Relationship between mandibular symphysis dimensions and skeletal pattern in adults.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of dimensions of the symphysis is important for morphological and orthodontic studies. This research evaluates the association between mandibular symphysis dimensions and anteroposterior and vertical skeletal patterns in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional cephalometric study included 90 lateral cephalograms of untreated subjects presenting for orthodontic treatment. The inclusion criteria were adults with lateral cephalograms showing the symphyseal region and anterior cranial base. One investigator traced and analysed all cephalograms. Symphyseal height, thickness, and ratio between height and thickness were measured in relation to seven anteroposterior and vertical skeletal measurements in females and males. RESULTS: Symphyseal measurements were associated with SNAo (anteroposterior) in females and Gonial angle (vertical) in males. When analysed by anteroposterior skeletal classification (ANBo), no significant differences in symphyseal dimensions were found. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that Gonion-Nerve (mm) and Gonial angle were significantly associated with symphyseal height. Gonion-Nerve (mm), basal bone width (mm), and alveolar bone height (mm) were associated with symphyseal thickness. Basal bone width (mm) and alveolar bone height (mm) were associated with symphyseal ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Symphyseal dimensions were significantly associated with vertical but not anteroposterior skeletal patterns. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the Gonion-Nerve measurements concerning the symphysis in relation to vertical and anteroposterior skeletal patterns.

Relationship between maxillary central incisors and incisive canal: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the maxillary incisors and the incisive canal (IC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived CBCT scan from 120 subjects (60 males and 60 females, mean age 34.2 ± 13.1 years) were analysed in this cross-sectional study. The following variables were measured: incisor/palatal plane (PP), IC/PP angles, palatal alveolar bone width (PABW) at apex, IC width, inter-root width at apex and IC level to incisor apex. The relationship between the incisors and IC with respect to sex and age was calculated using one-way analysis of variance, independent samples t-test, and regression analysis. RESULTS: The confidence level was set at 95%. Results showed that half of the study population exhibited IC palatal opening at the level of the maxillary incisor apices. Significant associations were observed between IC/PP and incisor/PP angles and between IC width and PABW at the apical level (p < 0.05), and between age and IC width in the sagittal and axial perspectives and age and IC level relative to the incisor apices. A significant association was observed between sex and IC/PP angle, IC width in the sagittal perspective, and PABW at the apical level. The association was found between IC and maxillary incisors angulations but not between IC width and inter-root distance. CONCLUSIONS: Age showed varied associations while sex was significantly associated with most variables assessed.

Morphological evaluation of the incisive canal with reference to gender and age: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The incisive canal (IC) is an important anatomical structure in the premaxilla that should be considered during many dental procedures. AIMS: The objective of this study is to associate the IC morphology and dimensions with reference to gender and age by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using archived CBCT records of patients who sought treatment at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. OnDemand 3D Imaging software was utilized in image reconstruction and measurement determination. The parameters evaluated were the IC shape and dimensions in a sagittal and coronal view at two levels: palatal opening and nasal opening. The variables were compared according to age and gender using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Wallis tests. Confidence level was obtained at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Out of the 370 CBCT images assessed, only 100 images fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 50 males and 50 females. No substantial variance in IC shapes was found in both the sagittal and coronal perspectives with reference to age and gender. Likewise, there was no statistical variation in IC dimensions with reference to age. On the other hand, there was a statistical difference in IC length when correlated with gender as the male subjects had longer IC as compared to females (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is no association between IC morphology, age and gender. However, substantial variation in IC length was observed between genders.

Online discussion boards in dental education: potential and challenges.

BACKGROUND: Online discussion boards may enhance critical analysis and reflection, and promote the acquisition of knowledge. AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of online discussion board as a pedagogical tool in augmenting face-to-face teaching in dental education. METHOD: Data were collected from a discussion archive offered through the E-course website of the School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, UK in 2008. A multi-component metric included; participation, social learning, cognitive processing, role of instructors, and quality of discussion. Messages were coded for 14 variables to evaluate these dimensions. Data were analyzed using content analysis methodology and a complete message was uses as the unit of analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant difference in participation between students and instructors (P<0.05). Social interaction with peers appeared only through students posting messages with open questions (27/135 messages). The discussion board was mainly used by students to understand concepts (27/102 messages) and apply procedural knowledge (17/102 messages). Instructors were mainly replying to students' messages with (49/120 messages) or without (54/120 messages) proposing another action. CONCLUSIONS: Online discussion boards were found to be successful pedagogical tools in dental education. Further development of instructor-led discussion approach is needed to promote higher level learning and collaborative thinking.