The adhesion of endodontic sealers to dentin may be influenced both by the chemical composition of the sealer and the final irrigation protocol. The aim of this study was to examine the push-out bond strength of three differently formulated bioceramic sealers to root canal dentin, after different irrigation protocols. Four cavities were prepared in dentine discs obtained from middle thirds of third molars with fused roots. Discs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8). Group 1: specimens were immersed in 2.5% NaOCl; group 2: in 2.5% NaOCl followed by 17% EDTA; and group 3: in a solution of 2.5% NaOCl with 9% etidronic acid (HEDP). The cavities on each disk were filled with four tested sealers: AH Plus Bioceramic, Bio C Angelus, BioRoot RCS, and AH Plus (n = 8 per sealer). The push-out bond strength test was performed after 7 days. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with the Bonferroni post hoc test (α = 0.05). Irrigation with NaOCl resulted in significantly lower bond strength values of the sealers in comparison to NaOCl/EDTA and NaOCl/HEDP groups. In the NaOCl and NaOCl/HEDP groups, BioRoot RCS showed similar push-out bond strength compared to AH Plus and significantly higher compared to Bio-C and AH Plus Bioceramic. In the NaOCl/EDTA group, bioceramic sealers achieved a significantly weaker bond strength compared to AH Plus. The bond strength of BioRoot RCS was significantly higher compared to Bio-C and AH Plus Bioceramic. The irrigation protocols and the chemical composition of the sealers significantly influenced their bond strength to dentin. Epoxy resin-based sealer achieved the strongest bond strength, while within bioceramic sealers, the highest values were obtained for BioRoot RCS and the lowest for AH Plus Bioceramic.

The calcium silicate-based sealers currently available on the market have different compositions and formulations, which is why their physical and chemical properties may vary. (1) The aim of the study was to measure the physico-chemical properties of calcium silicate-based sealers and their push-out bond strength to root dentine, comparing two push-out testing protocols. (2) Standardized specimens of EndoSequence BC, BioRoot RCS, MTA Fillapex, and AH Plus (control) were subjected to pH measurements over 28 days. Radiopacity was measured using a CCD sensor, and flexural strength was assessed using a three-point bending setup. Push-out bond strength was measured in coronal, middle, and apical sections of 40 single-root teeth (conventional method), and cylindrical cavities were prepared for all sealers on the same root dentine disks in 11 third molars (disk method). (3) EndoSequence BC exhibited a higher pH than MTA Fillapex and the highest radiopacity (p < 0.05). The highest flexural and push-out bond strengths were found for AH Plus. The push-out bond strength of EndoSequence BC and BioRoot RCS was higher than MTA Fillapex (p < 0.05). The conventional and disk methods exhibited similar push-out bond strength results, but the data were more homogeneously distributed in the disk method. (4) All calcium silicate-based sealers exhibited a higher pH than AH Plus. MTA Fillapex did not meet the ISO standard. Calcium silicate-based sealers showed weaker performance in terms of physical properties compared to AH Plus.

This study evaluated the effects of thermocycling and staining on the optical behavior, chemical stability, and surface morphology of three commercial dental composites manufactured using different polymerization protocols: a light-cured composite (Omnichroma, OMNI) and two digital light-processed (DLP) 3D-printed composites intended for permanent (SprintRay CROWN, SPRINT) and temporary (GC Temp PRINT, TEMP) clinical applications. Disc-shaped specimens were subjected to thermocycling (0, 5000, 10,000, and 30,000 cycles) and immersion in coffee, Coca-Cola, or red wine for 1 and 7 days. Color change (ΔE₀₀) and translucency parameter (TP) were determined spectrophotometrically, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to assess the polymerization efficiency (expressed as the relative conversion index) and surface morphology, respectively. Thermocycling induced material-dependent changes in color stability and translucency. After 30,000 cycles, ΔE₀₀ values reached 2.77 ± 0.89 for OMNI, 0.74 ± 0.34 for SPRINT, and 3.30 ± 0.89 for TEMP. SPRINT maintained the highest TP values throughout the aging protocol, ranging from 26.09 ± 0.33 to 23.81 ± 1.93, whereas OMNI and TEMP exhibited lower TP values. The most favorable optical performance and the highest resistance to beverage-induced coloration were detected for SPRINT, whereas TEMP showed the greatest susceptibility to aging- and staining-induced optical degradation. Red wine and coffee produced substantially greater color changes and reductions in translucency than Coca-Cola. AFM analysis demonstrated progressive surface degradation and increased roughness following prolonged thermocycling, highlighting the significant influence of material composition and manufacturing protocol on the long-term optical stability of the investigated dental composites.

