Full-mouth Periapical Radiographs Research Articles

Assessment of Levels of Plasma Oxidative Stress in Patient Having Aggressive Periodontitis before and after Full Mouth Disinfection.

Aim:The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the levels of oxidative stress in plasma in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) before and after full-mouth disinfection.Materials and Methods:Twenty-five healthy controls and 25 participants with aggressive periodontal were assessed for plaque index, probing pocket depth, papillary bleeding index, and clinical attachment level. Periodontal bone support was assessed by taking full mouth periapical radiographs. Full-mouth disinfection of the patient was done within 24 h of clinical assessment of AgP. These parameters were assessed at the baseline and after 8 weeks of initial periodontal therapy. Plasma samples were taken and evaluated for various oxidative stress markers.Results:Strong positive correlation was observed among periodontal parameters and levels of enzymatic/nonenzymatic biomarkers for oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances [TBARS], glutathione peroxidase [GPX], and catalase [CAT]) (P < 0.05), before and after periodontal management. The patients with AgP had high levels of TBARS, GPX, and CAT levels in the plasma matched to the healthy individuals (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Enzymatic and nonenzymatic oxidative stress may have a role in the pathogenesis AP. Initial periodontal treatment can lead to the reduction of these stresses.

Association between Periodontal Disease and Comorbidities in Saudi's Eastern Province.

The incidence of periodontal diseases is associated with multiple comorbidities that influence a patient's treatment planning. This study evaluates the relation between periodontal disease and multiple comorbidities reported in the Saudi population from the Eastern province. This study was conducted on 190 patients, who visited the periodontology clinics at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, smoking habits, past medical and dental histories, blood pressure, random blood glucose, and recent haemoglobin A1c were recorded. A comprehensive periodontal examination included the number of missing teeth, pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and mobility of all teeth except third molars. Radiographic bone loss was measured on standardized full-mouth periapical radiographs. Multivariable regression models were calculated aiming to see the association between different comorbidities and alveolar bone loss with confounders controlled. Out of 190 periodontitis patients, 56 (29.5%) were males and 134 (70.5%) were females. More than half of the patients (60%) were between 26 and 50 years, 30% of them had diabetes, and 18% were smokers. The risk of alveolar bone loss was higher in persons who had diabetes and those who had both diabetes and coronary heart disease than those who did not, although the association was not statistically significant (B = 1.26, 95%CI = −0.30, 2.82, and B = 2.86, 95%CI = −1.25, 6.96, respectively). The risk of alveolar bone loss was significantly higher among persons with diabetes and hypertension (B = 2.82 and 95%CI = 0.89, 4.75). Collectively, the risk of alveolar bone loss in periodontitis patients increases with diabetes in the presence of other comorbidities regardless of smoking or gender.

Validation of self-reported history of root canal treatment in a southern Brazilian subpopulation.

The aim of this study was to assess self-reported history of root canal treatment (SRHRCT) as a method for detecting the presence of root canal treatment (RCT) and apical periodontitis (AP) in a southern Brazilian subpopulation. In this cross-sectional study, 136 military police officers from the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, were included. The participants were interviewed and full-mouth periapical radiographs were taken. A calibrated examiner determined the presence of RCT and AP by applying standardized criteria. The diagnostic accuracy of SRHRCT was calculated separately for RCT and AP. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (+PV and -PV), efficiency, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR and -LR) were estimated. The mean age of the participants was 34.1 ± 10.4 years and 88.2% were males. Overall, SRHRCT demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for RCT, but not for AP: sensitivity (RCT = 0.960, AP = 0.757) and specificity (RCT = 0.835, AP = 0.631). The estimated values for PV and LR were: +PV (RCT=0.777, AP=0.396), -PV (RCT = 0.972, AP = 0.890), +LR (RCT = 5.853, AP = 2.057), and -LR (RCT = 0.046, AP = 0.383). SRHRCT proved to be a good predictor of the presence of RCT, but a weak predictor of AP in this subpopulation.

