Impact of CBCT acquisition protocols and artifact reduction filters on diagnosing vertical root fractures.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of acquisition protocols and artifact reduction filters in cone beam computed tomography on diagnosing vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 480 tomographic images acquired from two J. Morita scanners (0.125- and 0.08-mm voxel sizes protocols), with application of a blooming artifact reduction filter. Three evaluators assessed these images for root fractures using a 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy between filters and protocols was determined using generalized linear models with binomial distribution for the outcome, considering protocol, filter, and dental status. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were also estimated for the filters and protocols. RESULTS: The 0.08-mm voxel size protocol demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of accurate diagnosis compared to the 0.125-mm protocol (p = .001). No statistically significant differences (p ≥ .087) were observed for filter application, interaction between protocol and filter, or dental status. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were respectively: .93, .87, 1.00 (protocol 1); .99, .99, .99 (protocol 2); .98, .96, .99 (no filter); .95, .90, 1.00 (with filter). CONCLUSION: The new findings found for the two J Morita scanners used in our study were that images acquired using the voxel size of 0.08 mm showed an improvement in the diagnosis of root fractures and the filters in these devices have no relevance significant for the diagnosis.

New Scenarios for Training in Oral Radiology: Clinical Performance and Predoctoral Students' Perception of 3D-Printed Mannequins.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 3D-printed mannequins on the training of predoctoral students. METHODS: Two 3D-printed training models were developed: a traditional model that simulates a sound adult patient and a customized model with pathological and physiological changes (impacted third molar and edentulous region). Students accomplished their pre-clinical training divided into a control group (CG, n = 23), which had access to the traditional model, and a test group (TG, n = 20), which had access to both models. Afterward, they performed a full mouth series on patients and filled out a perception questionnaire. Radiographs were evaluated for technical parameters. Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: Students provided positive feedback regarding the use of 3D printing. The TG reported a more realistic training experience than the CG (p = 0.037). Both groups demonstrated good clinical performance (CG = 7.41; TG = 7.52), and no significant differences were observed between them. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing is an option for producing simulators for pre-clinical training in Oral Radiology, reducing student stress and increasing confidence during clinical care.

Apical periodontitis and associated factors in a rural population of southern Brazil: a multilevel analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the association between apical periodontitis (AP) and sociodemographic/clinical factors in a probability sample of individuals living in a rural area of southern Brazilian. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 584 non-edentulous adult individuals who had undergone a full-mouth radiographic survey. Periapical status was analysed using the periapical index (PAI). Endodontic status was evaluated considering the occurrence of voids in the filling material and the root filling length. Crown status was classified based on the presence of caries, restorations, and prosthetic crowns. Sociodemographic variables, frequency of dental care, and periodontal disease were also registered. The data were analysed using hierarchical multilevel Poisson regression analysis. The multilevel structure was composed of three models: sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, and clinical variables adjusted by sociodemographic variables (α = 5%). RESULTS: The prevalence of AP in the sample was 60.45%. AP was significantly associated with age, skin colour, schooling, periodontal disease, and frequency of dental care (P < 0.005). Among the 10,396 teeth evaluated, 868 (8.35%) had AP, which was significantly associated with tooth group, dental arch, crown status, and endodontic treatment (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AP was high in the population studied. An older age, black/brown skin colour, low level of schooling, infrequent dental care, severe periodontal disease, mandibular teeth, posterior teeth, inadequate crown status, and having undergone endodontic treatment were significantly associated with the outcome. Clinical relevance This study about a rural probability sample reinforces that AP is still a recurrent oral health problem.

