To compare the smear layer removal ability and mineral content of root canal dentine after initial irrigation with NaOCl and final irrigation with MTAD, QMix, and 17% EDTA. Forty extracted human maxillary incisors before root canal preparation and irrigation with NaOCl were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the type of final irrigants used: MTAD, QMix, 17% EDTA, and control (sterile distilled water). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the presence of smear layer. SEM energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was used to quantify dentin mineral composition in MTAD, QMix, 17% EDTA group, and in no‐treatment samples (no‐treatment group; n = 10). Among the various chelating agents, there were no significant differences in the smear layer removal in the middle and coronal thirds (p > .05). In the apical third, QMix removed significantly more smear layer than 17% EDTA (p < .05), but similarly to MTAD (p > .05). Final irrigation with MTAD resulted in a significant increase in the carbon (C) value compared to EDTA (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the mineral composition between the MTAD and the QMix group, although the values of the mineral elements were significantly altered in the MTAD group. QMix had smear layer removal capability similar to MTAD but better than EDTA in the apical third. MTAD yielded the most pronounced effect on mineral component of root dentin; however, differences were significant only for C level compared to 17% EDTA.

Th e main objective of endodontic treatment is to remove vital and necrotic remnants of pulp tissue and microorganisms and their toxic products from the root canal. During chemo-mechanical endodontic preparation, a smear layer is formed on the wall of the canals. Due to an inability to

Introduction The main goal of obturation is prevention of reinfection of the root canal system and consequently appearance of periapical lesion. Epidemiological studies have confirmed high prevalence of periapical lesions in endodontically treated teeth with inadequate root canal fillings. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of root canal fillings in teeth treated at students' practical sessions. Iatrogenic errors during endodontic interventions were also assessed. Methods Two hundred dental records of the patients treated by students in the study program Dentistry at the School of Medicine in Foca during the academic year 2010/2011 were randomly chosen. The length and homogeneity of the fillings or the presence of iatrogenic errors were recorded. A root canal filling was considered adequate if it had correct length and homogeneity in the absence of iatrogenic errors. Two students' curricula V 1 and V 2 were evaluated for the treatment outcome. Results Out of 128 endodontically treated teeth, adequate length of the canal filling to the physiological apex was observed in 57% of teeth, homogeneity in 78.9%, while both of these criteria were satisfied in 66 teeth (51.6%). Better quality of root canal fillings was achieved by students of the study curricula V 2 and the difference between these two programs was significant (p<0.05). Better quality of root canal fillings in both study programs was recorded for incisors and canines as compared to premolars. Conclusion The quality of endodontic treatment performed by students was considered adequate in 51.6% of cases. The type of curriculum for endodontic course had a significant impact on the quality of endodontic treatment performed by students.

Oral health is an integral part of general health and can significantly affect the quality of life [1, 2]. The prevalence of oral diseases is high and their impact on an individual and a community is significant [3]. Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases today, occurring in 60-90% of school children and many adults [1]. It should be noted that caries in children has not been completely eradicated, but has been put under control only to a certain extent [4]. Recent research has shown a significant improvement of dental health and decrease in caries prevalence in all age groups. However, dental caries is still the most frequent disease in adolescence [5]. Incomplete maturation of enamel, increasing number of surfaces susceptible to caries, external factors such as diet, poor oral hygiene and other social factors may also contribute to increased risk for caries in adolescents [6, 7]. In addition to dental caries, adolescence is critical period for periodontal health. Epidemiological and immunological data have indicated that irreversible damage of periodontal tissue begins in late adolescence and early youth [8]. Frequent occurrence of gingivitis in adolescents as compared to pre-pubertal children and adults has also been noticed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of caries and gingivitis in adolescents age 15 and 17-18 years in the municipality of Foca, Republika Srpska. MATERIAL AND METHODS The final year students from all five elementary schools (two urban and three from suburbs) and the only high school in the municipality of Foca were included in this cross-section study. All students present at the school on the day of the clinical trial were included in the study. There were 135 students (age 15) of primary school (the ninth grade) and 217 students (age 17-18) third and fourth grade of high school. Clinical examination was conducted in classrooms using dental mirrors, dental and periodontal probes under natural light and artificial lighting of the room. The incidence of dental caries was determined using DMFT index and its components (D-decayed, M-missing, F-filled teeth) as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) [9]. Periodontal tissue condition was determined using gingival index (GI) by Löe and Silness.

