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Endodontic anesthesia in mandibular molars: a clinical study.

Sixty-one mandibular molar teeth with clinically manifest pulpitis, which required endodontic therapy, were studied. Twenty-seven subjects received standard inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with 2% lidocaine HCI with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 34 subjects received IANB with 3% mepivacaine with no vasoconstrictor. Pulpal anesthesia was assessed with dichlorodifluormethane (DDM). Subjects who gave a positive response to DDM were given a periodontal ligament injection with 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. This study showed that 3% mepivacaine HCI is as effective as 2% lidocaine HCI in achieving pulpal anesthesia in mandibular molars with IANB. Of a total 61 IANB with lip anesthesia, 23 subjects required periodontal ligament injection to achieve a negative response to DDM. It was concluded that lip anesthesia is not a reliable indicator of pulpal anesthesia. The use of DDM is a reliable method of determining true pulpal anesthesia.

Anesthesia, Dental↗

Effects of sympathectomy on experimentally induced pulpal inflammation and periapical lesions in rats.

The role of sympathetic nerves in bone physiology is largely unknown. Recent studies have shown a correlation between sympathectomy and bone remodeling. The present experiments were aimed to study the effects of unilateral sympathectomy on bilateral experimentally induced pulpitis and periapical lesions in the rat maxilla and mandible. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Experimental rats (n=11) had the right superior cervical ganglion surgically removed (SCGx) and control rats (n=5) had sham surgery. Pulpal inflammation and periapical bone lesions in the maxilla and mandible were created 14 days later in both experimental and control rats by exposing the dental pulp in the first and second molars and leaving them open to the oral microflora. The rats were perfused 20 days thereafter and the jaws processed for immunohistochemistry with neuropeptide Y (NPY) and ED1 as primary antibodies. Sympathectomy resulted in an almost complete loss of NPY-immunoreactive (IR) fibers in the right SCGx jaws. In the non-sympathectomized (non-SCGx) left side and in the control rats, sprouting of NPY-IR fiber was observed in the inflamed pulp tissue adjacent to reparative dentin formation and in the apical periodontal ligament of the partially necrotic first molars. Significantly more ED1-IR osteoclasts were found in the resorptive lacunae lining the periphery of the periapical lesions on the SCGx side compared with the non-SCGx side (P<0.04) and the controls (P<0.03). The size of the periapical lesions were larger on the SCGx side compared with the non-SCGx side (P<0.03) in the mandible, but not in the maxilla. We conclude that inflammation causes sprouting of NPY-IR nerve fibers and that unilateral removal of the SCG increases both the area of the periapical lesions and the number of osteoclasts in the inflamed region.

Animals↗

Treatment of inflamed ferret dental pulps with recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-7.

Recombinant human BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein-7, osteogenic protein-1) is osteogenic, dentinogenic and cementogenic when implanted into the appropriate tissue in vivo. However, most studies characterizing the induction of these tissues have implanted BMP-7 into freshly surgerized, clinically healthy tissues. To determine if BMP-7 is dentinogenic in inflamed dental pulps, we applied BMP-7 to inflamed ferret pulps. A single application of 5 microg of a commercial preparation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Salmonella typhimurium directly to the coronal pulp induced a reversible mixed inflammatory exudate of moderate intensity within 3 d. Treatment with a single application of 2.5, 7.5 or 25 microg recombinant human BMP-7/mg collagen (2 mg total mass/tooth) induced reparative dentinogenesis in controls but not LPS treated dental pulps. These data reveal that a single application of up to 50 microg/tooth of exogenous recombinant BMP-7 is insufficient to induce reparative dentinogenesis in ferret teeth with reversible pulpitis. Given that pulp cells in the inflamed tissues likely retain the capacity to respond to exogenous BMP-7, it is possible that insufficient active recombinant protein is available to induce tissue formation in experimentally inflamed dental pulps.

Animals↗

Matrix metalloproteinase levels and gelatinolytic activity in clinically healthy and inflamed human dental pulps.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the breakdown of pulp tissue of teeth with severe caries has not yet been directly elucidated. This study was to determine the levels of selected MMPs and the overall gelatinolytic activity in clinically healthy and inflamed human dental pulps of 29 healthy subjects, aged 10-19 yr. Seventeen pulps were collected from subjects diagnosed with symptomatic pulpitis, and 18 control pulps were obtained from 12 subjects following premolar extraction for orthodontic reasons. The levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Densitometric analysis of gelatin zymograms was used to assay gelatinolytic activity in pulp supernatants. The MMP-1 levels were below the detection limit for both groups. Levels of MMP-2 and MMP-3 were significantly lower in symptomatic vs. clinically healthy pulps. In contrast, levels of MMP-9 in inflamed pulps were significantly higher than those recorded in clinically normal pulps. The overall gelatinolytic activity was elevated in inflamed pulps compared with healthy counterparts. Further, the gelatinolytic activity was positively correlated with MMP-9 levels. The data obtained suggest a key role of MMP-9 in the breakdown of inflamed human dental pulp tissue.

