This study aimed to develop whitening mouth rinses formulated with industrial mushrooms and compare them with over-the-counter whitening mouth rinses.
Formulations with black shimeji mushrooms, mushroom substrates, and mushroom stalks were developed. Bovine enamel/dentin samples were divided into 7 groups (
ΔE* was higher in LW and MSB groups. No significant differences were found for ΔE00 (
Black shimeji mushrooms are promising for mouth rinse development due to their alkaline pH and non-altering effect on surface microhardness.
This study aimed to evaluate the color stability and solubility of Biodentine and NeoPutty in contact with different irrigation solutions.
Biodentine and NeoPutty were set in cylindrical molds with 7 mm diameter and 1.5 mm high and immersed in distilled water, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 9% 1-hydroxyethylidene 1,1-diphosphonate (HEDP), and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions for 24 hours. The color change was measured with a spectrophotometer. The solubility values were calculated as the mass loss was expressed as a percentage of the original mass using an analytical balance with 10−4 g accuracy. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann-Whitney
Biodentine exhibited higher color changes compared to the NeoPutty contact with all solutions except distilled water (
Tested HCs showed solubility and color changes at various rates. NeoPutty could be an appropriate material in aesthetic areas. The usage of HEDP as an irrigant solution can be considered suitable for various endodontic treatments due to its relatively lower solubility and discoloration values.
Previous
A commercially available nano-filled composite resin was used. Specimens were stained using a coffee-based solution and a 10% carbamide peroxide-based gel was employed as the whitening agent. The pigment’s penetration and the effect of the bleaching gel were evaluated by measuring color (CieLab values) from the outer edge to the inner part of the specimens. Color measurements were taken at 14 points, starting from 0.1 mm from the external perimeter up to 3.0 mm.
Analysis of variance tests showed a statistically significant difference between the Control Group (CG), Pigmentation Group, and Whitening Group. The whitening agent was effective up to 1.5 mm in depth, with Whiteness index (W) values not statistically different from those of CG up to 0.5 mm in depth.
Whitening agents on nano-filled resin composite previously pigmented appear effective in restoring the W to values similar to the original, particularly in the superficial layers of the sample.
This study aimed to answer the question through a systematic review: Can carbamide peroxide be as effective as hydrogen peroxide and cause less in-office bleaching sensitivity? A literature survey was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and gray literature. Primary clinical trials that compared the efficacy or the in-office bleaching sensitivity between carbamide and hydrogen peroxides were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB2. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. DPI training significantly improved the mean scores of the dental undergraduates from 7.53 in the pre-DPI-training test to 9.01 in the post-DPI-training test (
This study aimed to investigate the elemental analysis and microhardness of a bioactive material (Activa) and marginal tooth structure after storage in different media.
Fifteen teeth received cervical restorations with occlusal enamel and gingival dentin margins using the tested material bonded with a universal adhesive, 5 of them on the 4 axial surfaces and the other 10 on only the 2 proximal surfaces. The first 5 teeth were sectioned into 4 restorations each, then stored in 4 different media; deionized water, Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS), Tris buffer, and saliva. The storage period for deionized water was 24 hours while it was 3 months for the other media. Each part was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis for different substrates/distances and the wt% of calcium, phosphorus, silica, and fluoride were calculated. The other 10 teeth were sectioned across the restoration, stored in either Tris buffer or saliva for 24 hours or 3 months, and were evaluated for microhardness of different substrates/areas. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey’s
Enamel and dentin interfaces in the DPBS group exhibited a significant increase in calcium and phosphorus wt%. Both silica and fluoride significantly increased in tooth structure up to a distance of 75 μm in the 3-month-media groups than the immediate group. Storage media did not affect the microhardness values.
SEM-EDS analysis suggests an ion movement between Activa and tooth structure through a universal adhesive while stored in DPBS.
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different topical/systemic agents in reducing the damage caused by bleaching gel to pulp tissue or cells.
Electronic searches were performed in July 2023.
