In vivo performance of near-infrared light transillumination for dentine proximal caries detection in permanent teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vivo study was to confirm the detection of proximal caries using near-infrared light transillumination (NILTI) (DIAGNOcam) device, and to compare the diagnostic performance of the device with other caries detection methods, including visual examination using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), bitewing radiography (BW), an LED-based device (Midwest Caries I.D.), and a laser fluorescence device (LFpen). METHODS: A total of 974 proximal surface of permanent posterior teeth from 34 patients (19 females and 15 males between the ages of 22-55) were evaluated in the present study. After clinical examination of each proximal surface by an experienced examiner, they were coded according to the ICDAS criteria and subsequently with BW, the NILTI, LED, and LFpen. The proximal dentin caries of 106 were opened based on the combination of visual, NILTI and radiographic assessment and validated; and were treated with restorative materials. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and calculation of the sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve (AUC). RESULTS: The highest sensitivity values were recorded from NILTI readings (99.1%), followed by BW scores (86.8%). The highest specificity values were recorded from ICDAS (100%). The best AUC values were found from the NILTI readings (0.97), followed by BW (0.93) and ICDAS (0.87). CONCLUSION: The NILTI device exhibited the best performance in terms of detecting proximal dentin caries.

Evaluating the effects of orthodontic materials, field of view, and artifact reduction mode on accuracy of CBCT-based caries detection.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of orthodontic materials, field of view (FOV), and artifact reduction (AR) on the assessment of approximal caries using cone beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty non-cavitated and restoration-free human premolars and molars ranging from sound to various grades of lesions without cavitations were assigned to 13 groups with different combination of fix appliance equipment. CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) (Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid, Helsinki, Finland) images were obtained using combinations of three orthodontic bracket materials and two orthodontic archwire with small and large FOVs and with and without AR activation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to calculate the area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: Interobserver agreement ranged from 0.44 to 0.92 and intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.50 to 0.99. Teeth lacking orthodontic materials had the highest Az values at 0.84. FOV and AR activation did not significantly affect AUC values (P > 0.05). The AUC data were significantly reduced by the addition of stainless steel wire, NT wire, or a combination of a stainless steel bracket with stainless steel wire (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of stainless steel wire, NT wire, or a stainless steel bracket with stainless steel wire combination prevented the diagnosis of non-cavitated interproximal tooth caries by CBCT. With and without AR modes and different FOVs did not influence the diagnosis of interproximal caries lesions with different types of orthodontic equipment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A wide variety of brackets and wire combinations are used in the clinic; however, the extent to which these combinations impact the diagnosis of caries by CBCT as the effects of FOV and AR algorithms are unknown.

Does Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Affect the Maxillary Sinus Volume?

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate and compare the maxillary sinus volume (MSV) of patients with a unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) between the cleft side and noncleft side and between adolescent patients with UCLP and a control (noncleft) group using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: CBCT images of 44 UCLP patients (29 males and 15 females, with a mean [SD] age of 13.5 [5.0] years) and 44 (22 males and 22 females, with a mean [SD] age 14.9 [4.2] years) age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated in this study. Each maxillary sinus was assessed 3-dimensionally, segmented, and its volume was calculated. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the age and gender distributions of the groups. There was a statistically significant difference in the MSVs of the cleft (10996.78±3522.89 mm3) versus the noncleft side (10382.3±3416.2 mm3; P < .05)] but no significant difference between the MSVs of the right and left sides ( P > .05). In the intergroup comparison, the mean MSVs of the UCLP patients (10701.52±3369.33 mm3) were significantly smaller than those of the control group (16054.08 ± 5293.96 mm3; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The MSVs of the UCLP patients showed a statistically significant decrease compared to those of the controls ( P < .001). There was also a significant difference in the MSVs of the cleft and noncleft sides of the UCLP patients ( P < .05).

