Purpose: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two rotary nickel-titanium file systems, ProTaper Universal (PTUR) and Remover (REM), in removing gutta-percha and sealer from root canals.
Methods: Forty-five extracted maxillary incisors were selected and prepared with the Revo-S file system. Root canals were filled with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer using cold lateral condensation. The teeth were divided into three groups (n = 15) based on the file system used for gutta-percha removal: PTUR, REM, and hand files (H-files, as a control). The time taken for each system to remove the root canal filling was recorded. Three-dimensional images were obtained using dental volumetric tomography to measure the volume of the remaining filling material.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in the time required for retreatment and the percentage of residual gutta-percha among the PTUR, REM, and H-file groups (P < 0.05). The H-file group required the longest retreatment duration and left the highest percentage of residual material. While the REM group completed the retreatment faster than the PTUR group, this difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The PTUR and REM systems were more efficient and faster than hand files in removing root canal fillings, although none achieved complete removal.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the readability of Turkish texts about dental abscesses available on the internet.
Methods: Using the keyword ‘dental abscess’, a Google search was conducted. The first 50 websites containing informative and Turkish texts were included in the study. The text sources were categorized as private health institutions, university hospitals, specialist dentists, and general dentists. The readability levels of the obtained patient information texts were determined using the Atesman Readability Index.
Results: Of the 50 websites included in the study, 88% belonged to private health institutions, 6% to university hospitals, 4% to specialist dentists, and 2% to general dentists. The average Atesman Readability Index was found to be 64.23 ± 6.02. Accordingly, 24% of the websites were classified as easy, 74% as medium difficulty, and 2% as difficult.
Conclusion: This study determined that most Turkish websites aiming to provide information about dental abscesses have a medium level of readability. To improve readability, it is recommended to avoid technical jargon as much as possible and to use concise and clear language. Ensuring that health information materials are prepared with easy readability in mind will be beneficial for effective patient use.

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the survival rates of root canal treated teeth restored with fiber-reinforced post (FRP) restorations, considering characteristics such as post length, tooth type, and position and restoration type.
Methods: Data from 441 patients who received FRP restorations at the Akdeniz University, Faculty of Dentistry between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed. A total of 516 FRPs were examined, with post length-to-root length ratios used to categorize posts as either “long” (≥50%) or “short” (<50%). Survival rates were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the log-rank test employed to identify significant differences between subgroups.
Results: The overall failure rate was 10.65%, with periapical inflammation being the most common cause. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 12-, 36-, and 60-month were 98.2%, 87.5%, and 73%, respectively. Posts classified as “long” exhibited significantly higher survival rates than “short” posts (p = 0.04). Anterior and premolars showed greater survival probabilities compared to molars (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study found that post length and tooth type significantly influence the survival of FRP restorations. Longer posts and those placed in anterior and premolar teeth were associated with better outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of considering post length and tooth type in clinical decision-making, although further prospective studies with standardized protocols are necessary to validate these results.

Purpose: This study aims to contribute to endodontic applications and the literature by radiographically examining the frequency and distribution of pulp stones in the permanent teeth of children and adolescents aged 9-16 in Türkiye’s Southeastern Anatolia Region.
Methods: In our retrospective cross-sectional study, panoramic radiographs of 5006 individuals who presented to Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry between 2018 and 2023 were evaluated. The data were analyzed based on age, gender, tooth type, and the dental arch where the tooth was located. For categorical variables, IBM SPSS V23 software was used, and the data were analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, and McNemar tests, with a statistical significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: In our study, pulp stones were observed in 8.1% of the individuals and 1.22% of the teeth examined, most frequently in the maxillary permanent first molars. A significant relationship was found between age and the presence of pulp stones, where each unit increase in age raised the risk of pulp stones by 1.198 times in the univariate model and by 1.196 times in the multiple model (p < 0.001). While no significant difference was found in the frequency of pulp stones between genders, more pulp stones were observed in the maxillary arch compared to the mandibulary arch.
Conclusion: It was determined that pulp stones in children and adolescents are concentrated in the maxillary permanent first molars and increase with age. Early detection of pulp stones through appropriate preoperative radiographs is critically important for improving endodontic treatment outcomes and preventing complications, thereby underscoring their impact on clinical success.

