Both chlorhexidine preparations and distilled water were not able to dissolve pulp tissue. All sodium hypochlorite solutions were efficient in dissolving pulp tissue; the dissolution speed varied with the concentration of the solution.

The purpose of this study was to determine Brazilian dentists' knowledge of emergency management of dento-alveolar trauma. A two-part questionnaire containing questions on demographic data and knowledge were mailed to 230 general dental practitioners (GDPs) and 70 endodontists. Questionnaires were returned by 42.6% of the GDPs and 62.8% of the endodontists. The survey data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test for practitioners' knowledge and Pearson's correlation coefficient for association between knowledge scores and practitioner age or years since graduation. The mean knowledge score of endodontists was significantly greater than for GDPs (P<0.0001). Dentists with trauma experience in their practices and those who had attended postgraduate courses on dental trauma had a significant higher mean knowledge score. In contrast, there was a poor correlation between the knowledge score and the ages of the respondents (r=0.086) or the years since graduation (r=0.108). In conclusion, this survey showed a poor knowledge of dental trauma management among the surveyed dentists and highlights the need to develop strategies to improve the knowledge base in this area of dentistry for the benefit of the dental trauma patient.

Enterococci, enteric bacteria and yeasts were present in primary endodontic infections. Enterococci, particularly Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium were resistant to removal by root canal preparation followed by intracanal dressing.

This study assessed the effect of bacteriophages on the viability of Enterococcus faecalis. Human dental roots were inoculated with a suspension of E. faecalis at three different multiplicities of infection - 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0. The phage lysate was able to significantly inhibit bacteria growth when incubated at the multiplicities of infection of 1.0, 10.0 and 0.1. The dental roots were also inoculated with bacteria for 6 days to allow bacterial penetration into the teeth tubules. Addition of the phage lysate to the roots following the 6-day incubation period led to a substantial reduction in bacteria viability. Phage therapy may be an important alternative for the treatment of root canal infections refractory to conventional endodontic therapy.

Epiphany had higher flow and polymerization stress and lower bond strength values to dentine than AH Plus. In view of these findings it can be implied that AH Plus would provide a better seal.