Adolescent↗

A study of therapeutic antibiotic prescribing in National Health Service general dental practice in England.

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic prescribing of antibiotics by general dental practitioners. DESIGN: A postal questionnaire of National Health Service general dental practitioners in ten English Health Authorities. SUBJECTS: General dental practitioners (1,544) contracted to provide NHS treatment in the Health Authorities of Liverpool, Wirral, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottingham, North Nottinghamshire, Sheffield, Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaires were analysed and the responses to each question expressed as absolute frequencies. RESULTS: Responses to the questionnaire were received from 929 (60.1%) practitioners. More than 95% of practitioners recognised the need for prescribing antibiotics where there was evidence of spreading infection. Some practitioners (12.5%) prescribed antibiotics for acute pulpitis and (3.3%) for chronic marginal gingivitis. Antibiotics were prescribed by practitioners before drainage of acute abscesses (69%) and by 23% after drainage. Practitioners were generally not influenced by patient's expectations of receiving antibiotics (92%), but would prescribe when under pressure of time (30.3%), if they were unable to make a definitive diagnosis (47.3%), or if treatment had to be delayed (72.5%). Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic used for most clinical conditions apart from pericoronitis, acute ulcerative gingivitis and dry sockets where metronidazole was the drug of choice. There was a wide variety of dosage, frequency and duration for all the antibiotics used in the treatment of acute dental infections. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this questionnaire support the conclusion that the therapeutic prescribing of antibiotics in general dental practice varies widely and is suboptimal. There is a clear need for the development of prescribing guidelines and educational initiatives to encourage the rational and appropriate use of the antibiotics in National Health Service general dental practice.

Abscess↗

Root-canal treatment of a trifid crown premolar.

AIM: To describe successful root-canal treatment of a permanent maxillary first premolar with unusual anatomy. SUMMARY: A diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis of a geminated first premolar was made. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a tooth with a trifid crown that joined to give the appearance of a single root at the cementoenamel junction. Root-canal treatment involved three separate access openings and treating four canals, three of which joined to exit through a common foramen. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Symptomatic teeth with morphological aberrations can be saved by root-canal treatment. Careful clinical and radiographic evaluation are essential, as treatment must be modified to address the unusual complexities of the root-canal system(s).

Adolescent↗

Effect of IL-1ra on human dental pulp cells and pulpal inflammation.

AIM: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on the LPS-induced interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) synthesis in human dental pulp cells and to assess the role of IL-1ra in pulpal inflammation. METHODS: IL-1beta from human dental pulp cells (HDP) was measured by sandwich ELISA; IL-1ra expression in pulpal tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Stimulation of HDP with increasing concentrations of FnLPS resulted in dose-dependent IL-1beta production. The addition of IL-1ra reduced FnLPS-induced IL-1beta synthesis in human dental pulp cells. Significant inhibition of the FnLPS-induced IL-1beta synthesis was observed when IL-1ra was added before treating with FnLPS for 60 min. Large numbers of IL-1ra positive neutrophils, plasmacytes, endothelial cells and lymphocytes were observed in inflamed pulp tissue. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ra could reduce LPS-stimulated IL-1beta synthesis, suggesting that IL-1ra may play a role in pulpitis.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗

Endodontic treatment of developmental anomalies in posterior teeth: treatment of geminated/fused teeth--report of two cases.

AIM: Gemination or fusion is a rare occurrence in the mandibular posterior teeth. Endodontic treatment of these teeth needs special care and attention to the bizarre anatomy. The aim of this article is to describe the problems encountered and the strategy in treating such cases. CASE REPORT: Two cases of complex endodontic treatment of fused/geminated teeth are presented. The first is an 11-year-old girl with an anomalous 'double' first mandibular molar and premolar diagnosed as having necrotic pulp with chronic apical abscess of endodontic origin; the second is a 16-year-old boy with 'double' second and supernumerary mandibular molars, who was diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Both cases were treated successfully in multiple appointments. The common features and treatment modalities are discussed. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Failure to diagnose fused/geminated teeth leads to misdiagnosis and a treatment plan that could cause permanent damage and tooth loss. Generally, there is communication between root canal systems of fused/geminated teeth which should be treated as one entity. Use of magnification is an important aid during treatment.

