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International Endodontic Journal Oct 2023Inflammatory biomarkers are potentially useful targets for pulpal diagnostic tests that can identify pulp status and predict vital pulp treatment (VPT) outcome, however,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory biomarkers are potentially useful targets for pulpal diagnostic tests that can identify pulp status and predict vital pulp treatment (VPT) outcome, however, their accuracy is unknown.
OBJECTIVES
(1) Calculate sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of previously investigated pulpitic biomarkers; (2) Determine if biomarker levels discriminate between clinical diagnoses of pulpitis based on the presence or absence of spontaneous pain (3) Evaluate if biomarker level can predict VPT outcome.
METHODS
Searches: PubMed/MEDLINE, Ovid SP, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus in May 2023.
INCLUSION
prospective and retrospective observational studies and randomized trials. Participants were humans with vital permanent teeth and a well-defined pulpal diagnosis.
EXCLUSION
deciduous teeth, in vitro and animal studies. Risk of bias was assessed with modified-Downs and Black quality assessment checklist. Meta-analysis was performed using bivariate random effect model in Meta-DiSc 2.0 and RevMan and the quality of the evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
Fifty-six studies were selected, reporting >70 individual biomolecules investigating pulpal health and disease at the gene and protein level. Most studies were of low and fair quality. Among the biomolecules investigated, IL-8 and IL-6 demonstrated a level of diagnostic accuracy with high sensitivity, specificity and DOR to discriminate between healthy pulps and those exhibiting spontaneous pain suggestive of IRP (low-certainty evidence). However, none was shown to have high DOR and the ability to discriminate between pulpitic states (very low certainty evidence). Limited data suggests high levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 correlate with poorer outcomes of full pulpotomy.
DISCUSSION
The inability of identified molecular inflammatory markers to discriminate between dental pulps with spontaneous and non-spontaneous pain should shift the focus to improved study quality or the pursuit of other molecules potentially associated with healing and repair.
CONCLUSIONS
Low-quality evidence suggests IL-8 and IL-6 demonstrated level of diagnostic accuracy to discriminate between healthy pulps and those exhibiting spontaneous pain. There is a need for standardized biomarker diagnostic and prognostic studies focusing on solutions that can accurately determine the degree of pulp inflammation.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021259305.
Topics: Humans; Pulpitis; Interleukin-6; Prospective Studies; Interleukin-8; Retrospective Studies; Biomarkers; Pain
PubMed: 37392154
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13950 -
Journal of the American Dental... May 2023The authors assessed the clinical effectiveness of analgesics to manage acute pain after dental extractions and pain associated with irreversible pulpitis in children. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The authors assessed the clinical effectiveness of analgesics to manage acute pain after dental extractions and pain associated with irreversible pulpitis in children.
TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED
The authors searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and US Clinical Trials registry from inception through November 2020. They included randomized controlled trials comparing any pharmacologic interventions with each other and a placebo in pediatric participants undergoing dental extractions or experiencing irreversible pulpitis. After duplicate screening and data abstraction, the authors conducted random-effects meta-analyses. They assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.
RESULTS
The authors included 6 randomized controlled trials reporting 8 comparisons. Ibuprofen may reduce pain intensity compared with acetaminophen (mean difference [MD], 0.27 points; 95% CI, -0.13 to 0.68; low certainty) and a placebo (MD, -0.19 points; 95% CI, -0.58 to 0.21; low certainty). Acetaminophen may reduce pain intensity compared with a placebo (MD, -0.13 points; 95% CI, -0.52 to 0.26; low certainty). Acetaminophen and ibuprofen combined probably reduce pain intensity compared with acetaminophen alone (MD, -0.75 points; 95% CI, -1.22 to -0.27; moderate certainty) and ibuprofen alone (MD, -0.01 points; 95% CI, -0.53 to 0.51; moderate certainty). There was very low certainty evidence regarding adverse effects.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Several pharmacologic interventions alone or in combination may provide a beneficial effect when managing acute dental pain in children. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the use of analgesics to manage irreversible pulpitis.
