Based on this study it appears that the most common position of mental foramen is either between the two premolars or in line with the second premolar. This is in concordance with previous studies.

BackgroundRadiography plays an important role in the detection of interproximal caries.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of chargecoupled devices (CCD), Photo Stimulable Phosphor (PSP) and film radiography in detecting non-cavitated caries.Patients and MethodsSeventy-two non-cavitated approximal surfaces of extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed under standardized conditions using three intraoral modalities: CCD Dixi3 (Planmeca, Finland), PSP Digora PCT (Soredex, Finland),and E-speed film (Kodak, USA). Radiographs were interpreted by four observers and caries lesions were classified as sound (R0), restricted to enamel (R1), reaching the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) and the outer half of the dentin (R2) and the inner half of the dentin (R3). The teeth were subsequently sectioned for histological analysis which served as the gold standard for radiographic examination.ResultsMicroscopic examinations showed that the distribution of caries were 63.9% sound, 18.1% enamel, 9.7% DEJ and outer half of the dentin and 8.3% into the inner half of the dentin.The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of enamel caries were 38% and 98%; 15% and 96 %; and 23% and 98%, respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of both dentin and enamel caries were 55% and 100%; 45% and 100% ; and 55% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of digital images is similar to that of conventional film radiography in the detection of non-cavitated approximal caries.

Objectives: Age estimation is one of the most important factors in forensic medicine. Measuring secondary dentin deposition using cone-beam computed tomography images is an easy and noninvasive method. The aim of this study was to evaluate cone-beam computed tomography images as a reliable method to estimate chronological age by pulp/teeth ratio in anterior teeth in Iranian population. Methodology: A total of 649 CBCT images from 377 Iranian patients aged between 20 and 69 years were evaluated. Pulp/teeth ratio (PTR) in maxillary and mandibular canine and central incisor teeth was measured in the axial and sagittal sections using OnDemand 3D Dental software. The Pearson correlation coefficient was determined to evaluate the correlation between the variables. Linear regression analysis, as well as age estimation formula, was used for each tooth separately. Results: The regression analyses indicated that maxillary central incisors were more reliable for age estimation (R²=0.586 and standard error of estimate=7.045) compared with the other anterior teeth studied. Maxillary canine teeth had the lowest predictive power (R²=0.392 and standard error of estimate=8.387). Also, comparison of the axial and sagittal sections showed that the axial sections had a higher predictive power. (R²=0.48 for axial plans and R²=0.328 for sagittal plans) Conclusion: The use of cone-beam computed tomography in age estimation by pulp/teeth ratio of anterior teeth is useful and a reliable method for age estimation in Iranian population.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of vertical root fractures in a tooth with gutta-percha and prefabricated posts.Materials and MethodsThis study selected 96 extracted molar and premolar teeth of the mandible. These teeth were divided into six groups as follows: Groups A, B, and C consisted of teeth with vertical root fractures, and groups D, E, and F had teeth without vertical root fractures; groups A and D had teeth with gutta-percha and prefabricated posts; groups B and E had teeth with gutta-percha but without prefabricated posts, and groups C and F had teeth without gutta-percha or prefabricated posts. Then, the CBCT scans were obtained and examined by three oral and maxillofacial radiologists in order to determine the presence of vertical root fractures. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsThe kappa coefficient was 0.875±0.049. Groups A and D showed a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 100%; groups E and B, a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 100%; and groups C and F, a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 100%.ConclusionThe CBCT scans revealed a high accuracy in the diagnosis of vertical root fractures; the accuracy did not decrease in the presence of gutta-percha. The presence of prefabricated posts also had little effect on the accuracy of the system, which was, of course, not statistically significant.

BackgroundPeriapical lesions are inflammatory diseases that result in periapical bone destruction because of host defensive–microbial disturbances.ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of prophylactic ibuprofen and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α), interleukin- 6(IL-6) and IL-17 and post-treatment pain level in chronic periapical lesions.Materials and methodsEighty patients with chronic apical lesions less than 1 cm were randomly assigned to receive NAC tablets (400 mg), ibuprofen tablets (400 mg), NAC (400 mg)/ibuprofen (200 mg) combination and placebo 90 minutes prior to sampling. Periapical exudates were collected from root canals. TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-17 levels were determined by ELISA and post-treatment pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS).ResultsThere was a significant difference in IL-6 level between ibuprofen group and placebo (p = 0.019). Significant difference in IL-17 level was observed between NAC/ibuprofen combination group and placebo (p = 0.043). Four hours after treatment, a significant difference was observed in VAS pain score between ibuprofen group and placebo (p = 0.017). Eight hours post-treatment, VAS pain score for NAC group was statistically lower than placebo group (p = 0.033). After 12 hours VAS pain score showed a significant decrease in NAC group compared to placebo (p = 0.049).ConclusionThe prophylactic ibuprofen and NAC failed to clearly reflect their effect on cytokines levels in exudates of chronic periapical lesions. On the other hand it seems that NAC can be a substitute for ibuprofen in the management of post endodontic pain.