Adolescent↗

Prostaglandin E2 and treatment outcome in pulp therapy of primary molars with carious exposures.

OBJECTIVES: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been suggested as an indicator of irreversible pulpitis in permanent teeth [1]. There is scant information on the role of chemical mediators in primary molar pulp inflammation. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the levels of PGE2 in blood harvested from root pulp stumps following coronal pulp amputation in vital primary molar teeth with carious exposures. METHODS: Seventy-nine cariously exposed primary molars underwent treatment by one of two vital pulp therapy techniques. Blood was harvested from 38 teeth and volume and concentration of PGE2 ([PGE2]) determined [2]. Treatment outcome was assessed from both clinical and radiographic evidence. RESULTS: PGE2 was detected in all samples, with a wide concentration range (1-2641 ng/mL). The distribution was skewed, requiring log transformation. The difference in the mean (log) [PGE2] for radiological success (3.12, SD 1.60 and failure (4.62, SD 1.80) was significant, t = 2.05, P = 0.047. The difference in the mean (log) [PGE2] for clinical success (3.24, SD 1.65) and failure (5.44, SD 1.43 was near-significant, t = 1.84, P = 0.074. CONCLUSION: [PGE2] correlated positively with radiological outcome following vital pulp therapy.

Calcium Hydroxide↗

Chronic pigmented purpura associated with odontogenic infection.

Five patients with chronic pigmented purpura associated with odontogenic infection are described. Four patients had Schamberg's disease, and one had itching purpura. These patients were resistant to topical corticosteroid treatment, but appearance of purpuric spots ceased after treatment for periodontitis, pulpitis, or both. No circulating immune complexes were detected, and neither immunoglobulin nor complement was deposited in the papillary vessels of the skin. Odontogenic infection might be one of the precipitating factors for chronic pigmented purpura.

Aged↗

Incidence of chronic neuropathic pain subsequent to surgical removal of impacted third molars.

To determine the incidence of atypical odontalgia/chronic neuropathic pain subsequent to surgical removal of impacted third molars, a telephone survey and a clinical investigation were carried out. Patients operated on for impacted mandibular third molars during 1994 96 in the Oral Surgery Clinic. School of Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, were contacted by telephone. Answers were obtained from 1035 (71%) out of a total of 1458 operated patients. Median observation time was 5 years 9 months, ranging from 4 years 5 months to 6 years 9 months. All except 23 (2.2%) patients stated that they had no long-term symptoms or problems from the surgical site, jaw, or face after the third molar removal. These 23 patients were all examined clinically and radiologically, and symptoms and findings were evaluated. Seventeen patients had TMJ dysfunction: primarily pain of muscular and joint origin. Three patients had a periodontal problem associated with the adjacent second molar, with deep bony pockets and recurrent periodontal infection while two had chronic pulpitis of a second molar. One patient reported a temporary maxillary pain after removal of an ipsilateral mandibular third molar. None of the patients met the criteria for a diagnosis of atypical odontalgia/neuropathic pain. A 95% confidence interval of 0-0.38% of incidence rate of postoperative neuropathic pain was calculated. It is concluded that atypical odontalgia/ chronic neuropathic pain subsequent to surgical third molar removal is rare.

Adult↗

A clinical study on the effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation at root canals immediately after pulpectomy and shaping.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation for the treatment of root canals immediately after pulpectomy and shaping with regard to improvement of symptoms were evaluated clinically. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The effects of pulsed Nd:YAG laser irradiation for the treatment of root canals were experimentally investigated using an animal model, but not under clinical conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight teeth from 29 patients were diagnosed as normal or irreversible pulpitis were used. After extirpation of pulp and shaping using a step-back technique and cleansing with 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), laser irradiation was applied at 1 W and 15 pps for 1 second in 23 teeth (laser-treated group). Root canals were then obturated with gutta-percha points and sealer by the lateral condensation method. The condition of the obturations was confirmed radiographically. The control teeth were treated in the same way, but without laser irradiation. Occurrence of spontaneous pain was recorded 1 day after treatment and occurrence of percussion pain was recorded 1, 2, and 3 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Effective ratio, which was the ratio of the number of "none" teeth to total teeth number in the laser-treated group, was higher than that in the control group, but there was no significant difference between 2 groups with regard to spontaneous and percussion pain (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the clinical application of pulsed Nd:YAG laser might be advantageous for the one-visit treatment of root canals immediately after pulpectomy shaping and to reduce postoperative pain.