Clinical and Biochemical Valuation of Enzymatic and Nonenzymatic Stress Markers Following Full-mouth Disinfection in Aggressive Periodontitis

Assessment of host response to inflammation will throw light on the critical role of antioxidants (AOs) and free radicle damage in the etiology of periodontal disease. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of plasma oxidative stress in those having aggressive periodontal disease before and after full-mouth disinfection. Objectives were to find the influence of full-mouth disinfection analyzing the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), thereby quantifying the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and also the activities of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT), valuing the AO defense systems in health and disease. The valuation composed of 30 subjects with aggressive periodontal disease and 30 healthy controls. Clinical assessment included following periodontal parameters: plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Levels of bone loss were assessed by taking full-mouth periapical radiographs. Initial periodontal therapy comprises of full-mouth disinfection which includes subgingival scaling and root planing within 24 hours combined with adjunctive chlorhexidine chemotherapy for aggressive periodontitis subject's at sites indicated. The parameters (clinical) were evaluated at the baseline and 8 weeks after initial periodontal therapy at six sites of teeth indicated. Plasma samples were taken and evaluated by standard procedures as defined in the literature. All the values were weighed and related. Strong positive associations were detected among periodontal parameters and TBARS, enzymatic/nonenzymatic AO levels (p < 0.05), and pre- and postperiodontal management. The plasma levels of patients with aggressive periodontitis had high levels of TBARS and displayed a substantial escalation in the activities of GSH and GPX levels in the plasma matched to the healthy individuals (p < 0.05). This paper evaluated ROS activity and AO defense before and after treatment to stimulate added periodontal investigation in this part which will give an insight into the therapeutic options with foreseeable results.

Post-treatment apical periodontitis related to the technical quality of root fillings and restorations in Thai population.

The aim of this study was to investigate the post-treatment apical periodontitis in endodontically treated teeth related to the technical quality of root fillings and restorations in Thai population. Full-mouth periapical radiographs from Thai patients attending the Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Thailand were examined. The periapical status, quality of root fillings and coronal restorations, existence of intraradicular post and its relationship to the root fillings were evaluated. Among 1586 patients, 37.4% presented endodontically treated teeth. The total number of endodontically treated teeth was 1511, and 35% presented apical periodontitis. Combined data for root filling and coronal restoration qualities revealed significantly better outcome in teeth with adequate qualities of both parameters than the other combinations (P < 0.001). The prevalence of post-treatment apical periodontitis among Thai population was relatively high and significantly associated with substandard technical quality of root fillings and restorations.

Lower Educational Level is a Risk Factor for Tooth Loss - Analysis of a Swiss Population (KREBS Project).

To analyse risk factors for tooth loss in women and men seeking treatment at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Records of patients from the pool of patients at the department were consecutively screened between January 2009 and October 2011. Gender, smoking habits, education, profession, general health status and dental variables were recorded. Tooth loss was assessed on full-mouth periapical radiographs. Gender-nested logistic regression models were applied for statistical analysis. The sample consisted of 161 participants (4012 teeth in total, 3988 after exclusion of third molars), 80 women and 81 men, with a mean age of 48.0 ± 14.6 in women and 47.7 ± 12.5 in men. There were no significant differences in smoking status between men and women. Oral clinical data revealed similar gingival inflammation (BI) and number of sites with a periodontal probing depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm among men and women. However, oral hygiene (PI) differed between men and women, with women having better oral hygiene (p < 0.01). Tooth loss increased from the front to the molar regions. A significant risk for tooth loss was associated with decreasing educational level. Compared to advanced education, individuals with 'no school graduation' showed a significantly higher risk for tooth loss in women (OR = 3.2, p = 0.02) and men (OR = 3.6, p = 0.03). Age ≥ 50 years significantly predicted tooth loss in men only (OR 2.2, p = 0.01). The results from the present study demonstrate lower educational level as a strong risk factor for tooth loss in this Swiss cohort. The educational level may need to be considered for diagnosis and treatment planning, and particularly for patient information practices to increase the patients' understanding of the development of oral diseases leading to tooth loss.

