Advanced Electrochemical Reamer (EC-Reamer) for Root Canal Treatment

Abstract

Objective According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), 22 million endodontic procedures have been performed annually. Root canal treatment is needed to prevent infection and restore function when a tooth is severely infected or decayed. This procedure is the only way to preserve the natural tooth and avoid artificial replacement (implant, denture, etc.). The current study aims to develop an electrochemical reamer (EC-Reamer or EC-R) that can help to disinfect the canal system and thus improve the success rate of root canal treatment. Methods The COMSOL Multiphysics software was utilized to simulate the experimental setup and confirm the current flow in the electrolyte. The benchtop experimental approach follows a specific electrochemical protocol, (i) open circuit potential to monitor the electrochemical stabilization and (ii) potentiostatic scan at –9.0 V as the treatment stage. Identification of feasible reference electrode (RE) and insulation material for the exploratory benchtop studies considered platinum (Pt) and gold (Au) wire as the REs and hot melt adhesive (HMA) and liquid tape as the insulation materials. The antimicrobial effects of EC-R were analysed using Enterococcus faecalis ( E. faecalis ). One-way ANOVA with the Tukey post hoc test and a significance level of P<0.05 is used to compare the groups with an experimental duration of 60 seconds. Results The findings showed that magnitude and current fluctuations created by Pt wire are promising when compared to Au wire, while Pt–HMA pair is chosen considering Pt's good electrochemical inertness and HMA's easy handling, availability, and non-hazardous features. The use of potentiostatic duration of 1 s and 3 s resulted in >99.99% E. faecalis reduction. Duration at 5 s and above resulted in a total bacterial kill. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference among the groups tested with commercial and custom-built potentiostats. Conclusion The outcome provided preliminary data for developing an EC-R prototype to enhance the antimicrobial effect during root canal treatment potentially.

Anti-bacterial Effects of Allium atroviolaceum Hydroalcoholic Extract on Oral Bacteria of Streptococcus viridans Groups

“…An ideal root canal irrigant should possess potent antibacterial properties with minimal toxicity (12). Furthermore, it should disinfect and penetrate dentin tubules, lubricate endodontic devices, provide long-term antibacterial effects, remove the smear layer, dissolve necrotic tissue, and be cost-effective, non-toxic, and non-carcinogenic (13). Although various irrigants are available today, they still exhibit certain limitations.…”