Endodontics Treatment

Are glass ionomer and other filling materials as effective as amalgam in patients needing apicectomy and retrograde obturation?

• Yes. Glass ionomer, EBA cement, composite with GLUMA and gold leaf are as effective as amalgam. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is a single visit for root canal treatment more effective than multiple visits?

• Yes. A single visit root canal treatment has a 6% higher healing rate, however this difference is not statistically significant.. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Are electronic apex locators accurate in determining root canal length? 

• Yes. Within a +/- 0.5mm of apex, the Justy II was 80% accurate followed by the Root ZX 78%, the Endy 67% and the Endox 31%. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) more effective than Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM) as a root end filling material? 

• No. MTA had a 92% success rate compared to IRM’s 86% success rate. The difference was not statistically significant. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) more effective than formocresol (FC) in primary molar pulpotomies? 

• No. Pulpotomy success rates were 97% for MTA and 83% for FC. The difference was not statistically significant. (Evidence level 2). Read the abstract.

Do systemic antibiotics relieve pain in cases of irreversible pulpitis?

• No.  There was no reduction in pain or percussion sensitivity compared to control in 1 RCT of 40 people. (Evidence level 1).  Read the abstract.

Do shorter obturation lengths for root canal therapy achieve the best prognosis?   

• Yes.  Obturation 0-1 mm short of the apex had the best success rate. (Evidence level 2).  Read the abstract.
  

Does preoperative clindamycin prophylaxis prevent postoperative infections in endodontic surgery?  

• No. 2% of patients receiving clindamycin had an infection versus 3% who did not receive clindamycin. (Evidence level 2).  Read the abstract.

Does pulp capping result in the formation of a hard tissue barrier?  

• Yes.  Calcium hydroxide-based materials stimulate formation of hard tissue bridging. Read the abstract. 

Are there clinical factors that are predictive of root canal treatment following full cast crowns?

• Yes. Post-cementation sensitivity (20 times more likely) and > 3 surfaces restored (7.5 times more likely) to require a root canal.  (Evidence level 3). Read the abstract.