Double Roots of Mandibular Premolar in Full-mouth Periapical Films.

To evaluate the incidence of two-rooted mandibular premolar morphology using full-mouth periapical film series in a Chinese population, with particular emphasis on bilateral incidence, so as to provide a clinical anatomical basis for root canal treatment in mandibular premolars. A total of 2015 patients who underwent dental treatment and had full mouth periapical radiographs at the Peking University School of Stomatology from April 2011 to April 2012 were enrolled in this study. Three experienced dentists reviewed the patients' periapical films and classified the root morphology of mandibular premolars bilaterally. The incidence of unilateral and bilateral double roots were recorded and calculated, including confirmed and suspected bucco-lingual root types. In terms of the morphology of two-rooted mandibular first premolars, of the 2015 cases with complete root formation, two-rooted first premolars were detected in 120 cases, with a total number of 159 teeth. According to the number of teeth, the overall incidence of double roots was 4.03% (159/3972). In terms of the morphology of two-rooted mandibular second premolars, of the 2015 cases with complete root formation, two-rooted second premolars were detected in 24 cases, with a total number of 33 teeth. According to the number of teeth, the overall incidence of double roots was 0.85% (33/3880). The roots of mandibular premolars display specific morphological patterns. Based on a large sample, we observed and calculated not only the occurrence rate of bucco-lingual and mesio-distal double roots in first and second mandibular premolars, but also the incidence of unilateral or bilateral double roots within the same mandible. These findings could provide useful information on the anatomical structure of mandibular premolars for endodontic, prosthodontic and surgical procedures, and could improve the quality of treatment and reduce complications.

Prevalence of Taurodont molars in a North Indian population

Background:It is very important for dentists to be familiar with anomalies of teeth not only for the clinical complications but also their management. Taurodontism also provides a valuable clue in detecting its association with various syndromes and other systemic conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of Taurodont molars among a North Indian population.Materials and Methods:A total of 1000 patients’ full-mouth periapical radiographs were screened. The radiographs were evaluated under optimal conditions using double magnifying glasses. A total of 7615 molars (including third molars) were evaluated. The relative incidence and the correlations regarding the location of Taurodont teeth (right versus left side and maxillary versus mandibular) were analyzed using the Chi-square test.Results:Twenty-eight patients were found to have a Taurodont molar (11 women and 17 men [P = 0.250]). The prevalence of Taurodont molar was 2.8%. Males had a higher prevalence rate than females (3.4% vs. 2.2%, respectively). A cluster analysis of total Taurodonts in the mandible (45%) versus maxilla (55%) of both males and females combined showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The occurrence of Taurodontism is basically based on racial expression in different populations. These variations in prevalence between different populations may be due to ethnic variations. The occurrence of Taurodont molars among this Indian population was rare.

Root canal treatment and prevalence of apical periodontitis in a nigerian adult subpopulation: a radiographic study.

To evaluate the frequency, distribution and quality of root canal treatment in an adult Nigerian subpopulation and to determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis. The periapical status and length of root fillings of 756 patients attending Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria for the first time were evaluated using full mouth periapical radiographs. The length of the root canal filling was considered 'adequate' if it was ≤ 2 mm from the radiographic apex, 'under-filled' if it was > 2 mm short of the apex, and 'overfilled' if filling material extended beyond the radiographic apex. Periapical status was assessed using the periapical index (PAI) with teeth classified as having apical periodontitis if the score was over 2. Overall, 61.2% of the patients had root-filled teeth and 67.2% featured apical periodontitis. Of the 21,468 teeth examined, 12.2% had been root filled, and of these 41% exhibited apical periodontitis. The prevalence of root-filled teeth was higher in the younger patients, while the prevalence of apical periodontitis in root-filled teeth was similar between age groups. Root-treated teeth that were overfilled or were mandibular incisors had the highest prevalence of apical disease. Overfilled teeth were more prone to developing an apical radiolucency than were under-filled teeth (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). The prevalences of endodontically treated teeth and apical periodontitis were within the range reported for other countries; however, a very large number of patients required treatment or retreatment.

