Introduction:In the last 15 years, the most important revolution in dentistry has been the introduction and then the widespread adoption of the dental operating microscope. Theaimof this study was to evaluate the usage of the dental operating microscope among young specialized and general practitioner dentists in Tîrgu Mureș.Material and Methods:A 9-point questionnaire about dental microscope usage was distributed among endodontists, practitioners of other specialties, and general practitioners with less than 10 years of experience.Results:According to our results, the dental operating microscope is used mainly during root canal therapy by endodontists. Practitioners of other specialties (prosthetists, alveolar dental surgeons, and orthodontists) use the microscope in a small percentage during coronal restoration, prosthetics, or periodontal surgery. Most general practitioners are not interested in using magnification in their practice.Conclusions:Endodontists use the dental operating microscope when they face complicated cases and have access to it. Working under magnification is awakening the interest of doctors of other specialties also. Private practices should invest in acquiring a microscope, and young general practitioners should be motivated in using it during dental treatments.

Background/Aim: Thorough knowledge of the endodontic anatomy and comprehensive understanding of root canal morphological variations are mandatory to ensure the successful outcome of the endodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of root canals of first and second lower premolars in a selected population to the root canal pattern reported by endodontic literature and to analyze the gender distribution. Material and methods: A total of 376 preoperative periapical radiographs were obtained from patients living in the Mureş County of Romania. The X-rays were analyzed by 3 endodontists into determining whether the mandibular premolars had one, two or three root canals. The difference between male and female gender distribution was also examined. Endodontic treatment was then performed using the operating microscope to confirm the root canal configuration of the radiographic analysis. The results were compared to common knowledge of the endodontic literature. Results: In this study, by using the radiographic method combined with direct observation aided by the operating microscope, 31.3% of first premolars and 14.6% of second premolars were found to have two root canals. A higher percentage of two root canals were found in females for both first (60.97%) and second premolars (76.9%). Conclusion: In the Mureş County region, mandibular premolars with two root canals have a significantly higher rate than the literature reports. Female patients have a higher prevalence than male patients. This should concern clinicians from this area to be aware of these facts as it can unquestionably influence the tooth’s long-term prognosis.

Dental matrix systems are instruments used in the treatment of simple caries which replace the missing wall of the tooth during restoration. The aim of the study is to evaluate, using a questionnaire-based survey, the most used matrix systems among dentists and dentistry students. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifty questionnaires containing 8 questions were distributed in electronic and printed format to dentists in Mureș and Harghita countries and dentistry students from 4th to 6th year of study at George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș. The obtained data were then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SSPS 20.0.0. Statistical analysis was performed using the one tailed ANOVA and Tukey/ Kramer test. Significance level was set at a value of p<0.05. Results: Of the persons who completed the questionnaire 97.78% consider it important to use a matrix system during tooth restoration, 98.25 % use it when restoring class II Black cavities. Sectional matrixes are used most commonly during class II Black cavity restoration, for MOD cavities the circular matrix systems are the preferred ones. During class V Black cavity restoration only 5.45% of the doctors and students use a matrix system. Wooden wedge is used most frequently in combination with a matrix system. Only 3.3% always ask for a control X-ray after a tooth restoration. Conclusion: The use of matrix systems is considered to be very important by both dental students and dentists in the restoration of simple caries lesions and are most commonly used for a Black class II, III, IV, and MOD cavity. More importance should be given to follow-up X-rays after tooth restoration.

Introduction: Improper finishing and polishing of fillings leads to surface roughness of the restoration which leads to excessive plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, increased surface staining and poor aesthetics of restored teeth. Therefore, it is essential to use polishing instruments and pastes as a final step of simple caries treatment in order to achieve optimal long-time results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of 4 different finishing and polishing instruments used for surface smoothening of aesthetic restorative materials in vitro. Materials and methods: 40 composite (Reality X) samples were prepared in vitro. Their surface irregularities were measured along 3 diagonals before and after polishing. Sof-Lex discs (3M Espe), rubber cones (Kenda), Arkansas stone (Fino) and polishing paste and a professional toothbrush (Kerr) were used for polishing. Each sample was polished under 5N pressure for 30 seconds at 3000 rpm. The surface roughness was than measured using a profilometer. Statistic analysis was performed using ANOVA and unpaired T-tests, the significance level was set at a value of p<0.05. Results: Based on the mean values, the smallest roughness was found in the control group- 0.11, while the highest in the rubber polishers and Arkansas stone group- 0.47 and 0.48. The values for the Sof-Lex disc group and the polishing paste-toothbrush group were 0.40 and 0.39. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the four groups. Conclusion: It is mandatory to use polishing tools in order to obtain a smooth surface of the restoration and avoid the unwanted long-term complications. Polishing using brush and abrasive paste produced the smoothest surface of the composite.