Evaluation of the Prevalence of Complete Isthmii in Permanent Teeth Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Introduction: The current study aimed at determining the prevalence of complete isthmii in permanent teeth, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a selected Iranian community. Methods and Materials: In this cross sectional study, 100 CBCT images (from 58 female and 42 male patients) including 1654 teeth (809 maxillary and 845 mandibular teeth) were evaluated. Each tooth root was evaluated in axial plane (interval, 0.1 mm; thickness, 0.1 mm) from the orifice to the apex and from the apex to the orifice to detect the presence of complete isthmus. Scans of teeth with complete isthmii were reevaluated in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes with the thickness, 0.1 mm. Presence and absence of complete isthmii in each tooth was reported. The root canal was divided into 3 equal parts (cervical, middle and apical thirds), and isthmii were classified with respect to the start and end points. Findings were classified into 6 categories with respect to the start and end points of the isthmii: 1) the beginning and end in the cervical third; 2) the beginning in the cervical third and end in the middle third ; 3) the beginning in the cervical third and end in the apical third ; 4) the beginning and end in the middle third ; 5) the beginning in the middle third and end in the apical third and 5) the beginning and end in the apical third. Results: The prevalence of complete isthmus in permanent teeth was 8.6%, and the highest prevalence was reported in mesial roots of the mandibular first molars. In maxilla, the highest prevalence of complete isthmus was found in mesiobuccal roots of the maxillary first molars, whereas in canines and central incisors, no isthmii were detected. In the mandible, the lowest prevalence of isthmus was found in second premolars. In maxillary molars, isthmii starting and ending in the middle third of the root had the highest prevalence. On the other hand, isthmii in mandibular molars, from apical or middle third of the root beginning to the end of the apical third, had the highest prevalence. Conclusion: As the prevalence of complete isthmii was the highest in molars, endodontists should pay particular attention to accomplish a successful surgical or nonsurgical root canal therapy.Keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Root Canal Anatomy; Root Canal Isthmu

Association between Coronary Artery Sclerosis and Dental Pulp Calcification in Patients Attending Sari Touba Clinic, 2019

Background and purpose: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability in society and patients incur high expenditure on treatment. Pulp stones are ectopic calcifications of the pulp vessel walls, so, they can have similar pathogenesis as those of other organs and coronary atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between coronary artery sclerosis and dental pulp calcification in panoramic dental radiography. Materials and methods: This case-control study, was performed in 94 patients aged 30-65 years old attending Sari Touba Clinic for coronary angiography. They were divided into two groups: case group with significant angiography results and control group with normal angiography results. Panoramic dental radiographs were obtained and examined for the presence of pulp stone. Data were analyzed in SPSS V16 using Chi-square test. Results: Findings showed a significant association between coronary artery sclerosis and presence of pulp stone (P<0.05). Conclusion: Coronary artery sclerosis and dental pulp calcification were found to be significantly associated. Dental radiography could be an early identification method for coronary artery disease