Smartphone use as an aid in evaluating conventional radiographs.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of smartphones for digitizing, sharing, and viewing conventional radiographic images. Eighty conventional radiographs of 40 teeth with metallic mesio-occlusodistal restorations (40 radiographs showing perfectly adapted restorations and 40 showing restorations with a 0.4-mm proximal gap) were digitized using a smartphone and then evaluated using 2 viewing methods: a light box (LB) and a smartphone screen (SS). Three examiners assessed all radiographs for the presence of marginal gaps using a dichotomous yes/no scale. To analyze examiner reproducibility, 10% of the samples was reassessed. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were calculated for each examiner and viewing method. The McNemar test was used to compare examiners' diagnoses based on the 2 viewing methods. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The level of agreement was κ > 0.8 for all examiners and both viewing methods. The LB group presented greater sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy than the SS group, but no statistically significant differences were found between the methods (P > 0.05). The results achieved were promising, suggesting that the smartphone can be presented as a new aid for radiographic evaluation (LB accuracy, 0.899 to 0.911; SS accuracy, 0.823 to 0.873). Smartphones offer similar accuracy to the traditional viewing method for evaluation of metallic restorations on conventional radiographs.

The use of smartphones in radiographic diagnosis: accuracy on the detection of marginal gaps.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of computer monitor and smartphone screen for radiographic diagnosis of marginal gap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty teeth with mesial-occlusal-distal inlays (each tooth with a perfect fit and a 0.4-mm marginal gap restoration) were imaged with a phosphor plate system. Original digital radiographs were exported and analyzed with two different methods: computer monitor and smartphone screen; for the last method, images were shared with WhatsApp. Three examiners assessed all radiographs (n = 160) for the presence of marginal gap by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). Diagnostic performance of each examiner and viewing method was evaluated by means of sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and overall accuracy (Ac). Difference between the frequencies of gap detection of each method was analyzed using the McNemar test. Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were calculated using kappa statistics. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were ≥ 0.80 for both methods. Similar diagnostic performance was found for computer monitor (Se = 0.87-1; Sp = 0.8-0.97; Ac = 0.84-0.99) and smartphone (Se = 0.77-1; Sp = 0.87-1; Ac = 0.88-0.95) viewing methods. No statistically significant differences in the frequency of gap detection were observed between the methods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic accuracy of smartphone screens was similar to that of computer monitor for marginal gap detection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Smartphones are becoming a common daily tool. In this sense, it might be an important new aid in Dentistry, including radiographic evaluation, which could benefit patients and dentists.

Diagnostic accuracy of conventional and digital radiography for detecting misfit between the tooth and restoration in metal-restored teeth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although the postprocessing of digital images with enhancement filters could lead to the presence of artifacts and result in false-positive diagnoses, no study has analyzed whether the use of digital radiographs and/or postprocessing of digital images interferes with the diagnosis of marginal adaptation in metal-restored teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional and digital radiographic images with and without filters for detecting a misfit between the tooth and restoration in metal-restored teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty teeth with mesial-occlusal-distal inlays and 40 with complete crowns (each with a perfect fit, 20 with a 0.2-mm gap and 20 with a 0.4-mm gap) were imaged with conventional film and digital phosphor plate systems. Digital radiographs were exported as original images and with edge enhancement (high and low), inversion, and pseudo-3-dimensional filters. Four examiners assessed the presence of gaps by using a categorical scale (fit, misfit, cannot decide). Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were calculated for each variable. In addition, time spent scoring the images was recorded. A multivariate logistic regression was performed with accuracy as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Of the images, 6.2% received the score "cannot decide," most of them with a high edge enhancement filter and in the crown group. A tendency for higher sensitivity (range 0.67-0.83), specificity (range 0.81-0.92), and accuracy (range 0.73-0.86) values was found in conventional and digital original images. Results of a logistic regression found that restoration type, gap size, and high enhancement and inversion filters had a statistically significant impact on accuracy (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Original nonfiltered images should be used to assess teeth with metal restorations. High enhancement filters and image inversion should be avoided, especially when metal crowns are present.

