Clinical Research Directory

Hyaluronic Acid in Endodontic Microsurgery

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) will evaluate the effectiveness of cross-linked hyaluronic acid as an adjunct to endodontic microsurgery in adult patients with apical periodontitis affecting maxillary or mandibular first molars. Participants previously treated with non-surgical endodontic therapy will be allocated to either endodontic microsurgery with cross-linked hyaluronic acid application (test group) or the same surgical procedure without adjunctive material (control group), with 12 months of follow-up. The study hypothesis is that cross-linked hyaluronic acid improves soft- and hard-tissue healing, reduces postoperative inflammation and pain, and supports more stable surgical outcomes. Primary outcomes include early soft tissue healing (Early Wound Healing Score, day 4) and postoperative pain (visual analogue scale). Secondary outcomes include periapical healing assessed by blinded evaluators on periapical radiographs (Molven criteria) at 3, 6, and 12 months, and on CBCT scans (PENN 3D criteria) at 6 and 12 months, as well as cortical plate healing (RAC/B index). This study aims to provide clinical evidence on the potential regenerative and anti-inflammatory benefits of cross-linked hyaluronic acid in endodontic microsurgery.

Comparing Two Medicines for Healing Jaw Bone Infections After Root Canal Treatment

This study compares two commonly used intracanal medicaments-Triple Antibiotic Paste and Calcium Hydroxide-in patients with infected single-rooted teeth. The purpose is to determine which medicament promotes faster healing of periapical lesions after root canal treatment by measuring reduction in lesion size and improvement in bone density over 3, 6, and 12 months.

Comparison of Root Canal Desinfection Protocols

Evaluate and compare the disinfecting efficacy of two supplementary antimicrobial protocols in teeth with apical periodontitis

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Primary Endodontic Treatment and Non-surgical Endodontic Retreatments

Background: Pulpitis and apical periodontitis are inflammatory conditions of the dental pulp and periapical tissues, primarily caused by microbial invasion. The global prevalence of pulpitis is considered high but underestimated, as up to 40% of cases are asymptomatic. Similarly, the prevalence of apical periodontitis varies widely (16-86%) depending on population characteristics, systemic conditions, and socioeconomic status, and it is reported to be higher in hospital settings. Endodontic therapy aims to disinfect and seal the root canal system, promoting healing of apical periodontitis or maintaining periapical health. Reported success rates for primary and non-surgical retreatment procedures are comparable (75% and 77%, respectively), though outcomes tend to be more favorable in vital teeth compared to those with apical periodontitis (84% vs. 75%). Despite the widespread use of endodontic therapy, few studies have assessed treatment outcomes in a hospital setting. Objectives: The primary aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the success of primary and non-surgical endodontic retreatments performed in a hospital environment. Secondary objectives include assessing (1) the survival of treated teeth, (2) patient-related outcomes (PROs), and (3) the influence of systemic diseases or ongoing therapies on treatment outcomes. Methods: This is a monocentric, prospective, observational, study to be conducted at the Dental Clinic of the A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome. Adult patients (\>18 years) requiring primary or non-surgical endodontic retreatment due to symptomatic or asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis, apical periodontitis, or acute/chronic abscesses will be enrolled after providing written informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Exclusion criteria include inability to complete follow-up, vertical root fractures, advanced periodontal disease requiring extraction, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and inability to provide informed consent. Patients will undergo standard endodontic therapy according to the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) guidelines. Clinical and radiographic evaluations will be performed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Radiographic assessments will be based on the Periapical Index (PAI), and follow-ups will occur at 6 months, 1 year, and annually for up to 4 years, with a final clinical follow-up at 5 years. Patient-related outcomes will be evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-12) for pain and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire before treatment and at 1, 3, and 7 days post-treatment. Outcome Measures: The primary endpoint is the rate of endodontic success, defined by the absence of clinical symptoms (pain, swelling, sinus tract, tenderness) and radiographic healing or maintenance of periapical health (Periapical Apex Index, PAI). Secondary endpoints include the incidence of postoperative complications, survival rate of treated teeth, associations between systemic conditions and endodontic outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures. Statistical Analysis: The sample size was calculated according to Lachin et al., assuming an expected success rate of 85%, a 5% margin of error, and 90% power, resulting in a minimum of 74 patients. Qualitative variables will be expressed as frequencies and percentages, while quantitative variables will be summarized as mean ± SD or median, depending on distribution. Normality will be tested with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Associations between categorical variables will be evaluated using Pearson's χ² or Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables with Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U, ANOVA, or Kruskal-Wallis tests as appropriate. Repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman tests will be applied to detect longitudinal changes. Mixed-effects models ((G)LMM) will be used to analyze changes in PAI, NRS-12, and OHIP-14 over time while adjusting for confounders. Logistic regression will identify independent predictors of success, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves (log-rank test) will estimate tooth survival over follow-up. Significance will be set at p \< 0.05. Statistical analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Expected Results and Conclusions: This study is expected to provide data on the clinical and radiographic success rates of primary and non-surgical endodontic treatments performed in a hospital setting. It will also clarify the impact of systemic diseases and patient-related factors on treatment outcomes. The findings may help optimize clinical protocols and patient management strategies in hospital-based endodontic care, contributing to evidence-based improvement of dental services and patient quality of life.

