Department of Endodontology

Temple University

 

 

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Week of September 24, 2003

 

 

 

 

Title: Root resorption-diagnosis, classification and treatment choices based on stimulation factors.

Author:  Fuss Z., et al.

Journal:  Dental Traumatology 2003; 19: 175-82

Reviewer:  Allyson Byrne, D.M.D.

Purpose:  To suggest a clinical-related classification of root resorption that will assist clinicians in diagnosis and treatment of this pathological process.  

Background: Root resorption requires two phases in order to take place - an injury (mechanical or chemical ie. Trauma or bleach) to the protective tissues covering the root (precementum or predentin) which initiates the resorption process, and a continued stimulation of the resorptive process by either infection or pressure.  The author suggests that the various types of root resorption be classified according to the stimulating factors.

Suggested classification:

  1. Pulpal infection root resorption- following injury, the presence of bacteria in the dentinal tubules is the stimulating factor of the osteoclastic inflammatory response that takes place in the dentin and bone.  Radiographically, radiolucency on external root surface and adjacent bone or on internal root canal walls.

Treatment: For internal resorption, the treatment is a pulpectomy since the resorbing cells are pulpal in origin.  For external resorption, the treatment is placement of Ca(OH)2 for 6-24 months.

  1. Periodontal infection root resorption- external root resorption that occurs after injury of the precementum below the epithelial attachment, and contamination by bacteria from the sulcus.  Consequently, resorbing cells penetrate into the damaged areas of the root, causing resorption inside the root and in the adjacent alveolar bone.  Initially this does not penetrate into the root canal, but may do so at later stages.  Radiographically, single radiolucency in dentin at crestal bone level.

Treatment: Surgically expose the resorptive area and remove the granulation tissue, followed by restoration with composite or amalgam.  Endo tx. is necessary only if canal is perforated.

  1. Orthodontic pressure root resorption- Apical root resorption resulting from pressure applied during orthodontic movement.  Teeth are asymptomatic and vital.

Treatment: Discontinue orthodontic tx.  Endo is not necessary.

  1. Impacted tooth/tumor pressure resorption- Pressure applied from erupting permanent teeth (max canines and mand 3rd molars) or tumors causes resorption of adjacent roots.  The teeth affected are most often vital and asymptomatic.  Radiographically, resorptive area is next to the impacted tooth or tumor.

Treatment: Surgery.

  1. Ankylotic root resorption- Following severe traumas (avulsions or intrusions), healing with cementum may not be possible.  Therefore, bone comes into contact with the dentin without an intermediate protective layer (cementum) and the dentin becomes part of the normal bone remodeling process.  Clinically, the ankylosed tooth lacks physiologic mobility, has metallic percussion sound, and may be in infraocclusion.  Radiographically, there is no PDL, and no radiolucent areas, and the root becomes replaced by bone.

Treatment: There is no tx. for ankylosis.  The goal with severe traumas such as avulsions is to minimize damage to PDL cells by either immediately reimplanting the tooth into the socket, or placing the tooth into a suitable storage media until the tooth can be reimplanted.

    

 

 

 

 

Title: Intentional replantation of a mandibular second molar with long-term follow-up: report of a case

Author: Fred W. Benenati

Journal: Dental Traumatology 2003; 19 233-236.

Reviewer:  Fernando Meza, D.M.D.

Purpose: To provide a 16-year follow-up case report of a mandibular second molar that underwent non-surgical endodontic treatment and intentional replantation to relieve subsequent symptoms.

Definition: Intentional replantation is the purposeful removal of a tooth and its reinsertion into the socket immediately following extra-oral examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

Case Report: Tooth #19 had conventional root canal treatment several years ago and restored with a full metal crown. The patient presented initially with swelling and sensitivity to cold in the lower left quadrant. Widened PDL space was noted on the mesial root apex. #18 was diagnosed as irreversible pulpitis. Pulpectomy, and obturation using  warm vertical technique was performed on #18.  Retreatment of #19 was performed due to symptoms and inadequate obturation. The MB canal was unable to be negotiated. Pt returned with swelling on #19 1 month post-op. Root end resections of both roots were performed and amalgam retrofillings were placed. Pt returned 3 months post-op with swelling on #18. Intentional replantation was performed 1 month later following prescription for Vibramycin for swelling. Pt returned asymptomatic for both #18 and #19 for 3 month recall. Patient missed the 6 month recall appointment, but returned 16 years later asymptomatic with evidence of healing.

Discussion: The success and ease of intentional replantation is based on case selection. Fused, conical roots are preferentially selected.  Contra-indications include active periodontal disease, non-restorable teeth, curved roots, and missing interseptal bone.  Advantages include access, an alternative to apical surgery in cases with close proximity to vital structures, and patient refusal of surgery.  Disadvantages include unpredictable extraction, and risk of replacement resorption in the long term.

 

 

 

 

Title: An in vivo comparison of two frequency-based electronic apex locators

Author: Welk, Baumgartner, and Marshall

Journal: JOE Vol. 29, No.8 August 2003

Reviewer:  Michael Moreno, D.M.D.

Purpose:  To compare the accuracy of a two-frequency (Root ZX) and a five frequency (Endo Analyzer Model 8005) electronic apex locator under clinical conditions.

Methods and Materials:  32 teeth (incisors, canines, and premolars) slated for extraction were accessed.  The orifices were flared with Gates Glidden drills and orifice openers.  The canals were irrigated with 2.6% NaOCl.  Both electronic apex locators were used in each canal to make working length readings with a single K-type file.  All working length recordings were made with he largest instrument that would pass to the minor diameter.  For the Root ZX, the file was advanced until the flashing bar was reached on the display.  For the Endo Analyzer, the file was advanced until the numeric display read 0.0 and flashed, indicating the location of the foramen.  The files were cemented in place according to the last working length measurement.  The teeth were extracted and radiographed.  The apical 4mm of the root was shaved using a carbide finishing bur along the long axis of the tooth.  Each specimen was photographed at 15x and 30x original magnification, and projected onto a large viewing screen.   Two investigators marked the distance of the file position in relation to the minor diameter microscopically for each specimen.  The distance from the end of the file to the minor diameter was measured and recorded.

Results:  The mean distance between the electronic apex locator (EAL) working length and minor diameter was 1.03 mm with a range of +0.21 to +4.58mm for the Endo Analyzer Model 8005, and 0.19 mm for the Root ZX, with a range of –0.5 to +1.73mm.  In no case was the file short of the minor diameter using the Endo Analyzer.  The minor diameter (± 0.5mm)  was located 90.7% of the times for the Root ZX an 34.4% of the times for the Endo Analyzer Model 8005.  The Endo Analyzer had significantly longer readings beyond the minor diameter than the Root ZX.  Four EALs of both models were tested on each tooth for consistency.  Each brand of EAL consistently measured the same length with no deviation in values between similar devices. The file length of 6/32 (18.7%) appeared to be radiographically at or within 0.5mm of the radiographic apex, when in fact the tip was beyond the foramen.

Conclusion:   The use of EALs is a reliable method for determining root canal length.  The Root ZX was able to locate the minor diameter more frequently than the Endo Analyzer.

 


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