Investigation of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in Periodontitis or Gingivitis Patients in Kayseri.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax in periodontitis and gingivitis patients. METHODS: The study consisted of 107 periodontitis patients and 68 gingivitis patients. Bacterial plaque samples were collected with a curette from the deepest pocket in each quadrant and placed into separate tubes containing sterile 0.9% saline solution. Samples were examined at a magnification of ×400 by light microscopy. Cultivation for T. tenax was performed using the same samples, and the cultures were examined after 48 hours. RESULTS: E. gingivalis was present in the samples from 38 periodontitis patients, whereas T. tenax was present in samples from only 3 periodontitis patients. Both E. gingivalis and T. tenax were found together in the samples from 2 periodontitis patients. In total, 22 and 2 gingivitis patients were found to be infected with E. gingivalis and with T. tenax, respectively. Only 1 gingivitis patient was found to be infected with both E. gingivalis and T. tenax. CONCLUSION: In our study, oral protozoa were found in a high percentage in periodontitis and gingivitis patients. We believe that the prevalence of E. gingivalis and T. tenax should be determined via new studies and, in particular, the protection principles should be complied with.

Anterior Loop of the Inferior Alveolar Canal: A Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography Study of 494 Cases.

The aim of this study was to use cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images of patients to assess the prevalence of different types, especially anterior loop, of the mental portion of the inferior alveolar canal and to evaluate the anterior loop lengths. CBCT images of 494 patients providing inclusion criteria were examined by 2 oral radiologists. Sagittal, axial, and multiplanar reformatted images were used to detect the type of mental portion of the inferior alveolar canal. The anterior loop length was measured in the respective sections of each CBCT image. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 15, and t tests were used for statistical analysis. Of the 494 patients, 217 anterior loops were detected in 141 (28.5%) patients. The mean anterior loop lengths for the right side and the left side were 2.19 ± 1 mm and 2.08 ± 0.89 mm, respectively. The difference between males and females in the mean anterior loop length was statistically significant for both sides (Right: P < .05; Left: P < .05). A presurgical CBCT image examination is necessary prior to implant insertion to reveal the presence of anterior loop and to detect actual anterior loop length.

Cone beam computed tomographic analysis of maxillary premolars and molars to detect the relationship between periapical and marginal bone loss and mucosal thickness of maxillary sinus.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the relationship between mucosal thickness (MT) of the maxillary sinus and periodontal bone loss (PBL) and periapical condition of related teeth. We also aimed to identify the association between root apices and the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, CBCT images of 205 patients with 410 maxillary sinuses were examined, retrospectively. A total of 582 maxillary molars and 587 premolars were observed. The relationship of each root with maxillary sinus and apical lesions of these roots were classified, PBL was examined and the situations of adjacent teeth were estimated. The effect of these conditions on sinus mucosal thickness (MT) was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between MT of maxillary sinus and both PBL and age (r = 0.52, p=0.000 and r = 0.111, p= 0.002, respectively). The frequency of MT increased as the severity of apical lesion enlarged. A positive correlation was found between MT and degree of PBL and periapical lesions. To reveal the association between MT and pulpoperiapical condition bivariate correlation was done and a significant relationship between the pulpoperiapical condition and MT was found (r = 0.17, p=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study showed that MT of the maxillary sinus was common among patients with PBL and MT was significantly associated with PBL and apical lesions. The relationship of maxillary sinus to adjacent teeth had also positive correlation with MT. CBCT imaging enabled better evaluation of maxillary sinus, posterior teeth and surrounding structures compared to other imaging tools.

Evaluation of root morphology and root canal configuration of premolars in the Turkish individuals using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess the root and root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolars in a Turkish population by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, CBCT images of 2134 premolars (987 maxillary, 1147 mandibular) were obtained from 404 patients. Details of gender, age, number of roots and canals, and canal configuration in each root were recorded. The canal configuration was classified and evaluated according to Vertucci's criteria. RESULTS: The majority of maxillary premolars had two separate roots; although, three roots were identified in 1% of maxillary first premolars. However, most of the mandibular premolars had a single root. The two canals (69.9%) and type I (62.6%) and type II (34.1%) configuration for upper first premolar, one canal (82.1%) and type I (77.6%) canal configuration for second premolar was the most prevalent root canal frequency. The most prevalent root canal frequency was the one canal (96.2%) and type I (94.2%) and type V (3.2%) configuration for mandibular first premolar, one canal (98.9%) and type I (98.9%) canal configuration for second premolar. There was no difference in the root canal configurations and the numbers of canals between the left and the right side of both females and males (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of morphology and anatomy of the root canal system is one of the most important factors for successful endodontic treatment. Preoperative CBCT examination allows determination of root canal configuration of premolar teeth and helps clinicians in root canal treatment.

Diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam CT compared with panoramic images in predicting retromolar canal during extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical significance of the existence of a retromolar canal and of its neurovascular content is not yet clear.The aim of the present study was to assess the visibility, diameter and course of the mandibular retromolar canal (MRC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan--had been taken for pre-operative radiographic evaluation of impacted mandibular third molars--compared to panoramic radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects eligible for study enrollment were those who underwent preoperative CBCT scan for the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars were determined to be extremely close to the mandibular canal on panoramic radiographs. Radiographs were screened for the presence and course of retromolar canals, and linear measurements. RESULTS: 947 hemimandibles in 632 patients were examined.A total of 253 MRCs (144 left, 109 right) were detected with CBCT images (26.7%). Only 29 of these canals were also seen on the corresponding panoramic radiographs. Most MRCs had a vertical course (type VI, 28.46%), followed by slightly curved (type I, 26.09%). The visibility of the MRC on the OPGs, according to the increase in the diameter, was not statistically significant for both sides (p >.05).Statistically difference were found for the width at the point of origin from the mandibular canal (p: .037), the mean distance from the MRC to the second molar (p: .042) and height of MRC when compared the gender. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the MRC isn't a rare anatomical structure. This study therefore clearly establishes the incidence and importance of the MRC. The detection of the presence of the MRC using CBCT may be crucial for extraction of mandibular third molars.

Assessment of the soft tissue thickness at the lower anterior face in adult patients with different skeletal vertical patterns using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the soft tissue thickness values at the lower anterior face among adult patients with different vertical growth patterns using cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 105 adult patients (54 women and 51 men) with a normal sagittal skeletal pattern divided into three groups according to the vertical growth pattern: high-angle (women/men, 22/13; mean age, 24.54 ± 4.45 years), low-angle (women/men, 14/21; mean age, 24.62 ± 5.08 years), and normal-angle (women/men, 18/17; mean age, 24.22 ± 5.40 years) groups. The soft tissue thickness measurements at the lower anterior face in each group were done and analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey tests. RESULTS: Soft tissue thickness values were the lowest in the high-angle group for both women and men. For women, the thickness values at the labrale superius, labrale inferius, and pogonion were found to be statistically significantly smaller in the high-angle group (11.49 ± 1.05 mm, 12.70 ± 1.92 mm, and 11.64 ± 2.65 mm, respectively) compared with the values in the normal-angle group (13.31 ± 2.01 mm, 15.08 ± 1.94 mm, and 14.69 ± 3.08 mm, respectively) (P < .05, P < .05, and P < .01, respectively). For men, however, no statistically significant differences were found among the vertical growth patterns (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Women had statistically significantly thinner thickness at the labrale superius, labrale inferius, and pogonion in the high-angle group compared with the normal-angle group.

Facial soft-tissue thickness in patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the facial soft-tissue thicknesses and craniofacial morphologies of patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and to compare the findings with a well-matched control group without any clefts using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 40 retrospectively and randomly selected patients divided into 2 groups: a BCLP group (20 patients; mean age, 13.78 ± 3.20 years) and an age- and sex-matched control group without clefts (20 patients; mean age, 13.94 ± 2.52 years). Craniofacial and facial soft-tissue thickness measurements were made with cone-beam computed tomography. The Student t test and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for the statistical evaluations. RESULTS: The BCLP group had an increased SN-MP angle (P = 0.003), a decreased Co-A (P = 0.000), and retruded maxillary (P = 0.000) and mandibular (P = 0.026) incisors. In addition, patients affected by BCLP had statistically significantly decreased thickness measurements for the variables subnasale (P = 0.005) and labrale superior (P = 0.026) compared with the controls. The most predictive variables were found at U1-SN (r = 0.417, P = 0.004), IMPA (r = 0.368, P = 0.010), and ANB (r = -0.297, P = 0.031) for subnasale and U1-SN (r = 0.284, P = 0.038) for labrale superior. CONCLUSIONS: The BCLP group showed greater vertical growth, greater retrusion of the maxilla and the maxillary and mandibular incisors, and decreased subnasale and labrale superior thicknesses compared with the well-matched controls without clefts. These differences should be taken into account when planning orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatment for those patients.

