Knowledge of the size, morphology and variation of the root canals of primary teeth are useful in visualizing the pulp cavity during treatment. This study was carried out to investigate the applicability of Computed Tomography in studying the root canal morphology of the primary molars. A total of 60 primary molars.without any macroscopic root resorption were collected and divided into four groups. The samples were arranged in wax block and then scanned for evaluation in the CT Scanner both in axial and coronal plane. The results obtained from the scanned images were statistically analyzed to know the frequency, mean and standard deviation for all the groups. The images showed the complexity of the root canals of the primary molars and also several capabilities of the CT Scan in advance Endodontic research in primary teeth were observed.

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Aim:The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the tensile bond strength and microleakage of Fuji IX GP, Fuji II LC, and compoglass and to compare bond strength with degree of microleakage exhibited by the same materials.Materials and Methods:Occlusal surfaces of 96 noncarious primary teeth were ground perpendicular to long axis of the tooth. Preparations were distributed into three groups consisting of Fuji IX GP, Fuji II LC and Compoglass. Specimens were tested for tensile bond strength by mounting them on Instron Universal Testing Machine. Ninety-six primary molars were treated with Fuji IX GP, Fuji II LC, and compoglass on box-only prepared proximal surface. Samples were thermocycled, stained with dye, sectioned, and scored for microleakage under stereomicroscope. ANOVA and Bonferrani correction test were done for comparisons. Pearson Chi-square test and regression analysis were done to assess the association between the parameters.Results:Compoglass showed highest tensile strength and Fuji II LC showed least microleakage. There was a significant difference between the three groups in tensile strength and microleakage levels. The correlation between tensile strength and microleakage level in each group showed that there was a significant negative correlation only in Group 3.Conclusion:Fuji II LC and compoglass can be advocated in primary teeth because of their superior physical properties when compared with Fuji IX GP.

Multirooted teeth in which chronic periodontitis has progressed to involve the furcation present special problems in treatment. The apical placement of furcation, narrow furcation entrance, concavities on the root surface, and the undesirable root configuration make instrumentation and plaque control difficult. Furcation involvement, when present in maxillary first premolars in particular, presents a poor prognosis as the furcation opens mesiodistally. This study on 100 extracted maxillary first premolars is an attempt to determine the frequency of bifurcation, the proximity of bifurcation to cemento-enamel junction, the depth of concavities on the root trunk and the furcal aspect of root, the diameter of furcation entrance, and the extent of root divergence.

Clinically and radiographically, MTA is superior to Dycal as a good IPT medicament in primary teeth.

Aim:To clinically and radiographically evaluate the reparative dentin formation in indirect pulp treatment (IPT) using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and light cured calcium silicate (TheraCal) in primary molars over a period of 6 months.Materials and Methods:A clinical trial on IPT on 43 primary molars in 21 patients between the age of 4–7 years, divided into two groups: 22 teeth in MTA group and 21 in TheraCal group. Measurement of the variation in dentin thickness was done on the digitalized radiograph at baseline, 3 months and 6 months using CorelDRAW X3 software.Results:Statistical analysis using an independent t-test for intragroup and intergroup comparison showed a significant increase in dentin thickness in both the MTA and TheraCal group (intragroup comparison [P < 0.05]). However, intergroup comparison between MTA and TheraCal showed no statistical difference in reparative dentin formation (P > 0.05).Conclusion:Clinically and radiographically, both MTA and TheraCal are good IPT materials. The better handling characteristics and comparable reparative dentin-forming ability of TheraCal make this material an alternative to MTA in pediatric restorative procedures.

Objective:Comparative evaluation of the location of mental foramen in different age groups. Determine the variation in position of mental foramen with gender using digital panoramic radiography.Materials and Methods:Digital panoramic radiographs of 250 patients were reviewed. The study population was divided into five age groups with 50 patients each. Radiographic position of mental foramen was evaluated in each radiograph based on three parameters. Measurements were taken in each radiograph using Planmeca Dimaxis pro version 4.4.0 (Helsinki, Finland). The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis using paired Student's t-test.Results:The mean distance of position of mental foramen showed a significant variation within the five age groups. In the first group, female patients showed an increase in mean distance of mental foramen position in relation to three parameters. From the second to fifth groups, male patient showed an increase in the mean distance of mental foramen position. The first and fifth group showed a reduced mean distance of mental foramen position when compared to other age groups.Conclusion:This study concluded that the position of mental foramen varies with age. There was a gender-related variation in position of mental foramen within the population too.

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) or Franceschetti syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of craniofacial development with variable phenotypic expression. It presents with characteristic facial appearance enabling it to be easily recognizable. A case of a 10-year-old girl having TCS is briefly described in this article. A review of the etiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment options are also discussed.