Out of 1,112 articles, 27 were included. Nine animal studies evaluated remineralizing/anti-inflammatories agents in rat molars subjected to bleaching with 35%–38% hydrogen peroxide (HP). Five of these studies demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammation caused by HP when combined with bioglass or MI Paste Plus (GC America), or following KF-desensitizing or Otosporin treatment (
Few
PROSPERO Identifier:
This study aimed to evaluate the bleaching efficacy and hydrogen peroxide permeability in the pulp chamber by the at-home bleaching gel in protocols applied on different dental surfaces.
Forty premolars were randomly into 4 groups: control group no bleaching, only application on the buccal surface (OB), only application on the lingual surface (OL) and application in buccal and lingual surfaces, simultaneously (BL). At-home bleaching gel (White Class 7.5%) was used for the procedure. The bleaching efficacy was evaluated with a digital spectrophotometer (color change in CIELAB [Δ
All groups submitted to bleaching procedure showed bleaching efficacy when measured with Δ
The application of bleaching gel exclusively on the OB is sufficient to achieve bleaching efficacy, when compared to BL. Although the OL protocol demonstrated lower bleaching efficacy based on the ΔWID values, it may still be of interest and relevant in certain clinical scenarios based on individual needs, requiring clinical trials to better understand its specificities.
This
Sixty samples (7 mm × 2 mm) were used for color and roughness analyses, while another 60 samples (3 mm × 2 mm) were utilized to assess microhardness. The factors analyzed included toothpaste, for which 5 options with varying active agents were tested (distilled water; conventional toothpaste; whitening toothpaste with abrasive agents; whitening toothpaste with abrasive and chemical agents; and whitening toothpaste with abrasive, chemical, and bleaching agents). Brushing and application of whitening gel were performed for 14 days. Surface microhardness (SMH), surface roughness (Ra), and color (∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b, ∆E*ab, and ∆E00) were analyzed. The Ra and SMH data were analyzed using mixed generalized linear models for repeated measures, while the color results were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests.
Between the initial and final time points, all groups demonstrated significant increases in Ra and reductions in SMH. No significant differences were found between groups for SMH at the final time point, at which all groups differed from the distilled water group. Conventional toothpaste exhibited the lowest Ra, while whitening toothpaste with abrasive agent had the highest value. No significant differences were observed in ∆L*, ∆a*, and ∆b.
While toothpaste composition did not affect the color stability and microhardness of resin composite, combining toothbrushing with whitening toothpaste and at-home bleaching enhanced the change in Ra.
This review aimed to answer the following question “Does photobiomodulation treatment of the root surface decrease the occurrence of root resorption in reimplanted teeth?” Electronic searches were performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Grey Literature Report databases. Risk of bias was evaluated using SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) tool was used to assess the certainty of evidence. In total, 6 studies were included. Five studies reported a reduced occurrence of root resorption in teeth that received photobiomodulation treatment of the root surface prior to replantation. Only 1 study reported contradictory results. The photobiomodulation parameters varied widely among studies. GRADE assessment showed a low certainty of evidence. It can be inferred that photobiomodulation treatment of the root surface prior to replantation of teeth can reduce the occurrence of root resorption. Nonetheless, further clinical studies are needed.
PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022349891
This study evaluated the effects of Biodentine (BD), Bio-C Repair (BCR), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug on the fracture resistance of simulated immature teeth with replacement root resorption (RRR) and
Sixty bovine incisors simulating immature teeth and RRR were divided into 5 groups: BD and BCR groups, with samples completely filled with the respective materials; MTA group, which utilized a 3-mm apical MTA plug; RRR group, which received no root canal filling; and normal periodontal ligament (PL) group, which had no RRR and no root canal filling. All the teeth underwent cycling loading, and compression strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine. RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with 1:16 extracts of BD, BCR, and MTA containing receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) for 5 days. RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation was assessed by staining with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. The fracture load and osteoclast number were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05).
No significant difference in fracture resistance was observed among the groups (
The treatment options for non-vital immature teeth with RRR did not strengthen the teeth and promoted a similar resistance to fractures in all cases. BD, MTA, and BCR showed inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation, with BCR yielding improved results compared to the other materials.