Detection of vertical root fractures by conventional radiographic examination and cone beam computed tomography - an in vitro analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the ability of conventional radiographic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations to detect vertical root fractures (VRF) in teeth with or without root canal treatment and metallic posts. Furthermore, the influence of using different voxel sizes from CBCT images was assessed. METHODOLOGY: Sixty single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. Twenty teeth were endodontically prepared and obturated with gutta-percha, twenty had a metallic postcemented after the filling, and twenty had no preparation. The teeth from the experimental group were fractured. All teeth were radiographed with three different horizontal angles, and after, CBCT images were acquired following three protocols in which the variation was the voxel resolution (0.4, 0.3, and 0.2 mm). Three calibrated examiners assessed the images. RESULTS: Chi-squared test showed no statistical difference among the images in detecting VRFs. The results of the diagnostic performance tests presented similar ability to detect VRFs when conventional radiographic examination was compared with 0.2 and 0.3-voxel CBCTs scans, in roots without endodontic treatment and metallic post. Moreover, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy findings were similar for both 0.2 and 0.3-voxel resolution scans for teeth that are not root filled. However, it was observed that in teeth with root canal treatment and a post, the accuracy was higher when 0.2-mm voxel resolution was used. CONCLUSION: The radiographic examination with horizontal angle variation should be encouraged as the first complementary approach to assess the presence of VRFs. If conventional imaging is not capable to provide adequate information, CBCT can be indicated if a root fracture is strongly suspected. The root condition should then guide the voxel resolution choice, selecting 0.3-voxel for not root filled teeth and 0.2-voxel for teeth with filling and/or a post.

Pathologic conditions associated with impacted third molars: A retrospective study of panoramic radiographs in a Southern Brazilian population.

Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of developmental and acquired pathologic conditions associated with impacted third molars (3Ms) in a Southern Brazilian population and evaluated whether demographic and tooth characteristics were correlated with the presence of bone or tooth lesions. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs were assessed for developmental (bone-related) or acquired (tooth-related) pathoses associated with impacted upper or lower 3Ms. Data on tooth positioning, tooth development, and patient demographics were collected. A trained, calibrated postgraduate student evaluated all images. Binary and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between outcomes and the demographic and radiographic variables. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 5% (P<0.05). Results: The sample comprised panoramic radiographs from 2054 patients, predominantly female (59.2%), with a mean age of 27.2 ± 11.5 years. Overall, 4066 impacted 3Ms were evaluated, revealing 471 (11.6%) developmental and 710 (17.5%) acquired pathoses. Among the developmental pathoses, 460 (95.2%) were indicative of dentigerous cysts. Male sex, lower 3M location, vertical or distoangular positioning, and incomplete root formation were associated with an elevated likelihood of developmental pathology. Lower tooth position, complete root formation, and partial eruption were linked to an increased probability of an acquired pathology in the third or second molar. Conclusion: The prevalence of pathologic conditions associated with impacted 3Ms was low. Male sex, lower 3M placement, horizontal or distoangular positioning, and incomplete root formation were associated with developmental pathoses, while lower tooth position, complete root formation, and partial eruption were related to acquired pathoses.

A simple radiographic approach to maxillary pathologies.

This article describes an intraoral radiographic technique for identifying lesions located on the buccal surfaces of the maxillary alveolar process. An intraoral film is placed behind the maxillary tuberosity and the X-ray beam exposes the film perpendicularly, running laterally to the buccal surface of the cortical bone. As a result, any external alteration can be seen clearly, with no superimposed maxillary teeth or osseous tissues.

