This narrative review aims to evaluate the current evidence for the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a radiation-free diagnostic exam, in some fields of dentistry. Background: Radiographic imaging plays a significant role in current first and second level dental diagnostics and treatment planning. However, the main disadvantage is the high exposure to ionizing radiation for patients. Methods: A search for articles on dental MRI was performed using the PubMed electronic database, and 37 studies were included. Only some articles about endodontics, conservative dentistry, implantology, and oral and craniofacial surgery that best represented the aim of this study were selected. Results: All the included articles showed that MRI can obtain well-defined images, which can be applied in operative dentistry. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of MRI for diagnosis in dental clinical practice, without the risk of biological damage from continuous ionizing radiation exposure.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze peri-implant marginal bone loss levels/rates and peri-implant sulcular fluid levels/rates of metalloproteinase-8 in three timeframes (6 months post-surgery—restoration delivery (T0)—and 6 (T6) and 24 (T24)-months post-loading) and to evaluate if there is a correlation between peri-implant sulcular fluid levels of metalloproteinase-8 and peri-implant marginal bone loss progression. Materials and Methods: Two cohorts of patients undergoing implant surgery between January 2017 and January 2019 were selected in this retrospective study. A total of 39 patients received 39 implants with a laser-microtextured collar surface, and 41 subjects received 41 implants with a machined/smooth surface. For each patient, periapical radiographs and a software package were used to measure marginal bone loss rates. Implant fluid samples were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The modified plaque index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing were also recorded. Results: High marginal bone rates at T24 were strongly associated with elevated rates between T0 and T6. The levels of metalloproteinase-8 were significantly more elevated around implants with marginal bone loss, in relation to implants without marginal bone loss. Marginal bone loss (MBL) rates at 24 months were associated with initial bone loss rates and initial levels of metalloproteinase-8. Conclusions: Peri-implant marginal bone loss progression is statistically correlated to peri-implant sulcular fluid levels of metalloproteinase-8. Moreover, the initial high levels of marginal bone loss and metalloproteinase-8 can be considered as indicators of the subsequent progression of peri-implant MBL: implants with increased marginal bone loss rates and metalloproteinase-8 levels at 6 months after loading are likely to achieve additional marginal bone loss values.

The aim of the present study is twofold: to assess ex vivo the role of different lubricants on real-time torque generated during intracanal instrumentation and to check whether two different kinds of torque parameters, operative torque (OT) and average peak torque (APT), could produce similar results. Forty extracted single-rooted teeth were selected for the present study and divided into four equal groups (n = 10): Group A, NaCl 0.2%; Group B, NaOCl 5%; Group C, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and Group D, EDTA and hydrogen peroxide. Afterwards, Edge Taper F2 (Edge Endo, Albuquerque, New Mexico) were rotated clockwise at 300 rpm with 3 Ncm maximum torque by an endodontic torque recording motor. In each sample, mean OT and mean APT were recorded and statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA and a post hoc Bonferroni between groups (p < 0.05). EDTA (12.11 ± 4.45 Ncm) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower values compared with the other tested irrigant for both parameters. Overall, the two different parameters were both able to differentiate between the influence of lubricants on torsional loads.

To assess the incidence and intensity of postendodontic pain and flareup in single and multiple visit root canal treatment (RCT) and determine if the difference between the two is significant, a search of PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of science was conducted. The grey literature was searched using Google Scholar and Saudi digital library. Randomised controlled trials evaluating the incidence and intensity of postendodontic pain and flareup published in English from 1 January 2000 to 15 April 2020 were searched. The PRISMA protocol was followed to select the articles. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis of the data in the included studies. Twenty-one articles were included in the review. Three compared both the incidence and the intensity, while the rest compared either one of the parameters. Most studies used both hand-driven and rotary instruments and irrigated with sodium hypochlorite. Twelve studies used an intracanal medicament. Although individual studies showed discordant treatment outcomes, the meta-analysis did not reveal any significant difference in the incidence or the intensity of the postendodontic flareup between the single and multiple visit RCT groups. Single or a multiple visit root canal treatment is not an independent determinant for the risk of postendodontic pain or a flareup.