Natural extracts have been investigated as a biomimetic strategy to mechanically strengthen the collagen network and control the biodegradation of extracellular matrix. This study evaluated the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on abfraction lesions prior to the composite resin.
The sample consisted of 30 patients (aged between 28 and 60 years) with abfraction lesions located in 2 homologous premolars. The teeth were randomly assigned according to dentin treatment: 0.02% EGCG solution or distilled water (control). After enamel acid etching, the solutions were applied immediately for 1 minute. The teeth were restored with Universal Adhesive (3M) and Filtek Z350 XT (3M). Analyzes were done by 2 independent examiners using modified USPHS (retention, secondary caries, marginal adaptation, and postoperative sensitivity) and photographic (color, marginal pigmentation, and anatomical form) criteria at baseline (7 days) and final (18 months). The data analysis used Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (α = 0.05).
At baseline, all restorations were evaluated as alpha for all criteria. After 18 months, restorations were evaluated as alpha for secondary caries, color, and marginal pigmentation. There was significant difference between baseline and 18 months (
The application of EGCG solution on abfraction lesions did not significantly influence the survival of the restorations based on clinical and photographic criteria.
This study aimed to investigate the anti-erosive/abrasive effect of resin infiltration of previous deproteinized dentin.
Dentin slabs were randomly assigned to 3 groups (
Control and RI groups presented mineral wear and did not significantly differ from each other (
The removal of the organic content allows the resin infiltrant to efficiently protect the dentin surface against erosive/abrasive lesions.
Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is a condition with immune-mediated pathogenesis that can present oral manifestations. This report describes the case of a patient diagnosed with WG 14 years previously, who was affected by persistent pain of non-odontogenic origin after successful endodontic treatment. A 39-year-old woman with WG was diagnosed with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis of teeth #31, #32, and #41, after evaluation through a clinical examination and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). At the first appointment, these teeth were subjected to conventional endodontic treatment. At 6- and 12-month follow-up visits, the patient complained of persistent pain associated with the endodontically treated teeth (mainly in tooth #31), despite complete remission of the periapical lesions shown by radiographic and CBCT exams proving the effectiveness of the endodontic treatments, thus indicating a probable diagnostic of persistent pain of non-odontogenic nature. After the surgical procedure was performed to curette the lesion and section 3 mm of the apical third of tooth #31, the histopathological analysis suggested that the painful condition was likely associated with the patient's systemic condition. Based on clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings, this unusual case report suggests that WG may be related to non-odontogenic persistent pain after successful endodontic treatments.
This study evaluated the bleaching efficacy of different in-office protocols associated with violet light emitting diode (V-LED), and measured the pulpal temperature rise caused by V-LED with or without gel application.
Bovine incisors were distributed in 4 groups (
VL exhibited lower color (
HPLV was more efficient than HYB. The 2 protocols with VL showed similar results to control. Gel application combined with VL promoted higher pulpal temperature than to the no gel group.
This study evaluated the effects of low and moderate concentrations of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and double antibiotic paste (DAP) loaded into a hydrogel system on crown discoloration and explored whether application of an adhesive bonding agent prevented crown discoloration.
Intact human molars (
Ca(OH)2 and 1 and 10 mg/mL DAP did not cause clinically perceivable tooth discoloration. Adhesive agent use significantly decreased tooth discoloration in the 1,000 mg/mL TAP group up to 4 weeks. However, adhesive use did not significantly improve coronal discoloration after thermocycling when 1,000 mg/mL TAP was used.
Ca(OH)2 and 1 and 10 mg/mL DAP showed no clinical discoloration. Using an adhesive significantly improved coronal discoloration up to 4 weeks with 1,000 mg/mL TAP.
This study aimed to use a laboratory model to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental bleaching agent.
The model used human extracted molars that were treated and measured for bleaching efficacy. Teeth (
There was no significant difference in color parameters (L1, a1, b1, and shade guide units [SGU]) at baseline (
The laboratory model was successful in screening an experimental bleaching agent.
This study was conducted to compare the microleakage and characteristics of the resin-tooth tissue interface between self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesive systems after 48 hours and 3 months.