Factors related to apical periodontitis in a southern Brazilian population: a multilevel analysis.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effects of individual-level and tooth-level factors on apical periodontitis (AP) in an urban population in southern Brazil. A random sample of digital panoramic radiographs (n = 545) from a dental school database was evaluated. The diagnosis of AP was determined by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). AP was assessed according to gender, age, presence and quality of endodontic treatment (ET), presence of an intracanal post, coronal condition, and dental group. Data were analyzed descriptively and through multilevel Poisson regression analysis, considering teeth characteristics (level 1) nested in individuals (level 2). In this sample of 545 participants, the prevalence of AP was 49.5% (n =2 70) and ET was 43.5% (n = 237). Considering 13,595 teeth, AP was identified in 596 (4.4%) and ET in 617 (4.5%). Of the teeth with ET, 153 (24.8%) presented AP. Among individual-level factors, the disease was not significantly associated with gender or age. For tooth-level factors, AP was significantly associated with ET quality: teeth with short fillings (< 3 mm) and teeth with over-fillings had 2.77 (CI: 1.95-3.94, p < 0.001) and 1.08 (CI: 0.39-2.98, p < 0.001) higher prevalence of AP, respectively. There was no association between AP and age, gender, dental group, coronal condition, or the presence of an intracanal post. AP was highly prevalent in this population, and multilevel analysis indicated a significant association with ET quality.

Smartphone Use for Tomographic Evaluation: Application in Endodontic Diagnosis.

INTRODUCTION: Portable equipment that allows quick exchanges of information, such as smartphones, is increasingly important in dentistry. Thus, they have become frequently used, with the potential to contribute to the tomographic evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of smartphone applications for diagnosing the root canal system (RCS) and measuring the root canal length. METHODS: Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files of 92 lower incisor teeth were evaluated by 2 trained and calibrated examiners using CS 3D Imaging software (Carestream Health, Rochester, NY) and 2 smartphone applications (DroidRender; Startm, Zhubei, Taiwan and Horos Mobile; iCat Solutions Ltd, Norwich, United Kingdom). The RCS was assessed according to Vertucci's classification, and the tooth length was measured using linear cusp-apex measurements. The diagnostic reference standard was obtained by the mode and the mean of the evaluations made by 3 experienced examiners using the CS 3D Imaging software. The diagnostic performance of RCS was evaluated using sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and overall accuracy (Ac). Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement of linear measurements. RESULTS: The diagnostic tests showed similar performance between the smartphone applications (DroidRender: Se = 1.00, Sp = .95, and Ac = 0.97; Horos: Se = 0.95, Sp = .94, and Ac = 0.95) and the computer software (Se = 0.97-0.95, Sp = .93-0.96, and Ac = 0.95-0.96). The smartphone applications showed discrepancies greater than 1.0 mm for the dental lengths, which may signal relevant differences in some clinical situations. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone applications offered similar diagnostic performance in comparison with the computer software for the RCS evaluation.

Outcome of endodontic treatments performed by Brazilian undergraduate students: 3- to 8-year follow up.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the success rate of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students and the factors associated with the outcome. Materials and Methods: A follow-up of 3 to 8 years after root canal filling was carried out in 91 patients. At the follow-up visits, medical and dental history questionnaires were applied along with clinical and radiographic examinations. Data collected in the clinical exam included: the presence of pain, swelling, sinus tract, mobility, tenderness to palpation and percussion, periodontal probing profile, and type/quality of coronal restoration. Postoperative and follow-up radiographs were digitalized and analyzed by 2 trained and calibrated examiners to assess periapical healing. The treatment outcome was based on strict clinical and radiographic criteria and classified as success (absence of any clinical and radiographic sign of apical periodontitis) or failure (other combination). Logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of clinical and radiographic variables on endodontic treatment outcomes at a 5% significance level. Results: The success rate of endodontic treatments was 60.7%. The only risk factor significantly associated with failure was the presence of a periapical lesion on the postoperative radiograph (odds ratio, 3.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-9.54). Conclusions: The success rate of endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students was low and was jeopardized by the presence of a periapical lesion on the postoperative radiograph.

