Browsing by Author "Warner, Ned"
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Item ACCURACY OF GUIDED ENDODONTICS IN ENDODONTIC MICROSURGERY(2024-06) Grayson, Michelle Sarah; Spolnik, Kenneth; Ehrlich, Ygal; Dutra, Vinicius; Hine, Charlie; Warner, NedItem Accuracy of Guided Endodontics in Simulated Perforated Teeth with Calcified Canals(2023) Eidelstein, Dyana M.; Spolnik, Kenneth; Ehrlich, Ygal; Dutra, Vinicius; Hine, Charles; Warner, NedIntroduction: Endodontic treatment in teeth following iatrogenic accidents can be challenging and difficult to correct. Guided Endodontic Access (GEA) has been used as an adjunct in endodontic treatment to in in treating teeth with complex anatomy and may assist in treating teeth with procedural accidents. The accuracy of GEA stents in teeth with a simulated procedural accident will be assessed. Objective: This in vitro study will utilize a 3D model of a tooth with a simulated procedural accident: deviation and perforation during root canal treatment(RCT). GEA stents will be fabricated designed to overcome and compare the previous ledge formation and perforation. The influence on the degree of deviation of the designed access path from the prepared path will be determined by assessing the degree of angle of deviation and amount of deviation in millimeters. Materials and Methods: A 3-D printed maxillary model of an anonymous patient will be used. The deviated path and perforation will be simulated in a 3D printed tooth #4 using the meshmixer software tooth at two levels: apical and mid-root. The stent extends from tooth #3 to tooth #14 and was designed using coDiagnostiX software over tooth #4 with a simulated perforation. 15 GEA stents will have guides for the mid root perforation, 15 GEA stents will have guides for the canals not in contact with the perforation, and 15 GEA stents will have guides for canals apical to the perforation. All cases will be accessed with a 1.0 mm drill that is planned to fit the access sleeve. Results: The distal( base), the distal(tip) and the vestibular (tip) for the guided access in which the canal was in contact with the deviated path had no significant difference in deviation. The angle was significantly deviated in all models, but the model in which the canal was in contact with the deviated canal had a significantly lower angle, distal base, and vestibular base that both models in which the canal was not in contact with the deviated path and at different heights. The degree of deviation for all samples ranged from 1.40° to 10.60°. The largest degree of deviation corresponds with the increased depth of the original canal system. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study revealed that the utilization of GEA in calcified teeth with PCO and a deviated path demonstrated greater effectiveness in canals located in closer proximity compared to those located farther away from the deviated path. Therefore, we can infer that the use of a GEA stent in calcified teeth with PCO and a deviated path is favorable only under certain conditions.Item Buffered vs. Unbuffered Local Anesthesia in Mandibular Molars Diagnosed with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Controlled, Randomized, Double-Blind Study(2022) Alena, Peter; Spolnik, Kenneth; Ehrlich, Ygal; Warner, NedIntroduction: Profound pulpal anesthesia is not always adequate in mandibular teeth after the administration of local anesthesia, especially in the presence of irreversible pulpitis. Failure to achieve anesthesia has been seen in 30–80% of patients in teeth with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis. Onpharma™ developed an FDA-approved device that uses sodium bicarbonate to buffer a standard local anesthetic (LA) solution so that its pH may become closer to its pKa. Claims have been made that buffering a local anesthetic increases the anesthetic’s effect. Previous studies on the anesthetic efficacy of Onpharma’s Onset buffering system were inconclusive and may be dependent on the techniques used. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine whether a buffered local anesthetic can lead to more profound and faster pulpal anesthesia in mandibular molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis as compared to a standard, unbuffered local anesthetic. Materials and Methods: 40 total subjects completed the study. Screened and eligible subjects with a mandibular molar diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated into 2 groups so 1 group received a total of 3 cartridges of a standard, unbuffered 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine via inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) followed by supplemental buccal and lingual infiltrations, while the other received the equivalent yet buffered formulation. An electronic pulp tester (EPT) was used to objectively determine baseline pulpal status of the affected tooth, followed by 2-minute interval testing following the administration of all local anesthesia. The onset of pulpal anesthesia was defined by the first of 2 consecutive EPT=80 readings, and the endodontic treatment could begin. Profound pulpal anesthesia was ultimately determined if the patient reported a comfortable pulpotomy as reflected on the Wong-Baker FACES Visual Analog Scale. Null Hypothesis 1: Subjects possessing mandibular molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will