The effects of different restorative materials on the detection of approximal caries in cone-beam computed tomography scans with and without metal artifact reduction mode.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of artifacts produced by different restorative materials on the detection of approximal caries in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans with and without the application of an artifact-reduction (AR) option. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-eight noncavitated premolar and molar teeth were placed with approximal contacts consisting of 2 sound or carious teeth and 1 mesial-occlusal-distal restored tooth with resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC), amalgam, composite, ceramic-based composite (CBC), or computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) zirconia materials in between. The teeth were scanned with a CBCT system with and without the AR option. Images were evaluated by 2 observers. The teeth were histologically evaluated, and sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated according to the appropriate threshold. RESULTS: Specificity and sensitivity values for contact surfaces ranged from 0-48.39 and 82.93-98.40, respectively. The AR option affected (P < .05) approximal caries detection of the amalgam, composite, CAD-CAM, and CBC groups in contact surfaces and composite and RMGIC groups in noncontact surfaces. CONCLUSION: Artifacts produced by different restorative materials could affect approximal caries detection in CBCT scans. Use of the AR option with CBCT scans increases the accuracy of approximal caries detection.

Indications for cone beam computed tomography in children and young patients in a Turkish subpopulation.

BACKGROUND: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is widely used in children; however, it remains controversial because of the health effects of radiation. AIM: This retrospective study investigated the indications for CBCT and dentomaxillofacial pathologies in paediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 329 paediatric patients (i.e., aged <18 years) were investigated retrospectively. CBCT images were obtained with five fields of view (FOV). CBCT indications were categorised as surgery and orthodontics. The effects of age, sex, and FOV were evaluated. The level of significance was P = 0.05. RESULTS: The most common orthodontic indications were malocclusion and dentomaxillofacial anomalies (38.5%), followed by the localisation of impacted teeth (33.1%). There was no relationship between sex and indications. There were significant associations between age groups and malocclusion and dentomaxillofacial anomalies, localisation of impacted teeth, and trauma. The face was the most frequently imaged region, followed by the jaws (maxilla and mandible). CONCLUSION: The most common indication for CBCT was malocclusion and dentomaxillofacial anomalies in the primary and permanent dentition age groups, whereas the localisation of impacted teeth was the most common indication in the mixed dentition age group. Generally, CBCT was indicated in orthodontics and surgery.

Detection of Second Mesiobuccal Canals in Maxillary First Molars Using a New Angle of Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: The localization of the additional canal orifice is one of the primary factors influencing the success of endodontic treatment. To deal with this problem, several techniques that each have their own advantages and disadvantages have been discussed in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present in vitro study was to review a new approach to localizing second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in maxillary first molars using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The CBCT scans of 296 patients who were referred to the department of dentomaxillofacial radiology were included in the study. The presence of MB2 canals, the angle formed by the mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal root canal orifices (∠MDP), and the angle formed by the mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and MB2 canal orifices (∠MDMB2) were evaluated on the axial section. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression methods were used for all predictions. All of the analyses were performed using SPSS for windows version 22.0. A two-sided P value < 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 468 first molars, MB2 canals were observed in 296 subjects (141 females and 155 males). There were no statistically significant differences between females and males (P = 0.300). The ∠MDP and ∠MDMB2 were detected and evaluated. A moderate positive correlation was found between the ∠MDP and the ∠MDMB2. To predict the ∠MDMB2 values, it was shown that the ∠MDMB2 increased by 0.420 degrees when the ∠MDP increased by 1 degree. If the ∠MDP was greater than 90.95 degrees, there was a 78% probability that MB2 canals could be found. CONCLUSION: The determination of the presence of MB2 in the maxillary first molars may be carried out using CBCT scans. If the ∠MDP was 91 degrees or greater, there was considered to be a higher probability that MB2 canals would be found in the endodontic cavity. Due to the positive correlation between the ∠MDP and the ∠MDMB2, the localization of MB2 canals may be easily performed in relation to the main MB canal.

Effects of voxel size and resolution on the accuracy of endodontic length measurement using cone beam computed tomography.

An accurate determination of the working length is indispensable for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the voxel size and resolution of CBCT on measuring root canal working length. Thirty extracted single-rooted permanent teeth were used for this study. The working lengths of the teeth were determined by a researcher inserted a K-file into each canal until the tip became visible through the major foramen. The file was withdrawn until its tip was seen at the level of the coronal-most border of the major foramen under. The rubber stop was adjusted to the occlusal reference and the distance from the stop to the false tip was measured with digital calipers and recorded as the actual working length. The CBCT images were obtained with a Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) using four sets of settings: from voxel size 0.5mm to voxel size 1.0mm. These measurements were compared with actual lengths (as a control group) using Analysis of Variance and the Dunnett Post Hoc Test. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare all measurement methods. The significance level was set at P<0.05. No significant difference was found among CBCT groups and working length. A highest correlation was found between the actual length and smallest voxel size and highest CBCT measurements (r=0.94). CBCT imaging can be used endodontic working length measurement and the smallest voxel size and highest resolution yielded more accurate results.

Cephalometric comparison of cesarean and normal births.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare cephalometric variables of subjects with normal and cesarean births. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety age- and gender-matched patients, who were treated in Gaziantep University, Faculty of Dentistry Orthodontics Department were equally divided into normal and cesarean groups according to the birth methods reported by their mothers. To eliminate the negative effects of being different in terms of age and gender among parameters, control, and patient groups were matched in the present study. Pretreatment cephalometrics radiographs were used. Six measurements representing sagittal and vertical relationships were evaluated from pretreatment cephalograms using Dolphin Imaging Orthodontics Software was used in this issue by an orthodontist. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: A point-nasion-B point angle (ANB) and Wits values were higher in the normal group, while sella-nasion-A point angle, sella-nasion-B point angle, Frankfort horizontal-mandibular plane angle, and gonion-gnathion-SN plane angle values were higher in the cesarean group. However, the groups showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). ANB angle and Wits values showed high correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Within the study limitations, the results suggest that the birth method may not have a considerable effect on the development of the craniofacial skeletal system.

Comparison of different caries detectors for approximal caries detection.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Detection of approximal caries may be difficult using conventional methods including visual inspection (VI) and radiography. The purpose of this in vitro research was to evaluate the efficiency of light-emitting diode (LED) and laser fluorescence (LF) devices, and radiographic and visual examination in approximal caries diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six approximal regions were evaluated. All approximal regions were investigated using LED and LF tools after radiography and VI were performed. Histological evaluation of teeth was performed using stereomicroscopy. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and accuracy, specificity, sensitivity values calculated regarding approximal caries diagnose. RESULTS: The specificity of the bitewing examination was higher for both T1 and T2 thresholds (0.97 and 0.99, respectively), and the LF device showed better sensitivity at each threshold compared with the other devices used for caries diagnosis (0.94 at T1 and 0.79 at T2). The receiver operating characteristic curves presented that the LF device was more successful than the other techniques at T1 threshold and VI was better than the other caries detection methods at T2 threshold. The kappa values for interobserver agreements were 0.43 (LF pen), 0.33 (LED device), 0.55 (VI), and 0.75 (bitewing examination). CONCLUSION: The ability of bitewing radiography to identify sound surfaces was better than that of the other methods. The LF device was the most sensitive tool for detecting approximal surfaces with caries, followed by the LED device.

Relationship between CBCT and panoramic images of the morphology and angulation of the posterior mandibular jaw bone.

PURPOSE: We determined actual bucco-lingual angulation values and morphological variations of residual bone in the mandibular posterior edentulous region using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiography. A second aim was to investigate whether it was possible to predict bone morphology from panoramic radiographs. METHODS: Data were collected from 77 consecutive patients referred for both CBCT and panoramic radiography in our department. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of the probable implant placement region were investigated. The bucco-lingual angulation values and crest type were determined directly from the cross-sectional images of the posterior edentulous region. The edentulous region was divided into three groups: second premolar, first molar, or second molar region. The observations were evaluated by the computer software, SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA). The crest type was classified into three groups: type U, type C, or type P. Kappa statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in statistical analyses. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Type C was more frequent in the second premolar region and the crest type had changed to type U in the second molar region. The predictability of the type U was highest in the second molar region. Moderate agreement was found in the predictability of type U in the molars (κ = 0.602). The mean value of bucco-lingual angulation was highest in the second molar region, followed by the first molar region. There were statistically significant differences between the bucco-lingual angulation of the crest types in the second premolar and first molar regions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bucco-lingual angulation values and morphology change through the posterior mandible. Type U was predicted at a higher rate in the second molar region from panoramic radiographs. These results demonstrate predicting high-risk areas in the posterior mandible for implant therapy from panoramic radiography.