Low-dose Multidetector Computed Tomographic and Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Protocols for Volumetric Measurement of Simulated Periapical Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of low-dose multidetector computed tomographic (LD-MDCT) imaging for the volumetric measurement of simulated periapical lesions. METHODS: Eighteen monoradicular teeth were introduced in bone blocks, and periapical lesions were simulated at the periapical region of each tooth. All teeth were imaged using 4 acquisition protocols: large (dentoalveolar) field of view (FOV) cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging (120 kV, 5 mA, and 0.2-mm voxel), small (dental) FOV CBCT imaging (90 kV, 10 mA, and 0.2-mm voxel), standard multidetector computed tomographic imaging (120 kV, 50 mA, and 0.62-mm voxel), and LD-MDCT imaging (120 kV, 10 mA, and 0.62-mm voxel). Tomographic images were evaluated by a single trained and calibrated examiner (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.991) using ITK-SNAP segmentation software (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA). The gold standard was obtained by the impressions of the lesions with regular fluid addition silicone and individual weighing using a precision analytical scale. Data were evaluated by the repeated measures analysis of variance test; the significance level was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: No statistical differences (P > .05) were found among the groups regardless of the device, milliamperage, FOV, or voxel size. CONCLUSIONS: LD-MDCT shows performance comparable with other standard reference methods for measuring the volume of periapical lesions and can be a useful and safe protocol in clinical situations in which CBCT imaging is not available, such as in cases of patients admitted to hospitals.

Being a woman influences the development of temporomandibular disorder: cross-sectional study / Ser mulher influencia no desenvolvimento de disfunção temporomandibular: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although women seem to be more susceptible to pain, there are few studies comparing the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) diagnoses between women and men. Thus, this study aimed to verify the influence of gender on Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and their comorbidities in a Brazilian sample. METHODS: Patients were assessed using the RDC/TMD. Diagnoses were obtained for Axis I (myofascial pain, disc displacement, and other joint conditions) and Axis II (depressive symptoms, chronic pain, somatization, and limitation of mandibular function). Logistic regression models were used to verify whether there is a difference in the prevalence and odds of developing TMD between women and men. RESULTS: The sample included 310 patients. Women had more myofascial pain and were more likely to develop it (73.04%; OR: 1.91; IC 95%: 1.08 - 3.39), as well as more joint disorders (54.78%; OR: 2.07; IC 95%: 1.08 - 3.99), in comparison to men. Furthermore, women composed the majority of the sample, more often sought treatment, and had more severe levels of depressive symptoms, somatization of pain, limitation of mandibular function, and myofascial pain. CONCLUSION: Women have more TMD and are more likely to develop it, and also show more severe levels of depressive symptoms, pain somatization, limited mandibular function, and myofascial pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Embora as mulheres pareçam ser mais suscetíveis à dor, há poucos estudos comparando os diagnósticos obtidos por meio do Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) entre mulheres e homens. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influência do sexo nas disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) e suas comorbidades em uma amostra brasileira. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram avaliados por meio do RDC/ TMD. Os diagnósticos foram obtidos para o Eixo I (dor miofascial, deslocamento de disco e outras condições articulares) e Eixo II (sintomas de depressão, dor crônica, somatização e limitação da função mandibular). Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para verificar se existe diferença na prevalência e nas chances de desenvolver DTM entre mulheres e homens. RESULTADOS: A amostra incluiu 310 pacientes. As mulheres apresentaram mais dor miofascial e foram mais propensas a desenvolvê-la (73,04%; OR: 1,91; IC 95%: 1,08 - 3,39), bem como mais distúrbios articulares (54,78%; OR: 2,07; IC 95%: 1,08 - 3,99), em comparação aos homens. Ademais, as mulheres compuseram a maioria da amostra, procuraram tratamento com maior frequência e apresentaram níveis mais graves de sintomas de depressão, somatização da dor, limitação da função mandibular e dor miofascial. CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres apresentam mais DTM e são mais propensas a desenvolvê-la, bem como apresentam níveis mais graves de sintomas de depressão, somatização da dor, limitação da função mandibular e dor miofascial.