Topics: Child; Humans; Acetaminophen; Ibuprofen; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Acute Pain; Pulpitis; Analgesics
PubMed: 37105668
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.02.013 -
Australian Dental Journal Jun 2023Root canal treatment (RCT) has been considered the conventional standard for the management of teeth with carious pulp exposure, particularly in mature teeth presenting... (Review)
Review
Root canal treatment (RCT) has been considered the conventional standard for the management of teeth with carious pulp exposure, particularly in mature teeth presenting with symptoms. Following a better understanding of the histopathology of deep carious lesions, the histology of the cariously exposed pulp and the healing potential of the inflamed pulp, vital pulp therapy (VPT) is increasingly adopted around the world for the management of permanent teeth with clinical signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. Furthermore, VPT became a recognized treatment modality by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) and the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) by virtue of its high success rates reported in outcome studies using contemporary hydraulic calcium silicate-based cements. However, proper case selection, strict asepsis, capping materials and good coronal seal are mandatory for success. The aim of this paper is to review the biological basis for VPT in symptomatic teeth with carious pulp exposure and to report on the outcome of pulpotomy in teeth with clinical diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis.
Topics: Humans; Pulpitis; Root Canal Therapy; Dental Pulp; Pulpotomy; Dentition, Permanent; Calcium Compounds; Silicates; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37986231
DOI: 10.1111/adj.12997 -
International Endodontic Journal Mar 2022The authors of this narrative review aimed to address various experimental methods and make recommendations for how research should move forward in the context... (Review)
Review
The authors of this narrative review aimed to address various experimental methods and make recommendations for how research should move forward in the context of studying biomarkers in clinical Endodontic research. The approach adopted is exemplified using two prominent clinical problems, namely (a) the 'reversible' versus 'irreversible' pulpitis conundrum and (b) persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain (PIDAP). Pulpitis under deep caries or dentinal cracks is understood from a histological perspective, but clinical assessment tools to indicate irreversibly inflamed aspects of the dental pulp are elusive. PIDAP, on the other hand, is a diagnosis of exclusion; its pathophysiology is complex and not understood sufficiently to avoid unnecessary dental treatments. This review addresses how diagnostic biomarkers could further our understanding of those and other clinical problems, and how issues can be tackled from a methodological point of view. Hence, different methodological approaches to identify suitable diagnostic biomarker(s) or use known biomarkers are presented. The importance of asking a relevant research question, collecting the most suitable fluid and using the ideal collection vehicle for the research question under investigation is discussed based on the defined clinical problems.
Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Pulpitis
PubMed: 34655496
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13647 -
Caries Research 2023The management of the deep carious lesion with reversible pulpitis is a dilemma for the dentist. The current study compared selective removal to soft dentine (SRSD) and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The management of the deep carious lesion with reversible pulpitis is a dilemma for the dentist. The current study compared selective removal to soft dentine (SRSD) and full pulpotomy (FP) for treating proximal deep carious lesions in teeth with reversible pulpitis. Visual-tactile examination and bitewing radiographs were used to determine the depth of carious lesion, and American Association of Endodontists recommendations were used to formulate pulp diagnosis. Sixty mandibular molar teeth from healthy patients between the ages of 16-35 years and a diagnosis of proximal deep carious lesion with reversible pulpitis were included. Teeth were randomly allocated to two study groups. SRSD group (n = 30): soft dentine was preserved over the pulpal aspect. A hard-setting calcium hydroxide cement liner and resin-modified glass ionomer cement base were applied over the remaining soft carious dentine. FP group (n = 30): complete caries removal followed by mineral trioxide aggregate FP was performed. The teeth in both groups were restored with composite resin restoration. The established criteria for outcome assessment of SRSD and pulpotomy were used. Accordingly, only asymptomatic teeth with no radiological evidence of periapical rarefaction were considered successful at the 12-month follow-up. Two-sample t test, Pearson χ2 test/Fisher's exact test, and percentage agreement were used for statistical evaluation. According to the per-protocol analysis, the success rate of both SRSD and FP treatment was 95.45% and 95.65%, respectively, and the actual difference between the two treatments was 1% (95% CI: [-10, 9]). The data suggests that both treatments (SRSD and FP) appear to have a good success rate (>95%) when used to manage permanent mandibular molar teeth with proximal deep carious lesion and reversible pulpitis. As SRSD is a noninvasive procedure, it should be favored over FP in these instances.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Pulpotomy; Pulpitis; Calcium Compounds; Composite Resins; Silicates; Dental Caries; Dentin; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37552970
DOI: 10.1159/000530895 -
Journal of Applied Oral Science :... 2023Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) tends to be associated with various inflammatory responses of diseases, but its relationship with pulpitis remains unknown.
BACKGROUND
Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) tends to be associated with various inflammatory responses of diseases, but its relationship with pulpitis remains unknown.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of BMP9 in pulpitis.