Effect of Different Contact Materials on Approximal Caries Detection by Laser Fluorescence and Light-Emitting Diode Devices.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of the adjacent tooth surface on pen type laser fluorescence (LFpen) and light-emitting diode (LED) device readings in detecting approximal caries lesions in permanent teeth. BACKGROUND DATA: Early detection of noncavitated dental caries is important, because disease progression can be easily halted at this stage with certain applications, such as fluoride therapy, antibacterial therapy, dietary changes, or low-intensity laser irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 87 permanent molars with 156 approximal surfaces were assessed with LED- and LF-based devices in contact with sound tooth surfaces (the control group) as well as approximal amalgam, composite, zirconia, and full ceramic restorations. All teeth were assessed once by one trained examiner. After the LF and LED assessments, the teeth were histologically evaluated using stereomicroscopy as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve were calculated according to the appropriate thresholds (T1, sound surface or enamel caries; T2, dentin caries). RESULTS: For the LFpen device, higher sensitivity and accuracy was found when the adjacent surface was sound at the T1 threshold and no significant differences were found among accuracy at the T2 threshold. For the LED-based device, no significant differences were found among sensitivities at the T1 threshold. At the T2 threshold, specificity was higher when the adjacent tooth had a zirconia restoration. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that both devices could be used effectively for evaluating approximal surfaces with adjacent restored teeth, regardless of the different kinds of restorative materials.

In vivo performance of two devices for occlusal caries detection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the performance of light-emitting diode (LED)- and laser fluorescence (LF)-based devices with that of visual inspection (VI) in the diagnosis of occlusal caries. METHODS: A total of 156 occlusal surfaces were investigated. Each occlusal surface was assessed with LED- and LF-based devices after a VI was performed. Pit and fissure opening was applied to the occlusal surfaces in which opacity or discoloration was distinctly visible after airdrying. The inter-examiner reliability of caries examination was assessed using the weighted κ statistics. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of occlusal caries diagnosis using these methods were calculated according to the appropriate thresholds. RESULTS: Acceptable inter-examiner agreement was found for the LED- and LF-based devices and VI (κ=0.61, κ=0.76, and κ=0.87, respectively). Higher specificity values were achieved at a T2 threshold for the LF-based device (0.76 and 0.80) and at a T1 threshold for the LED-based readings (0.60 and 0.62) and VI (0.90 and 0.93) for both observers. With regard to VI, higher sensitivity values were found at both thresholds for the two observers in comparing the three caries detection methods (0.98 at T1 and 0.96 at T2). The accuracy values for T1 were higher than those for the T2 values, for all three caries detection methods. CONCLUSIONS: Caries lesions may be detected more accurately than clinically sound areas by both caries detection devices.

Comparison of the delay in processing time and protective plastic cases in two phosphor plate systems.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze two phosphor plate systems (PSPs) (Dürr Dental, Digora Optime) according to their scanning delay and protective plastic case performances. METHODS: Two PSPs using an aluminum step wedge were exposed. These plates were placed in three different protective plastic cases (manufacturers' original cases, black case, and white case) before obtaining the radiographs and were then processed immediately and 1, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min after exposure. Mean gray values (MGVs) of the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th steps of the wedges were compared using ANOVA. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the two PSPs (P < 0.001). ANOVA revealed that the MGVs of four steps of the wedges were significantly different from each other for all scan delays (P < 0.001). MGVs increased with increasing scanning delay, except the group with Dürr plates in their original cases. Reduction in image quality began 5 min after exposure in the other Dürr plate groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the current study, it can be concluded that scanning delay causes a reduction in image quality, and using the manufacturer's original protective case will result in better performance of PSPs.