not achieve pulpal anesthesia more profoundly using buffered 2% lidocaine w/ 1:100,000 epinephrine in comparison to the standard, unbuffered anesthetic formulation. Null hypothesis 2: Subjects possessing mandibular molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will not achieve pulpal anesthesia faster using buffered 2% lidocaine w/ 1:100,000 epinephrine in comparison to the standard, unbuffered anesthetic formulation. Results: We observed a local anesthetic success rate of 45% in the buffered group, 70% in the unbuffered group, and ultimately 57.5% between both groups. The findings further indicate that the VAS scores after pulpotomy is significantly different between the 2 groups (p=0.019), with the unbuffered group having a more profound mean VAS score of 1.2 (as opposed to a buffered mean of 3.1). Regarding the time of onset for pulpal anesthesia, there was no statistically significant difference noted between the buffered and unbuffered groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the null hypothesis 1 cannot be rejected since unbuffered 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine had a statistically significant increase in profound pulpal anesthesia compared to the buffered equivalent. The null hypothesis 2 cannot be rejected since there was no evidence of a significant difference in the time to pulpal anesthesia between the buffered and unbuffered groups.Item Caries Presentation in Illict Drug Users and Excessive Soft Drink Consumers.(04/13/15) Parker, Eric; Ehrlich, Ygal; Pfotenhauer, David; Bringas, Josef; Warner, Ned; Parker, Eric; Ehrlich, Ygal; EndodonticsAdvanced cervical caries in anterior teeth is common to two different patient behaviors. Rampant cervical caries (“meth mouth”) is a common presentation in drug users. Extensive consumption of soft drinks also presents a similar pattern of cervical caries. Two cases are presented and dental treatment considerations are discussed. Case One: excessive soft drink consumption. A young male presented to IUSD for evaluation and treatment of a painful #9. Clinical exam: #9 had extensive facial and cervical caries with a pulp exposure. Cervical caries on teeth #6, 7,8,10,11,12,13. Patient’s history revealed frequent daily consumption of multiple sweet soft drinks. #9 had become increasingly painful and that caused him to seek treatment. Pulpal and Percussion/Palpation testing and radiographic exam of #9 were conducted. Diagnosis: #9 Pulpal Necrosis with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis. Treatment: Oral hygiene instruction to reduce the frequency of soft drink consumption. #9 was endodontically treated and restored. Caries in #6, 7,8,10,11,12,13 were treated and teeth restored. Case Two: cocaine abuse. A young female presented to IUSD for evaluation and treatment of a painful #9. Clinical exam: #9 had extensive cervical caries. Cervical caries on #7, 8, 9 and dental attrition. Patient reports having used cocaine for many years. Pulpal and Percussion/Palpation testing and radiographic exam of #9 were conducted. Diagnosis: #9 Pulpal Necrosis with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis. Treatment considerations: Local anesthesia was achieved without the use of epinephrine due to possible occasional unreported use of cocaine. #9 was endodontically treated and restored. Patient did not return for continued treatment at IUSD. Conclusion: Cervical caries in anterior teeth associated with soft drinks demonstrate similar characteristics to those observed in patients with reported cocaine abuse. This should alert dental providers dentists to be aware of both illicit drug use and soft drink intake as part of the patient’s medical, dental, and social history information.Item Comparing Brief Relaxation Period to Virtual Reality Period in Reducing Dental Anxiety Prior to Root Canal Treatment: A Randomized Control Trial(2023-06) Mintz, Caley Faith; Spolnik, Kenneth; Ehrlich, Ygal; Schrader, Stuart; Flowers, Leslie; Warner, NedIntroduction: Anxiety is a debilitating and difficult sensation many people face on a daily basis. Up to 20% of American adults experience dental anxiety2. Dental anxiety can present both psychologically and physiologically as a barrier to starting, completing and/or finishing dental treatment.2,4 Catastrophizing the procedure, which is common practice in anxious patients, will alter and increase the perception of pain66. Approaching and understanding dental anxiety has shown to produce more positive treatment outcomes and overall increased patient satisfaction2, 4, 6. Non-pharmacological approaches to reducing dental anxiety can be a quick, non-invasive, method to put patients at ease and can save chair time for both practitioner and patient, as well as a more pleasant experience for the patient. Objectives: The goal of this study is to investigate non-pharmacologic approaches to reducing dental anxiety prior to non-surgical root canal treatment. This will be done by comparing an Auditory Alone Brief Relaxation period (ABR) to a Relaxation Virtual Reality period (RVR). Materials and Methods: 60 subjects who need non-surgical root canal treatment was randomly allocated into 2 groups. One group received earphones to listen to a guided brief relaxation recording, focusing on breathing and a body scan. The other group received virtual reality goggles and choose a scene of