Periradicular lesions in HIV-infected patients attending the faculty of dentistry: clinical findings, socio-demographics status, habits and laboratory data - seeking an association

OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of periradicular lesions in HIV-infected Brazilian patients and to assess the correlation of several factors with the periradicular status.METHOD:One hundred full-mouth periapical radiographs were evaluated. A total of 2,214 teeth were evaluated for the presence of periradicular lesions, caries lesions, coronal restorations, pulp cavity exposure and endodontic treatment.RESULTS:The prevalence of periradicular lesions was 46%. There were no significant differences between individuals with or without periradicular lesions with respect to their socio-demographic status, habits, laboratory data and route of HIV infection. However, the presence of a periradicular lesion was statistically correlated with the number of teeth with endodontic treatment (p = 0.018), inadequate endodontic treatment (p = 0.025), images suggesting pulp cavity exposure (p = 0.002) and caries lesions (p = 0.001).CONCLUSIONS:The prevalence of periradicular lesions in HIV-infected individuals was 46% and was not related to HIV infection.

Erratum to: Is smoking a predictor of apical periodontitis?

Unfortunately, while analysing the data from our patient sample for follow up projects by the statisticians a misclassification of patients with respect to smoking status was recognized. The number of patients within the smoking groups, i.e. current, former, never smokers, changed, leading to alterations within the descriptive (Tables 1 and 2) and the analytical statistics (Tables 3 and 4). The significances of the data remained unchanged as well as the conclusion “Smoking status did not predict apical periodontitis in females and males in this sample group.” which is supported by the re-calculated data. The authors apologize for any inconvenience the reader and the publisher may have had with this manuscript. The passages with the altered numbers appear below: In the “Abstract”: This cohort study included full-mouth periapical radiographs of 161 subjects, including 66 current smokers, 28 former smokers and 67 individuals who had never smoked. Current male cigarette smokers with <10 or ≥10 pack years showed frequencies of apical periodontitis of 7.9 % and 7.5 %, respectively, compared to 4.1 % in individuals who had never smoked. The corresponding data for female smokers were 5.8 % and 7.4 % in smokers with <10 or ≥10 pack years, respectively, versus 5.2 % in individuals who had never smoked. In the “Materials and Methods” section: Full-mouth periapical radiographs from 161 patients with a total of 4012 teeth (3988 after exclusion of third molars) were analysed independently by two examiners (FR, BT). After the calibration procedure, 3988 teeth from 161 patients were scored according to the aforementioned criteria. All analyses were performed with the statistical package R (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing Version 2.15.1). In the “Results” section: Among female current smokers with <10 and ≥10 pack year histories, the mean numbers of teeth per subject were 25.1 and 24.3, respectively, compared to 24.7 in females who had never smoked. Males displayed a trend of higher mean numbers of teeth in each smoking category compared to females, with male current smokers with <10 pack year histories having 26.5 teeth, current smokers with ≥10 pack year histories having 24.5 teeth and those who had never smoked having 24.9 teeth. Overall, 3988 teeth were analysed according to the PAI criteria. After the exclusion of former smokers, 1748 teeth in females and 1551 teeth in males were included and further analysed in the study (Table 2). Current cigarette smoking in females with <10 or ≥10 pack year histories was associated with a higher frequency of apical periodontitis (5.8 % and 7.4 %, respectively) than that found in never smokers (5.2 %). Current cigarette smoking with a <10 pack year history was associated with a pronounced frequency of apical periodontitis (7.9 %) in males. The corresponding frequencies for current smokers with ≥10 pack year histories and never smokers were 7.5 % and 4.1 %, respectively (Table 2). Model 1: The presence of a coronal restoration was a predictor of apical periodontitis in female (OR 3.51, p<0.001) and male (OR 3.11, p<0,001) patients, when the absence of a coronal restoration was used as a reference (Table 3). In this cohort, the presence of a root canal filling was a strong predictor of apical periodontitis in females (OR 9.38, p <0.001) and males (OR 7.14, p<0.001) when compared to the absence of RCF. With respect to a prevalent The online version of the original article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1007/s00784-012-0893-z.

