This study aimed to evaluate the precision of the guided endodontic technique applied to calcified canals in anterior teeth in relation to demographic and dental variables. The present observational study was conducted during the period 2020–2021. The patients were consecutive referrals at the Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry of the University Hospital of Siena. The guided endodontics protocol was applied using 0.75 mm diameter burs for the lower teeth and 0.90 mm for the upper teeth. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) teeth with pulp canal obliteration (PCO) associated with a periapical lesion (periapical index (PAI) ≥ 2); (ii) teeth with PCO that require the placement of a root canal post for the execution of a prosthetic treatment; (iii) teeth in which surgical treatment was not justified. Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded and related to the drill path accuracy through the guide in the calcified endodontic canal, evaluated through a radiographic analysis, and classified as optimal (in the center of the root canal) and acceptable (deviated peripherally/tangentially). A logistic regression model was built to predict the factors that influence the poor precision of the technique. Seventeen patients (mean age 48 years) with eighteen calcified single-rooted teeth were enrolled. All teeth were associated with periapical lesions with PAI scores from 2 to 5 (mean PAI: 3.055). From the model, it is evident that the presence of a calcification affecting the apical area of the root increases the probability of being off-center with the bur by about 15 times. In addition, a previous attempt at endodontic treatment and the position in the lower arch increases the probability of non-centrality of the drill, although in a non-statistically significant way. In any of the analyzed cases, the guided endodontic technique applied to PCO did not determine the presence of iatrogenic errors, such as perforations. However, the apical localization of the obliteration increases the probability of being off-center with the drill during the instrumentation phase by about 15 times.

Aim: To evaluate the association between apical periodontitis (AP) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCDV).Methodology: A total of 65 periodontally and systemically healthy patients (age ≥ 40 years) were included in the study. Periapical status was assessed through dental examination and periapical radiographs; 33 subjects had AP (AP+), while 32 acted as control (AP−). Moreover, data regarding their periapical index (PAI) score and the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. All subjects underwent echo‐colour Doppler assessment of carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), carotid plaques, degree of stenosis using the North American Symptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial (NASCET) method, maximum diameter of the abdominal aorta (maximum AA) and common iliac arteries (CIA) diameters. Furthermore, peripheral blood flow was also measured using the ankle‐brachial index (ABI). Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed.Results: Among AP+ patients, 57.58% disclosed at least one sign of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Multiple regression analysis identified AP as a significant risk indicator for carotid plaques [OR = 4.87 (1.27, 18.98; p = .021)] and marked carotid intima‐media thickenings (OR = 14.58 [1.22, 176.15], p = .035). A significant association was established between AP and other cardiovascular (CV) variables (CIMT, NASCET, and maximum AA). On the contrary, a higher PAI score does not correlate to increased odds of carotid alterations, and the presence of AP did not prove any significant change in CIA and ABI. No significant correlation was established between DMFT and other variables.Conclusions: Results from the current study highlight that the presence of AP may be regarded as a risk indicator for ASCVD, with AP being associated with 5‐fold increased odds of having carotid plaques and 15‐fold increased odds of having marked carotid intima‐media thickenings. Further studies should be conducted in order to verify whether AP treatment could be beneficial for ASCVD signs.

(1) Background: Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a common condition characterized by an abnormal dentinal apposition within the canal wall, which often rises as a consequence of dental trauma. In recent years, “guided endodontics” has offered a reliable and safer procedure for endodontic access in case of PCO. The present case report aims to introduce a new endodontic guided system with a sleeveless, open-frame titanium guide designed to reduce costs compared to traditional templates. (2) Methods: The patient is a 19-year-old female who was referred to a private clinic to treat a calcified and symptomatic tooth (3.3) with apical periodontitis. Following the first unsuccessful treatment attempt using the operating microscope, a three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination and an optical impression were performed in agreement with the patient. The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and Standard Tessellation Language (STL) files were sent to the lab for the template packaging, and the patient was scheduled for a second appointment. The endodontic guide was accurately positioned, and shaping and filling were concluded with success. The canal was sealed with the single-cone technique and bioceramic sealer. (3) Results: The patient reported no significant post-operative symptoms. Notably, the treatment achieved total symptom resolution, as evidenced by radiographic assessments conducted 3 and 24 months post-treatment, confirming the procedure’s success. (4) Conclusions: This innovative sleeveless, open-frame static titanium guide presents a promising advancement in guided endodontics for PCO treatment. The advantages include preserving healthy dental tissue, reduced chairside operating time, and cost savings compared to conventional templates. This approach holds promise for enhancing the quality and efficiency of endodontic procedures in cases of PCO. While the static guide holds promise, larger prospective studies are necessary to validate its efficacy, safety, and broader applicability in routine endodontic procedures.