Adolescent↗

The existence of CD11c+ sentinel and F4/80+ interstitial dendritic cells in dental pulp and their dynamics and functional properties.

Dental caries and pulpitis are the most common bacterial infections in humans. However, the immune responses against bacterial stimulation in dental pulp that is bounded by special hard tissues are poorly understood. We examined the initial immune responses in mouse dental pulp after cusp trimming and acid treatment. Using fluorescence immunohistochemistry, two distinct cell populations were identified in the intact pulp; CD11c+F4/80- and CD11c-F4/80+ cells. CD11c+F4/80- cells were localized in the pulp-dentin (P-D) border of the central pulp beneath the dental fissure, whereas CD11c-F4/80+ cells with dendritic morphology were distributed in the perivascular region of the inner pulp and the sub-odontoblastic layer. CD11c+F4/80- cells, but not CD11c-F4/80+ cells, constitutively expressed toll-like receptors 2 and 4 and CD205, and migrated to the P-D border of the treated side within 2 h after the treatment. In parallel, some of the F4/80+ cells migrated to the inner pulp of the treated side, increased in size and enhanced CD86 expression. At 24 h, the CD86+ cells with high fluorescence intensity had disappeared entirely from the pulp. Concurrently, CD86high cells expressing intermediate levels of CD11c and high levels of MHC class II and F4/80, assessed by using flow cytometry, increased significantly in the regional lymph nodes, suggesting migration of these cells from the dental pulp. Our results are the first to demonstrate the existence of at least two types of dendritic cells (DCs) in dental pulp. The CD11c+ sentinel and F4/80+ interstitial DCs might have distinct territories and unique roles in responding to external stimuli via the dentinal tubules.

Animals↗

Up-regulation of class A Ca2+ channels in trigeminal ganglion after pulp exposure.

We have studied changes in the level of calcium channel expression in the cell bodies of neurons located in the maxillary division of the trigeminal ganglion following induction of persistent pulpitis by pulp exposure in the right maxillary molars. Using anti-peptide antibodies to the alpha1 subunit of class A (P-/Q-type) voltage-gated calcium channels, we observed slight increases in the expression level three days following surgery and approximately 4 fold increase by eight days following the lesion. These changes in the expression of the alpha1 subunit of class A calcium channels may have functional implications in the responses of nociceptive neurons to chronic inflammation.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical localization of osteopontin in human pulp stones.

The organic matrix component of human pulp stones was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Two pulp stones were extracted from the upper molar teeth of two patients suffering from irreversible pulpitis. Both were formed in the center of the pulp cavity and located apart from the dentin walls. After demineralization, serial sections of the stones were prepared and subjected to immunohistochemical procedures using specific antibodies to type I collagen and noncollagenous proteins (osteopontin, osteonectin, and osteocalcin), which are reported to be involved in calcified matrix formation. Type I collagen was localized evenly in the stones, indicating that it is a major matrix component of pulp stones. Strong immunostaining of osteopontin appeared in the peripheral area of the stones, whereas osteonectin and osteocalcin were not detected. We previously reported that dental pulp cells produced osteopontin in vitro. Osteopontin has been commonly found in other pathological calcification, such as urinary stones, atherosclerotic plaques, and dental calculus. Taken together, the present findings suggest that osteopontin produced by dental pulp cells is possibly associated with calcification of the pulp stone matrix.

Antibodies↗

An immunohistological study on cyclooxygenase-2 in human dental pulp.

Characteristics of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressing cells in human dental pulp were immunohistologically studied. Extirpated pulpal tissues from extracted teeth were examined to elucidate the localization and distribution of COX-2. Pulpal tissues were examined by the labeled streptavidin biotin method using specific mouse monoclonal antibodies for COX-2. Cell types of the COX-2 expressing cells were also investigated by the double stain technique using both monoclonal antibodies for CD68/macrophage and anti-COX-2. COX-2 expressing cells could be found in all of the inflamed pulps, and these cells were mostly distributed close to the area of accumulation of inflammatory cells. COX-2 was mainly expressed in fibroblasts rather than macrophages. In contrast, COX-2 expressing cells were scarcely found in the normal pulps. These findings indicate that pulpal fibroblasts, as well as macrophages, may participate in the production of prostaglandin through COX-2 expression in pulpal inflammation, and might be involved in the pathogenesis of irreversible pulpitis.

Adult↗