METHODOLOGY
A rat model of pulpitis was used to evaluate the expression of BMP9, which was also analysed in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS)-stimulated human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). The effects and mechanism of BMP9 on the regulation of inflammatory factors and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunocytofluorescence. Moreover, the migration ability of THP-1 monocyte-macrophages, treated with inflammatory supernate inhibited by BMP9, was previously tested by a transwell migration assay. Finally, a direct rat pulp capping model was used to evaluate in vivo the influence of the overexpression of BMP9 in pulpitis.
RESULTS
The expression of BMP9 decreased after 24 h and increased after 3 and 7 d in rat pulpitis and inflammatory hDPCs. The overexpression of BMP9 inhibited the gene expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2) and the secretion of IL-6 and MMP2 in Pg-LPS-stimulated hDPCs. The level of phosphorylated Smad1/5 was upregulated and the levels of phosphorylated ERK and JNK were downregulated. The inflammatory supernate of hDPCs inhibited by BMP9 reduced the migration of THP-1 cells. In rat pulp capping models, overexpressed BMP9 could partially restrain the development of dental pulp inflammation.
CONCLUSION
This is the first study to confirm that BMP9 is involved in the occurrence and development of pulpitis and can partially inhibit its severity in the early stage. These findings provided a theoretical reference for future studies on the mechanism of pulpitis and application of bioactive molecules in vital pulp therapy.
Topics: Rats; Humans; Animals; Pulpitis; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; Growth Differentiation Factor 2; Dental Pulp; Interleukin-6; Lipopolysaccharides; Inflammation; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 36700591
DOI: 10.1590/1678-7757-2022-0313 -
BMC Oral Health Mar 2020Pulpal inflammation is known to be mediated by multiple signaling pathways. However, whether melatonin plays regulatory roles in pulpal inflammation remains unclear.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Pulpal inflammation is known to be mediated by multiple signaling pathways. However, whether melatonin plays regulatory roles in pulpal inflammation remains unclear. This study aimed at elucidating an in situ expression of melatonin and its receptors in human pulpal tissues, and the contribution of melatonin on the antagonism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-infected pulpal fibroblasts.
METHODS
Melatonin expression in pulpal tissues harvested from healthy teeth was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. Its receptors, melatonin receptor 1 (MT1) and melatonin receptor 2 (MT2), were also immunostained in pulpal tissues isolated from healthy teeth and inflamed teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Morphometric analysis was subsequently performed. After LPS infection of cultured pulpal fibroblasts, cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β) transcripts were examined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Analysis of mRNA expression was performed to investigate an antagonism of LPS stimulation by melatonin via COX and IL-1 β induction. Mann-Whitney U test and One-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis to determine a significance level.
RESULTS
Melatonin was expressed in healthy pulpal tissue within the odontoblastic zone, cell-rich zone, and in the pulpal connective tissue. Furthermore, in health, strong MT1 and MT2 expression was distributed similarly in all 3 pulpal zones. In contrast, during disease, expression of MT2 was reduced in inflamed pulpal tissues (P-value< 0.001), but not MT1 (P-value = 0.559). Co-culturing of melatonin with LPS resulted in the reduction of COX-2 and IL-1 β expression in primary pulpal fibroblasts, indicating that melatonin may play an antagonistic role to LPS infection in pulpal fibroblasts.
CONCLUSIONS
Human dental pulp abundantly expressed melatonin and its receptors MT1 and MT2 in the odontoblastic layers and pulpal connective tissue layers. Melatonin exerted antagonistic activity against LPS-mediated COX-2 and IL-1 β induction in pulpal fibroblasts, suggesting its therapeutic potential for pulpal inflammation and a possible role of pulpal melatonin in an immunomodulation via functional melatonin receptors expressed in dental pulp.
Topics: Fibroblasts; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-1beta; Lipopolysaccharides; Melatonin; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases; Pulpitis; RNA, Messenger; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 32223750
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-1055-3 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2021Endodontic disease is one of the most common causes of bacterial odontogenic sinusitis (ODS). Diagnosing ODS of endodontic origin involves otolaryngologists confirming... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Endodontic disease is one of the most common causes of bacterial odontogenic sinusitis (ODS). Diagnosing ODS of endodontic origin involves otolaryngologists confirming sinusitis, and dental specialists confirming endodontic sources. The purpose of this study was to conduct a multidisciplinary literature review to highlight clinical and microbiological features of ODS, and the most optimal diagnostic modalities to confirm endodontic disease.
METHODS
An extensive review of both medical and dental literature was performed by rhinologists, endodontists, and an infectious disease specialist. Frequencies of various clinical and microbiological features from ODS studies were collected, and averages were calculated. Different endodontic testing and imaging modalities were also evaluated on their abilities to confirm endodontic disease.
