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International Endodontic Journal Jul 2019This position statement on the management of deep caries and the exposed pulp represents the consensus of an expert committee, convened by the European Society of...
This position statement on the management of deep caries and the exposed pulp represents the consensus of an expert committee, convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). Preserving the pulp in a healthy state with sustained vitality, preventing apical periodontitis and developing minimally invasive biologically based therapies are key themes within contemporary clinical endodontics. The aim of this statement was to summarize current best evidence on the diagnosis and classification of deep caries and caries-induced pulpal disease, as well as indicating appropriate clinical management strategies for avoiding and treating pulp exposure in permanent teeth with deep or extremely deep caries. In presenting these findings, areas of controversy, low-quality evidence and uncertainties are highlighted, prior to recommendations for each area of interest. A recently published review article provides more detailed information and was the basis for this position statement (Bjørndal et al. 2019, International Endodontic Journal, doi:10.1111/iej.13128). The intention of this position statement is to provide the practitioner with relevant clinical guidance in this rapidly developing area. An update will be provided within 5 years as further evidence emerges.
Topics: Dental Caries; Dental Pulp; Dental Pulp Capping; Endodontics; Humans; Periapical Periodontitis; Pulpotomy
PubMed: 30664240
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13080 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Pulpal and periapical diseases account for a large proportion of dental visits, the current treatments for which are root canal therapy (RCT) and pulp revascularisation.... (Review)
Review
Pulpal and periapical diseases account for a large proportion of dental visits, the current treatments for which are root canal therapy (RCT) and pulp revascularisation. Despite the clinical signs of full recovery and histological reconstruction, true regeneration of pulp tissues is still far from being achieved. The goal of regenerative endodontics is to promote normal pulp function recovery in inflamed or necrotic teeth that would result in true regeneration of the pulpodentinal complex. Recently, rapid progress has been made related to tissue engineering-mediated pulp regeneration, which combines stem cells, biomaterials, and growth factors. Since the successful isolation and characterisation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and other applicable dental mesenchymal stem cells, basic research and preclinical exploration of stem cell-mediated functional pulp regeneration via cell transplantation and cell homing have received considerably more attention. Some of this effort has translated into clinical therapeutic applications, bringing a ground-breaking revolution and a new perspective to the endodontic field. In this article, we retrospectively examined the current treatment status and clinical goals of pulpal and periapical diseases and scrutinized biological studies of functional pulp regeneration with a focus on DPSCs, biomaterials, and growth factors. Then, we reviewed preclinical experiments based on various animal models and research strategies. Finally, we summarised the current challenges encountered in preclinical or clinical regenerative applications and suggested promising solutions to address these challenges to guide tissue engineering-mediated clinical translation in the future.
Topics: Animals; Dental Pulp; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Regeneration; Retrospective Studies; Root Canal Therapy; Stem Cells; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 34445703
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168991 -
International Endodontic Journal Jul 2019Caries prevalence remains high throughout the world, with the burden of disease increasingly affecting older and socially disadvantaged groups in Western cultures. If... (Review)
Review
Caries prevalence remains high throughout the world, with the burden of disease increasingly affecting older and socially disadvantaged groups in Western cultures. If left untreated, caries will advance through dentine stimulating pulpitis and eventually pulp infection and necrosis; however, if conservatively managed, pulpal recovery occurs even in deep carious lesions. Traditionally, deep caries management was destructive with nonselective (complete) removal of all carious dentine; however, the promotion of minimally invasive biologically based treatment strategies has been advocated for selective (partial) caries removal and a reduced risk of pulp exposure. Selective caries removal strategies can be one-visit as indirect pulp treatment or two-visit using a stepwise approach. Management strategies for the treatment of the cariously exposed pulp are also shifting with avoidance of pulpectomy and the re-emergence of vital pulp treatment (VPT) techniques such as partial and complete pulpotomy. These changes stem from an improved understanding of the pulp-dentine complex's defensive and reparative response to irritation, with harnessing the release of bioactive dentine matrix components and careful handling of the damaged tissue considered critical. Notably, the development of new pulp capping materials such as mineral trioxide aggregate, which although not an ideal material, has resulted in more predictable treatments from both a histological and a clinical perspective. Unfortunately, the changes in management are only supported by relatively weak evidence with case series, cohort studies and preliminary studies containing low patient numbers forming the bulk of the evidence. As a result, critical questions related to the superiority of one caries removal technique over another, the best pulp capping biomaterial or whether pulp exposure is a negative prognostic factor remain unanswered. There is an urgent need to promote minimally invasive treatment strategies in Operative Dentistry and Endodontology; however, the development of accurate diagnostic tools, evidence-based management strategies and education in management of the exposed pulp are critical in the future.
Topics: Dental Caries; Dental Pulp; Dental Pulp Capping; Dental Pulp Exposure; Humans; Pulpotomy
PubMed: 30985944
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13128 -
Journal of Endodontics Sep 2020A sound and vital pulp is an essential prerequisite for long-term tooth survival and preservation. However, current endodontic treatment concepts are based on the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
A sound and vital pulp is an essential prerequisite for long-term tooth survival and preservation. However, current endodontic treatment concepts are based on the removal of inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue and the replacement by a synthetic biomaterial. Recently, total or partial pulp regeneration has been proposed as an alternative treatment concept. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current options of pulp treatment and regenerative approaches, both for immature and mature teeth, in a clinical context.
