Evaluation of technical quality and periapical health of root-filled teeth by using cone-beam CT

Objective This study aimed to assess the quality of root fillings, coronal restorations, complications of all root-filled teeth and their association with apical periodontitis (AP) detected by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from an adult Turkish subpopulation. Material and Methods The sample for this study consisted of 242 patients (aging from 15 to 72 years) with 522 endodontically treated teeth that were assessed for technical quality of the root canal filling and periapical status of the teeth. Additionally, the apical status of each root-filled tooth was assessed according to the gender, dental arch, tooth type and age classification, undetected canals, instrument fracture, root fracture, apical resorption, apical lesion, furcation lesion and type and quality of the coronal structure. Statistical analysis was performed using percentages and chi-square test. Results The success rate of the root canal treatment was of 54.4%. The success rates of adequate and inadequate root canal treatment were not significantly different (p>0.05). Apical periodontitis was found in 228 (45.6%) teeth treated for root canals. Higher prevalence of AP was found in patients aging from 20 to 29 years [64 (27%) teeth] and in anterior (canines and incisors) teeth [97 (41%) teeth]. Conclusions The technical quality of root canal filling performed by dental practitioners in a Turkish subpopulation was consistent with a high prevalence of AP. The probable reasons for this failure are multifactorial, and there may be a need for improved undergraduate education and postgraduate courses to improve the clinical skills of dental practitioners in endodontics

Dental pulp stone formation during orthodontic treatment: A retrospective clinical follow‑up study

Objective: The aim of this study was two‑fold: (1) To assess the incidence of dental pulp stone formation during orthodontic treatment, and (2) to determine the correlations between the presence of dental pulp stones and age, gender, and dental arches.Materials and Methods: A sample of 545 patients (334 girls and 211 boys, age range; 12–22 years) who had undergone nonextraction orthodontic treatment were included in this study. 8442 teeth (T1) and 8410 teeth (T2), including the first and second maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars were evaluated from the pre‑ (T1) and post‑treatment (T2) panoramic radiographs of the patients. The Pearson Chi‑square test was used to investigate the associations between the presence of dental pulp stone, gender, age, tooth type and arches.Results: Dental pulp stones were detected in 3% of the teeth at pretreatment panoramic radiographs and 5.2% of the teeth at posttreatment panoramic radiographs. Pulp stone prevalence increased pointedly (2.2%) in the pre‑ and post‑treatment radiographs (P < 0.001). Also, there was a significant difference between the age groups (P < 0.001). In the maxilla, dental pulp stones were found significantly more than that in the mandible at T1 and T2 panoramic radiographs. Maxillary first molars exhibited dental pulp stones the most frequently, followed by the maxillary second molars and mandibular first molars.Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment may trigger the formation of dental pulp stones. However, further studies are required to determine the relationship between the pulp stone formation and orthodontic treatment.Keywords: Dental pulp stone, incidence, orthodontics, panoramic radiograph

Radiographic Assessment of the Technical Quality and Periapical Health of Root-Filled Teeth Performed by General Practitioners in a Turkish Subpopulation

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate by means of radiographs the technical quality of root fillings performed by dental practitioners. Methods and Material. Standardized periapical radiographs were made on 484 patients who received endodontic treatment in private practice. A total of 831 endodontically treated teeth with 1448 roots were evaluated for technical quality of the root canal filling and the periapical status of the teeth. Also, the apical status of each root-filled tooth was assessed according to the length, density, and taper of root fillings, and the presence of apical transportation, broken root instruments, and overfilled sealer or gutta-percha material was recorded for each root canal. Results. Of the endodontically treated teeth 26.6% had healthy periapical tissues, while technically good endodontic treatment constituted 12.8%. Based on the treatment success, there was no significant difference between the tooth groups. Statistical analysis of the data did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the various parameters that were evaluated (). Conclusions. Technical quality of root fillings in a population who received treatment in private practice was poor and was consistent with a low prevalence of apical health. The probable reasons for this failure are multifactorial and may be improved if the operators improve their skills with continuing postgraduate education programs

A Radiographic Correlation between Renal and Pulp Stones

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between pulp stones and renal stones. This study also aimed to report associations between the presence of pulp stone and gender, age, tooth type, dental arches and sides

Anterior Stafne bone defect mimicking a residual cyst: a case report

Stafne bone defects (SBDs) are asymptomatic lingual bone depressions of the lower jaw that are frequently caused by soft tissue inclusion. The common variant of SBDs exists at the third molar region of the mandible below the inferior dental canal and has been mostly diagnosed incidentally during routine radiographic examination. The anterior variant of a SBD (ASBD) is relatively uncommon and is located in the premolar region of the mandible. Sublingual salivary glands are thought to be responsible for ASBDs. However, other structures such as lymphoid or vascular tissues might be associated with ASBDs. In the present report, an ASBD which was mimicking a residual cyst was diagnosed with the aid of a three-dimensional CT scan. ASBDs might be confused with other odontogenic or non-odontogenic pathologies because of their location and lower occurrence rate. Advanced imaging modalities, especially CT scans, are useful to assess such lesions in order to avoid unnecessary surgery. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (2010) 39, 124-126. doi: 10.1259/dmfr/4932025

Incidental findings of carotid artery stenosis detected by calcifications on panoramic radiographs: report of three cases

Atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disorder, may lead to coronary artery disease or stroke. The prevalence of atherosclerosis associated with mortality and morbidity is very high in developed countries, and is the underlying cause of approximately 50% of all deaths in Western societies. Panoramic radiographs (PRs) are an indispensable diagnostic tool used by dental practitioners. In the general dental population, the prevalence of positive incidental carotid artery calcifications (CACs) is reported to range from 2 to 5%. Therefore, incidental findings of CAC on PRs taken during routine dental evaluation may be useful for detecting asymptomatic patients at risk of stroke and could provide life-saving information. In this case report, we present radiological findings and follow-up of three patients with severe atherosclerosis that was incidentally detected on PRs, and discuss the role and importance of PRs in the detection of CACs