Alfredo Iandolo, Dina Abdellatif, Davide Mancino, Gwenael Rolin, Camille Coussens, Aurelian Louvrier, Felipe G Belladonna, Edouard Euvrard, Emmanuel João Nogueira Leal da Silva
Restor Dent Endod 2025;50(4):e36. Published online October 15, 2025
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate whether continuous irrigation with larger volumes or allowing sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) resting time is more critical for pulp tissue dissolution using a controlled artificial root canal system.
Methods A three-dimensional printed artificial root canal with a lateral canal in the apical third was fabricated. Standardized bovine pulp tissue specimens were inserted, and three irrigation protocols were tested: group A (continuous NaOCl irrigation at 1 mL/min via syringe pump), group B (intermittent NaOCl irrigation with 0.1 mL and a 3-minute resting period), and group C (control, saline irrigation). The time for complete dissolution and the total NaOCl volume were recorded.
Results Complete dissolution occurred in groups A and B, with significant differences in NaOCl volume and time (p < 0.05). In group A, complete dissolution was consistently observed after the 6th irrigation cycle, corresponding to a total NaOCl volume of 6.0 ± 0.66 mL per test. The average time required for complete dissolution in this group was 6 ± 0.66 minutes. In group B, complete dissolution occurred after the 4th cycle, with a total NaOCl volume of 0.4 ± 0.06 mL per test and a mean dissolution time of 12.6 ± 1.8 minutes.
Conclusions NaOCl volume and exposure time significantly influence pulp tissue dissolution.
The present case report describes the endodontic treatment of a type III B dens invaginatus (DI) in a three-rooted mandibular second molar since the invagination invades the root and extends apically. Clinical and cone-beam computed tomography examination of the mandibular second molar showed a broadened coronal morphology, DI, a third root, periapical radiolucency, and compression of a distal root canal by the invagination, which developed an atypical semilunar shape. The tooth was diagnosed with pulpal necrosis, symptomatic apical, and peri-invagination periodontitis. Consequently, three-dimensional virtual reconstruction was conducted to improve anatomical interpretation and case planning and accelerate the intraoperative phase by reducing operator stress and minimizing intraoperative variables. The present case report aims to raise awareness of the existence of DI on the mandibular second molar.
Citations
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Dens Invaginatus—Mandibular Second Molar—Case Report Krystyna Pietrzycka, Natalia Lutomska, Cornelis H. Pameijer, Monika Lukomska-Szymanska Dentistry Journal.2026; 14(1): 27. CrossRef
Type IIIb dens invaginatus in a maxillary second molar and its microscopic anatomical features: a case report Mingming Li, Zhiwu Wu, Shaoying Duan, Yuling Zuo BMC Oral Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef