Third molar maturity index (I3M) assessment according to different geographical zones: a large multi-ethnic study sample.

Identification of living undocumented individuals highlights the need for accurate, precise, and reproducible age estimation methods, especially in those cases involving minors. However, when their country of origin is unknown, or it can be only roughly estimated, it is extremely difficult to apply assessment policies, procedures, and practices that are accurate and child-sensitive. The main aim of this research is to optimize the correct classification of adults and minors by establishing new cut-off values for four different continents (Africa, America, Asia, and Europe). For this purpose, a vast sample of 10,701 orthopantomographs (OPTs) from four continents was evaluated. For determination and subsequent validation of the new third molar maturity index (I3M) cut-off values by world regions, a cross-validation by holdout method was used and contingency tables (confusion matrices) were generated. The lower third molar maturity indexes, from both left and right side (I3ML and I3MR) and the combination of both sides (I3ML_I3MR) were calculated. The new cut-off values, that aim to differentiate between a minor and an adult, with more than 74.00% accuracy for all populations were as follows (I3ML; I3MR; I3ML_I3MR, respectively): Africa = (0.10; 0.10; 0.10), America = (0.10; 0.09; 0.09), Asia = (0.15; 0.17; 0.14), and Europe = (0.09; 0.09; 0.09). The higher sensitivity (Se) was detected for the I3ML for male African people (91%) and the higher specificity (Sp) of all the parameters (I3ML; I3MR; I3ML_I3MR) for Europeans both male and female (> 91%). The original cut-off value (0.08) is still useful, especially in discriminating individuals younger than 18 years old which is the goal of the forensic methods used for justice.

Age of majority assessment in Dutch individuals based on Cameriere's third molar maturity index.

Radiological examination of the third molar is done in living individuals for estimation of chronological age, especially in the late adolescence. The aim of this study was to assess the application of Cameriere's third molar maturity index (I3M) to determine whether an individual is 18 years or older (adult) or younger than 18 years (minor) in a sample of Dutch individuals. The sample consisted of panoramic images of 360 individuals aged between 14 and 22 years old. Three observers performed the measurements. Gender was not statistically significant in discriminating adults and minors. The highest value of the Youden index of the receiver operating curve analysis was for the value of I3M<0.08 in discriminating individuals as minor or adult. The specificity (Sp) and sensitivity (Se) results for females were 96.3% and 72.7% respectively. The Sp and Se for males were 95.0% and 84.0% respectively. The probabilities of correctly classified individuals were 83.3% and 88.9%, and Bayes post-test probability was 96.3% and 95.7% in females and males respectively. Obtained results showed that the specific cut-off point of I3M<0.08 may be a useful and reliable method for adult age assessment in a Dutch population.

Change in Periapical Lesion and Adjacent Mucosal Thickening Dimensions One Year after Endodontic Treatment: Volumetric Cone-beam Computed Tomography Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Changes in periapical lesion dimensions along with mucosal thickening after endodontic treatment have not been studied yet. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to obtain linear and volumetric measurements of lesion dimensions in maxillary first molars with periapical pathology and (2) to measure maxillary sinus mucosal thickening in the vicinity of periapical lesions before and 1 year after endodontic treatment by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: Twenty-one maxillary first molar teeth of 21 patients (14 female and 7 male) with periapical lesion that had local mucosal thickening in the vicinity of the periapical lesion were endodontically treated. A total of 21 maxillary first molar roots (8 mesiobuccal roots, 6 distobuccal roots, and 7 palatal roots), each one from different patients, was included. Pretreatment and 1-year post-treatment CBCT images of each tooth were obtained by using Kodak CS 9300 3D CBCT unit. Width, height, surface area, and volume measurements of periapical lesions and mucosal thickening of the maxillary sinus mucosa in the vicinity of the periapical lesion were measured before and 1 year after endodontic treatment. General linear model (analysis of variance) was used for the comparisons between measurements, and significance was set at P < .05. Regression analysis was also used to test the correlation between different measurements. RESULTS: We found statistically significant differences between mean pretreatment and mean post-treatment measurements conducted by using CBCT images (width, P = .002; height, P < .001; maximum mucosal thickening, P < .001; medium mucosal thickening, P < .001; minimum mucosal thickening, P < .001; surface area, P = .032; and volume, P = .034). Considering gender, age, and root-type variables, no significant differences were found for all the measurements conducted (P > .05). There were 36%, 41%, 53%, 54%, 53%, 73%, and 75% mean reductions in lesion width, lesion height, maximum sinus mucosal thickness, medium sinus mucosal thickness, minimum sinus mucosal thickness, lesion surface area, and lesion volume, respectively, before and 1 year after endodontic treatment. Regression analysis of pretreatment lesion volume versus percentage of post-treatment lesion volume change revealed a low regression coefficient (R2 = 16.7%, P > .05), showing a weak linear relationship. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT assessment of changes in periapical lesion and mucosal thickening dimensions may reveal useful information regarding endodontic treatment success.

