Prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell defects in a sample of 6-18-year-old patients in Saudi Arabia and Yemen: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects (ZACD) among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted, utilizing digital panoramic radiographs of dental outpatients aged 6 to 18 years. The data were collected from registered digital databases of dental clinics in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and an oral and maxillofacial radiology center in Sana'a, Yemen, covering the period from July 2018 to September 2022. The radiographs were evaluated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and ZACD was assessed using standardized descriptions. Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was employed to examine the impact of the associated factors. RESULTS: The study encompassed a total of 3,169 participants, revealing an overall ZACD prevalence of 28.5%. Age emerged as a significant predictor (p ≤ 0.0001), with the likelihood of ZACD increasing as the age of the individual advances. Gender and geographic region did not exhibit statistically significant differences in ZACD prevalence. CONCLUSION: This study provides crucial insights into the prevalence of Zygomatic Air Cell Defects among pediatric and adolescent populations in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It underscores the prevalence of ZACD and the notable influence of age on its occurrence. Additionally, the research challenges prior notions of gender and regional variations in ZACD prevalence, emphasizing the complexity of the factors involved. Early detection is essential to avoid unwanted complications during any surgical intervention in this area.

Predictive factors associated with adjacent teeth root resorption of palatally impacted canines in Arabian population: a cone-beam computed tomography analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate three-dimensionally the factors associated with adjacent teeth root resorption of palatally impacted canines. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, one-hundred and fourteen cone beam computed tomography scans with palatally impacted maxillary canines were evaluated for the presence of adjacent root resorption. Seven parameters were analyzed: alignment of maxillary incisors, presence of deciduous canines, first premolars' roots configuration, impacted canines rotation, angulation of impacted canine to the midline, contact relationship, and area of contact with adjacent teeth. The association between dependent and independent qualitative and quantitative variables was analyzed using chi-square and independent student's t-test, respectively. The multivariate analysis was performed using regression analysis. The significant value was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The overall incidence of vertical, horizontal impaction and adjacent root resorption were 92, 8 and 77.2%, respectively. The apical third was the most involved area (57%); resorption of a single tooth was found in 21.9% of the total sample. The most common resorbed teeth were lateral first premolars (24.6%), followed by central lateral incisors (20.2%), and lateral incisors (15.8%) of the total sample. The severity of resorption was highest in grade I (31.5%) and lowest in grade III (7.6%). Three variables showed significant differences between resorption and non-resorption groups namely; canine rotation (P < 0.013), contact relationship (P < 0.001), and area of contact with adjacent teeth (P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed an association between adjacent root resorption and permanent canine rotation, adjacent premolars' roots configuration, contact relationship, and area of contact (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of impacted maxillary canines showed a form of root resorption. The most commonly resorbed tooth was the lateral incisors while the least affected one was the central incisors with apical one-third being of the highest risk. The predisposing factors including the canine rotation, premolar with separated roots, contact relationship, and area of contact with adjacent teeth are to be considered for any interceptive treatment.

Epidemiology of Facial Profiles, Occlusal Features, and Orthodontic Treatment Need among Adolescence: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and severity of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among randomly selected high school students. METHODS: A multistage stratified random-sampling study was conducted on 1,036 high school students in Sana'a city. The World Dental Federation and World Health Organization method of occlusal traits and the index of orthodontic treatment need were adopted for measurements. Clinically, the molar relationship and facial profile were examined. Assessment of whether examiner or subject perceived the need for orthodontic treatment was made using the esthetic component index. All data were analyzed using the Chi-square test with a significance level of p <0.05. RESULTS: Normal, convex, and concave facial-profile measurements were found in 81.9, 12.1, and 6.15% of sampled students, respectively. Asymmetrical molar relationship was observed in 16.1% of samples, and most of them were of class I/class II relationships. Increased overjet was noticed in 90.9% of students. Anterior crossbite, deepbite, anterior openbite, posterior openbite, posterior crossbite, and scissor bite accounted for 12.2, 12.8, 3.5, 1.3, 6.6, and 0.6%, respectively. According to the index orthodontic treatment need, 38.9% of students needed some form of orthodontic treatment. Among these cases, 24.3% "definitely" needed treatment, and 59.9% of students needed orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested a call for a more conservative treatment approach in dealing with malocclusion problems among high school students in all zones of Sana'a governorate, Yemen. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A limited number of surveys were performed in Sana'a Governorate to investigate orthodontic treatment needs, facial profiles, and occlusal features among adolescents. The results of this study could guide us to develop a preventive system that minimizes its adverse effects and the need for costly orthodontic treatments.

Perception of Dental Students and Laypersons to Altered Dentofacial Aesthetics.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to comprehensively assess the perception of altered dentofacial aesthetics between dental students and laypersons and to identify the threshold where different variables such gender and clinical training impair dentofacial attractiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten photographs were digitally manipulated involving three facial, two smile, four dental, and one gingival components. Fifty images were randomized and rated according to attractiveness by two groups dental students which subdivided into preclinical students and clinical students, and laypersons. The participants evaluated the original and manipulated images using a visual analog scale. The responses were then analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The results showed threshold levels of noticeable differences between varying levels of discrepancy. The overall perception of aesthetics was high among dental clinical students with the highest perception toward facial profile and the lowest toward gingival margin height. Of the respondents, no differences were found in the perception between male and female participants. Dental students perceived aesthetic components more accurately than laypersons. CONCLUSION: Dental students group had a better perception of dentofacial aesthetics than included laypersons. Unlike gender, clinical training has a substantial positive effect on the assessment of beauty. Dental students sub divided into dental preclinical students and dental clinical students (clinical training is a variable of all subgroups).