Aim: Lifestyle factors significantly influence the development of inflammatory diseases, and emerging evidence suggests they may also impact oral health. However, no studies have explored their role in apical periodontitis (AP) amongst adults. This study aimed to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality with the periapical and caries status in a university‐based cohort.Methodology: A total of 149 periodontally healthy patients were included in the study. Clinical assessments and radiographic examinations [Orthopantomography (opt) and periapical radiographs] were conducted to evaluate the periapical status. Data on their periapical index (PAI) score and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate patient's lifestyles. A final logistic regression model was performed for the multivariable analysis to evaluate the predictive ability of adherence to Mediterranean lifestyle on the presence of AP; other local, systemic and environmental factors were included as independent factors in the model.Results: Significant associations were observed between AP and high/low adherence to the MD (p = .00), high/low‐moderate physical activity (p = .00), high/low sleep quality (p = .00) and high/low perceived stress (p = .00). The final multivariable regression model showed that low adherence to MD (OR = 3.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–10.83; p = . 01) and reduced sleep quality (OR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.42–6.50; p = .00) were identified as potential risk factors for AP development. On the other hand, the DMFT index showed no significant association with lifestyle factors (OR = 1.0; CI: 1.01–1.14; p = .02) but was correlated with the development of AP (OR = 1.07; CI: 1.01–1.14; p = .02).Conclusion: Results from the present study suggest a potential association between low adherence to MD and reduced sleep quality with the development of AP. Individuals with low adherence to MD and inadequate sleep quality faced respectively 4‐fold and 3‐fold increased odds of developing periapical lesions. Further research is essential to elucidate the causal mechanisms underlying these associations and to determine whether lifestyle adjustments could improve endodontic success rate.

The introduction of nickel–titanium rotary instruments revolutionized shaping procedures as they were able to produce a well-tapered preparation while reducing operator fatigue. The major drawback of rotary instruments was the high risk of fracture due to bending and torsional stress. Thus, the creation of a glide path has been advocated and recommended by most rotary instrument manufacturers. The aim of the present review is to summarize existing knowledge on glide path preparation and identify areas where further research is needed. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques and instruments used in glide path preparation, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The secondary goal is to explore the effect of glide path creation on the overall success of endodontic treatment, particularly in terms of reducing procedural errors and improving treatment outcomes. An online search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, UCLA, and Scopus databases was conducted, and 116 articles were identified. Eligible articles were divided into nine categories based on what they researched and compared. The categories included centering ability and/or root canal transportation, cyclic fatigue resistance, glide path and shaping time, tortional stress resistance, apical extrusion of debris and/or bacteria, defects in dentine walls, file separation, postoperative pain assessment, and scouting ability and performance. Establishing a glide path reduces root canal transportation, especially with rotary methods. Reciprocating and heat-treated files offer higher fatigue resistance and shorter preparation time. Instruments with shorter pitch lengths have greater torsional strength. Preparation and coronal preflaring reduce apical debris and bacteria. Glide paths do not affect dentine microcracks, file separation, or defects but reduce immediate postoperative pain and improve cutting ability. Randomized trials are needed to assess their impact on treatment outcomes.

Background: The prevalence of dental caries presents a global public challenge, particularly in children. Traditional caries risk assessment tools like Cariogram are effective but often complex and resource intensive. The aim of the present study was to introduce, for the first time, a newly designed caries risk assessment (CRA) tool named Index of Caries Risk (ICR) and to evaluate its efficacy for pediatric patients. Methods: This observational study was conducted at the University Hospital of Siena (Italy), involving 55 children aged 6 to 12 years. Participants were assessed using both the newly developed ICR and the well-known Cariogram tool. The data were collected by two calibrated operators. The ICR was compared with the Cariogram tool, and a descriptive analysis and a Pearson correlation coefficient were performed. Results: Results indicated a strong positive correlation (R = 0.88, p < 0.01) between the two methods, with ICR simplifying the assessment process while maintaining efficacy. Conclusions: This study highlights the ICR’s potential to provide a practical, cost-effective alternative for routine caries risk assessment in pediatric dentistry. Despite its limitations, this research marks a preliminary investigation of a promising new CRA tool. Further research should focus on validating the ICR in the larger and more diverse pediatric population, as well as exploring its long-term effectiveness and its application in different clinical settings.