Taurodontism in a central anatolian population

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency of the occurrence of taurodontism in a Turkish population with using panoromic radiographs. A retrospective study was performed using full-mouth periapical and panoramic radiographs of 6912 patients (3860 females and 3052 males) ranging in age from 15 to 50. A total of 97362 posterior (including third molars) were evaluated. A chi-square test was used to determine the difference in the prevalence of tauorodntism between genders. Eighteen patients were found to have a taurodont molar (10 women and 8 men [P = 0.98]). The overall incidence of patients with taurodont molars was 0.26 % and the prevalence of taurodont molars from all teeth examined was 0.024%, and the prevalence taurodonts were significantly more common in the mandibula compared with the maxilla (71.0% cf 29.0% respectively, P < 0.05). It was almost equally distributed between males and females. Taurodontism is not uncommon in Turkish population but further larger scale studies are required to assess its prevalence in the general population to compare it with other ethnic groups.

Prevalence of taurodontism and its association with various oral conditions in an Indian population.

The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of taurodont molars among an Indian population. The goal was also to determine sexual dimorphism, distribution of taurodontism as well as any association between taurodontism and simultaneously occurring syndromes and anomalies. Full-mouth periapical radiographs of a total of 1360 patients were screened. A total of 9792 molars (including third molars) were evaluated. The relative incidence and the correlations regarding the location of taurodonts (right versus left side and maxillary versus mandibular) were analysed using the Z test. The overall incidence of subjects with taurodont molars among this Indian population was 2.5% (34/1360). Sexual distribution showed female dominance (21 females, 13 males), but this was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Maxillary second molars (35/118) were the most commonly involved teeth, followed by mandibular second molars (32/118). No significant differences were obtained for distribution by side (right vs left; P > 0.05) or interarch distribution (maxillary vs mandibular; P > 0.05). Out of 34 subjects with taurodonts, 50% (17/34) were associated with pyramidal molars and 32.35% (11/34) had impacted molars. Taurodontism is not uncommon in the Indian population and it might be associated with other conditions, such as pyramidal molars and impaction. Further larger scale studies are required to assess its prevalence in the general population and to establish any associations.

Is smoking a predictor of apical periodontitis?

To evaluate the association between cigarette smoking and the frequency of apical periodontitis in female and male patients seeking treatment at the University of Basel (KREBS Project). This cohort study included full-mouth periapical radiographs of 161 subjects, including 66 current smokers, 28 former smokers and 67 [corrected] individuals who had never smoked. The periapical region of all teeth was radiographically evaluated using the Periapical Index (PAI) score. Generalised linear mixed-effects models using the logit link were performed. The frequency of apical periodontitis differed based on gender and smoking status. Current male cigarette smokers with <10 or ≥10 pack years showed frequencies of apical periodontitis of 7.9 % and 7.5 %, [corrceted] respectively, compared to 4.1 % [corrected] in individuals who had never smoked. The corresponding data for female smokers were 5.8 % and 7.4 % [corrected] in smokers with <10 or ≥10 pack years, respectively, versus 5.2 % in individuals who had never smoked. The factors "prevalent coronal restoration" (p < 0.001), "prevalent root canal treatment" (p < 0.001) and "quality of root canal filling" (p < 0.001) were significant predictors for apical periodontitis. After adjustment for quality of root canal filling cigarette smoking was not associated with apical periodontitis in current female and male smokers with <10 or ≥10 pack years (p > 0.05). Smoking status did not predict apical periodontitis in females and males in this sample group. With respect to quality of root canal filling, tobacco use may not be a significant predictor for apical periodontitis.