METHODS
Clinical success rates of classic treatment options such as pulpotomy or root canal filling after pulpectomy or the removal of necrotic tissue are compared with recent reports on regenerative approaches like revitalization or partial and total pulp regeneration.
RESULTS
Revitalization in immature teeth with pulp necrosis is an additional treatment option besides placing an apical plug, leading to clinically acceptable outcomes, although with low predictability regarding the completion of root formation. Coronal regeneration of the amputated pulp in immature teeth constitutes a promising scientific approach, but data from clinical studies are missing. Mature teeth display a reduced potential for regeneration. Regenerative procedures using cell transplantation or cell homing are mainly in the experimental phase with only 2 clinical studies on cell transplantation. In parallel to the further development of regenerative therapies, the classification of pulp diseases should be revised, and the diagnostic tools need improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
The rethinking of current concepts for biology-based treatments and improved diagnostic concepts might postpone the point of root canal filling depending on the clinical situation.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Dental Pulp Necrosis; Humans; Pulpotomy; Regeneration; Root Canal Therapy
PubMed: 32950188
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2020.06.037 -
Australian Endodontic Journal : the... Apr 2020The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Consensus Conference Recommended Diagnostic Terminology states that mature permanent teeth clinically diagnosed with... (Review)
Review
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) Consensus Conference Recommended Diagnostic Terminology states that mature permanent teeth clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis are treated with pulpectomy and root canal filling because inflamed vital pulp is not capable of healing. Histological studies have demonstrated that clinically diagnosed irreversible pulpitis does not involve the entire pulp. A recent International Endodontic Journal Editorial suggested clinical diagnosis of pulp disease should be reassessed because of the poor correlation between clinical symptoms and pulp sensibility testing and the actual histological status of the pulp. This review identified studies in a PubMed search that provide evidence for vital pulp therapy (VPT) of mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis is predictable if correctly diagnosed and properly treated. A narrative review was undertaken to outline the correlation between the clinical symptoms/signs and pulp sensibility testing and the histological findings of the pulp. Treatment procedures for permanent teeth are outlined.
Topics: Dental Pulp; Dentition, Permanent; Humans; Pulpitis
PubMed: 31865629
DOI: 10.1111/aej.12392 -
Mediators of Inflammation 2015Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease resulting from the penetration of oral bacteria into the enamel and dentin. Microorganisms subsequently trigger... (Review)
Review
Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease resulting from the penetration of oral bacteria into the enamel and dentin. Microorganisms subsequently trigger inflammatory responses in the dental pulp. These events can lead to pulp healing if the infection is not too severe following the removal of diseased enamel and dentin tissues and clinical restoration of the tooth. However, chronic inflammation often persists in the pulp despite treatment, inducing permanent loss of normal tissue and reducing innate repair capacities. For complete tooth healing the formation of a reactionary/reparative dentin barrier to distance and protect the pulp from infectious agents and restorative materials is required. Clinical and in vitro experimental data clearly indicate that dentin barrier formation only occurs when pulp inflammation and infection are minimised, thus enabling reestablishment of tissue homeostasis and health. Therefore, promoting the resolution of pulp inflammation may provide a valuable therapeutic opportunity to ensure the sustainability of dental treatments. This paper focusses on key cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in pulp responses to bacteria and in the pulpal transition between caries-induced inflammation and dentinogenic-based repair. We report, using selected examples, different strategies potentially used by odontoblasts and specialized immune cells to combat dentin-invading bacteria in vivo.
Topics: Animals; Antigens; Cell Differentiation; Dendritic Cells; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel; Dental Pulp; Dentin; Dentin, Secondary; Homeostasis; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Odontoblasts; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; Tooth
PubMed: 26538821
DOI: 10.1155/2015/230251 -
Monographs in Oral Science 2018Carious lesion dynamics are dependent predominantly on the availability of fermentable sugars, other environmental conditions, bacteria, and host factors. Our current...
Carious lesion dynamics are dependent predominantly on the availability of fermentable sugars, other environmental conditions, bacteria, and host factors. Our current understanding of the microorganisms involved in the initiation and progression of caries is still rather incomplete. The most relevant acidogenic-aciduric bacterial species known to date are Streptococcus mutans, bifidobacteria, and lactobacilli. Whereas mutans streptococci are initiators, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are more enhancers for progression. Boosters for microbial activity are specific environmental conditions, such as the presence of fermentable dietary sugars and the absence of oxygen. Based on these conditions, the necrotic and/or contaminated zone fulfils all criteria for disease progression and has to be removed. For those deep lesions where the pulp vitality is not affected, a selective removal of the contaminated leathery dentine should take place as this approach lowers the risk of regrowth of the few embedded microbial cells here. In repelling the microbial attack and repairing damage, the host has developed several ingenious strategies. A major resistance to carious lesion progression is mounted by the dentine-pulp tissues. The signalling molecules and growth factors released upon dentine demineralisation upregulate the odontoblast activity and act as sensor cells. After carious stimulation, odontoblasts initiate an inflammatory reaction by producing chemokines and synthesise a protective tertiary dentine. After the destruction of these cells, the pulp still has a high capacity to synthesise this tertiary dentine thanks to the presence of adult stem cells within the pulp. Also, in addition to the systemic regulation, the pulp which is located within inextensible the confines of the dentine walls has a well-developed local regulation of its inflammation, regeneration, and vascularisation. This local regulation is due to the activity of different pulp cell types, mainly the fibroblasts, which secrete soluble molecules that regulate all these processes.
