Identification and classification of pulp calcifications in posterior teeth according to dental condition using digital panoramic radiography and cone beam CT.

OBJECTIVE: To compare digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and cone beam CT (CBCT) in the detection and classification of pulp calcifications in posterior teeth in relation to tooth condition and its location. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty patients with simultaneous DPR and CBCT scans were selected from a dental image bank. For each posterior tooth, its condition was registered (healthy, restored, or decayed). The presence of calcifications was assessed and classified according to location (coronal or radicular) and type (total obliteration, partial obliteration, narrowing, and no calcification). Chi-square and McNemar tests were used to compare DPR and CBCT results, with a significance level of 5%. DPR diagnostic values were calculated using CBCT as reference. RESULTS: Decayed and restored teeth showed a significantly (P < .001) higher prevalence of pulp calcifications than healthy teeth in both imaging exams. There was a significant discrepancy between the imaging modalities in the identification of calcifications (P < .001), especially for radicular calcifications of maxillary teeth (DPR = 55.2%; CBCT = 30.9%). In the case of coronal calcifications, there was a greater discrepancy between CBCT and DPR in the mandibular teeth (10.7%) than in the maxillary teeth (7.7%). Overall, DPR presents higher sensitivity (0.855) than specificity (0.483) for pulp calcifications detection. CONCLUSION: DPR considerably overestimates pulp calcifications in posterior teeth, as compared to CBCT. A higher prevalence of pulp calcifications is related to decayed and restored teeth.

Distribution and influencing factors of pulp stones based on CBCT: a retrospective observational study from southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Pulp stones are a type of pulp calcification, the presence of which tends to hinder endodontic treatment. Thus, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the distribution of pulp stones in the population in southwest China and identify the influencing factors. MATERIALS: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 5066 teeth of 200 patients (91 males and 109 females) aged 16-45 years were evaluated. Pulp stones were marked as either present or absent when distinct radiopaque masses were found in the pulp cavity, then evaluated the occurrence of pulp stones with regard to tooth type, sex, age group, and contact it with tooth status. The Pearson chi-square test and nonparametric test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Pulp stones were detected in 49.0% of patients and 7.4% of teeth, respectively. The incidence in females was 1.9 times higher than in males (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.3, p = 0.001). Pulp stones were most prevalent in patients 36-45 years of age. Furthermore, in the age range of 16-45 years, the likelihood of finding pulp stones increased 1.1 times per year with age (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.1, p = 0.032). A higher incidence of pulp stones was observed in the maxilla and molars. Of the 5066 teeth studied, pulp stones were more common in non-intact teeth. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the population in southwest China had pulp stones. Pulp stones were found significantly more often in females, maxilla, and non-intact teeth, and their frequency increased with age. For dentists, understanding the distribution of pulp stones is crucial for the proper design of root canal treatment (RCT). TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University (certificate number: 20220818001).

Pulp stones in unerupted teeth: a retrospective analysis using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: A pulp stone is a calcified mass that develops in the dental pulp of any tooth. Despite many studies examining the relationship between pulp stone formation and non-oral factors, the methods used in these studies have been unable to explain the exact role of these factors alone as distinct from probable effects within the oral cavity environment. Considering that totally unerupted (impacted or developing) teeth are unexposed to the oral cavity's environmental and functional conditions, they provide a more suitable material for studying the effects of these non-oral factors on pulp stone formation. This research study aimed to investigate pulp stones in unerupted teeth and the associated factors in a Saudi subpopulation. METHODS: The study included 644 cone-beam computed tomography images, with 496 (50.9%) maxillary and 479 (49.1%) mandibular teeth. Of the investigated patients, 293 (45.5%) were men, and 351 (54.5%) were women. The age range was 15-76 years. A chi-square test was used to investigate the associations between pulp stones and age, gender, and history of systemic disease and chronic medication use. RESULTS: Pulp stones in unerupted teeth were present in 24.2% of the examined dental jaws and 18.6% of the examined teeth. There was no statistically significant relationship between pulp stones and gender (p > 0.05). A significantly greater percentage of pulp stones were found with increasing age (p = 0.000). Additionally, a significantly increased number of pulp stones was observed in patients with systemic diseases and chronic medications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the idea that pulp stones can be present in any type of unerupted tooth. This study provides additional evidence of the increased incidence of pulp stones with age, systemic disease, and chronic medications.