The effect of fissure sealants on the values of two different caries detection devices.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of clear and opaque fissure sealants on readings of laser fluorescence (LF) and light-emitting diode (LED) based caries detection devices. BACKGROUND DATA: When planning patient care, the practitioner needs to consider any changes in the status of the sealed surface for the long-term success of the sealant. As visual inspection is difficult to perform on sealed surfaces, adjunct diagnostic methods must be used to improve follow-up assessments and increase the accuracy of caries diagnosis. METHODS: Forty-six freshly extracted permanent human molars were selected and divided into two groups. Each group was treated with a different sealant (clear and opaque). The teeth were measured twice by two blinded observers using an LF-based and an LED-based device before and after sealing. The data were analyzed using Wilcoxon's matched-pairs signed-rank test and a paired t-test. Cohen's κ and the intraclass correlation coefficient were used to examine intra- and inter-examiner repeatability. RESULTS: The values of the LED device were significantly higher after the application of the opaque sealant, but there was no statistically significant difference after the application of the clear sealant (p=0.15). The LF-based device readings were also significantly lower after both the clear and the opaque sealant applications (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The readings from the LF-based device were affected by both sealants. The readings from the LED-based device were affected by the opaque sealant but not by the clear sealant.

Characteristics of 351 supernumerary molar teeth in Turkish population

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic profile of supernumerary molar (SM) teeth in people in various regions of Turkey. Study Design: A retrospective analysis was carried out on an initial sample of 104,902 subjects drawn from the ortopantographics files from 10 clinics in 7 Turkish cities with documentation of demographic data, the presence of SM teeth, their location, eruption, morphology, and position within the arch. In one region associated pathologies and treatments were also evaluated. Results: Three hundred fifty-one SMs were detected in 288 patients, constituting 0.33% of the study subjects, with a greater frequency in females (56.4%). SMs were found more frequently in the maxilla (87.7%) than in the mandible, and distomolars (62.9%) were more common than paramolars. The SMs encountered were mostly of conical shape (45.7%), impacted (81.1%), and in a vertical position (52.1). The 33% of SM teeth were related to impacted molar teeth. Conclusion: The most common complication involving these teeth was soft tissue irritation. Demographic data from such specific extensive studies are crucial for improved diagnosis of SM teeth. Early detection allows for measures against complications and more successful therapy (AU)

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The prevalence of pulp stones in a Turkish population. A radiographic survey

Objectives: The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a Turkish population. Any possible associations between pulp stones and gender, tooth type and dental arch were also evaluated. Study Design: Four hundred and sixty nine patients’ bitewing radiographs which were reached through the patient database of Erciyes University Dentistry School, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology were examined. Of these 469 subjects whose mean age was 24( ± 10.7), 302 were females and 167 were males. A total of 6,926 teeth were examined during this study. Pulp stones were recorded as present or absent and any relations with gender, tooth type and dental arch were noted. Results: Pulp stones were identified in 270 (57.6 %) of the subjects and in 1,038 (15 %) of the teeth examined. Their presence were seldom found in the premolars (9.07%) but was much higher in the molars (90.92 %). Pulp stone occurrence was significantly more common in the first molars than in the second molars, and in the first premolars than in the second premolars in each dental arch. Their occurrence was higher in the maxilla than in the mandible for each tooth type. No difference between the two genders could be identified. Conclusion: Pulp stones are not only incidental radiographic findings of the pulp tissue but may also be an indicator of some serious underlying disease. On the other hand, they may provide useful information to predict about the susceptibility of patients for other dystrophic soft tissue calcifications such as urinary calculi and calcifiedatheromas. However, further study on this issue is needed (AU)

A novel LED-based device for occlusal caries detection.