Purpose: YouTube may contain some false information and using it as a learning tool may lead to patients and students learning incomplete or incorrect information. Our aim was to analyse the content, quality, uploaders and demographic characteristics of YouTube videos with MTA content.
Methods: A Google search was performed by using the keywords ‘MTA in dentistry’ to find the videos on YouTube. A total of 408 videos were available. After exclusion criterias, 47 videos that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The demographic characteristics of the videos were recorded and the contents of the videos were determined. The videos were divided into 3 groups according to uploaders. The Global Quality Score (GQS; score range, 0-5) was used to evaluate the video quality and to classify high and low quality videos. Shapiro-Wilk test, Pearson Chi-square independence test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Although not statistically significant, the number of views was higher for high-quality videos (p = 0.074). A statistical difference (p < 0.000) was observed between the demonstration and no demonstration groups in the GQS scores. Videos with demonstration had a higher number of views (p = 0.029). Videos in the non-dentist group had a higher number of views (p = 0.017) and likes (p = 0.040).
Conclusion: It was concluded that the videos had a low average GQS score and low quality. Therefore, YouTube videos should be evaluated by dentists for reliable and high quality educational data.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare five large language models (LLMs) used in the pharmacologic management of acute dental pain based on the following parameters: Comprehensiveness, scientific accuracy, clarity, relevance, and similarity of information they provide.
Methods: For this study, 20 open-ended questions were asked from five LLMs, namely ChatGPT-4.0, Gemini Advanced, Claude, Copilot, and Perplexity, and their responses were evaluated by two experts based on American Dental Association guidelines. Their scores ranged from 0 to 10, and the iThenticate program was used to assess the similarity indices. Statistical analyses included the Friedman and Dunn tests, with significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: Claude and ChatGPT-4o scored the highest in terms of comprehensiveness, scientific accuracy, clarity, and relevance, while Copilot and Perplexity scored the lowest. Claude had the lowest similarity index (3 ± 5 %), and ChatGPT-4o had the highest (7 ± 8 %). Statistical analysis showed significant differences among the five LLMs (p < 0.001). While Claude, ChatGPT-4o, and Gemini Advanced performed in similar ways, they significantly outperformed Copilot and Perplexity.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, Claude and ChatGPT-4o provided the most accurate and comprehensive responses; however, LLMs cannot replace clinical guidelines. These findings highlight the potential of LLMs in supporting clinicians and underscore the scope for further improvement.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of 4th- and 5th-year dental students about NaO-Cl accidents and the management options.
Methods: A questionnaire, which included 296 students, was conducted among 4th and 5th-year dental school students. The researcher conducted the data collection process face-to-face. The survey questions included multiple-choice questions about the factors that may cause NaOCl accidents, symptoms observed in the patient in accidents, and intervention methods against complications. The frequency, chi-square test was used for statistical analysis with Bonferroni correction.
Results: Regarding NaOCl accidents, 4th and 5th grade students were found to have a general awareness of the causes and prevention methods. The presence of preoperative pain and localized abscess have been regarded as factors increasing the risk of NaOCl extrusion. The respondents indicated sudden pain occurrence as the first symptom in NaOCl accidents and preferred to prescribe medication to the patient after NaOCl accident. After the NaOCl accident the majority of the respondents choose to recalling the patient for control and referring the patient to the relevant health institution when necessary.
Conclusion: The study determined that 4th and 5th grade students had general awareness about the causes and precautions of NaOCl accidents at similar levels. The 5th-grade students think they have more knowledge and confidence to intervene in NaOCl accidents than 4th-graders.

The mandibular canine typically possesses a single root and a single root canal. Nonetheless, there has been a significant increase in data indicating differences in its anatomy, including the existence of multiple roots & canals. The aim of this article is to discuss a case of root canal therapy in a mandibular canine exhibiting Vertucci’s type II configuration and review related literature. A 50-year-old woman reported with the chief complaint of pain in a lower right front tooth. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed that tooth 43 was diagnosed with chronic irreversible pulpitis accompanied by symptomatic apical periodontitis. A meticulous radiographic examination indicated the existence of two canals. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed, which revealed the presence of two canals converging into a single channel in the apical third. Endodontic therapy was performed in two stages after using calcium hydroxide as an intracanal dressing. Literature review was conducted to identify the most pertinent studies. Moreover, the assessment of the canals needed to not only identify the existence of an additional canal but also determine its internal structure using Vertucci’s classification. According to the literature review, the majority of research studies concur that type I is the most prevalent design. The predominant classification among the two canals was type II followed by type III, some research also indicated the presence of two roots. This case study highlights the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of root canals and their variations. The prevalence of extra canals in the mandibular anterior region is increased due to advancements in 3D radiographic technologies and magnification devices. Accurate comprehension and sometimes modification of the access cavity is necessary.

Paresthesia is a condition characterized by reduced sensitivity due to sensory nerve damage, often associated with dental procedures and infections. This case series aims to evaluate the recovery of patients experiencing paresthesia following nonsurgical endodontic treatment of periapical lesions closely associated with the inferior alveolar and mental nerves. Three cases of paresthesia were presented, each involving the mandibular region. The patients underwent thorough clinical and radiographic evaluations, including panoramic, periapical radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Nonsurgical endodontic treatments were performed to the related teeth. During treatment procedures, calcium hydroxide was used for intracanal dressing. Root canals were filled with gutta-percha and a root canal sealer. Follow-up visits were conducted at 6-months and 1-year to monitor the resolution of paresthesia and healing of periapical lesions. In all cases, complete recovery from paresthesia was noted during clinical assessments, and radiographic follow-ups at 6 month and 1-year demonstrated significant healing of the periapical lesions. Nonsurgical endodontic treatment is effective in treating paresthesia caused by periapical lesions associated with the inferior alveolar and mental nerves. Early intervention and precise endodontic treatment can lead to complete recovery from paresthesia, as demonstrated in these cases.