Lead Concentrations in Teeth from People Living in Kosovo and Austria

The objective of this study was to compare lead concentrations in 86 human permanent teeth extracted from residents of three different geographical regions. The study included 31 permanent teeth from residents of Mitrovica (Kosovo), 32 from Klina (Kosovo) and 23 from Graz (Austria). The concentrations of lead were measured using Agilent 7500c inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) (Agilent, Waldbronn, Germany). The comparisons between groups were based on the geographic area, age and gender. The highest lead level was found in teeth extracted from Mitrovica residents (22.3 mg/kg), followed by Klina (3.2 mg/kg), and Graz (1.7 mg/kg). Lead levels in teeth from Mitrovica residents are significantly higher (p<0.0001) than in other two groups, possibly due to environmental contamination with lead. Overall results in this study support the concept that tooth lead level may present an important indicator in evaluating environmental exposure of human population to heavy metals

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment in a Kosovar adult population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Despite numerous studies on the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in diverse geographical populations, there are currently no data on the prevalence of these conditions in populations of adults native to Kosovo. Therefore, little is known about how widespread these conditions are, and whether there is any correlation between root canal treatment and AP. The purpose of our research was to address this anomaly by investigating AP and endodontic treatment in an adult Kosovar population based on radiographic examination.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The sample used for this study consisted of randomly selected individuals referred to the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo in the years 2006-2007. Orthopantomographs of 193 patients were evaluated. The periapical status of all teeth (with the exception of third molars) was examined according to Ørstavik's Periapical Index. The quality of the root canal filling was rated as 'adequate' or 'inadequate' based on whether all canals were filled, the depth of fill relative to the radiographic apex and the quality of compaction (absence/presence of voids). Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratios.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 4131 examined teeth, the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment was 12.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Of 95 endodontically-treated teeth, 46.3% were associated with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age. The prevalence in subjects aged over 60 years old (20.2%) was higher than in other age groups. A statistically significant difference was found for the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth associated with AP in the 40-49 year age group (P < 0.001). Of some concern was the discovery that only 30.5% of the endodontically-treated teeth examined met the criteria of an acceptable root canal filling. Inadequately root-filled teeth were associated with an increased AP risk.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The prevalence of AP and the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth with AP in this Kosovar population are higher than those found in other countries. Inadequate root canal fillings were associated with an increased prevalence of AP.</p