A preliminary study on the genetic mode of aggressive periodontitis in Chinese Han nationality

To investigate the potential genetic mode of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) in Chinese Han nationality. A total of 233 subjects from 73 nuclear families were recruited. All probands were diagnosed according to the criteria of AgP in 1999 classification of periodontal diseases. Ninety parents, 35 siblings and three grandparents and two offspring were examined based on full-mouth periodontal chartings (including parameter of probing depths, attachment loss, bleeding on probing at six sites per tooth) and full-mouth periapical radiographs. The genetic ratio was calculated and analyzed by the methods of Edwards and simple segregation. The prevalence of AgP in probands' siblings was close to the square root of the prevalence of general population. The segregation ratio was 0.2419, which was close to the theoretical ratio for autosomal recessive inheritance. However, autosomal dominant inheritance could not be rejected in families whose parent(s) suffered from severe chronic periodontitis. The genetic heterogeneity of AgP existed in Chinese Han nationality. The genetic mode was autosomal recessive inheritance in general, and autosomal dominant inheritance could not be excluded in families whose parent(s) suffered from severe chronical periodontitis. The results imply the genetic heterogeneity of AgP, and further demonstrate that AgP was a multifactorial disease with major genetic component in the disease etiology.

Prevalence of Taurodont and Pyramidal Molars in a German Population

Introduction The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the prevalence of taurodont and pyramidal molars among a German dental school patient population. Methods A total of 800 patients’ full-mouth periapical radiographs were screened. The radiographs were evaluated under optimal conditions using double magnifying glasses. A total of 4,885 molars (including third molars) were evaluated. The relative incidence and the correlations regarding the location of taurodont and pyramidal teeth (right versus left side and maxillary versus mandibular) were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results Eighteen patients were found to have a taurodont molar (13 women and 5 men [ p = 0.097]). Fifteen patients were found to have a pyramidal molar (11 women and 4 men [ p = 0.124]). The overall incidence of patients with taurodont molars was 2.25% and with pyramidal molars 1.88%, respectively. The prevalence of taurodont molars from all teeth examined was 0.61%, and the prevalence of pyramidal molars was 0.50%. No significant differences were obtained regarding the location of the affected teeth ( p > 0.05). Conclusions The occurrence of taurodont or pyramidal molars among this German population was rare.

Investigation of Transmigrated and Impacted Maxillary and Mandibular Canine Teeth in an Orthodontic Patient Population

The objectives of the present study were to determine the frequency and gender difference of transmigrated and impacted canines and to evaluate the characteristics and treatment protocols in a Turkish orthodontic patient population. We designed a retrospective study composed of pretreatment and post-treatment dental casts, intraoral photographs, and full mouth periapical and panoramic radiographs of 2,215 patients (1,275 females and 940 males). Observations were made regarding impacted mandibular and maxillary canines, retained deciduous canines, patient gender and age, side and number of transmigrated canines and associated pathologic features, and treatment of the impacted canines and transmigrated canines. The Pearson chi(2) test and Fisher's exact test were used to determine the potential differences in the distribution of canine impaction and transmigration when stratified by gender. The frequency of patients with impacted and transmigrated canines was 5.1% and 0.3%, respectively. None of the patients with a transmigrated mandibular canine had any pathologic changes; however, the maxillary transmigrated canine was associated with impacted mesiodens. All transmigrated canines were unilateral and impacted. Four canines migrated from the left to right, and 2 migrated from right to left. Of 6 patients, 2 had retained primary canines and 4 had exfoliated primary canines. Three of the transmigrated mandibular canines were type 1 and 2 were type 2. In the treatment protocol, 4 impacted mandibular canines and 78 maxillary canines were surgically exposed for orthodontic treatment, 4 of 6 transmigrated canines were surgically removed, and 2 were observed periodically. If the diagnosis of canine impaction and transmigration in patients is made earlier, it is possible that the tooth might have been in a better position for orthodontic eruption into the arch. Careful patient selection and preparation are therefore essential, as is cooperation between the orthodontist and oral surgeon.

