Large Language Models (LLMs) are artificial intelligence (AI) systems that simulate human language processing through deep learning techniques and neural networks. They are increasingly utilized for clinical decision support, student training, and enhancing educational processes. However, the reliability of AI models, especially in answering various types of questions, remains a point of debate. Standard multiple-choice questions (MCQs) involve selecting one correct answer from five options, whereas combination-type MCQs (C-MCQs) identify all correct statements among several alternatives. This study aims to evaluate and compare the performance of various LLMs in answering MCQs and C-MCQs in endodontics. A total of 151 endodontic questions were identified through a comprehensive review of publicly available Dentistry Specialty Exams in Turkey conducted since 2012. The questions were presented to eight LLMs (ChatGPT-4o, ChatGPT-4, Gemini 1.5 Flash, Gemini 1.5 Pro, Gemini 2.0 Flash, Copilot, Deepseek-V3, and Qwen2.5-Max) in Turkish. Accuracy rates for both MCQs and C-MCQs were statistically analyzed using SPSS v23 (p < 0.05). ChatGPT-4o achieved the highest overall accuracy rate (81.5%), while Gemini 1.5 Flash had the lowest (57%). In standard MCQs, ChatGPT-4o significantly outperformed the other models (p < 0.001), but in C-MCQs, no significant difference was observed between the models (p = 0.179). Across all models, accuracy rates for C-MCQs were significantly lower than for MCQs (p < 0.05). Deepseek-V3 maintained a more balanced performance across question types than the other models. LLMs show promising potential as educational tools in endodontics. However, their accuracy varies by question type and model. They can support student learning and clinical decision-making but cannot yet be considered a fully reliable standalone source in endodontics.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide and bioceramics used in perforation repair on the bonding strength of fiber posts via a push-out test. This study used 106 extracted single-rooted human mandibular premolar teeth. Root canal preparations were performed with a rotary file system and perforations were created in the middle third of each tooth. The samples were randomized into two main experimental groups, one with calcium hydroxide and one without. Each group had four subgroups in which different bioceramic cements were applied (n = 11) and a control group (n = 9). The root canals perforations were repaired using MTA, Biodentine, Bioaggregate, and Endosequence BC root repair material. A fiber post was applied to each tooth and a push-out test was performed. The samples were examined at 40× magnification with a digital microscope in order to identify fracture type. Bonding strength was calculated in MPa. A statistical analysis showed that the calcium hydroxide had no effect on the bonding strength of the fiber posts. A comparison of the perforation repair materials revealed that Biodentine in the calcium hydroxide group and Bioaggregate in both groups decreased the bonding strength compared to the other materials (p < 0.05). The most common failure type was adhesive failure between the dentin and resin cement (38.16%). The use of different perforation repair materials can affect the bonding strength of fiber posts. Therefore, the choice of perforation repair material should be made on an individual basis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of non-vital bleaching agents and resin composite types on the color stability, translucency parameter, and whiteness index of non-vital teeth at different time intervals. 135 extracted single-rooted maxillary central incisors were used. The teeth were stained with coffee, baseline color values were measured, and root canal treatment was completed. The samples were randomly divided into three main groups: two bleaching agent groups (Opalescence and Whiteness-Super–Endo)and a control group. Each group was randomly divided into three subgroups (n = 15). The subgroups were restored with different resin composites (Filtek-Z250, FiltekBulk-Fill, Omnichroma) and subjected to thermocycling, and color measurements were repeated. The color differences (ΔE00), relative translucency parameter (RTP00), and whiteness index (WID) values of the samples were calculated. Data were analyzed using robust ANOVA (p < 0.05). Bleaching treatments caused color changes exceeding acceptable thresholds in all groups. Regarding color change and the translucency values, there was no significant difference between the two bleaching agents; however, both agents demonstrated significantly higher effectiveness compared with the control group (p < 0.001). In terms of WID, Opalescence group had higher values (p < 0.001). No significant variations in color change and WID occurred across the groups after the application of various resin composites (p > 0.05). However, RTP00 of Omnichroma group was significantly higher than that of the other materials (p < 0.001). Bleaching treatments caused color changes exceeding acceptable thresholds in all groups. An increase in RTP00 values occurred after bleaching and thermal cycling. WID values increased following bleaching and remained stable over time. This study enhances the understanding of how different non-vital bleaching agents and resin composites affect the long-term optical properties of endodontically treated teeth, providing valuable insights for optimal material selection in esthetic restorations.

The self-confidence levels of undergraduate dental students regarding the steps of endodontic treatment and the types of teeth treated were evaluated to lo

Background: Oral and systemic health are strongly associated with individuals’ quality of life and sleep quality, both of which are increasingly recognized as important patient-reported outcomes in dentistry. Aim: This prospective longitudinal observational cohort study aimed to compare changes in oral health related quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14; OHIP-14) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI) following endodontic and periodontal treatments. Methods: A total of 74 patients who received endodontic treatment and 90 who underwent periodontal treatment completed the OHIP-14 and PSQI questionnaires before and three weeks after treatment. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group comparisons and the Mann–Whitney U test on change scores (post−pre) for between-group comparisons, with Holm correction applied for multiple subdomain tests. ANCOVA was additionally performed as an exploratory sensitivity analysis because the homogeneity-of-regression-slopes assumption was violated for both outcomes (p < 0.05). Results: Both treatments significantly improved OHIP-14 scores and most PSQI components; however, no significant change was observed in sleep medication use in the periodontal group. Functional limitation improved more in the periodontal group, whereas handicap improved more in the endodontic group. Baseline PSQI scores were significantly higher in the endodontic group. PSQI subdomains improved in both groups, with no significant between-group differences after Holm correction. Similarly, no significant differences were found between groups in overall OHIP-14 and PSQI scores. Conclusions: Endodontic and periodontal treatments were associated with short-term improvements in individuals’ quality of life and sleep quality. While periodontal treatment may provide greater benefits in certain quality-of-life domains, endodontic treatment may offer advantages in others. Both treatments appear to support improvements in sleep-related outcomes. These findings may contribute to patient-centered clinical decision-making.

Background: The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the quality, reliability, andpatient education potential of YouTube videos addressing root canal retreatment, and to investigate the interrelationships among the assessment tools applied.Methods: The first 200 videos retrieved using the keyword “retreatment” on the YouTube platform up to March 2025 were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria, and a total of58 videos were included in the study. Video content was assessed using the Global Quality Scale(GQS), the Modified DISCERN tool, and a usefulness score. Additionally, parameters such as videoduration, like ratio, interaction index, and view rate were analyzed. Statistical analyses includedthe Mann–Whitney U test, independent samples t-test, and Spearman correlation analysis.Results: The mean scores of the evaluated videos were low for the Global Quality Scale (1.88 ±0.92), Modified DISCERN (2.26 ± 1.02), and usefulness score (2.50 ± 1.14). None of the videoswere classified as having high content quality. A strong positive correlation was found betweenvideo duration and both GQS (r=0.487, P < .001) and usefulness score (r=0.361, P=.005).Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was observed between the interaction index andthe number of days since the video was uploaded (r=–0.53, P < .001).Conclusion: Most YouTube videos of root canal retreatment are characterized by low contentquality and reliability. This poses a risk of exposing patients to inaccurate or insufficient information. It is essential for healthcare professionals to produce and recommend scientificallygrounded, high quality, and reliable content to support patient education effectively.Cite this article as: Tavşan O, Ongun SK. Are YouTube videos on root canal retreatment reliable sources of information? Essent Dent.2025, 4, 0058, doi: 10.5152/EssentDent.2025.25058.