BackgroundDespite numerous studies on the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in diverse geographical populations, there are currently no data on the prevalence of these conditions in populations of adults native to Kosovo. Therefore, little is known about how widespread these conditions are, and whether there is any correlation between root canal treatment and AP. The purpose of our research was to address this anomaly by investigating AP and endodontic treatment in an adult Kosovar population based on radiographic examination.MethodsThe sample used for this study consisted of randomly selected individuals referred to the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo in the years 2006-2007. Orthopantomographs of 193 patients were evaluated. The periapical status of all teeth (with the exception of third molars) was examined according to Ørstavik's Periapical Index. The quality of the root canal filling was rated as 'adequate' or 'inadequate' based on whether all canals were filled, the depth of fill relative to the radiographic apex and the quality of compaction (absence/presence of voids). Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratios.ResultsOut of 4131 examined teeth, the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment was 12.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Of 95 endodontically-treated teeth, 46.3% were associated with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age. The prevalence in subjects aged over 60 years old (20.2%) was higher than in other age groups. A statistically significant difference was found for the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth associated with AP in the 40-49 year age group (P < 0.001). Of some concern was the discovery that only 30.5% of the endodontically-treated teeth examined met the criteria of an acceptable root canal filling. Inadequately root-filled teeth were associated with an increased AP risk.ConclusionsThe prevalence of AP and the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth with AP in this Kosovar population are higher than those found in other countries. Inadequate root canal fillings were associated with an increased prevalence of AP.

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Aim: In this in vitro study the variation of root anatomy and canal system of the first human maxillary premolar was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twenty one maxillary first premolars (#221 teeth) were examined. All of the teeth were identified using the accepted criteria of Woelfel as maxillary first premolars. Selected teeth are analyzed using operating microscope (OP) and computed dental radiography (CDR). Results: There was a higher incidence of two-roots form 70.14% (n = 155), 21.72% (n = 48) had one root, and 8.14% (n = 18) had three roots. In the two-root category, 16.29% (n = 36) had bifurcation on apical third, 21.72% (n = 48) had bifurcation on middle third, and 32.13% (n = 71) had bifurcation on cervical third. The examination of root canal systems of the teeth was based on Vertucci's classification type of canal: 64.58% (#31) of the cases had type IV (2-2-2), 25.00% (#12) type II (2-2-1), 8.33% (#4) type I (1-1-1), and 2.09% (#1) type III (1-2-1). Conclusion: This study showed a high incidence of two-rooted maxillary first premolars collected from different regions in Kosovo. Internal root canal system morphology reflects the external root anatomy. Furthermore, there is correlation between the shape of the outer surface of the root and the shape of the root canal. The cases with one root of the maxillary first premolar with a deep depression on the mesial side contain a double root canal system more often than a single canal.

Aim: To describe the presence, frequency of attrition in permanent dentition of human skulls from two ancient archeological locations. Aims: To determine the rate of attrition using a specific quantitative and qualitative method. Methods: Twenty one human skulls from two ancient archeological necropolises (Vendenis and Municipium Dardanorum DD) were included in the analysis of samples for this study. A total of 498 teeth were present in all human skulls. The skulls (with their accompanying teeth) were then divided into groups according to locality of origin, age and sex. Macroscopic (observational) analysis of the teeth relied on inspection and exploration of the teeth in their totality. The classification system that was used to rate tooth wear was Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Statistical analysis used: Chi-test for small samples was used to evaluate the observations obtained from the study. Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis was not performed due to the small number of teeth and the content of zero values in respective age groups. Results: The results show that out of total 498 teeth, 89.35% had attrition and 10.65% had no attrition or Grade 0 TWI. 21.48% were Grade 1, 28.71% Grade 2, 26.90% Grade 3, 7.42% Grade 4 and 4.81% Grade 5. Conclusions: Grade 2 and higher rate of attrition, was predominantly present in first permanent molars.

Objectives:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual, sonic-air and ultrasonic instrumentation with varying irrigation protocols on removal of the smear layer from root canal walls.Study Design:Sixty extracted single rooted human teeth stored in 0.5% saline were used. Periodontal soft tissues were removed followed by crown separation at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). All the teeth were randomly divided into three groups. Group I was manually instrumented and irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone and 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) alternately, same as sonically instrumented Group II and ultrasonically instrumented Group III. The controls for all groups were irrigated with saline solution.Results:Ultrasonic over the sonic-air and manual technique, and the use of a combination of two different solutions (17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl) alternatively yielded better outcome.Conclusions:Ultrasonic, sonic-air and manual instrumentation of the root canal and irrigation with combined solutions is effective in removal of the smear layer from the instrumented walls of the root canal.