Introduction This retrospective cohort study compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of endodontic treatment performed in immature non-vital permanent teeth, by apexification (calcium hydroxide or apical barrier with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)), versus revascularization. Methods A comprehensive chart review was performed to obtain a cohort of sequential previously completed cases with recalls. Clinical and radiographic data were collected for 31 treated teeth (19 revascularization and 12 apexification) with an average follow up time of 17 months and a recall rate of 63%. Tooth survival, success rate, and adverse events were analyzed. Changes in radiographic root length, width and area were quantified. Results The majority of treated teeth survived throughout the study period with 30/31 (97%) teeth surviving (18/19 (95%) revascularization, 12/12 apexification). Most cases were also clinically successful with 27/31 (87%) meeting criteria for success, (15/19 (78%) revascularization and 12/12 apexification; non-significant difference). A greater incidence of adverse events was observed in the revascularization group (8/19 (42%) versus 1/12 (11%) in apexification (Risk Ratio= 5.1, p=0.04, 95%CI (0.719, 35.48)). Although more revascularization cases than apexification cases demonstrated an increase in radiographic root area and width, the effect was not statistically significant. Conclusion In this study, revascularization was not superior to other apexification techniques in either clinical or radiographic outcomes. Studies with large subject cohorts, and long follow up periods are needed to evaluate outcomes of revascularization and apexification, while accounting for important co-variants relevant to clinical success.

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Introduction: During pregnancy, the prevalence and severity of gingivitis have been reported to be elevated. Studies suggest that periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB), as well as low birth weight (LBW) and pre-eclampsia. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether the treatment of periodontal disease by mechanical debridement and oral hygiene instructions during pregnancy will reduce the incidence of PTB < 37 weeks. Materials and methods:Literature search was conducted for all clinical trials that related to periodontal disease and PTB from 2005 to 2012. Five were selected based no randomization technique, sample size and treatment approach. There were 2,767 patients randomly assigned to treatment group, in these trials, and 2,592 subjects randomly assigned to control group.Results: There were 276 (9.98%) PTBs in treatment group vs 270 (10.42%) in control group. A total of 216 (8%) LBW were seen in experimental groups and 193 (7.5%) in control group.of PTB with or without received periodontal treatment during pregnancy. Risk ratio (RR) was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.74-1.33) (p = 0.97) with moderate heterogeneity 12.33. df = 4 (p = 0.02) with I2= 68%. Experimental groups showed better periodontal health after delivery. Conclusion:Periodontal treatment may improve the oral health during pregnancy without affecting the pregnancy outcome however; it did not reduce the incidence of PTB and LBW. Larger meta-analysis with less heterogeneity is needed.

Aim:To evaluate and compare the quality of root canal filling performed by junior and senior undergraduate students attending College of Dentistry at King Khalid University (KKUCOD). Materials and methods: A total of 460 radiographs of teeth treated by two different levels of students were eligible for the study. Undergraduate students under the close supervision of endodontists following KKUCOD endodontic protocol performed all randomized controlled trial (RCTs). Three different examiners independently evaluated the radiographs after 4 weeks training with endodontists on radiographic analysis with the good interexaminer agreement. The quality of root canal filling was evaluated in regard to length, density, taper and encountered procedural errors during treatment having the final outcome as either acceptable or not-acceptable root canal filling. Results: The percentage of root canal obturation with adequate length of was 57% for lower-level students and 69.3% for higher-level students. A higher proportion of students in lower-level performed obturation with inadequate density compared to higher-level students. Inadequate tapering was significantly more in lower-level student. Considering tooth type, overall RCT quality was similar in anterior and premolars between different student levels while it was significantly inadequate in molars among lower-level students. Conclusion: The quality of root canal filling was satisfactory compared to other similar studies in Saudi Arabia. Teaching crown-down technique and rotary instrumentation training are recommended. Finally, Molars and multirooted premolars should be referred to specialists. Clinical significance: It is highly important to closely monitor undergraduate students in performing RCTs to increase the quality of treatment. This will increase the success of treatment performed by general practitioners, reduce a load of referral to specialists and decrease the long waiting lists in dental service centers in Saudi Arabia.

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