Background: Navigated endodontics is a cutting-edge technology becoming increasingly more accessible for dental practitioners. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the ideal technical parameters of this procedure to prevent collateral damage of the surrounding tissues. There is a limited number of studies available in published scientific literature referencing the possible collateral thermal damage due to high-speed rotary instruments used in guided endodontic drilling. The aim of our study was to investigate the different drilling parameters and their effect upon the temperature elevations measured on the outer surface of teeth during guided endodontic drilling. Methods: In our in vitro study, 72 teeth with presumably narrow root canals were prepared using a guided endodontic approach through a 3D-printed guide. Teeth were randomly allocated into six different test groups consisting of 12 teeth each, of which, four parameters affecting temperature change were investigated: (a) access cavity preparation prior to endodontic drilling, (b) drill speed, (c) cooling, and (d) cooling fluid temperature. Temperature changes were recorded using a contact thermocouple electrode connected to a digital thermometer. Results: The highest temperature elevations (14.62 °C ± 0.60 at 800 rpm and 13.76 °C ± 1.24 at 1000 rpm) were recorded in the groups in which drilling was performed without prior access cavity preparation nor without a significant difference between the different drill speeds (p = 0.243). Access cavity preparation significantly decreased temperature elevations (p < 0.01) while drilling at 800 rpm (8.90 °C ± 0.50) produced significantly less heating of the root surface (p < 0.05) than drilling at 1000 rpm (10.09 °C ± 1.32). Cooling significantly decreased (p < 0.01) temperature elevations at a drill speed of 1000 rpm, and cooling liquid temperatures of 4–6 °C proved significantly (p < 0.01) more beneficial in decreasing temperature elevations (1.60 °C ± 1.17) than when compared with room temperature (21 °C) liquids (4.01 °C ± 0.22). Conclusions: Based on the results of our study, guided endodontic drilling at drill speeds not exceeding 1000 rpm following access cavity preparation, with constant cooling using a fluid cooler than room temperature, provides the best results in avoiding collateral thermal damage during navigated endodontic drilling of root canals.
(1) Background: The retention of intraradicular posts is an important factor for the prognosis of endodontically treated teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the push-out bond strength (PBS) of the posts relating to their diameter and region of the root. (2) Methods: A total of 40 premolar teeth (decoronated and root canal-filled) were divided into four groups (n = 10). After post-space preparation, different sizes (1.0, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 mm) of glass fiber posts were luted with resin cement into the root canals. After placement, 2 mm thick slices were cut from the roots according to their apical, middle, and coronal regions (n = 116). Push-out tests were carried out in a universal testing machine on each slice. A statistical evaluation of the data was applied. (3) Results: When comparing the diameter, the 2.0 mm posts had the highest PBS (111.99 ± 10.40 N), while the 1.0 mm posts had the lowest PBS (99.98 ± 8.05 N). Divided by the surface of the bonded area, the average PBS value was the highest for the 1.0 mm posts (18.20 ± 1.67 MPa) and the lowest for the 2.0 mm posts (12.08 ± 1.05 MPa). (4) Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, when comparing the regions of the roots, no significant differences were found among the PBS values of the three regions (p = 0.219). When comparing the diameters, significant differences were shown between the PBS values of the four groups (p = 0.023 and p = 0.003, respectively).
Background/objective: Maxillofacial fractures continue to represent a significant public health issue, with incidence patterns shaped by regional and demographic variables. This study aimed to deliver a comprehensive 15-year epidemiological analysis of maxillofacial trauma cases in southern Hungary. Methods: The study included patients who received treatment for maxillofacial trauma at the University of Pécs from 2009 to 2023. Data collected encompassed demographic characteristics, injury etiology, fracture location and complexity, date of injury, presence of alcohol involvement, therapeutic interventions, postoperative complications and reasons, and number of fixation plates removed. Descriptive statistics and odds ratios were calculated, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: Among 1948 patients (69.9% male), a total of 2826 fractures were reported, averaging 1.45 fractures per patient. The most frequently affected age group was 21–30 years; however, a notable increase in cases among the elderly was observed for recent years. Falls accounted for the highest proportion of injuries (44.4%), followed by assaults (28.3%) and traffic accidents (16.8%). Injuries predominantly occurred on weekends, with Saturdays being particularly common. Alcohol consumption was documented in 14.7% of cases. The condyle (27.9%), body (25.7%), and angle (25.0%) were the most common sites of mandibular fracture. The maxillary sinus and zygomatic body were the leading sites of maxillofacial fractures. Conservative treatment was implemented in 54.6% of all cases, whereas surgical intervention was more frequently required for mandibular injuries (76.7%). Plate removal was performed in 15.3% of patients. Conclusions: During the study period, the incidence of maxillofacial trauma demonstrated a consistent increase, accompanied by demographic changes indicative of an aging population and a reduction in assault-related cases. Falls—especially among older adults—became the leading cause of injury. These results emphasize the necessity for targeted prevention efforts, geriatric-specific trauma management, and the implementation of health policies tailored to regional needs.