Therapeutic solutions for discoloration of calcified teeth based on CBCT diagnosis.

Single tooth orange discoloration secondary to root canal calcification occurs as a consequence of dental trauma, orthodontic treatment, or for unknown rea- sons. A correct case history must be compiled and a CBCT study carried out in order to establish the diag- nosis and define the best treatment plan in each case. The aim of the present study was to offer a therapeutic protocol involving a clinical decision-making tree dia- gram based on the presence or absence of apical dis- ease and the degree of canal calcification. Dental bleaching and the use of ceramic veneers allow es- thetic restoration in such cases.

Radiographic evaluation of teeth with pulp stones and pulp canal obliteration: characteristics, and associations with dental parameters.

The study aimed to radiographically assess the characteristics of pulp stones (PS) and pulp canal obliteration (PCO) in teeth and examined their associations with various dental parameters such as caries, restorations, periodontal status, and age. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University between September 2022, and May 2023, involved 101 patients exhibiting 402 teeth with PS or PCO. Data were collected from periapical and bitewing radiographs, and analyzed by two calibrated dentists. Multiple dental parameters were assessed, including caries level, presence and level of restorations, periodontal condition, and age of the patient. The study population consisted of 62 females and 39 males, with an age range of 18-65 years. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability were high (Kappa = 0.88 and 0.98 respectively). PS were more commonly found in molars (81.2%), while PCO were presented in only 115 teeth (23%). Age significantly affected the type of calcification (p < 0.001), with PS more common in the 20-30 age group and PCO more common in individuals over 40. Presence of caries was significantly associated with the type of calcification (p = 0.013), but restoration was not. The majority of teeth with PS (76%) or PCO (93%) had healthy periodontium. Around 40% of teeth with PCO showed signs of periapical changes, a finding significantly different from those with PS (p < 0.001). Pulp calcifications were significantly associated with various dental parameters, including caries presence, age, and periodontal status. The findings provide crucial insights into the epidemiology and aetiology of pulp calcifications.

Endodoncia guiada estática, una opción para obliteración del canal pulpar: serie de casos / Static guided endodontics, an option for pulpal canal obliteration: a case series

En la práctica endodóntica, la etapa del acceso al canal radicular es fundamental para el éxito de las siguientes etapas del tratamiento. En casos de canales pulpares obliterados o calcificados (PCO), lograr encontrar la entrada a estos es un reto en la endodoncia convencional dado el alto riesgo de sufrir un accidente intraoperatorio. Actualmente, existen los tratamientos de endodoncia guiada o accesos guiados digitalmente, una alternativa innovadora y con múltiples beneficios para el abordaje de este tipo de dientes. El objetivo de este reporte de casos fue describir el protocolo de cuatro casos de accesos guiados estáticos para endodoncia en canales obliterados, indicando las ventajas y consideraciones del tratamiento. Se presenta un reporte de casos de cuatro pacientes atendidos entre julio 2021 y junio 2022, que requerían tratamientos endodónticos en dientes anteriores con canales pulpares obliterados. Para la realización de estos procedimientos se requirió una Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico (CBCT) y el escaneo intraoral de la zona a tratar, para poder a través de la ayuda de un software, planificar virtualmente la dirección y longitud de acceso al conducto radicular. Posteriormente, se realizó la impresión en 3D de la guía estática, la cual dirige la entrada de la fresa que se utiliza para encontrar el acceso al canal radicular. En los cuatro casos clínicos en que se realizó la planificación virtual e impresión de la guía de acceso, fue posible encontrar el canal radicular en una sesión, pudiendo realizar el tratamiento endodóntico de manera exitosa y conservadora. En conclusión, la endodoncia guiada estática permite realizar los tratamientos endodónticos en PCO de manera segura, a pesar de la alta complejidad que presentaban.