Effect of clinician's experience, age, gender and calibration on the assessment of halitosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnosis of halitosis in relation to the oral malodour judge's experience, age, gender and calibration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 38 dental patients who volunteered to participate. Patients were evaluated for halitosis by 6 clinicians using the organoleptic method and by measuring mouth exhaled air using a halimeter, which is considered the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each clinician. Consistency between clinicians was evaluated through a kappa test. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of the 38 patients, 14 were diagnosed with halitosis by 6 clinicians using a halimeter. The highest sensitivity (89%) was found for clinician No. 6, followed by clinician No. 5 (78%). Specificities were 57% for clinician No. 4 and 36% for clinician No. 1 and No. 5. The most correct positive predictive value (halitosis according to halimeter readings) was made by clinician No. 6 (65%), who also had the highest rates (83%) of negative predictive value (no halitosis according to halimeter readings). There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) between the diagnoses of clinicians No. 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; however, the diagnoses made by clinician No. 4 were statistically different (P < 0.05) than those of all other clinicians. The highest rate of agreement (44%) in diagnoses was between the two calibrated clinicians. However, there was no correlation between the halitosis diagnoses and the age, gender and years of experience of the clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that calibration of clinicians is a significant factor in the organoleptic evaluation of halitosis.

Assessment of possible risk indicators for apical periodontitis in root-filled teeth in an adult Turkish population.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine possible independent risk indicators of apical periodontitis (AP) in root-filled teeth in an adult Turkish population. STUDY DESIGN: This study included subjects older than 15 years who had 1 or more root-filled teeth examined at the Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry. A total of 812 root-filled teeth were evaluated in 425 individuals. AP was the dependent variable and age, gender, length and density of root fillings, presence of periodontal problems, posts, localization of tooth, and tooth type were identified as independent variables. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) models were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: AP was detected on 148 teeth (18.2%) in 812 root-filled teeth. According to multiple GEE model, males were more likely to have AP than females. Of the dental variables, length of root fillings, periodontal problems and tooth type were significantly associated with AP. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that to be male and dental variables including length of root fillings, periodontal problems, and molar teeth were significantly associated with AP.

Assessment of bone density differences between conventional and bone-condensing techniques using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and radiography.

OBJECTIVES: We used dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and periapical radiography to assess bone density differences after conventional and bone-condensing dental implant techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Single-tooth dental implants were placed by both conventional and bone-condensing techniques in 14 patients with bilateral missing teeth. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to calculate bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) before and 6 and 12 months after implant placement. Furthermore, photodensitometry of periapical radiographs was also assessed. RESULTS: The success rate was 92.9% for the conventional technique and 71.5% for the bone-condensing technique. The BMD was observed to be significantly higher 6 and 12 months after implant placement. The BMC and photodensitometry were significantly increased 6 months after implant placement but showed no further after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in BMD, BMC, and photodensitometry between the two implant placement techniques. However, success rate of the conventional technique was greater than the bone-condensing technique, which may be the result of trabecular fracture associated with the bone-condensing.