Introduction Self- assessment of oral health is simple, non-invasive and cost-effective method of collecting data that takes into account psychosocial aspects of oral health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of clinical factors on the self-perception of oral health in middle-aged patients in Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Material and Methods The study included 126 subjects of both genders (34.1% male and 65.9% female) aged 24-54 years. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical examination. Anonymous questionnaire contained questions related to socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Clinical examination included teeth condition and the presence of prosthetic restorations. Self-perception of oral health was determined by one question. Results Bivariate analysis indicated significant effect of carious (p<0.001), missing (p<0.001) and filled teeth (p=0.022) but not the prosthetic status on self-perception of oral health. Correlation between the number of carious and missing teeth with self-perception of oral health was significant in regression analysis. Conclusion The number of carious and missing teeth had significant impact on self-assessment of oral health in studied population. Knowledge of effects of oral clinical variables on self-perception of oral health is very important to obtain clearer insight into the association between objectively and subjectively assessed oral health.

Introduction. Dental caries is still an important social health problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and impact of oral discomfort, particularly caused by dental caries on the quality of life of middle-aged people as well as the association between oral problems caused by caries and the current status of teeth. Material and Methods. The study included 72 patients, age 25-45 years. Serbian version of the questionnaire Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) was used to determine the overall impact of oral health as well as the specific effect of caries (SP-OIDP) on the quality of life. To determine the status of teeth the DMFT index was used. Results. The incidence of oral health impact on daily activities was 68.1%. Carious teeth affected food intake (40.0%) and brushing teeth (31.0%) but had no effect on showing teeth and maintaining normal emotional state. Caries was the cause of oral discomfort in more than half of the respondents. Of all clinical variables only DMFT>22 was associated with the SP-OIDP score after inclusion of socio-demographic factors in the analysis (rs=0.273). Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that the incidence of the effect of oral conditions on the quality of life is high with most respondents showing difficulties while eating. Using specific questionnaire it was noted that dental caries had a significant effect on oral functions of respondents. Also, there was a significant correlation between dental status and the quality of life of middle-aged people.

Introduction. Success in endodontic treatment depends upon the clinician's knowledge and ability to recognize and diagnose the presence of anatomical and morphological variations of the root and canal system. Mandibular canines are usually recognized as having one root and one root canal. In spite of the low incidence of mandibular canines with one root and two canals, their appearance should not be neglected due to the fact that the presence of a second canal in these teeth leads to difficulties in endodontic treatment. The aim of this case report is to describe mandibular canine with two root canals. Case presentation. 45-year-old patient presented for medical care due to the pain in a lower right canine. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed composite filling and caries with periapical radiolucent area and sensitivity to percussion in the mandibular right canine. By careful evaluation of the diagnostic radiology, it was observed that the mandibular canine had two canals. The patient was diagnosed with acute apical periodontitis and root canal therapy was given following the standard protocols. Conclusion. Although the prevalence of two canals in mandibular canine is low, the clinician should always be mindful of variations in the number of canals for appropriate therapeutic management.

Katedra za bolesti zuba i endodonciju, Medicinski fakultet Foča, Univerzitet u Istočnom Sarajevu, Bosna i Hercegovina Kratak sadržajUvod. Osnovni cilj endodontske terapije je adekvatna obrada i opturacija cjelokupnog kanalnog sistema. Nekompletna instrumentacija i čišćenje kanala, neadekvatna opturacija i zaboravljeni kanali najčešći su razlozi neuspjeha endodontske terapije. Stoga je poznavanje morfologije korijenskog sistema zuba od velikog značaja i može da smanji neuspjeh endodontske terapije uzokovane nekompletnom kanalnom preparacijom i opturacijom. Cilj rada je da se prikaže endodontska terapija maksilarnog drugog molara sa dva palatinalna korijena i pet korijenskih kanala.Prikaz bolesnika. U radu je prikazan maksilarni drugi molar sa četiri korijena kod pacijenta starosti 27 godina. Poslije kliničkog ispitivanja i analize radiograma, uočeno je postojanje dva palatinalna korijena. Sprovedena je endodontska terapija u dvije posjete. Poslije završene intrakanalne medikacije u trajanju od 15 dana, kanali su opturisani gutaperka poenima i silerom.Zaključak. Prikaz ističe važnost dobrog poznavanja kanalne morfologije i ukazuje da anatomske abnormalnosti treba uvijek uzeti u obzir kada se sprovodi endodontsko liječenje.