SUMMARY: In endodontics, the access to the root canal is essential for the treatment success. Pulp canal obliteration (PCO) is a challenge for conventional endodontic treatments with a high risk of fracture of endodontic instruments.Currently, guided endodontic treatments, or digitally guided accesses, are novel alternatives with multiple benefits for the treatment of PCO. The objective of this case report is to describe the protocol for static guided access in PCO, indicating the advantages and considerations of the treatment. A case report of four patients treated between July 2021 and June 2022 is presented. These patients required endodontic treatments in anterior teeth with PCO. In order to virtually plan the direction and length of the access, using a software, we used a cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and an intraoral scan. Then, a 3D printing of the static guide was made, which directs the entry of the drill. With this method, it was possible to find the root canal in one session and perform the endodontic treatment successfully and conservatively. In conclusion, although static guided endodontics requires planification, it allows a safe endodontic treatment in patients with PCO.

Evaluación radiográfica de la frecuencia y distribución de los nódulos pulpares / Radiographic evaluation of the frequency and distribution of pulp nodules

Objetivos: Estimar la prevalencia de nódulos pulpares y agujas cálcicas en pacientes atendidos en la Cátedra de Endodoncia, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Buenos Aires (CEFOUBA). Se analizaron radiografías de 1866 piezas dentarias, con ápices maduros, de pacientes de ambos géneros, mayores de 15 años, tratados en CEFOUBA, en el período comprendido entre junio-noviembre de 2018. Género, edad, grupo dentario, condición del diente, presencia de patología sistémica, y ubicación anatómica, fueron las variables registradas. Se calcularon intervalos de confianza 95%, método score de Wilson. Se utilizó test z para diferencias de proporciones. El porcentaje de piezas con calcificaciones superó significativamente a piezas sin calcificaciones (z= 6,076; P<0,05). Porcentaje de piezas en mujeres fue significativamente mayor al de hombres (z=24,31; P<0,05). Porcentaje de piezas de las cuartas y quitas décadas de la vida (61%) superó significativamente a las demás décadas (39%) (z=9,88; P<0,05). El porcentaje de piezas con caries fue significativamente mayor al resto de las piezas con otras condiciones (41%) (z= 8,074; P<0,05). El porcentaje de piezas en pacientes sanos (77%) fue significativamente mayor al resto de las condiciones (23%) (z=24,310; P<0,05). El porcentaje de calcificaciones en cámara (78%) fue significativamente mayor a las del conducto (22%) (z=25,21; P<0,05). En conclusión, la presencia de este tipo de calcificaciones es frecuente en molares de pacientes femeninos y edad adulta. Es importante detectarlos radiográficamente porque complican la realización del tratamiento endodóntico, especialmente si están adheridos y obliteran la entrada de los conductos (AU)

Calcificaciones pulpares en pacientes con diabetes mellitus / Pulp calcifications in patients with diabetes mellitus