Introduction/Objective. Challenges in the application of the rubber dam, inexperience, and discomfort of the patient are reasons for its undesirability. That is why education and training of young dentists is important, as well as bringing this phase of work closer to patients in order to reduce discomfort. The objective was to examine the attitudes about knowledge and skills of young dentists in our community and the impression of patients during the application of the rubber dam in the performance of restorative and endodontics procedures. Methods. The research was conducted on the basis of epidemiological questionnaires filled out by 30 dentists (specialist studies and internship at the Clinic for Dental Diseases) and 30 patients immediately after working with the rubber dam. The questionnaires had three categories: general information about the dentist?s knowledge and experience, information on clinical work with the rubber dam, and patient impressions. Results. A total of 37% of dentists had the experience of using rubber dam during endodontic procedures, while 23% of dentists used them during restorative procedures. Lack of experience (2-4 years) did not significantly affect the ability to place rubber dam in simple clinical procedures (p = 0.321) while it had a significant impact in more difficult situations (p = 0.027). During clinical work, the indication for the placement of the rubber dam did not significantly influence the choice of the jaw on which the dental procedure will be performed (p = 0.659). The average time for placing the rubber dam in both procedures was five minutes. After clinical work, 57% of patients felt no pain, and 93% would agree to reapply the rubber dam during future procedures. Conclusion. Young dentists have knowledge but insufficient experience when working with the rubber dam, which can be explained by their caution with the analysis of the clinical situation. Additional education and training during work with the rubber dam is necessary, in order to increase the independence of young dentists. Patients easily tolerate working with rubber dam and have a positive opinion.

Introduction/Objective. Aim was to evaluate the push-out bond strength to root canal dentine and radiopacity of three different sealers: Adseal (Meta Biomed Co., Cheongju-si, South Korea), CeraSeal (Meta Biomed Co.) and control AH Plus (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA). Methods. In nine dentin discs, 1 mm thickness, three holes, 1.2 mm diameter, were drilled in with a fissure carbide bur. Discs were immersed in 0.5% NaOCl and 10% citric acid respectively, for 60 seconds rinsed and dried. Every hole was filled with different sealer. Specimens were wrapped in gauze previously immersed in Hank?s balanced salt solution at 37?C/seven days. The push-out test was performed using universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. The radiopacity was tested (ISO 6876/2012 standard). Three sealer specimens, 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick were prepared and radiographed using radiovisiography system (CCD sensor, Trophy Radiologie, Marne-la-Vallee, France) with graded aluminum step-wedge. Gray-scale value was assessed using Adobe Photoshop CS7 (Adobe Inc. San Jose, CA, USA). Results. Mean values of push-out bond strength were 5.21 ? 0.87 MPa (Adseal), 0.06 ? 0.02 MPa (CeraSeal), and 3.13 ? 0.38 MPa (AH Plus). A statistically significant difference in push-out bond strength was observed among all three sealer groups (p < 0.05). Adseal exhibited the strongest bond strength to root canal dentine. All sealers achieved radiopacity over 3 mm, with statistically significant difference among the groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The epoxy-based sealer Adseal showed higher bond strength compared to AH Plus and calcium silicate-based sealer CeraSeal, which, expectedly, showed the weakest dislocation resistance. All three sealers fulfilled the ISO standard to be distinguished on dental radiogram.

Root canal negotiation that establishes a full working-length canal and creates a glide path (GP) prior to mechanical root canal instrumentation reduces the risk of procedural errors and significantly contributes to the success of endodontic therapy. The aim of this narrative review was to critically analyze currently available stainless-steel manual instruments used for root canal negotiation and glide path preparation, with an emphasis on their design characteristics, mechanical behavior, and clinical applicability. The manuscript describes instruments manufactured from conventional stainless steel and stainless-steel alloys modified by specific heat treatments to improve their mechanical properties. The cross-sectional and tip design of the instruments were analyzed to provide more profound insight into the effect of these parameters on apical patency and overall instrument reliability during clinical use. The potential advantages and limitations of the analyzed instruments are discussed, along with recommendations for their selection in specific clinical situations, depending on the complexity of the root canal system.