Evaluation of location and dimensions of mandibular lingual foramina using cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the regional frequency and anatomical properties of mandibular lingual foramina (MLF) and their bony canals with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by selecting images of the mandible from CBCT examination of 500 patients. MLF were located according to tooth areas and were grouped into midline, paramedian, and posterior foramina. In addition, the frequency of bony canals originating from lingual foramina was calculated, and the course and anastomoses were examined. RESULTS: In total, 491 areas with lingual foramina were observed. The highest regional frequency was recognized in the midline area (95.2 %), followed by left first premolar (15.1 %) area. The frequency of foramina in the midline was different from the paramedian and posterior (p < 0.01) regions. 95.6 % of lingual vascular canals originating from midline lingual foramina had a perpendicular course into the symphysis, whereas 60.3 % of canals from paramedian foramina and 83.6 % of canals from lateral lingual foramina presented with an anteriorly directed course. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT examination easily demonstrates the presence of the lingual vascular canals. MLF are frequently present in a Turkish population; radiologists and oral surgeons should be aware of this anatomic feature and its possible implications.

Assessment of pharyngeal airway volume in adolescent patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that there were no significant differences for pharyngeal airway volumes between the adolescent patients affected by bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and well-matched controls using cone beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 16 patients (11 female and 5 male; mean [SD] age 14.1 [2.1] years) affected by BCLP and 16 patients (10 female and 6 male; mean [SD] age 13.4 [2.0] years) as age- and sex-matched control group. Craniofacial measurements and pharyngeal airway dimension, area, and volume measurements of patients in both groups were calculated and statistically examined using Student's t-test and multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the BCLP and control groups for SNB (P < .05), SN-GoGn (P < .05), Co-A (P < .05), PAS (P < .01), minAx (P < .01), and oropharyngeal airway volume (P < .05). The most predictive variables for oropharyngeal airway volume were found as PAS (r  =  .655 and P  =  .000) and minAx (r  =  .787 and P  =  .000). CONCLUSIONS: The null hypothesis was rejected. Oropharyngeal (P < .05) and total (P > .05) airway volumes were found to be less in the BCLP group, and thus the treatment choice in these patients should have positive effects on the pharyngeal airway.

Evaluation of the nasopalatine canal and variations with cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Although nasopalatine canal (NPC) is one of the most important anatomical structures in premaxillary region, few documents are available with regard to anatomic variations, size, and morphology of NPC in the literature. In recent years, the need for radiological identification of anatomical structures has grown with increased dental implant applications in anterior maxillary region with higher esthetic expectations. This study aimed at investigating the NPC's shape and anatomical variations by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Turkish society, in a particular region. METHODS: A total of 500 individual CBCT images were investigated in terms of morphological, dimensional, and anatomical features of NPC. In addition, the width of incisive foramen (IF) and foramina of Stenson were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.234) between women and men in terms of NPC shape. Morphological assessment of NPC revealed that 38.78 % of NPCs were hourglass-like in shape, 27.35 % of canals were funnel-shaped, 9.18 % of canals were conical shaped, and 8.25 % of canals were cylindrical shaped. The mean IF width and NPC length was found as 5.06 and 12.59 mm, respectively. And the mean canal length was found significantly longer in men than women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It has been shown that NPC has a lot of anatomical variations with regard to its dimensions as well as its morphological appearance. Therefore, identification of the anatomical structure of this region with two- and three-dimensional imaging techniques maybe thought to be important in facilitating surgical management and preventing possible complications.

Assessment of the visibility and characteristics of the mandibular incisive canal: cone beam computed tomography versus panoramic radiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the visibility, diameter, and course of the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images and panoramic radiographs from 243 patients were used in this study. Standard exposure and patient positioning protocols were used for all the patients. Both types of images were assessed by two dentomaxillofacial radiologists. The diameter and the endpoint level of the MIC were measured using the CBCT images. Statistical analysis was performed using t tests in statistical software. RESULTS: Of the 486 hemimandibles examined, the MIC was visible in 249 (51.2%) radiographs and 459 (94.4%) CBCT images. The mean diameters of the MICs were 1.91±0.45 mm on the right side and 1.94±0.41 mm on the left side. The MICs on both the right and left sides of the mandible showed statistically significant differences in diameter in male versus female patients. The visibility of the MIC on the panoramic radiographs according to the increase in the diameter was not statistically significant for both sides. Twenty MICs reached to the midline of the mandible, and the majority of the MICs (n=114) terminated between the canine and the first premolar. CONCLUSION: The visibility of the MIC in CBCT is much better than that observed in conventional panoramic radiography. Even some large MICs could not be observed in panoramic radiographs. Detection of the MIC using CBCT may be crucial for surgical procedures involving the interforaminal region.

