinting should be considered. Endodontic treatment is necessary after extrusive luxation of a tooth with completed root formation. Teeth with open apex often show pulpal obliteration after extensive luxation. Lateral luxation is more complex than extrusive luxation since the alveolar bone is also damaged. Repositioning and splinting of the tooth are necessary. When the apical foramen in closed, endodontic treatment will be necessary. Teeth with incomplete root formation will develop pulp obliteration. Following lateral luxation, external root resorption and loss of marginal bone are not infrequent. Intrusive luxation is the type of trauma with most unfavorable prognosis. All intruded teeth will become necrotic and external root resorption and marginal bone loss are frequent. There is no consensus regarding the therapeutic approach. Orthodontic extrusion or surgical mobilisation are possible options. In case of avulsion, both the pulpal tissues and the periodontal ligament are disrupted. Preservation of the vitality of the periodontal ligament covering the root will determine the prognosis of the reimplanted tooth. Therefore the tooth will be repositioned as soon as possible. When this is not possible, milk or a specific solution are most appropriate for tooth conservation. When the reimplanted tooth has complete root formation, devitalization will be performed one week after after repositioning. In case of a tooth with open apex revascularisation can be awaited. Healing of the periodontal ligament will determine prognosis. When a normal ligament is obtained during healing or when surface resorption is obtained, the tooth can be preserved for a long period. When progressive replacement resorption (ankylosis) develops, most teeth can remain in position for about 10 years. When inflammatory resorption develops, the tooth will be lost within a short time.     

Factors associated with endodontic flare-ups: a prospective study

The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the incidence of flare-ups (a severe problem requiring an unscheduled visit and treatment) among patients who received endodontic treatment by the two authors in their respective practices during a period of one year, and also to examine the correlation with pre-operative and operative variables. The results showed an incidence of 1.58% for flare-ups from 1012 endodontically treated teeth. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test (P<0.05) indicated that flare-ups were found to be positively correlated with multiple appointments, retreatment cases, periradicular pain prior to treatment, presence of radiolucent lesions, and patients taking analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs. In contrast, there was no correlation between flare-up, and age, sex, different arch/tooth groups and the status of the pulp.     

A new approach in restorative treatment of external root resorption. A case report

This case report describes the treatment of an external root resorption with extensive loss of tooth structure and bone at the labial surface of an upper left central incisor. The area of bone loss and root resorption was surgically exposed and an impression was taken using curing silicone. An individual ceramic insert was fabricated, allowing endodontic retreatment through an artificial root canal. The insert was incorporated using a dentin bonding system and a dual curing luting composite. Following endodontic retreatment and internal bleaching, a ceramic veneer was bonded to the tooth to obtain good esthetics and to improve stability. Twenty months after surgical treatment no further root resorption could be detected radiographically. A shallow residual pocket but no bleeding on probing was found.     

Dentist-prescribed home bleaching: current status

White teeth have been an indicator of physical attractiveness throughout history. Only recently have we been able to whiten teeth with few side effects, making tooth bleaching a popular and effective dental treatment. The American Dental Association (ADA) has established guidelines on safety and effectiveness for tooth bleaching. External stains from aging or inherent dark color are more responsive to bleaching than internal stains. Dentist-prescribed home bleaching--including a careful dental exam, custom-fabricated trays, tacky high-viscosity gels, adequate instructions, and recall exams--has been shown to be an effective method for bleaching teeth. Trays can be worn overnight or during the day with similar effectiveness. The bleaching effect can last up to 3 years with more than 50% success.     

Dens evaginatus: review of the literature and report of several clinical cases

Dens evaginatus (DE) presents as an innocuous looking tubercle of enamel on the occlusal surface of a tooth, most commonly a bicuspid. Problems can arise when the tubercle is either worn, ground, or fractured off, resulting in pulpal exposure and possible loss of vitality of the tooth. Dentists who perform orthodontic treatment should be aware of this dental anomaly, which occurs in at least two per cent of the Asian and Native Indian populations. Bicuspid extraction cases should involve the extraction of the anomalous premolars rather than the normal ones. In addition, the dentist should be mindful of occlusal changes that may occur during treatment or occlusal equilibration, both of which can jeopardize the vitality of teeth with DE. Pulp capping or partial pulpotomy has been postulated to be one of the most reliable forms of vital tooth treatment when pulp exposure is encountered following the sterile removal of the tubercle. When pulp exposure is not encountered, preventive resin composite sealing of the dentin or class I amalgam cavity preparation seems to be the treatment of choice.     

