Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic impacts of two pineal hormones, melatonin and 5-methoxytryptophol (5-MTX), in a rat model of acute pulpitis by analyzing biochemical and histopathological parameters. Methods. This research was done using 32 male and female Wistar albino rats with weight between 200 and 250 g. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (rats without any treatment), acute pulpitis (AP) group, AP+melatonin group, and AP+5-MTX group. In the AP-induced groups, the crowns of the upper left incisors were removed horizontally. Lipopolysaccharide solution was applied to the exposed pulp tissue before the canal orifices were sealed with a temporary filling material. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) and 5-MTX (5 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. The rats were sacrificed 24 hours after pulp injury, and trunk blood and pulp samples were collected. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-1, and MMP-2 in sera and pulp samples were determined using ELISA assay kits. Results. TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-1, and MMP-2 levels in the serum and pulp tissues were considerably higher in the AP group than the control group ( p < 0.01 ‐ 0.001 ). In the AP+melatonin and AP+5-MTX groups, TNF-α, IL-1β, MMP-1, and MMP-2 levels in the serum and pulp tissues were significantly lower than in the AP group ( p < 0.05 ‐ 0.001 ). Conclusions. Both melatonin and 5-MTX provided protective effects on acute pulpitis, which indicates they may be promising as a therapeutic strategy for oral disease.

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Background/Aims: Many equipment and materials have been introduced to improve the endodontic treatment outcomes and shorten the treatment time. This study aimed to gather information on the materials and methods employed in root canal treatment by dentists in Northern Cyprus. Material and Methods:A questionnaire dealing with endodontic practice was designed and distributed to the dentists in Northern Cyprus. One hundred seventeen dentists were asked face to face to complete this survey. The structured questionnaire comprised 25 questions about the materials and techniques used in endodontic treatments. Data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square tests to find out the effect of the years of professional experience on the preference of irrigation solutions and obturation techniques. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results:One hundred seventeen respondents completed the questionnaire and 47 % were female and 53 % male. There was a wide range between the dentists' professional experience years. 14.1 % of them reported that they did not use periapical films in their clinics. The majority of dentists replied that they never used a rubber dam (83 %). There was an association between years of professional experience with the preferred irrigation solution (P < 0.05). For root canal preparation, 54.7 % stated using rotary NiTi instruments. There was an association between years of professional experience with the preferred canal obturation technique (P < 0.05). Conclusion:The need for endodontic training after graduation seemed to be a common opinion among practitioners. Hands-on courses may help practitioners to adopt the advances in endodontics to their practice.