Accuracy of detecting and measuring buccal bone thickness adjacent to titanium dental implants-a cone beam computed tomography in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of detecting and measuring buccal bone thickness (BBT) adjacent to titanium implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. STUDY DESIGN: Titanium implants (1, 2, or 3), abutments, and metal-ceramic crowns were inserted into 40 bone blocks with various BBTs. CBCT images were acquired in various settings: Voxel sizes (0.2 and 0.13 mm) and reconstruction section thicknesses (2.0 and 5.0 mm) were assessed by 3 examiners. True BBT was measured in digital photographs of the bone blocks. Buccal bone detection was evaluated by sensitivity and specificity. BBT was evaluated by 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) between the true and the CBCT measurements and by calculating the difference between the true measurement and the CBCT measurement (Di-BBT). RESULTS: Detection of buccal bone exhibited high sensitivity (0.86-1) and low specificity (0.14-1). More implants in the field of view, large voxel size, and thick image reconstruction sections had a negative impact on buccal bone detection. ANOVA showed statistically significantly larger BBT for the CBCT measurements in all settings (1.07-1.21 mm) compared with the true measurements (0.85 mm). Di-BBT was mostly within 0.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: BBT adjacent to titanium implants is overestimated when evaluated on CBCT cross-sectional images.

Temporomandibular disorders and associated comorbidities among brazilian dental students during COVID-19

Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and psychosocial comorbidities in undergraduate dental students in a southern Brazilian university, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it aimed to verify the association between psychosocial factors and TMD. Methods: Fonseca Anamnestic Index, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), a socioeconomic questionnaire, and questions about academic performance and social distancing were applied. Poisson regression analysis was used to assess the association of predictive variables with TMD. Results: The prevalence of TMD was found to be 82.4%, and more than half of the students had some degree of stress, anxiety, and depression. Students who had symptoms of stress (RR 1.11; 95% CI 1.04-1.19), anxiety (RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.12-1.27) and reported academic performance worsening (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.07-1.19) had higher TMD scores. Conclusion: The findings suggest that TMD was highly prevalent among dental students at a federal university in southern Brazil during the pandemic, being associated with high levels of stress, anxiety, poor academic performance, and greater social distancing

Pior qualidade de sono está associada à disfunção temporomandibular e hábitos parafuncionais entre estudantes e profissionais de Odontologia / La peor calidad del sueño se asocia con disfunción temporomandibular y hábitos parafuncionales en estudiantes y profesionales de Odontología / Worse sleep quality is associated with temporomandibular disorders and parafunctional habits among dental students and professionals

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação entre a qualidade do sono e a presença de disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) e hábitos parafuncionais em estudantes e profissionais de Odontologia durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Cirurgiões-dentistas, docentes e estudantes brasileiros de graduação e pós-graduação em Odontologia responderam a um questionário virtual composto pelos seguintes instrumentos: Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh, Lista de Verificação de Comportamentos Orais, Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca e questões socioeconômicas e demográficas. Os questionários foram disponibilizados online de agosto a novembro de 2020. A associação entre as variáveis preditoras e cada desfecho foi avaliada por meio da regressão de Poisson. A amostra foi composta por 449 participantes, sendo que 259 (59,5%) relataramdistúrbios do sono, 352 (78,4%) apresentavam DTM e 311 (69,3%) realizavam hábitos orais parafuncionais. Os distúrbios do sono foram associados à maior prevalência de hábitos orais parafuncionais (RP 1,61; IC 95% 1,36-1,91) e DTM (RP 1,16; IC 95% 1,04-1,29). Além disso, as mulheres apresentaram maior prevalência de DTM em relação aos homens, assim como indivíduos cuja renda era menor. Desta forma, os distúrbios do sono foram associados a hábitos orais parafuncionais e DTM em estudantes e profissionais de Odontologia durante a quarentena da COVID-19 (AU).