their liking to experience. State Trait Anxiety Indicator (STAI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and vitals were measured to objectively determine baseline anxiety score followed by the same metrics after brief relaxation or virtual reality experience. A student will perform root canal treatment, and VAS and vitals were again be recorded at the end of the appointment. Results: Both RVR and ABR showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety in STAI-S (p value <.001 for both), STAI-T (p value 0.025 ABR; <.001 RVR). VAS scores also significantly reduced from T1 to T2 to T3 time frame. Discussion: Our study investigated and compared two different interventions in reducing anxiety prior to endodontic therapy. The results showed that both ABR and RVR reduced anxiety prior to endodontic therapy and had an effect even after the endodontic therapy was completed. Additionally, when comparing the time points T1, T2, and T3, heart rate decreased throughout the procedure and more importantly, after the intervention (ABR or RVR) was delivered. Both anxiety scales, STAI and VAS showed a statistical significant decrease in anxiety throughout the appointment. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological techniques like guided meditation and virtual reality are a valid and unique approach to reducing anxiety prior to endodontic therapy. Both ABR and RVR interventions reduced the feelings of anxiety throughout the entire endodontic appointment. This study displays the ease of incorporating both interventions to reduce anxiety in an economical and noninvasive fashion.Item Comparison of guided endodontic access with and without pin fixation in 3D printed teeth with simulated pulp canal obliteration(2021-06) Long, Jacob Daniel; Spolnik, Kenneth; Ehrlich, Ygal; Dutra, Vinicius; Bringas, Josef; Warner, NedIntroduction: In order to successfully treat an infected root canal system (RCS), it is required to locate all root canals and have an access path to the apex of each canal. This can be challenging in teeth with pulp canal obliteration (PCO), often leading to increased chair time and increased risk of iatrogenic errors. Guided endodontic access (GEA) combines information from a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan with an intra-oral scan to create a stent. GEA stents with or without fixation pins have been shown to be successful in accurately negotiating a RCS with PCO. Objective: Compare the degree of deviation and difference in 3D offset at the base to apical tip of the drill from the designed access path when a GEA stent with and without pin fixation is used to access tooth #8 with PCO. Materials and Methods: A 3-D printed maxillary model of an anonymous patient had a GEA stent designed using coDiagnonstiX software. The stent extended from tooth #3 to tooth #14 with the guide sleeve over tooth #8. Tooth #8 with no calcification, calcification to the cervical third, and calcification to the middle third of the RCS were designed in the coDiagnostiX software. Tooth #8 will be accessed using a 1.3 mm drill that fits a 1.3 mm sleeve used for both access and pin fixation. 15 of the 30 GEA samples will utilized pin fixation, while the other 15 samples did not utilize pin fixation. Following GEA in all 30 samples a CBCT was taken of each sample. Each post-operative CBCT was aligned with the pre-operative CBCT in the coDiagnostiX software. The coDiagnostiX software was able to calculate the degree of deviation and difference in 3D offset between the base and apical tip of the drill during GEA. Paired t-tests were used to test each group for significant differences in 3D offset between base and tip. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of pin fixation and calcification on the degree of deviation and the deviation of 3D offset of the entry point and tip. Results: There was a significant interaction between use of pin fixation and calcification level on the degree of deviation of GEA. GEA with pin fixation had a significantly larger degree of deviation than GEA without pin fixation with calcification extending to the middle third of the RCS. GEA with and without pin fixation did not have a significant difference when calcification extended to the cervical third of the RCS or no calcification was present. There was a significant interaction between use of pin fixation and calcification level on 3D offset difference. GEA with pin fixation had a significantly larger 3D offset difference than GEA with no pin fixation for calcification in the middle third of the RCS. For GEA with and without pin fixation there was no significant difference when calcification extended to the cervical third of the RCS or no calcification was present. Conclusion: The use of pin fixation did not result in a decrease of degree of deviation or difference in 3D offset during GEA access. It can be concluded that the use of pin fixation is not necessary for GEA of teeth with PCO when a full dentition is present to provide stability and retention of the stent.Item Differentiation and Activity of Murine Derived Stromal Osteoblasts After Electromagnetic Wave Stimulation(2022) Wu, Jennifer L.; Spolnik, Kenneth; Bruzzaniti, Angela; Ehrlich, Ygal; Warner, NedIntroduction: Elimination of bacteria and active infection within an infected root canal system is one of the primary objectives of nonsurgical root