Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of ceramic material and preparation design on the marginal fit of endocrown restorations. Methods: Forty endocrown restorations were CAD/CAM-fabricated for forty extracted maxillary first premolar teeth. Samples were divided into two groups (n = 20) according to the ceramic materials used: Celtra Duo and Vita Enamic. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to the preparation design: with no intraradicular extension and with 3 mm intraradicular extension. The marginal gap was examined using a digital microscope. Results: Celtra Duo without intraradicular extension recorded the least mean marginal gap (7.74 ± 1.55 µm), while Group Celtra Duo with 3 mm intraradicular extension recorded the highest mean marginal gap (29.54 ± 6.32 µm). Group Vita Enamic recorded a lesser marginal gap (18.03 ± 12.11 µm) than group CD (Celtra Duo) (18.64 ± 12.05 µm). There is a statistically non-significant difference between the two groups of materials (p = 0.873). There is a statistically significant difference between the two tested preparation designs (p < 0.001). Conclusion: All groups recorded a marginal gap within clinically accepted values. Material selection may influence the fitting of restorations. Intraradicular extension for endocrown restorations adversely affects the marginal fit, however, the marginal gap is still within the clinically accepted range.

Background: Endodontics increasingly uses finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate stress distribution, fracture resistance, and temperature changes in treated teeth. FEA’s endodontic uses, benefits, and drawbacks are examined in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A PubMed systematic search found relevant studies published up to January 2022. Original endodontic research articles utilizing FEA to quantify stress distribution, fracture resistance, or temperature changes in treated teeth were eligible. The systematic review comprised 30 publications, 15 of which were meta-analyzed. Data were extracted using a standard form, and the “Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)” for observational studies and the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials assessed quality. Random-effects models calculated pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals in RevMan 5.4 meta-analysis. Results: Meta-analysis shows FEA-guided endodontic treatment improves stress distribution (P < 0.001) and fracture resistance (P < 0.05) compared to conventional treatments. The temperature did not vary significantly (P = 0.12). Stress distribution had an effect size of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.65–0.85), fracture resistance 0.42 (95%: 0.12–0.72), and temperature variations -0.18. Conclusion: In conclusion, FEA is a valuable technique in endodontics for stress distribution study and fracture resistance testing. FEA models’ accuracy, dependability, and clinical applicability were questioned, underlining the need for more research and development to maximize their endodontics clinical use.

Various endodontic interventions often lead to iatrogenic damage to the inferior alveolar nerve present in the inferior alveolar canal (IAC). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the relationships of IAC with the root apices of mandibular teeth and with the mandibular cortical plates. Materials: 116 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were examined and the shortest distance of IAC with the root apices of mandibular canines, premolars and molars, and with cortical plates was analyzed. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS. Results: The shortest mean distance between IAC and lingual cortical plate (LCP) was found in the third molar area, and between IAC and buccal cortical plate (BCP) in the second premolar area. A high incidence of 60% direct communication (DC) was present in mandibular second molars; 38% in mandibular third molars; 13% in mandibular second premolars; 12% in mandibular first molars; and 1% in mandibular first premolars. Conclusion: Anteriorly, IAC was found to be significantly present in close approximation to the roots of mandibular canines. Posteriorly, IAC was found to be in significant proximity to the distal roots of mandibular second molars.

Photoactivated disinfection with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has improved primary root canal treatment outcomes. This in vitro study aims to assess and compare the disinfecting efficacy of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel, without laser activation and accompanied by laser activation, on Enterococcus faecalis-contaminated primary teeth root canals. After one month of incubating extracted teeth specimens with E. faecalis, 36 specimens were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (conventional method without laser-activated irrigation) and Group B (with laser-activated irrigation). Each group was further divided into three subgroups, with six samples in each subgroup. Subgroup 1 received irrigation with normal saline, Subgroup 2 with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, and Subgroup 3 with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel. Diode laser activation at 810 nm was used in Group B. Bacterial colony counts were measured before and after the intervention. Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Microbial analysis revealed no bacterial growth in samples irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel activated with the laser. Activation with the laser significantly (p = 0.02) improved the disinfection ability of the irrigant compared to the non-activation group. The disinfection ability of sodium hypochlorite gel was better than that of saline (p = 0.02); however, it was comparable to that of sodium hypochlorite solution (p = 0.67). Conclusion: Root canal irrigation with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite gel activated with an 810 nm diode laser resulted in complete eradication of Enterococcus faecalis, indicating its effectiveness as an endodontic disinfection treatment modality.

The elimination of necrotic and inflamed pulp tissue, dentin debris, and microorganisms is essential for the success of endodontic treatment. However, the root canal’s complexity has led to incomplete cleaning and disinfection. This study aims to compare the efficacy of the penetrability of three different irrigation activating techniques to the apical third of the root canal. Sixty sound single-rooted human mandibular premolars are prepared with rotary instrumentation under continuous sodium hypochlorite irrigation. Three irrigation activation techniques are utilized: group 1 (n = 20), conventional needle irrigation (CN); group 2 (n = 20), side-vented endodontic needle irrigation (EN); and group 3 (n = 20), manual activation irrigation with gutta-percha cone (MA). The penetrability is assessed with the aid of a radiopaque irrigation solution using digital radiography in conjunction with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) measurements. Data are analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), using multiple comparisons to compare the baseline and test values. One-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis (Tukey honestly significant difference) is performed to detect the statistically significant differences between groups. Manual activation (MA) shows effective delivery of the irrigant into full WL, followed by endodontic needle (EN) and conventional (CN) methods of activation (p < 0.001). The results of the present study show that maximum penetrability of the irrigant is observed with manual activation (MA) using a gutta cone in comparison with the conventional needle (CN).

Background: Condensing osteitis (CO) is a common radiopaque lesion observed in the jaws, often detected incidentally on panoramic radiographs. Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of CO is essential for early detection and appropriate management. Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of condensing osteitis among the Saudi population in the Qassim region. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using 876 digital panoramic radiographs. The presence of CO was identified based on specific radiographic features, and data were collected regarding gender, age, lesion localization, lesion shape, and associated dental status. Results: The prevalence of CO was found to be 2.3% (n = 20) in the study population, with a higher predilection in females (1.4%) compared to males (0.9%). The most commonly affected age group was 30–39 years for males and 10–19 and 30–39 years for females. The mandibular molar region was predominantly affected (90%), with a ‘U’ shape observed in 55% of the lesions. Root canal treatment was the most commonly associated dental status (75%), followed by deep caries (20%) and large restorations (5%). Conclusion: The study highlights a 2.3% prevalence of CO in the Saudi population of the Qassim region, with a higher predilection in females and a predominant localization in the mandibular molar region. Dental practitioners should be vigilant in identifying CO, especially in at-risk populations, to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate management.