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre la calidad del sueño y la presencia de disfunción temporomandibular (DTM) y hábitos parafuncionales en estudiantes y profesionales de Odontología durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Odontólogos, profesores y estudiantes brasileños de pregrado y posgrado en Odontología respondieron un cuestionario virtual compuesto por los siguientes instrumentos: Índice de Calidad de Sueño de Pittsburgh, Lista de Verificación de Comportamiento Oral, Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca y preguntas socioeconómicas y demográficas. Los cuestionarios estuvieron disponibles virtualmente de agosto a noviembre de 2020. La asociación entre las variables predictoras y cada resultado se evaluó mediante regresión de Poisson. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 449 participantes, de los cuales 259 (59,5%) refirieron trastornos del sueño, 352 (78,4%) DTM y 311 (69,3%) hábitos orales parafuncionales. Los trastornos del sueño se asociaron con una mayor prevalencia de hábitos bucales parafuncionales (RP 1,61; IC 95% 1,36-1,91) y DTM (RP 1,16; IC 95% 1,04-1,29). Además, las mujeres tenían una mayor prevalencia de DTM que los hombres, así como las personas con ingresos más bajos. Así, los trastornos del sueño se asociaron con hábitos orales parafuncionales y DTM en estudiantes y profesionales de odontología durante la cuarentena por COVID-19 (AU).

This study aimed to assess the association between sleep quality and the presence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and parafunctional habits in dental students and professionals during the COVID-19 quarantine. Brazilian dentists, professors, and dental undergraduate and graduate students answered a virtual questionnaire composed of the following instruments: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Oral Behaviors Checklist, Fonseca Anamnestic Index, and socioeconomic and demographic questions. Questionnaires were available on-line from August to November 2020. The association between the predictor variables and each outcome were assessed using Poisson regression. The sample consisted of 449 participants, 259 (59.5%) of whom had sleep disorders, 352 (78.4%) had TMD, and 311 (69.3%) had parafunctional oral habits. Sleep disorders were associated with higher prevalence of parafunctional oral habits (PR 1.61; 95%CI 1.36-1.91) and TMD (PR 1.16; 95%CI 1.04-1.29). Furthermore, women showed a higher prevalence of TMD in comparison to men, as well as individuals with lower income. Sleep disorders were associated with parafunctional oral habits and TMD in dental students and professionals during COVID-19 quarantine (AU).

O uso de smartphones como ferramenta de aprendizado por estudantes de Odontologia / The use of smartphones as a learning tool by dental students

As tecnologias podem ser potentes facilitadoras do processo de aprendizagem dos alunos, principalmente nas gerações atuais. Os smartphonessão ferramentas rotineiramente utilizadas a qualquer momento e em qualquer lugar na busca de variadas informações. Assim, a aquisição de conhecimento por meiodeste dispositivo móvel, alinhada com as perspectivas de ensino e resultados esperados para o aprendizado, parece fazer cada vez mais sentido. Neste contexto, este estudo foi proposto com o objetivo de conhecer o perfil do uso de smartphones como ferramenta de aprendizagem ativa e móvel por estudantes de Odontologia. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado por meiode um questionário eletrônico, composto por perguntas objetivas e abertas, as quais avaliaram características sociodemográficas, tipo de aparelho e conexão, usogerale para aprendizado odontológico, bem como aatitude dos alunos em relação ao uso. Do total de estudantes elegíveis ao estudo, 169 alunos responderam ao questionário (taxa de resposta de 49,1%). A maioria dos participantes eram mulheres, com faixa etária de 19 a 21 anos. Todos os estudantes afirmaram ter smartphone, com conexão à internet. Os principais usos descritos foram relacionados à comunicação, gerenciamento de tempo e educação. As vantagens relatadas foram praticidade, flexibilidade de uso, acesso a diferentes conteúdos, capacidade de pesquisar informações e de se comunicar rapidamente. Os desafios identificados incluíram distração e excesso de uso. Os resultados permitiram concluir que os estudantes utilizam os smartphonescomo ferramenta de aprendizagem ativa, principalmente, para acessar e-books, artigos científicos, escutar podcasts,assistir livese visualizar publicações de conteúdos teóricos e práticos no Instagram (AU).