RESUMEN Introducción: Las células de la pulpa dental tienen la capacidad, ante estímulos locales y sistémicos, de activar a la osteopontina, formando calcificaciones pulpares, bloqueando los conductos radiculares y modificando la anatomía interna; de manera que se intensifican en personas con diabetes mellitus. Objetivo: Determinar si existe mayor presencia de calcificaciones a nivel de cámara pulpar en pacientes con diabetes mellitus versus pacientes sin diabetes mellitus. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles, analítico, transversal y retrospectivo. Se utilizaron los registros clínicos y las radiografías digitales periapicales de pacientes de las clínicas odontológicas de pregrado (Prótesis, Restauradora, Integral, Periodoncia) y de postgrado (Periodoncia e Implantología quirúrgica) de la Universidad Andrés Bello - Chile, entre los años 2017 y 2018. Se seleccionó una muestra de 617 dientes (45 pacientes) luego de ser aplicados los criterios de exclusión e inclusión en la base de datos clínica. La muestra completó dos grupos, grupo de casos (22 pacientes): dientes de pacientes con diabetes mellitus 228 dientes indemnes y el grupo de control (23 pacientes): dientes de pacientes sin diabetes mellitus 389 dientes indemnes. Se realizó una calibración previa entre los investigadores para la identificación y clasificación de calcificaciones pulpares durante el análisis radiográfico de estas. Se realizaron inferencias estadísticas de chi cuadrado para establecer significación de los resultados obtenidos. Resultados: Los dientes de 22 pacientes diabéticos presentaron más calcificaciones camerales que los dientes de 23 pacientes no diabéticos, para 50 por ciento de dientes calcificados en pacientes diabéticos (n=114) y 26 por ciento en pacientes no diabéticos (n=101); este resultado fue estadísticamente significativo (pvalor< 0,001). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con diabetes mellitus demostraron que son más propensos a formar calcificaciones camerales debido al aumento de glucosa presente en la sangre que activa a la osteopontina(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dental pulp cells have the capacity to respond to local and systemic stimuli by activating osteopontin, forming pulp calcifications, blocking root canals and modifying internal anatomy, in such a way that they intensify in people with diabetes mellitus. Objective: Determine whether there is a greater presence of calcifications in the pulp chamber of patients with diabetes mellitus vs. patients without diabetes mellitus. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional retrospective case-control study was conducted of medical records and digital periapical radiographs of patients attending undergraduate dental clinics (prosthesis, restoration, comprehensive, periodontics) and graduate dental clinics (periodontics and surgical implantology) of Andrés Bello University, Chile, in the period 2017-2018. A sample was selected of 617 teeth (45 patients) from the clinical database upon applying exclusion and inclusion criteria. The sample was divided into two groups: a case group, formed by 228 undamaged teeth from 22 patients with diabetes mellitus, and a control group, formed by 389 undamaged teeth from 23 patients without diabetes mellitus. Prior calibration was performed by the researchers to identify and classify the pulp calcifications during their radiographic analysis. Chi-squared statistical inferences were made to establish the significance of the results obtained. Results: The teeth from the 22 diabetic patients had more chamber calcifications than the teeth from the 23 nondiabetic patients, for 50 percent calcified teeth in diabetic patients (n= 114) and 26 percent in nondiabetic patients (n= 101). This result was statistically significant (p-value< 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with diabetes mellitus were found to be more prone to form chamber calcifications, due to the increase in glucose present in the blood which activates osteopontin(AU)

Detecção de nódulos pulpares em incisivos por meio de radiografia digital / Detection of pulp stones in incisors by digital dental radiography

Introdução: os nódulos pulpares são calcificações de etiologia controversa, presentes no tecido pulpar com tamanho variável. Sua detecção acontece durante exames radiográficos de rotina, apresentando-se como imagens radiopacas únicas ou múltiplas, de formato circular ou ovoide. Um planejamento adequado prévio ao tratamento endodôntico é necessário, e o reconhecimento dessas alterações faz parte dessa etapa. Objetivo: o objetivo desse trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de nódulos pulpares em incisivos superiores e inferiores, por meio de radiografias digitais. Métodos: foram utilizadas 793 radiografias periapicais digitais de dentes anteriores, totalizando 2.999 dentes. Os dados foram organizados em planilhas de Excel e, então, submetidos a uma análise descritiva e ao teste qui quadrado. Resultados: os resultados demonstraram que 15% dos dentes avaliados possuíam nódulo pulpar, sendo o mais acometido o incisivo lateral direito (dente #42), com 19% do total de dentes. Houve maior prevalência em mulheres e pacientes na faixa etária de 51 a 60 anos. Conclusão: a frequência dos nódulos pulpares para dentes anteriores, quando avaliados por meio de radiografias periapicais digitais, alcança os 15%, possuindo maior prevalência no sexo feminino e apresentando relação entre o aumento da idade e a incidência de nódulos pulpares, mas não entre a presença de restaurações e as alterações.