RESULTS
ODS patients most often present with unilateral sinonasal symptoms for over 3 months, purulence on nasal endoscopy, and overt dental pathology on computed tomography (CT). Subjective foul smell, and maxillary sinus cultures demonstrating anaerobes and α-streptococci (viridans group) may be more specific to ODS. For endodontic evaluations, cold pulp testing and cone-beam CT imaging are most optimal for confirming pulpal and periapical disease.
CONCLUSION
Diagnosing ODS requires collaboration between otolaryngologists and dental specialists. Clinicians should suspect ODS when patients present with unilateral sinonasal symptoms, especially foul smell. Patients will generally have purulent drainage on nasal endoscopy, and both sinus opacification and overt dental pathology on CT. However, some patients will have subtle or absent dental pathology on CT. For suspected endodontic disease, endodontists should be consulted for at least cold pulp testing, and ideally cone-beam CT.
Topics: Adult; Bacterial Infections; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Female; Humans; Male; Maxillary Sinusitis; Middle Aged; Pulpitis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Viridans Streptococci
PubMed: 33486208
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.102925 -
International Endodontic Journal Oct 2022To review variables and management techniques that may affect anaesthesia failure during root canal treatment and methods of overcoming anaesthesia failure. (Review)
Review
AIM
To review variables and management techniques that may affect anaesthesia failure during root canal treatment and methods of overcoming anaesthesia failure.
METHODOLOGY
The PubMed and Cochran databases were searched for evidence-based investigations regarding pain during needle insertion, pain on injection, efficacy of the anaesthetic solutions and anaesthesia techniques, and premedication.
RESULTS
Variables such as pain on injection, premedication with various types of drugs, volume of anaesthetic solutions, supplemental anaesthetic techniques, and additives to the anaesthetic solutions may influence pain perception during root canal treatment. Differences between teeth with healthy pulps versus those with irreversible pulpitis should be considered when the effects of variables are interpreted. However, there are several concerns regarding the methodology of investigations that have evaluated anaesthesia success rates.
CONCLUSION
Several variables may influence anaesthesia success rates. There are conditions that may help to predict a patient's pain during endodontic procedures. These conditions could be overcome either by employing methods such as premedication with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prior to the treatment visit or by using supplementary techniques before or during the treatment. However, investigators need to be more careful when reporting details of their studies to reduce concerns regarding their study bias.
Topics: Humans; Anesthetics, Local; Mandibular Nerve; Nerve Block; Pulpitis; Anesthesia, Dental; Pain; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Lidocaine
PubMed: 35119117
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13697 -
International Endodontic Journal Dec 2023This study aimed to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy in teeth with deep caries extending at least 75% into dentine. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
AIM
This study aimed to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy in teeth with deep caries extending at least 75% into dentine.
METHODOLOGY
This two-armed, parallel-group, randomized, superiority trial included vital mature permanent teeth with deep primary or secondary caries diagnosed radiographically as being at least 75% into the thickness of dentine, without clinical signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or radiographic evidence of a periapical lesion. Carious teeth were blindly allocated to receive either SCR or Pulpotomy using computer-generated randomized patient codes concealed in opaque envelopes. All teeth were reviewed clinically and radiographically at 6 months and 1 year post-treatment. Using a significance level of p < .05, the log rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to compare the outcome of SCR and Pulpotomy and to identify potential prognostic factors, respectively.
RESULTS
In all, 58 teeth in the SCR group and 55 teeth in the pulpotomy group completed treatment, after excluding 6 teeth because they did not complete the allocated treatment and another due to severe periodontal disease. At one year, 57/58 (98.3%) teeth from the SCR group and 48/55 (87.3%) teeth from the Pulpotomy group were available for analysis. One tooth in the Pulpotomy group (2.1%) and eight teeth in the SCR group (14.0%) required the further intervention of root canal treatment (p < .05). There were no other significant prognostic factors for survival. Overall, 91.4% of teeth treated with either SCR or Pulpotomy survived without requiring further intervention over a period of one year. No other adverse events occurred over the review period.
CONCLUSION
Within the limitations of this study, Pulpotomy fares better than SCR in preserving the remaining pulp and periapical health. As a treatment modality, Pulpotomy carries greater cost outlay to patient and takes a longer time to complete treatment than SCR. Long-term follow-up is needed to study the pulpal and restorative outcomes of Pulpotomy and SCR.
Topics: Humans; Pulpotomy; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Pilot Projects; Calcium Compounds; Treatment Outcome; Pulpitis; Dental Caries; Silicates
PubMed: 37795835
DOI: 10.1111/iej.13978