Technologies can be powerful and helpful tools for students' learning process, especially for the current generations. Smartphones are routinely used to search for a wide rangeof information, at anytime and anywhere. Thus, knowledge acquisition through this mobile device, for teaching and learning outcomes, seems to increasingly make more and more sense. Therefore, the aim of thisstudy was to understand the profile of the use of smartphones as an active learning tool by dental students. The data of this cross-sectional study was collected by an electronic questionnaire, with open and closed questions regarding the socio-demographic characteristics, type of device and connection, general use for dentallearning, as well as the students' attitudes towards the use of smartphone for learning. Out of the total number of students eligible for the study, 169 students responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 49.1%). Most participants were women, aged between 19 and 21 years. All students declaredtohave a smartphone, with internet connection. The main uses described were related to communication, time management,and education. The advantages pointed out by the participants were convenience, flexibility of use, access to different contents in different ways, ability to search for information,and rapid communication. The main challenges included distraction and overuse. The results of this study demonstrate that students use smartphones as an active learning tool, mainly to access e-books, scientific articles, to listen to podcasts, watch lives,and view publications of theoretical and practical content on Instagram (AU).

Factors related to apical periodontitis in a southern Brazilian population: a multilevel analysis

Abstract The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effects of individual-level and tooth-level factors on apical periodontitis (AP) in an urban population in southern Brazil. A random sample of digital panoramic radiographs (n = 545) from a dental school database was evaluated. The diagnosis of AP was determined by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). AP was assessed according to gender, age, presence and quality of endodontic treatment (ET), presence of an intracanal post, coronal condition, and dental group. Data were analyzed descriptively and through multilevel Poisson regression analysis, considering teeth characteristics (level 1) nested in individuals (level 2). In this sample of 545 participants, the prevalence of AP was 49.5% (n =2 70) and ET was 43.5% (n = 237). Considering 13,595 teeth, AP was identified in 596 (4.4%) and ET in 617 (4.5%). Of the teeth with ET, 153 (24.8%) presented AP. Among individual-level factors, the disease was not significantly associated with gender or age. For tooth-level factors, AP was significantly associated with ET quality: teeth with short fillings (< 3 mm) and teeth with over-fillings had 2.77 (CI: 1.95-3.94, p < 0.001) and 1.08 (CI: 0.39-2.98, p < 0.001) higher prevalence of AP, respectively. There was no association between AP and age, gender, dental group, coronal condition, or the presence of an intracanal post. AP was highly prevalent in this population, and multilevel analysis indicated a significant association with ET quality.

Is cone beam computed tomography accurate for postoperative evaluation of implants? An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for evaluation of the bone-implant interface in comparison with periapical radiography. STUDY DESIGN: Titanium implants were inserted in 74 bovine rib blocks in intimate contact with bone walls and with a gap of 0.125 mm (simulating failure in the osseointegration process). Periapical radiographs were taken with conventional film, and CBCT scans were acquired with i-CAT (0.2 mm and 0.125 mm voxel) and Kodak (0.2 mm and 0.076 mm voxel) units. Three examiners evaluated the images using a 5-point scale. Diagnostic accuracy was analyzed through sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Intra- and interexaminer agreements were analyzed through Kendall's concordance test. RESULTS: Intra- and interexaminer agreements showed satisfactory results. The greatest accuracy was observed with conventional radiography (AUC = 0.963; CI 95% = 0.891-0.993). I-CAT 0.125-mm images showed good accuracy (AUC = 0.885; CI 95% = 0.790-0.947), with no significant difference compared with conventional radiography. Kodak images had high specificity and low sensitivity, presenting more false-negative results. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional radiography showed the highest accuracy for assessment of the bone-implant interface. However, CBCT (i-CAT; 0.125-mm voxel), if available or if performed for preoperative assessment of another implant site, may provide similar accuracy.