To compare the effects of immediate versus delayed post-space preparation on the bond strength of fiber posts and the fracture resistance of roots after root canal obturation using iRoot SP and the single-cone technique, and to provide an experimental basis for the selection of the timing of clinical post-space preparation.

This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the institution, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Seventy-two extracted human single-rooted premolars were randomly divided into two groups (n = 36 each): the immediate post-space preparation group (post-space preparation performed immediately after root canal obturation) and the delayed post-space preparation group (post-space preparation performed 1 week after root canal obturation). Cleanliness of the root canal walls was assessed with a dental microscope after preparation in both groups; the ultrastructural characteristics of the dentinal surface were examined via scanning electron microscopy; the fracture resistance of roots was measured with root fracture resistance tests; the bond strength of the fiber posts was measured with the thin-slice push-out test; and the bond failure modes were observed and analyzed under a stereomicroscope.

Under dental microscopy, the dentin surface of the immediate post-space preparation group appeared cleaner than that of the delayed post-space preparation group. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that most dentinal tubules remained open in the immediate post-space preparation group, while the tubules in the delayed post-space preparation group showed incomplete patency. The fracture resistance of the immediate post-space preparation group was (2 872 ± 241.5) N and that of the delayed post-space preparation group was (2 934 ± 353.1) N, with no statistically significant difference (t =-0.328, P = 0.751). The push-out bond strength of the immediate post-space preparation group (10.310 ± 2.907) MPa was significantly higher than that of the delayed post-space preparation group (7.917 ± 2.429) MPa, with a statistically significant difference (t = 4.457, P < 0.001). Analysis of failure modes showed that adhesive-to-dental interface failure was the predominant mode in both groups.

Following root canal obturation with iRoot SP using the single-cone technique, immediate post-space preparation yields superior fiber post bond strength compared to delayed post-space preparation, without compromising root fracture resistance.

To explore the cause and preventive measures of floor-of-mouth hematoma after dental implant placement.

The prevention of hematoma of the floor of the mouth in a case of lower anterior teeth implant placement was analyzed, and the literature was reviewed.

Four mandibular vascular canals were found on the lingual side of the anterior mandible before dental surgery in the reported case. Two of them were quite thick (1.4 mm and 1.0 mm, respectively) and were located adjacent to the crest of the alveolar bone and superior to the mental spine. These two thick endosseous branches from the sublingual artery were dissected and ligated, and there was no obvious hematoma in the patients immediately after the operation and at the postoperative 3 d review. The results of the literature review show that the incidence of endosseous branches from the lingual vascular canal of the mandible is 90%-100%. The distribution of the vessels on the lingual side of the mandible is highly variable and adjacent to the lingual cortical plate. Accidental injury of the lingual cortical plate during implant surgery would probably lead to bleeding or hematoma on the floor of the mouth.

Mastering the anatomy of blood vessels on the floor of the mouth, elaboratively examining preoperative three-dimensional radiographic imaging, and cautiously exploring the lower jaw bone morphology after flap elevation are preventive measures to avoid damage to the arterial supply on the lingual side of the anterior lower jaw and to prevent complications of hematoma in the floor of the mouth.