canal treatment. One of the measures of successful root canal treatment is subsequent bone healing of periapical lesions caused by previous infection. A previous study by Yumoto et al. showed that electromagnetic wave stimulation can increase proliferation of osteoblastic cells with no cytotoxicity, and it can also up-regulate growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor.18 They also showed increased proliferation of an immortalized osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell line 3 days following electromagnetic stimulation (EMS).18 Previously, Pauly et al. found increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity with 10 mA EMS application to primary murine calvaria-derived osteoblastic cells with 5 pulses at 1 second per pulse, but no significant differences were found for MTS proliferation nor mineral deposition compared to a negative control group.82 Optimization of the different variables including post-treatment incubation time, current delivery, and number of pulses per treatment may be necessary to improve osteogenic activity. The use of mesenchymal stem cells from murine bone marrow may also offer a physiologically relevant model for osteoblastic regeneration of periapical lesions. Objectives: The goal of this study was to investigate and optimize the effects of electromagnetic wave stimulation (EMS) on murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by evaluating the proliferation and differentiation of the cells after exposure to different EMS treatment regimens. Materials and Methods: 5 x104 stromal osteoblasts (SOBs) were cultured in 24-well plates in α-MEM containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Cells were then subjected to pulsed EMS treatments of 1 mA, 10 mA, and 50 mA. EMS was generated using an electromagnetic apical treatment (EMAT) device created by J. Morita MFG Corp. Proliferation was assessed via MTS assay 1 days after treatment. For osteogenic differentiation, ascorbic acid and β-glycerol phosphate were added to the culture media, and SOBs were cultured for 14 days. Afterwards, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin-red S mineral deposition were quantified as measures of osteoblast activity. Cells grown in osteogenic media without EMS treatment served as the negative control. Results: Although MSC proliferation was unaffected by different EMS treatment regimens, 50 mA EMS resulted in a decrease in ALP activity and mineral deposition by osteoblasts. Conclusions: Our findings suggest bone healing by EMS may involve a different cellular mechanism, that is not reproduced in vitro in our studies. Utilizing different amperage and EMS regimens may improve osteogenic differentiation.Item Effects of DynaMatrix on Angiogenic Cytokine and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression from Human Endothelial Cells: An In-vitro Study(2015) Hill, Scott Thomas; Spolnik, Kenneth J.; Warner, Ned; Zunt, Susan L.; Windor, L. Jack; Bringas, Josef; Ygal, EhrlichIntroduction: Regenerative endodontics (RE) is a treatment alternative for the infected immature tooth to establish an environment in the canal that enables continued root development and the growth of pulp or pulp-like tissue within the canal. A scaffold created in the canal encourages the formation of vital tissue. The porcine sub-intestinal-submucosa (SIS) membrane, Dynamatrix®, has the potential to serve as an endodontic scaffold. Research at Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) has shown that Dynamatrix® can support the growth of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSC) and human pulp fibroblasts (HPF). Positive angiogenic cytokine profiles were seen after these cells were seeded on Dynamatrix®. Endothelial cells play an important role in the formation of blood vessels and are a source of angiogenic cytokines. Exposure of these cells to DynaMatrix® may result in a positive angiogenic profile for both cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Objective: The aim of this in-vitro study was to investigate if the exposure of human endothelial cells to the DynaMatrix® membrane would result in differences in the expression of cytokines and MMPs that play roles in angiogenesis. Materials and Methods: Human endothelial cells (HUVECs) were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATTC, Manassas, VA) and used in this study. Groups were established as follows: (a) Group 1: HUVECs seeded in culture media only, (b) Group 2: DynaMatrix® membrane incubated alone in the serum-media without any cells, and (c) Group 3: HUVECs seeded on DynaMatrix® membranes. After 72 hours of incubation, the conditioned media were collected and analyzed for the expression of 20 angiogenic cytokines and MMPs utilizing cytokine and MMP protein arrays. The density of each cytokine and MMP expressed was measured, averaged, and statistically analyzed by ANOVA. Results: Exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to the DynaMatrix® membrane resulted in a positive angiogenic profile for both cytokines and MMPs. Conclusion: This work furthers the evidence for the potential of DynaMatrix® to serve as a more predictable scaffold in RE.Item In Vitro Accuracy of the E-PEX Electronic Apex Locator Compared to the Root ZX II(2023-06) Byington, Benjamin; Spolnik, Kenneth J.; Ehrlich, Ygal; Warner, NedIntroduction: One of the challenges