Non-SPN lesions appeared in the periapical region mimicking a SPN, although rarely. Most of them were developmental cysts, in particular OKCs, but odontogenic tumours, such as ameloblastoma, or malignant lesions were also diagnosed. Histological examination of tissue harvested from periapical lesions should be performed, in particular when those lesions are large.

Objectives: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography is an alternative imaging technique which has been recently introduced in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology. It has rapidly gained great popularity among clinicians due to its ability to detect lesions and defects of the orofacial region and provide three-dimensional information about them. In the field of Endodontics, CBCT can be a useful tool to reveal tooth morphology irregularities, additional root canals and vertical root fractures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the root and root canal morphology of the maxillary permanent molars in Greek population using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography. Materials and Methods : 273 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were examined. The number of roots and root canals of the first and second maxillary molars were evaluated. Root canal configuration was classified according to Weine’s classification by two independent examiners and statistical analysis was performed. Results : A total of 812 molars (410 first and 402 second ones) were evaluated. The vast majority of both first and second molars had three roots (89.26% and 85.07%, respectively). Most first molars had four canals, while most second molars had three. In the mesiobuccal roots, one foramen was recorded in 80.91% of all teeth. Other rare morphologic variations were also found, such as fusion of a maxillary second molar with a supernumerary tooth. Conclusion : Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that more attention should be given to the detection of additional canals during root canal treatment in maxillary permanent molars. Towards this effort, CBCT can provide the clinician with supplemental information about the different root canal configurations for successful Root Canal Treatment.

The purpose of this study was to compare the sealing ability and marginal adaptation of four restorative materials (MTA, Biodentine, portlant cement, and resin modified glass ionomer cement) used to repair iatrogenic furcation perforations. Eighty-four molars were treated endodontically, perforated in the middle of the pulp chamber floor with a round bur and separated randomly into 4 groups of 20 teeth each, while 4 teeth were used as positive and negative controls. The teeth were embedded in a moistened flower sponge and the perforations were filled with the appropriate restorative materials: Group 1: Biodentine; Group 2: MTA Angelus; Group 3: GC Fuji lining LC Paste Pak; Group 4: Aquafix Portland cement. The teeth remained in the soaked sponge for 28 days and then were submerged in basic fuchsine solution 1% for 48 hours. Dye penetration was evaluated after longitudinal sectioning of the teeth. Statistical analysis revealed that perforations restored with MTA exhibited the least microleakage with statistically significant difference among the other three groups (p < 0.05). The worst sealing ability was observed in the teeth restored with Aquafix Portland cement. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups of Biodentine and FC Fuji Lining Paste (p = 0.066).

Apoptosis (a programmed cell death mechanism) within the radicular cyst epithelium has still not been correlated with any clinical factor. This study aimed to investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide on apoptosis, via the detection of caspase-9. Thirty radicular cysts collected during apicoectomies and stored in paraffin were retrospectively retrieved. Conservative endodontic treatments had been carried out either without (group (a) n = 14), or with calcium hydroxide application (group (b), n = 16) before obturation. All cysts were immunohistochemically stained for caspase-9 to record apoptosis of the epithelium. Statistical analysis followed. The frequency of caspase-9 immunoreactivity in the cystic epithelium in the two groups was 42.86% and 93.75% of cysts respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.04 < 0.05). In cysts larger than (or equal to) 10 mm, caspase-9 was more frequently expressed. It was found calcium hydroxide appears to enhance the expression of caspase-9, especially in large lesions.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the tooth color alterations associated with two intracanal medicaments, calcium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide combined with aquatic solution of chlorexidine, for up to three months post-treatment. Materials & Methods: Thirty-one intact human anterior mature teeth were used. Black adhesive tape with a 4-mm diameter window was used to standardize the enamel surface intended for color analysis. After access cavity preparation, cleaning and shaping were completed with rotary nickel-titanium files. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n = 15), each according to the intracanal medicament used: (A) calcium hydroxide paste (UltraCal™ XS™ Ultradent Products, Inc., USA); (B) 2% chlorhexidine aquatic solution combined with pure calcium hydroxide powder. In one tooth, no medicament was placed (pilot). The enamel surfaces were colormetrically evaluated at the following time intervals: before placing the medicaments, immediately after placement, after 1 week as well as after 1, 2 and 3 months post-treatment. The CIE color parameters (L*, a*, b*) were recorded for each material and the corresponding color differences (ΔΕ) were calculated and statistically analyzed. Results: The most significant factor in tooth discoloration was the time intervals. The most important changes of the ΔΕ values were recorded after the 1st week and after the 3rd month. L* presented an overall increase in both groups, resulting in a higher lightness of the crown color. Only L* did show significant alterations during specific time intervals. Conclusions: There is no statistically significant relationship between the type of intracanal medicament and tooth color alteration. Time is statistically the most important factor affecting the discoloration ability of Ca(OH)2, either combined with chlorexidine or not. Consequently, the clinician should always take this into account before using such medicaments for a long-term treatment.