The incidence of radicular groove on maxillary lateral incisors of Saudi population: CBCT evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The radicular groove (RG) is one of the developmental anomalies that is commonly found in maxillary incisors. The formation of radicular groove is initiated around the cingulum and can reach the root at different levels. The incidence of radicular grooves was reported in different countries but there was no published data about the incidence of RG in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of radicular grooves on maxillary lateral incisors in the Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The dental records of 490 patients (N = 490) with CBCT images of maxillary anterior teeth were screened for inclusion criteria. Then 264 included cases were evaluated independently by two Endodontists. The evaluation was performed on CBCT images in the axial, sagittal, and coronal sections using Planmeca Romexis® software. The following data were recorded for each patient: Patients' age and gender, radicular groove presence or absence, and if it is bilateral or unilateral. The type of radicular groove was recorded according to Gu's classification (type I, II, or III). RESULTS: The incidence rate of radicular grooves in maxillary lateral incisors was 4.9%. RG was found to be unilateral in 61.5% and bilateral in 38.5%. The majority of RG were classified as type I in 69.2%, followed by type II in 15.4%, and type III was found in 15.4%. CONCLUSION: 4.9% of the Saudi population has RG in the upper lateral incisor. This anatomical variation is mostly present as type I on one side only (unilateral).

The relation between teeth loss and cognitive decline among Saudi population in the city of Riyadh: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Teeth are necessary for sensory input to the brain during the chewing process, but how the decrease in this sensory input, due to loss of teeth, may cause weak memory and lead to cognitive decline is not well understood. This pilot public survey aiming to assess the correlation between the number of missing teeth, periodontal disease, and cognitive skill in the city of Riyadh. MATERIAL& METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional survey, targeting geriatric population aged ≥60 years, was performed in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was conducted to all participants to assess their cognitive function. Assessment of oral health status was carried out, including the number of present dentation and their periodontal status. Community periodontal-index (CPI) was used to assess the periodontal condition. The primary variables were number of missing teeth, periodontal disease and MoCA test scores. Chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed and the significant P- value was set at <0.05. RESULTS: Of 95 participants, overall, 57 (60%) and 38 (40%) were male and female, respectively, with a mean age of 65.67 ±â€¯6.32 years. Females showed more significant cognitive decline than males (P < 0.001). Cognitive decline was significantly high in participants with low educational level 19 (95%), unemployment 41 (79%), and lower income people 26 (79%), while being cognitive intact was significantly higher in highly educated 13 (87%), retired 21 (62%), and higher income people 28 (74%) at (P < 0.001). An advanced age and greater number of missing teeth are associated with lower MoCA test scores. No statistical significant correlation with regard to periodontal disease and MoCA test scores. CONCLUSION: Based on the preliminary data, positive correlation was confirmed when the number of missing teeth and cognitive skill were assessed. Therefore, larger, multi-center regional surveys are needed to investigate further this relationship.