40 extracted premolar teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups: 1-step self-etch adhesive system – Optibond™ All-In-One, and 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system - Adper™ Single Bond 2. Both groups were subjected to 500 thermocycles (5°C–55°C) before scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis or microleakage trial at 48-hour and 3-month time periods.
SEM images showed the hybrid layer thickness, diameter, and length of resin tags of the self-etch adhesive (0.42 ± 0.14 µm; 1.49 ± 0.45 µm; 16.35 ± 14.26 µm) were smaller than those of the etch-and-rinse adhesive (4.39 ± 1.52 µm; 3.49 ± 1 µm; 52.81 ± 35.81 µm). In dentin, the microleakage scores of the 2 adhesives were not different in both time periods (48 hours/3 months). However, the microleakage score of etch-and-rinse adhesive increased significantly after 3 months (0.8 ± 0.63 and 1.9 ± 0.88,
The self-etch adhesive exhibited better long-term sealing ability in dentin when compared to that of the etch-and-rinse adhesive. The greater hybrid layer thickness and dimensions of resin tags did not guarantee reliable, long-lasting sealing in the bonding area.
This study was conducted to compare the post-fracture survival rate of endodontically treated molar endodontically treated teeth (molar ETT) restored with resin composites or crowns and to identify potential risk factors, using a retrospective cohort design.
Dental records of molar ETT with crowns or composite restorations (recall period, 2015–2019) were collected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The incidence of unrestorable fractures was identified, and molar ETT were classified according to survival. Information on potential risk factors was collected. Survival rates and potential risk factors were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox regression model.
The overall survival rate of molar ETT was 87% (mean recall period, 31.73 ± 17.56 months). The survival rates of molar ETT restored with composites and crowns were 81.6% and 92.7%, reflecting a significant difference (
The survival rate from fracture was higher for molar ETT restored with crowns was higher than for ETT restored with composites, especially in the first 2 years after restoration. Molar ETT with limited tooth structure loss only on the occlusal surface could be successfully restored with composite restorations.
This study describes the clinical steps taken in the treatment of a patient who had an avulsed right upper central incisor that presented with incomplete root development and chronic apical periodontitis. A 7-year-old boy was referred from a private dentist to a dental office specializing in endodontics. The tooth had remained in a dry environment for 20 minutes, and tooth replantation was performed at an emergency appointment. After clinical and radiographic examinations, root canal decontamination was performed, followed by several changes in intracanal calcium hydroxide medication. Blood clot formation was attempted, but bleeding within the root canal was insufficient; therefore, we opted for an intracanal medication change to stimulate mineralized tissue formation in the apical region. Root obturation was performed 45 days after the last change of intracanal medication, and clinical, radiographic, and tomographic follow-up examinations were performed at 3, 6, 18, and 40 months after the endodontic intervention. The increase in thickness and length of the root structure and the absence of root resorption were verified through follow-up examinations. Therefore, it was concluded that the procedures used were successful for tooth replantation.
To minimize the tooth sensitivity caused by in-office bleaching, many dentists use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical desensitizing gels containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of these substances on inflammation and the expression of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in pulp nerve fibers.
Seventy-two rats were divided into 6 groups as follows: GI, control; GII, only dental bleaching; GIII, only ibuprofen; GIV, ibuprofen administered 30 minutes before and after the bleaching treatment and every 12 hours until the analysis; GV, only topical application of a desensitizing agent; and GVI, topical application of a desensitizing agent before dental bleaching. Placebo gel was applied to the upper left jaw and the bleaching agent was applied to the upper right jaw in all groups. Subsequently, the groups were divided into 3 subgroups based on the time of analysis: 0, 24, and 48 hours after bleaching (
In the bleaching groups, the inflammatory process and expression of neuropeptides decreased over time. The animals in which a desensitizing agent was applied showed better results within 24 hours.
The use of a desensitizing agent had positive effects on inflammation and pain-related neuropeptide expression, minimizing the painful effects of dental bleaching treatment.