Assessment of the prevalence and characteristics of dens invaginatus in a sample of Turkish Anatolian population

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of dens invaginatus in anterior teeth and to classify the type of dens invaginatus in a sample of Turkish Anatolian population. A retrospective study was performed using full-mouth periapical and panoramic radiographs of 1012 patients. Maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were evaluated for the presence and characteristics of dens invaginatus. Statistical evaluation of the presence of dens invaginatus related to gender was performed by the Pearson chi-squared test. Dens invaginatus was observed in 13 out of 1012 subjects and in only maxillary lateral incisors. There were no periapical lesions in teeth with types I and II, whereas both of the subjects with type III had apical periodontitis at the time of referral. Males and females were equally affected by dens invaginatus (P=0.98). The anomaly was detected in only maxillary lateral incisors with no gender difference and the most commonly observed type of dens invaginatus was type I (81.25%).

Prevalence and characteristics of supernumerary teeth in a non-syndrome Turkish population: Associated pathologies and proposed treatment

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of supernumerary teeth and evaluate the associated pathologies and treatment protocol in a Turkish patient population. A retrospective study was performed using full-mouth periapical and panoramic radiographs of 3491 patients (2146 females and 1345 males) ranging in age from 12 to 25. For each patient with supernumerary teeth we recorded the demographic variables (including age, sex), number, location, position, type, and morphology of supernumerary teeth, associated pathologies or complications, and whether any treatment has been carried out. The Pearson chi-squared test was used to determine potential differences in the distribution of supernumerary teeth when stratified by gender. Supernumerary teeth were detected in 42 subjects (1.2%), of which 27 were males and 15 were females with a 1.8:1 male female ratio (p<0.001). The most commonly found supernumerary teeth were mesiodens (31.3%) followed by premolar (25.0%), lateral (22.9%), distomolar (14.5%), paramolar (4.2%), and canine (2.1%). Of the 48 supernumerary teeth examined, 50.0% (n=24) were conical, 81.3% (n=39) were in a vertical position, and 20.8% (n=10) were erupted. Supernumerary teeth caused rotation or displacement of the adjacent teeth in 14 cases, and the impaction of the permanent teeth in 8 cases. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in our series was found to be 1.2%, the most frequent type being mesiodens. Rotation or displacement of permanent teeth was the most frequent complication caused by supernumerary teeth.

A radiographic assessment of the prevalence of pulp stones in a group of Turkish dental patients

To determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a group of patients using radiographs, and to assess any associations with age, gender, systemic diseases, tooth type, jaw, caries, restorations, impacted third molars and dental anomalies including dens invaginatus, taurodontism, dens evaginatus and microdontia. A total of 519 patients were selected randomly amongst patients referred to Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University. After clinical inspection, full-mouth periapical radiographs were obtained. An oral radiologist examined the radiographs to identify pulp stones. Frequency distribution of teeth with pulp stones was calculated and statistical analysis was performed with chi-square test. Of the patients, 313 (60%) were female and 206 (40%) were male. Sixty (12%) had one or more teeth that contained pulp stones. Amongst the 13,474 teeth examined radiographically, 627 (5%) had pulp stones. There was no significant association between pulp stone occurrence and gender or systemic diseases. As age increased, the prevalence of pulp stones increased (P < 0.01). Molars had statistically more pulp stones than premolars and incisors (P < 0.001). Frequencies in both maxillary and mandibular jaw were similar. There was no association between pulp stones and impacted third molars, caries, restorations or dental anomalies. The prevalence of pulp stones increased with age and was significantly higher in molar teeth than premolars and incisors. There was no significant association between pulp stones and gender, systemic diseases, impacted third molars, condition of the crown and dental anomalies.