Topics: Dental Caries; Dental Pulp; Dentin; Humans
PubMed: 29794423
DOI: 10.1159/000487826 -
Stem Cells Translational Medicine Apr 2020Human pulp stem cells (PSCs) include dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) isolated from dental pulp tissues of human extracted permanent teeth and stem cells from human... (Review)
Review
Human pulp stem cells (PSCs) include dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) isolated from dental pulp tissues of human extracted permanent teeth and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Depending on their multipotency and sensitivity to local paracrine activity, DPSCs and SHED exert therapeutic applications at multiple levels beyond the scope of the stomatognathic system. This review is specifically concentrated on PSC-updated biological characteristics and their promising therapeutic applications in (pre)clinical practice. Biologically, distinguished from conventional mesenchymal stem cell markers in vitro, NG2, Gli1, and Celsr1 have been evidenced as PSC markers in vivo. Both perivascular cells and glial cells account for PSC origin. Therapeutically, endodontic regeneration is where PSCs hold the most promises, attributable of PSCs' robust angiogenic, neurogenic, and odontogenic capabilities. More recently, the interplay between cell homing and liberated growth factors from dentin matrix has endowed a novel approach for pulp-dentin complex regeneration. In addition, PSC transplantation for extraoral tissue repair and regeneration has achieved immense progress, following their multipotential differentiation and paracrine mechanism. Accordingly, PSC banking is undergoing extensively with the intent of advancing tissue engineering, disease remodeling, and (pre)clinical treatments.
Topics: Animals; Biological Specimen Banks; Dental Pulp; Humans; Regeneration; Stem Cell Transplantation; Stem Cells; Tooth, Deciduous
PubMed: 31943813
DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0398 -
Journal of Endodontics Jul 2017Similar to other tissues, the dental pulp mounts an inflammatory reaction as a way to eliminate pathogens and stimulate repair. Pulp inflammation is prerequisite for... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Similar to other tissues, the dental pulp mounts an inflammatory reaction as a way to eliminate pathogens and stimulate repair. Pulp inflammation is prerequisite for dentin pulp complex repair and regeneration; otherwise, chronic disease or pulp necrosis occurs. Evaluation of pulp inflammation severity is necessary to predict the clinical success of maintaining pulp vitality. Clinical limitations to evaluating in situ inflammatory status are well-described. A molecular approach that aids clinical distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis could improve the success rate of vital pulp therapy. The aim of this article is to review inflammatory mediator expression in the context of clinical diagnosis.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Cochrane databases for articles published between 1970 and December 2016. Only published studies of inflammatory mediator expression related to clinical diagnosis were eligible for inclusion and analysis.
RESULTS
Thirty-two articles were analyzed. Two molecular approaches were described by study methods, protein expression analysis and gene expression analysis. Our review indicates that interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase 9, tumor necrosis factor-α, and receptor for advanced glycation end products expression increase at both the gene and protein levels during inflammation.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical irreversible pulpitis is related to specific levels of inflammatory mediator expression. The difference in expression between reversible and irreversible disease is both quantitative and qualitative. On the basis of our analysis, in situ quantification of inflammatory mediators may aid in the clinical distinction between reversible and irreversible pulpitis.
Topics: Biomarkers; Dental Pulp; Humans; Pulpitis
PubMed: 28527838
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2017.02.009 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2022The accurate diagnosis of pulpal pathology in pediatric dentistry is essential for the success of vital pulp therapy. Pulp testing is often a challenging task due to... (Review)
Review
The accurate diagnosis of pulpal pathology in pediatric dentistry is essential for the success of vital pulp therapy. Pulp testing is often a challenging task due to understanding and cooperation issues of pediatric patients, as well as the particularities of pulpal physiology encountered in primary and immature permanent teeth. Sensibility tests, although still widely used by dental practitioners, are no longer recommended by pediatric specialists mainly due to their subjective nature. Vitality pulp tests have gained popularity in the last decade in light of some encouraging results of clinical studies. However, their use is not a routine practice yet. This paper is a literature review aimed to guide dental practitioners towards selecting the appropriate pulp testing method for their pediatric cases. It provides an overview on a multitude of pulp testing methods and an update in recommendations for primary and immature permanent teeth.
Topics: Child; Dental Pulp; Dentists; Humans; Pediatric Dentistry; Professional Role
PubMed: 35630082
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050665