This study aimed to investigate the perspectives, preferences, and clinical experiences regarding using electronic apex locator and apex locator integrated instrumentation of dentists and endodontists. A web-based questionnaire consisting of 3 parts and 23 closed-ended questions to achieve the objective of the study was carried out in ethical conditions between August and October 2023. The first part of survey included demographic information, while the second part was about evaluating electronic apex locator usage. In the last part, only participants’ use of apex locator-integrated instrumentation was evaluated. Data were analyzed at a significance level of p < 0.05. A total of 297 clinicians, including 59 endodontists and 34 endodontic residents/Ph.D. students participated in the questionnaire. Endodontists and endodontic residents/Ph.D. students perform statistically significantly more root canal treatments per week on average (p = 0.001). For the working length determination method (multiple option question), 78.5% of participants use an electronic apex locator and 39.7% apex locator-integrated engines. However, the preference rate for electronic apex determination technique was generally 95.6%, with the full rate confirmation of endodontists and endodontic residents/Ph.D. students (100%). A total of 21 endodontists out of 59 prefer apex locator integrated engine-driven instrumentation. Although many of these specialized clinicians use this technique, they stated that they measure electronic working length passively for confirmation of the working length before (90.5%) and after the preparation (66.7%). Dentists, as well as endodontists, are skeptical about apex locator-integrated engine-driven instrumentation. Using this technique as a supporter rather than a primary way for preparation within safe limits may give safer results in terms of treatment outcomes.

This study evaluated the effect of the use of EDTA solution at various intervals to remove intracanal calcium hydroxide medication on fracture resistance. One hundred and one extracted lower premolar teeth were randomly allocated into one control group (n = 5), two main experimental groups (CH(+), with calcium hydroxide dressing, and CH(−), without calcium hydroxide dressing), with four subgroups (EDTA intervals: 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, n = 12). Ready-to-use injectable calcium hydroxide was used for the samples in the four CH(+) subgroups, and the samples were kept in an incubator at 37 °C and 100% humidity for seven days. All samples (CH(+), CH(−)) were irrigated with 17% EDTA, which was accompanied by activation with EndoActivator for 1, 3, 5, and 10 min, and then rinsed with 2.5% NaOCl in a standardized manner. The obturation was conducted using the warm obturation technique; experiments were conducted with a universal testing device, and their fracture strength was recorded. Compliance with the normal distribution was examined with ±2 skewness coefficients. Two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s, one-way ANOVA, and Dunnett’s tests were used for statistics (p < 0.050). A statistically significant difference was found between the mean values of the force between the groups (p = 0.009). The mean strength of the tooth at fracture that CH(−) was 401.7, CH(+) was 335.35. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of the forces according to time intervals (p = 0.387). While there was no significant difference among the experimental groups (p = 0.229), the mean fracture strength of the negative control group was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001). The highest fracture resistance was observed in the nonprepared group. Irrigation with EDTA for up to 5 min showed more acceptable fracture resistance results than the other groups. Using calcium hydroxide significantly and negatively affected the root strength.

Nanoimaging, crucial in endodontics, has advanced, leading to more effective and less invasive treatments. Nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) is an advanced imaging technique to evaluate bone structures or gaps in filling materials, providing submicrometer spatial resolution due to smaller focal points and voxels, higher signal-to-noise ratios, and higher tube voltages and powers compared to conventional devices, improving dental imaging precision and safety by producing detailed images with minimal radiation exposure. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis on nano-CT imaging as a nano identification tool in endodontics. Using various tools and methods, it evaluated progress and trends in nano-CT, aiming to enhance understanding of bibliometric data and complement existing endodontic knowledge. Nano-CT imaging has gained prominence in endodontics research, offering potential applications and insights into various aspects of the field. A review of relevant studies highlighted the technique's ability to visualize dentin tubules, root canal anatomy, filling quality, root resorption, cracks, microcracks, soft dental tissues, cellular layers, volumetric changes post-instrumentation, hard tissue debris, root surface deposits, and bioceramic pore structures. Nano-CT has the potential to become the gold standard for imaging in endodontics, presenting opportunities and challenges for future research. These findings provide researchers and practitioners with the latest advancements in nanoimaging.

