Portland Cement: An Overview as a Root Repair Material

Portland cement (PC) is used in challenging endodontic situations in which preserving the health and functionality of pulp tissue is of considerable importance. PC forms the main component of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and demonstrates similar desirable properties as an orthograde or retrograde filling material. PC is able to protect pulp against bacterial infiltration, induce reparative dentinogenesis, and form dentin bridge during the pulp healing process. The biocompatibility, bioactivity, and physical properties of PC have been investigated in vitro and in animal models, as well as in some limited clinical trials. This paper reviews Portland cement’s structure and its characteristics and reaction in various environments and eventually accentuates the present concerns with this material. This bioactive endodontic cement has shown promising success rates compared to MTA; however, considerable modifications are required in order to improve its characteristics and expand its application scope as a root repair material. Hence, the extensive chemical modifications incorporated into PC composition to facilitate preparation and handling procedures are discussed. It is still important to further address the applicability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of PC before transferring into day-to-day clinical practice.

Feasibility of Using the Hollow Glass Microsphere to Develop Lightweight CAC-GGBFS-Blended Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composites

Strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCCs) with superior tensile strength and ductility have been utilized as an effective repair material. A corrosion-resistant binder, calcium aluminate cement (CAC)–ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) blends, has been introduced into SHCC to expand its application in the concrete sewage network rehabilitation. As a repair material, the lightweight property is particularly favorable as it can broaden its functionality. This article presents a study on developing a novel lightweight CAC-GGBFS-blended SHCC using hollow glass microsphere (HGM), namely, HGMLW-SHCCs. The fine silica sand content was substituted with HGM at 25, 50, 75, and 100 vol% in HGMLW-SHCC. We examined flowability, density, uniaxial compressive behavior, direct tensile behavior, and pseudo strain-hardening indices. Microstructure analysis was also conducted to understand the meso-scale behavior of this new lightweight composite. The newly developed HGMLW-SHCC had a 28-day density of only 1756 kg/m3. Compressive and tensile strengths were determined in the range of 62.80–49.39 MPa and 5.81–4.19 MPa, respectively. All mixtures exhibited significant strain-hardening behavior. Even though the increased HGM content negatively affected the tensile strength of HGMLW-SHCC, it had a positive effect on its ductility. In addition, HGM can reduce crack width and tensile stress fluctuations significantly. The results showed that HGM was a promising material for producing strong and lightweight corrosion-resistant SHCCs to be used as a retrofitting material in the wastewater industry.

Invasive cervical resorption: case report

Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is an insidious, aggressive, and asymptomatic form that can lead to destruction and even loss of the dental unit. ICR is somewhat uncommon, but it can affect any tooth, with the maxillary central incisors being the most affected. Even after numerous studies, the etiology is still unclear. There are some predisposing factors, including orthodontic treatment, trauma, and internal tooth whitening, which may occur in isolation or in conjunction with each other. This article reports a clinical case of ICR class 3 with a rosy discoloration at the cervical margin and the presence of a fistula associated with a history of trauma. This suspicion was raised after radiographic examination and confirmed by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), with treatment via an internal approach and endodontic treatment involving debridement of the resorptive areas and filling with a bioceramic repair material and suturing. After treatment, the patient remained asymptomatic, but the fistula was no longer present. Prospective observation at 10 months showed bone formation in the middle third and well-adapted material in the cervical region, with no resorptive tissue present.