The aim of this
Sixty specimens were prepared of each composite resin (Filtek Supreme XT and Opallis), and BisCover LV surface sealant was applied to half of the specimens. Thirty enamel samples were obtained from the buccal and lingual surfaces of human molars for use as the control group. The surface roughness and microhardness were measured before and after bleaching procedures with 35% hydrogen peroxide or 16% carbamide (
Neither hydrogen peroxide nor carbamide peroxide treatment significantly altered the hardness of the composite resins, regardless of surface sealant application; however, both treatments significantly decreased the hardness of the tooth samples (
The microhardness and surface roughness of enamel and Opallis composite resin were influenced by bleaching procedures.
This study evaluated the bond strength of various fiberglass post cementation techniques using different resin-based composites.
The roots from a total of 100 bovine incisors were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups: G1, post + Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) + RelyX ARC luting agent; G2, relined post (Filtek Z250) + SBMP + RelyX ARC; G3, individualized post (Filtek Z250) + SBMP; G4, individualized post (Filtek Bulk-Fill) + SBMP; G5, individualized post (Filtek Bulk-Fill Flow) + SBMP. The samples were subjected to the push-out (
The data for push-out bond strength presented higher values for G2 and G5, mainly in the cervical and middle thirds, and the data from the apical third showed a lower mean push-out bond strength in all groups. No significant difference was noted for pull-out bond strength among all groups. The most frequent failure modes observed were adhesive failure between dentine and resin and mixed failure.
Fiberglass post cementation using restorative and flowable bulk-fill composites with the individualization technique may be a promising alternative to existing methods of post cementation.
Pulp revascularization is an alternative treatment in immature traumatized teeth with necrotic pulp. However, this procedure has not been reported in horizontal root fractures. This is a case report of a 9-year-old patient with multiple horizontal root fractures in 2 upper central incisors that were successfully treated with pulp revascularization. The patient presented for treatment 2 years after the initial trauma, and revascularization was attempted after the initial treatment with calcium hydroxide had failed. Prior to pulp revascularization, cone-beam computed tomography and autoradiograms demonstrated multiple horizontal fractures in the middle and apical thirds of the roots of the 2 affected teeth. Revascularization was performed in both teeth; platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was used in one tooth (#11) and the conventional method (blood clot) was used in the other tooth (#21). Clinical and radiographic follow-up over 4 years demonstrated pulp calcification in the PRP-treated tooth. Neither of the 2 teeth were lost, and the root canal calcification of tooth #11 was greater than that of tooth #21. This case suggests that PRP-based pulp revascularization may be an alternative for horizontal root fractures.
Calcium hydroxide (CH) is the gold-standard intracanal dressing for teeth subjected to traumatic avulsion. A common complication after the replantation of avulsed teeth is root resorption (RR). The current review was conducted to compare the effect of CH with that of other intracanal medications and filling materials on inflammatory RR and replacement RR (ankylosis) in replanted teeth. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched through June 2018 using specific keywords related to the title of the present article. The materials that were compared to CH were in 2 categories: 1) mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and endodontic sealers as permanent filling materials for single-visit treatment, and 2) Ledermix, bisphosphonates, acetazolamide, indomethacin, gallium nitrate, and enamel matrix-derived protein (Emdogain) as intracanal medicaments for multiple-visit management of avulsed teeth prior to the final obturation. MTA can be used as a single-visit root filling material; however, there are limited data on its efficacy due to a lack of clinical trials. Ledermix and acetazolamide were comparable to CH in reducing RR. Emdogain seems to be an interesting material, but the data supporting its use as an intracanal medication remain very limited. The conclusions drawn in this study were limited by the insufficiency of clinical trials.
The objective of this study was to assess coronal discoloration induced by the following intracanal medicaments: calcium hydroxide (CH), a mixture of CH paste and chlorhexidine gel (CH/CHX), and triple antibiotic paste (3Mix).
