Background: With regards to the increasing use of implants in the field of dentistry, the recognition of critical landmarks is essential. Nasopalatine canal (NPC) is one of these important indices, which due to high esthetic expectations in premaxilla, should be precisely evaluated before surgery. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and anatomical variations of the NPC. Materials and Methods: A total of 326 individual cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were analyzed in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes in order to evaluate the dimensions, morphology and anatomic features of the NPC. The canal shape, length, and curvature, incisive and Stenson's foramina (SF) dimensions, and the number of openings on both sides of the canal were assessed. The correlation of age, gender, and dental status with all considered parameters were analyzed. Results: The most dominant shape of the NPC was cylindrical (65.33%). The mean NPC length was 12.85 ± 2.63 mm, which was greater in men and showed significant differences between two genders (P < 0.001). The most frequent canal anatomical variation in the coronal plane was Y-type (50%). Through statistical analysis, the effect of gender on the canal length, anteroposterior dimension of SF, and mediolateral dimension of SF and incisive foramen (IF) and the number of orifices at the nasal floor was significant. Also, a significant relationship existed between dental status and curvature of the canal, anteroposterior dimension of IF and SF and furcation level of the canal. Conclusion: This study has highlighted the anatomical variations of NPC regarding its dimension, location and morphological appearance. Cylindrical was the most common shape followed by funnel-shape, hourglass, and spindle, which were the other canal shapes with less frequency, respectively. The results suggest significant relationship between NPC, and gender and dental status. The influence of age was not as significant as gender and dental status.

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Background: Different enhancements have been used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of radiographic images in digital systems. However, the diagnostic accuracy of the effects of these enhancement options on dental caries has not been determined. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of software enhancements of zooming, colorization, and contrast conversion on the accuracy of proximal caries detection. Materials and Methods:In this diagnostic in vitro trial study, 42 non-cavitated and restoration-free extracted permanent molars and premolars were selected and mounted onto 14 blocks in contact with each other. Radiographic images were obtained from the teeth in similar standardized condition using the paralleling technique. The images were shown without any enhancement or with using the options of zooming, colorization, and contrast conversion. Depth of proximal caries was determined by a radiologist using four-scaled criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of digital images that had undergone different enhancements was calculated by the chi-square test. Results: The diagnostic odds of the original digital images were lower than 20 (5.7). By using the enhancement options of zooming, colorization, and contrast conversion, the diagnostic odds of the enamel proximal caries had a score of less than 20. The score was higher than 20 for proximal caries located in the outer and inner half of the dentin. Conclusions: The enhancement options of zooming, colorization, and contrast conversion did not significantly influence the diagnostic accuracy of digital images in enamel caries, but they enhanced caries diagnosis/progression in the outer and inner half of the dentin.

Background: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is pain or burning sensation on the tongue or other mucosal membranes with at least 4 -6 months duration and without clinical or laboratory findings. Its etiology is unknown and the prevalence varies across studies. Objectives: The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of BMS in female patients referred to Al-Zahra Hospital of Rasht, Iran, and investigating its related factors. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from March to December 2015. A total of 2400 females referred to the gynecological clinic of Al-Zahra hospital were examined and a researcher-made check list was completed. The diagnosis of BMS was based on patients' self-report about burning sensation in the oral mucosa with no clinical symptoms in the oral cavity. After the check list was completed, the SPSS software version 16 was used for statistical analysis using chi-square and the Cramer test. Results: According to the results of the current study, 3% of patients had burning mouth syndrome. The age range of most patients was 40 to 49 (54.2%) years and 38.9% of them were menopause. The most common sites of involvement were the tip of the tongue (33.3%), and lower lip (19.4%), respectively. The most common type of BMS was type 1 (51.4%). About 63.9% of participants had xerostomia; 9.7% of patients had para functional habits. No significant relationship was observed between oral hygiene, systemic disease, using denture, and BMS. There was a weak relationship between seasonal allergies and BMS. Conclusions: To the authors best knowledge, BMS prevalence in the current study was consistent with that of international statistics. BMS more commonly affected females younger than 50 years old. About 65% of patients had xerostomia. Several factors may impact on BMS, but the effect is not yet definite.