Objective: This study aimed to measure patients' awareness levels about rubber dam used in endodontic treatments and their opinions about the necessity of its use, to evaluate their endodontic treatment experiences with rubber dam, and to compare the relationship between these opinions and treatment experience. Methods: A survey including 16-questions was designed to access the participants' demographic information and previous rubber dam experiences, their current experience, and their preferences for the use of rubber dams in subsequent treatments. 9 questions aimed to measure the attitude via five-point Likert scale indicating measurements ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The survey was completed when the number of participants reached 150 patients. Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, Fisher's Exact test and Pearson Chi Square test were used to compare categorical data, and multiple comparisons were examined with the Bonferroni Corrected Z test. p<0.05 was considered sufficient for statistical significance. Results: 27.3% of the participants had previously received dental treatment with rubber dam. It was determined that there were significantly more patients with primary education levels among those who did not know the benefits of rubber dam use before coming to treatment (p=0.013). There was a statistically significant connection between the question "I was informed by my dentist about the reasons for using rubber dam before the treatment" and the question "I think the use of rubber dam is necessary for the dentist/patient" (p<0.001). In this study, only 4 people were observed who did not prefer rubber dam for the next treatment. Conclusion: Before endodontic procedures, the advantages and necessity of rubber dam use should be explained to patients in detail and the questions in the patients' minds should be eliminated. The clinician should improve himself in the use of rubber dam and provide the patient with a more comfortable treatment.

Background: Apically extruded debris can be affected by some features of the file systems such as kinematics or metallurgic properties. Aims: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of movement kinematics (reciprocation or rotation) and heat-treated alloys (C.Wire) on the amount of debris extrusion. Methods: Seventy-two mesiobuccal root canals were assigned into three experimental groups related to the single-file system used (n = 24): two rotational; One Shape (Conventional Ni-Ti), One Curve (C.Wire), and one reciprocating; and One Reci (C.Wire). The file systems were used according to the advisable speed and torque according to the manufacturers’ suggestion. The weight of debris was calculated by subtracting the preweights from postweights of Eppendorf tubes. Kruskall–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data ( P = 0.05). Results: One Shape produced the greatest amount of extruded debris compared with One Curve ( P < 0.001) and One Reci ( P < 0.001), respectively. No statistical difference was found between One Curve and One Reci concerning amount of apical debris extrusion ( P = 0.489). Conclusion: Metallurgical properties of files may affect apical debris extrusion. Alloy type is an important factor in the amount of debris extrusion. File kinematics does not affect apical debris extrusion.

Background This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the persistence of calcium hydroxide (CH) associated with different vehicles on the artificial cavities after removing with sonic activation or conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Methods Seventy-two extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented with ProTaper Universal rotary system up to F4. The roots were split longitudinally, and standardized cavities were prepared. The roots were assigned into 3 groups (n=24), according to vehicles used; distilled water, glycerin, and propylene glycol. In each group, cavities were filled with CH mixed with the respective vehicle. After reassembly, the removal of CH dressing was performed with either sonic activation (with EDDY) or CNI (n=12).The remnants of CH was assessed under a microscope with x40 magnification. A four-grade scoring system was used to evaluate. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare the data. (p <0.05). ResultsThere was a significant difference among groups (p<0.05). Complete removal of CH was found in the distilled water and propylene glycol groups when EDDY was used (p<0.05).EDDY was significantly more effective than CNI in the removal of CH mixed with distilled water and propylene glycol (p<.05).Whereas no significant difference was found between EDDY and CNI in the glycerin group (p>0.05).The lowest CH remnants were found in the distilled water group when CNI was used (p<0.05).Conclusion The vehicle associated with CH and irrigation activation is important for its retrieval. EDDY provided the complete removal of CH when mixed with distilled water or propylene glycol.