The aesthetic and endodontic dilemmas of calcific metamorphosis

Traumatic injuries to dentition can initiate either a resorptive or calcific pulpal response. In the sequelae of calcific degeneration, the clinical crown frequently becomes discolored, requiring an aesthetic correction to restore the tooth to its natural color. Four potential solutions are currently available to achieve this goal. The learning objective of this article is to describe the etiology of calcific metamorphosis, discuss the four potential solutions, and present the responses of endodontists polled as to the treatment indications. While the posterior dentition may experience the identical pathologic response to trauma and crown discoloration, this article focuses on the restoration of the anterior dentition. Several cases are presented to illustrate the four treatment modalities, and recommendations for follow-up of traumatic injuries are indicated.     

Post and core reconstruction for fixed prosthodontic restoration

If the previous restorative therapy or dental caries has resulted in substantial loss of tooth structure, the abutment teeth for fixed prosthodontic restorations require a core reconstruction or a post and core. Small dentin defects can be restored with bonded cores; more extensive dentin defects that are often accompanied by previous endodontic treatment generally require additional support for the core material. A direct procedure with a bonded post is a viable treatment method. The decision to use either light-conducting all-ceramic zirconium or titanium as a post material depends on the aesthetic requirements present. The indications for a cast post and core as an indirect procedure for prosthodontic reconstructions appear to be decreasing. The learning objective of this article is to review the past and current post and core materials and techniques. Indications for core reconstruction with vital teeth and posts and cores for pulpless teeth are discussed.     

Dens invaginatus--a pathway to pulpal pathology: a literature review

Dens invaginatus is the most common dental anomaly in a group of dental anomalies, related by their embryologic development and by the fact that their defects provide a potential pathway for bacteria to cause pulpal pathology. It occurs when the inner enamel epithelium invaginates into the dental papilla prior to calcification. It exists in erupted teeth as an enamel-lined tract, which either ends in a blind sac inside the crown or root or exits into the periodontal ligament. The lining may be incomplete in areas and may not protect the pulp. Methods of providing preventive treatment for teeth with dens invaginatus are described. When pulpal pathosis occurs, the dens may displace the pulp and complicate access cavity preparation and subsequent endodontic treatment, adversely affecting the prognosis. The learning objective of this article is to present treatment planning considerations and suggestions.     

Accidental swallowing of endodontic instruments

Swallowing or aspiration of a foreign body is a complication that may arise from any procedure in the oral cavity performed without the use of a rubber dam. Two cases of swallowed endodontic instruments and possible complications are presented. Emphasis is given in the discussion on the early diagnosis and treatment and primarily on prevention with the use of rubber dam, an absolute essential during endodontic treatment.     

Tooth bleaching using peroxide-containing agents: current status of safety issues

During the last 10 years, at-home tooth bleaching using peroxide-containing agents has quickly become well accepted. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures for whitening teeth. Although there are few disputes regarding their efficacy, concerns and debates have continued regarding the safety of peroxide-containing tooth bleaching agents. Potential carcinogenicity and genotoxicity of the peroxides used in bleaching agents are the two most persistent and controversial issues. This article reviews and discusses available information on carcinogenicity and genotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide and the potential risks associated with the use of peroxide-containing bleaching agents. Clinical studies reported after the 1996 international symposium on responses of oral tissues to peroxide-containing bleaching agents are also reviewed. Overall evidence supports the conclusion that the proper use of peroxide-containing at-home tooth bleaching agents is safe. However, potential adverse effects may occur in inappropriate applications, abuses, or the use of inappropriate products. At-home tooth bleaching should be monitored by dental professionals to maximize the benefits while minimizing potential risks.     

Use of dental instruments for bridging during electric pulp testing

It has been suggested that dental instruments can be used as bridging instruments to facilitate electric pulp testing of teeth with extensive restorations. This study reports a clinical investigation to evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure. One hundred seventeen vital teeth in 20 volunteers were tested. Ten endodontically treated teeth functioned as controls. Following appropriate isolation and asepsis technique, baseline recordings of the threshold response with the electric pulp tester were taken. With the use of dental explorers and endodontic files to bridge between the probe tip and the tooth surface, recordings were made of the threshold responses. Findings indicate that electrically conductive dental instruments can be reliably used as bridging instruments with the electric pulp tester.     

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in irreversible pulpitis

The purpose of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of a supplemental intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Fifty-one patients with symptomatic, vital maxillary, and mandibular posterior teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis received conventional infiltrations or inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Pulp testing was used to determine pulpal anesthesia after "clinically successful" injections. Patients who were positive to the pulp tests, or were negative to the pulp tests but felt pain during endodontic access, received an intraosseous injection using 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The results demonstrated that 42% of the patients who tested negative to the pulp tests reported pain during treatment and required supplemental anesthesia. Eighty-one percent of the mandibular teeth and 12% of maxillary teeth required an intraosseous injection due to failure to gain pulpal anesthesia. Overall, the Stabident intraosseous injection was found to be 88% successful in gaining total pulpal anesthesia for endodontic therapy. We concluded that, for posterior teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis, the supplemental intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine (1:100,000 epinephrine) was successful when conventional techniques failed.