Seventy extracted single-canal teeth were selected. Access cavities were prepared and each canal was instrumented with a rotary ProTaper system. The specimens were randomly assigned to CH, CH/CHX, and 3Mix paste experimental groups (
The greatest color change (ΔE) was observed at 3 months (
Intracanal medicaments may induce tooth discoloration. Use of 3Mix must be short and it must be carefully applied only to the root canals; the access cavity should be thoroughly cleaned afterwards.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of whitening mouth rinses alone and in combination with conventional whitening treatments on color, microhardness, and surface roughness changes in enamel specimens.
A total of 108 enamel specimens were collected from human third molars and divided into 9 groups (
Statistically significant color change was observed in all groups compared to the CG. All groups, except the LW group, showed statistically significant decreases in microhardness. Roughness showed a statistically significant increase after the treatments, except for the 38% HP group.
Whitening mouth rinses led to a whitening effect when they were used after conventional treatments; however, this process caused major changes on the surface of the enamel specimens.
Fusion and gemination are developmental anomalies of teeth that may require endodontic treatment. Fusion may cause various clinical problems related to esthetics, tooth spacing, and other periodontal complications. Additional diagnostic tools are required for the diagnosis and the treatment planning of fused tooth. The present case report describes a case of unilateral fusion of a supernumerary root to an upper permanent central incisor with large periapical lesion in which a conservative approach was used without extraction of supernumerary tooth and obturated with mineral trioxide aggregate to reach a favorable outcome.
This study evaluated the effects of a bleaching agent on the composition, mechanical properties, and surface topography of 6 conventional glass-ionomer cements (GICs) and one resin-modified GIC.
For 3 days, the specimens were subjected to three 20-minute applications of a 37% H2O2-based bleaching agent and evaluated for water uptake (WTK), weight loss (WL), compressive strength (CS), and Knoop hardness number (KHN). Changes in surface topography and chemical element distribution were also analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. For statistical evaluation, the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon paired tests (
The bleaching agent increased the WTK of Maxxion R, but did not affect the WL of any GICs. It had various effects on the CS, KHN, surface topography, and the chemical element distribution of the GICs.
The bleaching agent with 37% H2O2 affected the mechanical and surface properties of GICs. The extent of the changes seemed to be dependent on exposure time and cement composition.
The aim of this
Extracted 160 sound human incisors were used for the study. Teeth were divided into 4 treatment groups: No treatment, 35% hydrogen peroxide, 16% carbamid peroxide, 7.5% carbamid peroxide. After bleaching treatments, groups were divided into subgroups according to the adhesive systems used and application modes (
No significant difference were found among bleaching groups (35% hydrogen peroxide, 16% carbamid peroxide, 7.5% carbamid peroxide, and no treatment groups) in the mean SBS values. There was also no difference in SBS values between Single Bond Universal and Gluma Universal at same application modes, whereas self-etch mode showed significantly lower SBS values than etch and rinse mode (
The bonding performance of the universal adhesives was enhanced with the etch and rinse mode application to bleached enamel and non-bleached enamel.
Understanding the reason for an unsuccessful non-surgical endodontic treatment outcome, as well as the complex anatomy of the root canal system, is very important. This study examined the cross-sectional root canal structure of mandibular first molars confirmed to have failed non-surgical root canal treatment using digital images obtained during intentional replantation surgery, as well as the causative factors of the failed conventional endodontic treatments.
This study evaluated 115 mandibular first molars. Digital photographic images of the resected surface were taken at the apical 3 mm level and examined. The discolored dentin area around the root canal was investigated by measuring the total surface area, the treated areas as determined by the endodontic filling material, and the discolored dentin area.
Forty 2-rooted teeth showed discolored root dentin in both the mesial and distal roots. Compared to the original filled area, significant expansion of root dentin discoloration was observed. Moreover, the mesial roots were significantly more discolored than the distal roots. Of the 115 molars, 92 had 2 roots. Among the mesial roots of the 2-rooted teeth, 95.7% of the roots had 2 canals and 79.4% had partial/complete isthmuses and/or accessory canals.
Dentin discoloration that was not visible on periapical radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography was frequently found in mandibular first molars that failed endodontic treatment. The complex anatomy of the mesial roots of the mandibular first molars is another reason for the failure of conventional endodontic treatment.