BackgroundA knowledge regarding anatomical variants is important to achieve success in endodontic treatment. Root canal treatment of mandibular first premolars (PM1 s) is challenging due to the existence of numerous variations in canal configurations, including a C-shaped variant. We aim to determine the frequency and morphologic characteristics of non-single canals of mandibular first (PM1 s) and second (PM2 s) premolars in a Korean population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to evaluate correlations between non-single canals of PM1 s and other anatomical variants, such as distolingual roots (DLRs) in mandibular first molars (M1 s) and C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars (M2 s).MethodsA total of 971 PM1 s and 997 PM2 s from 500 patients were examined in vivo by CBCT. Root canal configurations and C-shaped canals were determined in accordance with the Vertucci classification and Fan classification, respectively. The correlation between non-single canals in PM1 s and DLRs in M1 s was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsPM2 s typically had one root (99.89%) with one canal (98.4%). Among PM1 s with non-single canals (21.2%), Vertucci type V (10.9%) and C-shaped (3.7%) canals were prevalent. Among C-shaped PM1 canals, the majority were Vertucci type V (77.8%); a C-shaped configuration (C2) was predominant mostly at the middle and/or apical third of the root. After adjusting for other variables (i.e., sex, age, and side), C-shaped canals in PM1 s was significantly correlated with the presence of DLRs in M1 s (odds ratio = 2.616; 95% confidence interval, 1.257–5.443; p = 0.010).ConclusionsThe presence of C-shaped PM1 canals was positively related to the presence of DLRs in M1 s. Although C-shaped canals in PM1 s are difficult to distinguish, this finding could aid clinicians in predicting C-shaped canal configurations in PM1 s of patients who exhibit DLRs in M1 s.

The purpose of this study was to compare the penetration ability of calcium silicate root canal sealers and conventional resin-based sealer using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A total of 60 recently extracted single-rooted human premolars were used in this study. The root canals were prepared to a size 40/0.06 taper with ProFile rotary instruments and irrigated with NaOCl and EDTA. After drying all canals, the specimens were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 20): Group 1, gutta-percha (GP)/AH Plus with continuous wave compaction; group 2, GP/BioRoot RCS with a single-cone technique; and group 3, GP/Endoseal MTA with a single-cone technique. All experimental samples were sectioned perpendicular to their long axis using a low-speed diamond wheel at the apical, middle, and coronal third levels. The penetration abilities of all samples were evaluated using CLSM. A Kruskal–Wallis analysis and a series of Mann–Whitney U post hoc tests were performed. A higher intensity level was found in the coronal area and a lower intensity level in the apical area in all the experimental groups. The AH Plus group showed higher sum fluorescence intensity in the apical and coronal thirds compared with the BioRoot RCS and Endoseal MTA groups, whereas the BioRoot RCS group showed a higher intensity level in the middle third, similar to the AH Plus group. The maximum sealer penetration depth was low in the apical area and high in the coronal area in the AH Plus and Endoseal MTA groups. In the BioRoot RCS group, maximum sealer penetration was observed in the middle third. In conclusion, there were significant differences in sealer penetration pattern and distance according to the root level and sealer type.

Background: The overall level of chromatin compaction is an important mechanism of radiosensitivity, and modification of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation may increase radiosensitivity by altering chromatin compaction. In this study, we investigated the effect of a demethylating agent, a histone deacetylase(HDAC) inhibitor, and the two agents combined on radiosensitivity in human colon and breast cancer cell lines.