<div class="WordSection1"><p><strong>Objective</strong>. The aim of this study was to evaluate the number and mor- phological characteristics of the roots and root canals in mandibular anterior teeth, using cone beam computed tomography. <strong>Methods and materials. </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 1053 anterior mandibular teeth from 200 CBCT scans were evaluated. The teeth were complete- ly developed and should have had no fillings in the root or crown. The teeth were investigated in terms of the number of roots and root canals, the location of the apical foramen, the distance of the apical foramen to the anatomical apex, root length, crown length, dilacera- tions and the type of canals according to Vertucci’s classification. <strong>Re- sults</strong>. 87.9% of teeth had one root canal and of all of the teeth, three canines (0.3%) were found that had two roots. In 80.3% (n: 848) of cases the foramen apical location was central, then the buccal (9.3%), lingual (3.9%), distal (3.8%), and mesial (2.7%). The type of root ca- nals, according to Vertucci’s classification, with respect to prevalence, included type I (88.2%), type III (8.1%), type II (3.3%), type V (0.3%), and type VI (0.1%), respectively. In terms of the characteristics inves- tigated, bilateral symmetry was observed. Dilaceration was not seen in any of the teeth. <strong>Conclusion</strong>. The root canal morphology of mandibu- lar anterior teeth has great diversity that may differ between different races, and should be considered by all dentists in order to achieve the best dental treatment.</p></div><br clear="all" /><p> </p>

Bone defects are common and persistent problems in clinical orthopedics and dentistry. The development of synthetic reconstruction materials is essential owing to the restricted access to natural bone grafts, disease transmission risks, surgical costs, donor-site morbidity, infections, and immune response-related complications. The present study was done to evaluate the histopathological, histomorphometrical, and radiological characteristics of composite foams containing hydroxyapatite/bioactive glass (HA/BG) and fluorapatite/bioactive glass (FA/BG) as cell scaffolds in rat tibia reconstruction. A total of 60 rats were divided into four equal groups, of which three groups were implanted with HA/BG, FA/BG, and CenoBone biomaterials, and the fourth group served as the implant-free controls. Five rats from each group were sacrificed at 15, 30, or 60 days after implantation, and radiological, histopathological, and histomorphometrical assessments were carried out. Based on the findings, no foreign body reaction was present in the rats. Additionally, bone-biomaterial contact occurred directly without the involvement of connective tissues. The number of osteoblasts was reduced in the implant groups, whereas the trabecular thickness and rate of new bone formation were increased in all groups, where the increase in the FA/BG group was the most prominent. The mean percentage difference in bone density between the implant site and the host bone was greater in the FA/BG group at all three time points of the study. Based on the results of the present study and the positive characteristics of these nanocomposite foams, they can be suitable options for implantation in damaged tissues in tissue engineering.

PurposeThe aim of this in vitro study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiography in the detection of mesial root perforations of mandibular molars.Materials and MethodsIn this in vitro study, 48 mandibular molars were divided into 4 groups. First, the mesial canals of all the 48 teeth were endodontically prepared. In 2 groups (24 teeth each), the roots were axially perforated in the mesiolingual canal 1-3 mm below the furcation region, penetrating the root surface ("root perforation"). Then, in one of these 2 groups, the mesial canals were filled with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. Mesial canals in one of the other 2 groups without perforation (control groups) were filled with the same materials. The CBCT and periapical radiographs with 3 different angulations were evaluated by 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The specificity and sensitivity of the two methods were calculated, and P<0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of CBCT scans in the detection of obturated root canal perforations were 79% and 96%, respectively, and in the case of three-angled periapical radiographs, they were 92% and 100%, respectively. In non-obturated root canals, the sensitivity and specificity of CBCT scans in perforation detection were 92% and 100%, respectively, and for three-angled periapical radiographs, they were 50% and 96%, respectively.ConclusionFor perforation detection in filled-root canals, periapical radiography with three different horizontal angulations would be trustworthy, but it is recommended that CBCT be used for perforation detection before obturating root canals.