Cone-beam computed tomography analysis of the shape, height, and location of the mandibular lingula.

OBJECTIVES: The precise anatomic location of the lingula is clinically significant because it is subject to injury during a variety of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. This is the first study to identify and classify the different morphological shapes of the mandibular lingula using cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the shape, height, and location of the lingula in relation to surrounding structures using cone-beam computed tomographic images. The shape of the lingula was classified into triangular, truncated, nodular, and assimilated types. The location was determined by five distances from the lingular tip to: the anterior and the posterior borders of the mandibular ramus, the mandibular notch, the distal surface of the mandibular second molar, and the occlusal plane. RESULTS: Nodular shape of the lingula was most commonly found [51.2% (422)] followed by truncated [32% (264)]. The mean height of the lingula was 7.97 ± 1.84 mm. The mean distance of lingula from the anterior and posterior borders of mandibular ramus was 16.7 ± 2.7 and 13.0 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The lingula was located at 15.3 ± 2.4 mm from the mandibular notch and 29.4 ± 3.9 mm from the distal side of alveolar socket of mandibular second molar tooth. CONCLUSION: The present study provides new information to the literature concerning the shape, height, and location of the lingula in the Turkish population. This finding may assist surgeons to localize the lingula and avoid intraoperative complications.

Aberrant Anatomical Variation of Maxillary Sinus Mimicking Periapical Cyst: A Report of Two Cases and Role of CBCT in Diagnosis.

Most periapical lesions are associated with microorganisms from infected root canal systems. Maxillary sinus can pose a diagnostic dilemma radiographically because of its anatomical variation which can mimic a periapical pathosis. The aim of this study was to describe two cases of aberrant anatomical variation of the maxillary sinus that presented radiographic similarities to a periapical cyst in order to call the attention of clinicians to the fact that several different diseases are able to mimic endodontic periapical lesions. An accurate assessment of this morphology was made with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Effect of chewing on dental patients with total denture: an experimental study.

In this study, we have explored the prospect of assessing and following level of total denture adaptation by use of EMG signals recorded during gum chewing. Total of 14 edentulous patients, 6 women and 8 men, with an average age of 63±9 years, were recruited. Separate EMG recordings were obtained from left and right temporalis and masseter muscles of the patients for a period of 10 seconds, while they were chewing a sugar-free gum on their left and right sides. EMG recordings were repeated at three times: before, right after, and six months after the placement of the denture. We have tried to standardize environmental and individual factors during EMG recordings. The EMG data have been pre-processed and analyzed using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and obtained features were statistically evaluated using the paired sample t-test. Chewing activity on the right and left side is analyzed by making comparisons of muscle activity between before and right-after cases and before and six-months-after denture fixation cases. A comparison between right and left side mastication is also made at different time points. We have suggested and implemented a new test and comparison procedure in order to assess adaptation to denture fixation using EMG analysis. In this study, the results indicate that DWT based EMG analysis is instrumental in evaluating denture adaptation and as time progresses the adaptation to denture and hence chewing efficiency increases in patients with total denture replacement.

Infantile malignant osteopetrosis: report of 2 cases with osteomyelitis of the jaws.

Infantile malignant osteopetrosis (IMO) is an uncommon autosomal recessive disease characterized by dense, brittle, sclerotic, radiopaque bones, which generally results in neurological and hematological abnormalities. In general, IMO is fatal, as patients fail to grow and expire due to complications of the disease such as severe chronic anemia, bleeding, and/or infections. In children with IMO, the development of the dentition is seriously disturbed. Patients with infantile osteopetrosis have a variety of signs and symptoms, including osteomyelitis of the jaws, which frequently and generally resists treatment. Infections may eventually become lethal; hence, jaw infection control is an important aspect of the disease for dentists and oral surgeons to consider. The purpose of this case report was to present 2 rare cases of pediatric patients (one of them died due to respiratory failure at 10 years old) diagnosed with osteopetrosis complicated by osteomyelitis of the jaw.