of non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) is determining the working length of the canal which indicates the exact end point of root canal preparation and obturation. The development of the Electronic Apex Locator (EAL) has helped the clinician to determine the location of the apical foramen, and hence the working length, when performing NSRCT. Objective: The objective of this in vitro study was to determine the accuracy of a new EAL, the E-PEX (Changzhou Eighteeth Medical Technology Co., China), and compare it to a commonly used EAL, the Root ZX II (J. Morita Corp, Kyoto, Japan), for determining the location of the apical foramen. Materials and Methods: Twenty extracted single rooted teeth were used in this study. The crowns were removed and the distance from a coronal reference point to the apical foramen was measured utilizing a k-file and direct visualization under magnification. Teeth were then mounted in alginate and measurements for the apical foramen were made using the Root ZX II and the E-PEX. The difference between the actual canal length and the electronic length was then calculated and compared. Results: The mean true difference was -0.20, and -0.19 for the E-PEX and Root ZX II respectively. The mean absolute difference was 0.28, and 0.26 for the E-PEX and Root ZX II respectively. Paired t-tests done separately for true differences (p = 0.45) and absolute differences (p = 0.21) showed no significant difference among EALs. The percentage of measurements falling within 0.5 mm of the actual canal lengths for each EAL were 95% and 90% for the E-PEX and Root ZX II respectively. McNemar’s test was used to compare between the two test methods for the percentage within 0.5 mm and revealed no significant difference (p = 0.32). Conclusion: The Root ZX II had an average measurement that was slightly closer to the actual length of the canal when compared to the E-PEX, while the E-PEX had a higher percentage of measurement within 0.5 mm of the apical foramen. However, these differences were not statistically significant.Item Incisal Endodontics Access vs Traditional Palatal Access to Negotiate Simulated Obliterated Canals Using Guided Endodontic Techniques(2022-06) Gohil, Arjun A.; Spolnik, Kenneth J.; Dutra, Vinicius; Ehrlich, Ygal; Warner, NedIntroduction: Endodontic treatment in teeth with pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is challenging. Guided Endodontic Access (GEA) combines information from a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan with an intra-oral scan to create a stent that can be used as a guide to treat teeth with PCO. GEA stents designed with traditional palatal accesses were shown to be successful in accurately negotiating these 3D printed teeth with simulated PCO, however, the difference in accuracy between the traditional palatal access compared to a conservative incisal access is not yet known. Objective: This in vitro study compares GEA stents designed with an incisal access approach to GEA stents designed with a traditional palatal access approach. The effect on the overall degree of deviation of the designed access path from the prepared path is evaluated by measuring the degree of angle of deviation and amount of deviation in millimeters. Materials and Methods: A 3-D printed maxillary model of an anonymous patient was used. PCO was simulated in a 3D printed natural #8 using the coDiagnostiX software tooth at two levels: coronal and mid-root. A GEA stent that extended from tooth #3 to tooth #14 with a guide sleeve over the simulated tooth #8 was accessed with a dedicated 1.0 mm diameter and 20 mm length drill that is designed to fit the access sleeve. 15 GEA stents had guides utilized for the incisal access approach, and 15 GEA stents had guides utilized for the traditional palatal access approach. Results: Angle, mesio-distal (base), and mesio-distal (tip) deviations were significantly lower for the incisal access compared to the traditional access. Inciso-apical (base) deviation was significantly more negative for incisal access compared to the traditional access. Bucco-lingual (base) deviation was significantly more negative for traditional access compared to the incisal access, while incisal and traditional accesses were not significantly different for bucco-lingual (tip) deviation. Coronal 1/3 calcification groups had significantly more mesio-distal (base) deviation than the middle 1/3 and no PCO groups. The no PCO group had significantly more negative inciso--apical (base) deviation than the coronal 1/3 calcification and middle 1/3 calcification groups, and the coronal 1/3 calcification group was significantly more negative than the middle 1/3 calcification group. The coronal 1/3 calcification group had significantly more mesio-distal (tip) deviation than the no PCO group. PCO level did not have a significant effect on angle, bucco-lingual (base), or bucco-lingual (tip) deviations. Conclusion: The utilization GEA via incisal access resulted in less degree and amount of drill deviation compared to the traditional access at all levels of calcification, however, the level of PCO did not influence the degree and amount of drill deviation between the incisal and traditional access approaches. It can be concluded that the use of a GEA stent that utilizes an incisal access approach in teeth with PCO will result in a more predictable outcome.