Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of factors with regard to the treatment outcome of direct pulp capping using Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France), in permanent teeth in which the pulps were exposed during caries removal. Methods Between 2010 and 2014, 112 teeth with deep carious lesions underwent direct pulp capping. The patients were followed up at 2–3 months and 1–1.5 years with a routine examination on both recall visits. Periapical radiographs were taken at 1–1.5 years. Lack of patient complaints, positive reactions to cold and electric testing, no sensitivity to percussion, and no widening of the periapical ligament indicated success. The Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis. The significance level was P = .05. Results Eighty-six teeth were available for 1–1.5 years follow-up. The overall success rate was 82.6%. Only age had a significant effect on the pulpal survival rate: the success rate was 90.9% in patients younger than 40 years and 73.8% in patients 40 years or older (P = .0480). Sex, initial or secondary caries treatment, occlusal or cervical/proximal caries, delayed placement of permanent filling, tooth position, and arch type did not influence the outcome. Conclusions A patient’s age influenced the outcome of direct pulp capping using this new calcium silicate cement. Clinical relevance Asymptomatic vital permanent teeth with cariously exposed pulp can be treated successfully by direct pulp capping using Biodentine.

Background: The purpose of the study was to analyze mandibular anterior teeth in a Polish population and determine the symmetry of root and root canal morphology between the right and left side using cone-beam computed tomography scanning. Materials and methods: From 111 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations, 303 pairs of equivalent mandibular anterior teeth were analyzed on the right and left sides to evaluate symmetry. Axial, sagittal, and cross-sectional slices with a thickness of 0.2–0.25 mm were used. The number of root canals and their internal patterns were classified following Vertucci's criteria. Results: All incisors in this study had 1 root. Canines usually had a single root and much less often had 2 roots. Type I and III root canal configurations were found most often, while type V and II configurations were less frequent. Significant compatibility between the left and right side was observed in all evaluated variables. Incisors had the highest symmetry with regard to the number of roots (100%). Second canals were observed more often in males than females, but only the results in lateral incisors were significant. Conclusions: This study provides supplemental information for dentists and should help them to better predict the morphology of mandibular anterior teeth in complicated cases in the Polish population. Symmetry was observed in roots and root canal morphology in all examined parameters. Background: The purpose of the study was to analyze mandibular anterior teeth in a Polish population and determine the symmetry of root and root canal morphology between the right and left side using cone-beam computed tomography scanning. Materials and methods: From 111 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations, 303 pairs of equivalent mandibular anterior teeth were analyzed on the right and left sides to evaluate symmetry. Axial, sagittal, and cross-sectional slices with a thickness of 0.2–0.25 mm were used. The number of root canals and their internal patterns were classified following Vertucci's criteria. Results: All incisors in this study had 1 root. Canines usually had a single root and much less often had 2 roots. Type I and III root canal configurations were found most often, while type V and II configurations were less frequent. Significant compatibility between the left and right side was observed in all evaluated variables. Incisors had the highest symmetry with regard to the number of roots (100%). Second canals were observed more often in males than females, but only the results in lateral incisors were significant. Conclusions: This study provides supplemental information for dentists and should help them to better predict the morphology of mandibular anterior teeth in complicated cases in the Polish population. Symmetry was observed in roots and root canal morphology in all examined parameters.

Background: Accurate determination of working length (WL) is crucial for the success of endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of 2% chlorhexidine digluconate solution, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate gel and 2% hypochlorite solution on the accuracy of two devices: the Raypex 5 and the ApexDal.Methods: Twenty-nine single-rooted human teeth were used in this study. The crowns were cut horizontally and embedded in an alginate mass. In each tooth, six endodontic measurements were made using two electronic apex locators (EALs): a Raypex 5 and an ApexDal. For each EAL, measurements were taken with the following products: 2% chlorhexidine solution (CHX-S group), 2% chlorhexidine gel (CHX-G group) and 2% NaOCl (NaOCl group). After performing an endodontic measurement, the endodontic instruments were stabilized with flow resin composite. Afterwards, the roots were removed from the alginate mass, and the apical one-third of each root was cut lengthways to recover the canal system. Last, the distance between the file tip and the apical foramen was measured under a microscope at 60 x magnification.Results: Statistically significant differences were found between CHX-S and NaOCl and CHX-G and NaOCl, but no significant differences were detected between CHX-S and CHX-G during the testing of both devices. No statistically significant differences were observed between the Raypex 5 and ApexDal for all intracanal media tested.Conclusion: The EALs Raypex 5 and ApexDal had higher accuracy in the anatomical foramen of the root containing chlorhexidine in the gel or in the solution form than in the canal containing sodium hypochlorite.

Introduction: Calcium silicate-based cements (CSC), are self-setting hydraulic biomaterials widely used for reparative procedures in dentistry and endodontics. These materials possess physical properties, such as ion release, porosity, solubility, and radiopacity. Their biological properties are connected to their alkalizing activity and calcium release capacity. Materials and Methods: Six calcium silicate-based materials were selected for this study: TheraCal LC (Bisco Inc., Schaumburg, IL, USA), MTA Plus (PrevestDenpro, Jammu, India Avalon Biomed Inc., Bradenton, FL, USA), Biodentine (Septodont, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France), RetroMTA (BioMTA, Seoul, Korea), MTA Flow (Ultradent Products, Inc., South Jordan, UT, USA), and OrthoMTA (BioMTA, Seoul, Korea). The pH was analyzed immediately after immersion (baseline) and after 1 h, 3 h, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 1 year with a pH meter, previously calibrated with solutions of known pH. All testing materials had alkaline pH. Results: Analysis of the tested materials showed statistically significant differences in terms of pH changes as a function of the time showed a gradual rise in the pH of all materials. Conclusions: All tested materials exhibited continuous hydroxyl ion release resulting in a rise in pH until the end of time of experience.

Introduction: Biodentine is a bioactive dentin substitute which be used to cover the exposed pulp, and for simultaneous dentin reconstruction during a single visit.The aim of this study was to evaluate cavity walls which were covered by an adhesive system directly after the setting of Biodentine (15 min. after its mixing), and 24 h after setting in ascanning electron microscope.Materials and methods: Six extracted human premolars were used in this study. Black’s I class cavity were prepared on the occlusal surface. The bottom of the cavities was covered with Biodentine. The teeth were then divided into 2 groups of 3 teeth each. In group 1, the Prelude adhesive system (Danville, USA) was used 15 min. after the mixing of Biodentine. In group 2, the same procedure was applied after 24 h.Results: Scanning electron mikroscope (SEM) examination of the cavity walls in group 1 showed the presence of numerous particles covering the surface of the dentin and enamel. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS microanalysis) confirmed the presence of silicon and aluminium, which are components of Biodentine. In group 2, the walls of the cavity were free from contamination. Energy dispersive spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of elements typical of dental tissue.Conclusions: Biodentine does not set sufficiently after 15 min. after mixing, so an adhesive system cannot be safely used when Biodentine is applied as a base.