Solitary median maxillary central incisor: a report of 2 cases.

A single median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) is a rare dental anomaly that may occur alone or be associated with growth deficiency or other systemic abnormalities. The best known association is with holoprosencephaly (HPE). HPE is a complex brain malformation that affects both the forebrain and the face. Early diagnosis of SMMCI is important, since it may be a sign of other severe congenital or developmental abnormalities. Therefore, systematic follow-up and close monitoring of the growth and development of SMMCI patients is crucial. The purpose of this paper was to report the cases of 2 children, each with a single median maxillary central incisor, and describe important symptoms of this syndrome that have not yet been reported.

Detection of bifid mandibular condyle using computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and characteristics of bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) using computed tomography (CT) evaluation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was carried out using the CT records of 550 patients referred to the Medical School of Erciyes University (Kayseri, Turkey) between 2007 and 2010. T-tests were used to compare frequency of BMC between the left and right sides and between female and male patients. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and a chi-squared test. RESULTS: Of the 550 Patients, 10 patients (1.82%) were found to have BMCs. Five patients were female (50%) and five were male (50%). Of these 10 patients, 7 (70%) had unilateral and 3 (30%) had bilateral BMCs. As a result, a total of 13 BMCs were found in 10 patients. No statistically significant differences were found between either the right- and left-sided BMCs or between female and male patients (p >.05). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first retrospective study investigating the prevalence and characteristics of BMC using computed tomography. Although BMC is an uncommon anomaly, it may be a more frequent condition in the Turkish population. Further studies and research on the orientation of duplicated condylar heads should be carried out.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation and comparison of six cases of fusion involving the primary dentition.

Fusion occurs infrequently, but could cause esthetic, spacing, and periodontal problems. An understanding of fused teeth and their associated problems is important to provide prophylactic measures, thereby preventing or minimizing possible complications. The purpose of this case report was to highlight the infrequency of fused primary teeth by virtue of the number of such cases reported in the literature. Six cases of asymptomatic dental twinning anomalies in the primary dentition are reported in this study, and a clinical and radiographic presentation of the cases of fusion of primary incisor teeth is illustrated. This clinical entity has been found to appear with varied clinical and radiographic appearances. All cases are different from each other. This study's fourth patient is of particular interest because he is the second known case of bilateral fusion of the primary mandibular central and lateral incisors to be reported in the literature. An association of fusion of primary incisors with the number of succedaneous teeth was observed.

Prevalence of bifid mandibular condyle in a Turkish population.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) using panoramic radiographs supported by different radiographic techniques. A retrospective study was carried out by evaluating panoramic radiographs of 18,798 patients referred to the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. T-tests were used to compare the frequency of BMC between left and right sides and between female and male patients. In this study, 98 patients (0.52%) were found to have BMC. Of these patients, 51 (52%) were females and 47 (48%) were males. Of the 98 patients, 71 (72.4%) had unilateral and 27 (27.6%) had bilateral BMC. A total of 125 BMCs were found in 98 patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the right and left BMCs or between female and male patients (P > 0.05). Because symptoms associated with BMC are either absent or minimal, it is usually discovered as an incidental finding during routine radiographic examination. Different appearances of BMC can be seen on panoramic radiographs. The exact orientation of the condyles can only be determined using 3D imaging techniques. BMC may be a more frequent condition in the Turkish population.

The frequency and distribution of idiopathic osteosclerosis of the jaw.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO) in the jaw by radiographic evaluation and to investigate the relationship between the findings in relation to age, gender, and localization. METHODS: The study included 2,211 panoramic radiographs obtained from the patients (915 men and 1,296 women) whose ages ranged from 10-77 and who visited the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology in the Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University between 2008 and 2009. RESULTS: Of 2,211 patients, 135 patients (6.1%) had IO. The prevalence obtained in our study was in the range reported in the literature. IO was detected more often in mandible rather than the maxilla. In addition, mandibular molar localization was the most common localization, and most of the lesions were associated with root apices. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the findings, IO can be defined as developmental variations of normal bony architecture, which are unrelated to local stimuli. The lesions can arise at any age, any location with no sex predilection, and IO usually requires no treatment other than diagnosis. Because all these lesions were located in the jaw and could only is detected in panoramic evaluations, this indicates the importance of careful diagnostic evaluation of radiographies in dental examinations.