THE EFFECT OF ENDODONTIC TREATMENT ON CARDIOVASCULAR RISK BIOMARKERS IN PATIENTS WITH STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Study subjects were obtained from the pool of OPD patients in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, PGIDS, Rohtak, and the Department of Cardiology, PGIMS, Rohtak. Baseline clinical, radiographic, and laboratory parameters (hsCRP and IL-6) were recorded. Patients were then randomly allocated to one of the two groups. In the test group, single-sitting root canal treatment was performed immediately, while in the control group, delayed endodontic intervention (after 3 months) was performed after three months. Clinical and laboratory parameters were again assessed at the end of 3 months in both groups. hsCRP and IL-6 indices were again done in the delayed treatment group after 3 months of root canal treatment.

Clinical Efficacy of AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the efficacy and outcome of sealer-based obturation (SBO) using a new calcium silicate sealer in comparison with warm vertical compaction (WVC) using a resin-based sealer, which is the current gold standard.

Comparison of Frequency of Calcium Hydroxide Mixed With 0.2% Chlorhexidine Versus Saline as Intracanal Medicament in Periapical Periodontitis-A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide mixed with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate versus calcium hydroxide mixed with saline as intracanal medicaments in reducing postoperative pain in patients with apical periodontitis. A total of 80 adult patients with anterior teeth diagnosed with apical periodontitis will be randomly assigned to two equal groups. After standard chemomechanical root canal preparation, Group A will receive calcium hydroxide with saline, while Group B will receive calcium hydroxide with 0.2% chlorhexidine. Postoperative pain will be assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 12, 24, and 48 hours. The primary outcome is the frequency and severity of pain at 24 hours. Data will be analyzed using chi-square or Fisher's exact test, with a significance level of p \< 0.05. The study aims to determine whether the addition of chlorhexidine improves the analgesic and antimicrobial effectiveness of calcium hydroxide during root canal treatment.

Influence of Maintaining Apical Patency on Post-Endodontic Pain in Molars

This randomized controlled trial will investigate if maintaining apical patency-a technique where a small file is gently moved past the root's end during cleaning-affects pain after a root canal. The study will include 48 adult patients needing root canal treatment on a back molar tooth with a dead nerve and infection at the root tip. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one where the apical patency technique is used, and one where it is not. All other treatment steps will be identical. Patients will record their pain levels on a standard scale (0-100 mm Visual Analog Scale) at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after the procedure. The goal is to determine if this specific technique influences the intensity and duration of post-treatment pain

Healing After Endodontic Microsurgery Using a Rotary Bur Versus Piezoelectric Unit for Osteotomy and Root Resection

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare bone healing after using apical tooth microsurgery to remove root end infection, either by use of rotary burs for cutting bone and root end, or by use of piezoelectric surgery for the same procedures. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is there a difference in bone healing and reformation between the two surgical procedures ? * Is there a difference in bone healing between cutting the bone with a rotary bur and cutting the bone with the 'bone window' technique that uses piezoelectric unit ?

Comparison of LSTR and Pulpectomy in Primary Molars of Pediatric Patients (LSTR-PULP)

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Lesion Sterilization and Tissue Repair (LSTR) with conventional pulpectomy in treating pulpal lesions in primary molars of pediatric patients aged 4 to 10 years. LSTR is a minimally invasive method that uses antibiotic paste to disinfect infected tissue without full canal instrumentation. Children participating in this study will receive either the LSTR technique or standard pulpectomy, and the clinical and radiographic success of both treatments will be evaluated over a 12-month period. The goal is to determine whether LSTR is a safe and effective alternative to pulpectomy in primary teeth.

Success of Endodontic Treatment With Different Obturation Techniques and Sealer Cements

The present study aims to compare the radiographic success of endodontic treatment using Orstavik's criteria between two sealers: AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany) and Neosealer Flo (Avalon Biomed, Bradenton, Florida, USA), as well as between two obturation techniques: continuous wave and single cone. The study includes 270 patients, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Clinical and radiographic variables will be assessed, including quality of obturation, lesion healing, and restoration. The study seeks to determine if the use of bioceramic sealer is effective regardless of the obturation technique used, highlighting the importance of clinical follow-up to evaluate endodontic treatment success.

Postoperative Pain Evaluation After Obturation With Different Sealers

This study aims to evaluate the incidence and intensity of postoperative pain in patients undergoing root canal treatment on teeth diagnosed with pulpitis, pulp necrosis, or with previous endodontic treatment. Teeth will be obturated using either bioceramic or resin-based sealers. The primary objective is to determine whether the type of sealer significantly influences the level of postoperative pain as reported by patients. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at three time points: immediately after treatment, 24 hours, and 72 hours postoperatively. The findings are expected to provide clinical insight into which obturation material may be more effective in minimizing postoperative discomfort.