RESUMO
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare palatal thickness in adults for the placement of mini-implants for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish people. Materials and Methods: CBCT scans from 68 Kurdish patients, aged between 18 and 30 years, were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 37 were males and 31 were females. The measurements were performed at 3 mm from the mid-palatal suture. T-zone was selected for the anterior points, at the level of the palatal cusps of 2nd premolars, and the posterior point at the level of mesio-palatal cusps of 1st molars bilaterally. Palatal thickness of males and females bilaterally, as well as anterior and posterior areas, were measured and compared. An independent t-test was applied for comparison for normally distributed data, and the Mann-Whitney test was utilized for nonnormally distributed data. Additionally, Bonferroni correction was implemented for p-value adjustment. Results: The mean palatal thickness at the anterior area was 6.06 mm for males, 6.17 mm for females on the right side, 5.94 mm for males, and 5.99 mm for females on the left side. The mean palatal thickness at the posterior area was almost the same for both genders (4.40 mm for males and 4.44 mm for females) on the right side, 4.35 mm for males, and 4.54 mm for females on the left side. Statistically, no significant difference was recorded between males and females, as well as right and left sides in both anterior and posterior regions; however, a very highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded when comparing total thickness, including both hard and soft tissue, between anterior and posterior regions. Conclusions: CBCT proves a highly effective modality in assessing palatal thickness and suggesting ideal locations for orthodontic mini-screw placement. Our examination of palatal thickness in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish individuals revealed no statistical difference between genders or sides, but significant variations were noted between anterior and posterior thicknesses. Comprehensive clinical and pre-expansion CBCT evaluations are crucial for precisely determining the optimal placement of MARPE devices in each patient, ensuring successful outcomes.
RESUMO
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is an abnormality in the structure or function of the cardio-circulatory system present at birth and the ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common CHD in children. This study aimed to determine any differences in the histological structure of primary teeth between both healthy children and those children with ventricular septal defects in Erbil City. Methods enrolled children were divided into two groups. Group I (control) & group II (CHD) aged between 6-10 years old. A total of 44 children were collected, (22 children) in each group. Enamel, dentin, and odontoblast layers were examined histologically. Unpaired t-test used for statistical analysis. Results: The histopathological sections showed a significant difference in enamel, dentin, and odontoblast layer thickness (255.8 ± 41.68- 406.4 ±46.39), (1156 ± 116.0 - 1320 ± 117.4) and (29.74 ± 7.66 -41.38 ± 12.06) respectively, with p values (P < 0.0001) for enamel and dentin layer, and P < 0.0004 for odontoblast layer. A study of the images in the CHD group showed that the tooth tissue lost its integrity and cohesion in some places, and the thickness of the enamel and dentin layer in this group was significantly reduced compared to group I. Tissue loss in enamel, pulp, and dentin cell were observed. Also, connective tissue layers in the pulp were disrupted. Conclusions: CHD can alter the natural structure formation of primary teeth. Histologically, enamel, dentin, and odontoblasts layer thickness reduction are found in primary teeth in children with ventricular septal defects.