The aim of this in-vitro study was to compare the performance of laser-based (DIAGNOdent, KaVo, Biberach, Germany) and LED-based (Midwest Caries I.D., DENTSPLY Professional, New York, USA) caries detectors in the detection of occlusal caries in permanent molars. The study consisted of 129 visually sound or non-cavitated pits or fissures in 82 extracted permanent human molar teeth. Two trained examiners used the laser-based and LED-based caries detectors to examine the fissures for caries. The teeth were then sectioned at the surfaces suspected of containing occlusal caries and histologically evaluated using stereomicroscopy as a gold standard. Inter-examiner reliability of the caries detector examination was assessed using Cohen's Kappa statistics. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in diagnosing occlusal caries using the two devices were calculated according to appropriate cut-off scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also determined to compare the diagnostic performance of the devices in occlusal caries diagnosis. The cut-off level of significance was taken as p = 0.005. Cohen's Kappa showed substantial agreement for the laser-based caries detector (0.74), and almost perfect agreement for the LED-based (0.89) caries detector. The specificity of the laser-based device varied from 0.49 to 0.97 at T1 and T2. Its sensitivity varied from 0.33 to 0.65 at T1 and T2. The specificity of the LED-based device varied from 0.48 to 0.56 at T1 and T2. Its sensitivity varied from 0.65 to 0.84 at T1 and from 0.80 to 0.84 at T2. Taking the limitations of the current study into consideration, the DIAGNOdent laser pen was more accurate in determining when teeth were free of occlusal caries than was the Midwest Caries I.D. LED-based device, although the Midwest Caries I.D. device more often revealed the presence of occlusal caries than did the DIAGNOdent pen.

Characteristics of 351 supernumerary molar teeth in Turkish population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic profile of supernumerary molar (SM) teeth in people in various regions of Turkey. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was carried out on an initial sample of 104,902 subjects drawn from the ortopantographics files from 10 clinics in 7 Turkish cities with documentation of demographic data, the presence of SM teeth, their location, eruption, morphology, and position within the arch. In one region associated patho-logies and treatments were also evaluated. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-one SMs were detected in 288 patients, constituting 0.33% of the study subjects, with a greater frequency in females (56.4%). SMs were found more frequently in the maxilla (87.7%) than in the mandible, and distomolars (62.9%) were more common than paramolars. The SMs encountered were mostly of conical shape (45.7%), impacted (81.1%), and in a vertical position (52.1). The 33% of SM teeth were related to impacted molar teeth. CONCLUSION: The most common complication involving these teeth was soft tissue irritation. Demographic data from such specific extensive studies are crucial for improved diagnosis of SM teeth. Early detection allows for measures against complications and more successful therapy.

An evaluation of factors associated with persistent primary teeth.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the reasons for the persistence of primary teeth and also use panoramic radiography to determine the characteristics of persistence teeth. Four-hundred and twenty-six panoramic radiographies, which diagnosed one or more retained primary teeth, were selected from 100,577 panoramic radiographic image files from nine clinics and six different cities in Turkey. The selected radiographies were evaluated to determine the reasons for the persistence of primary teeth; furthermore, this study analyzed the characteristics of the retained primary teeth including tooth type, number, location, and root resorption, and whether, or not, the primary teeth showed evidence of pathological conditions, such as periodontal problems, caries, ankylosis, infra-occlusions, or tipping of the adjacent permanent teeth. Six hundred and seventy-seven retained primary teeth were determined in 426 patients (148 males and 278 females). Retained primary teeth were found most frequently in the mandible rather than the maxilla and the left side was more frequently affected than the right side. Level 1 was found as a most frequently encountered root resorption level. Within the limitation of the present study, the most common type of persistent primary teeth seen on the dental arch were mandibular primary second molars, followed by maxillary primary canines. The most frequent reason for the persistence was the congenital absence of successors to the primary teeth, followed by impaction of the successor teeth.

Cytomorphological changes in buccal mucosa of patients treated with low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation.

The aim of this study was to examine the cytomorphological changes occurring in the buccal mucosa in patients treated with low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation. Seventeen individuals (12 males, five females) 18-24 years of age were included in the study. Low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation was applied to the right buccal mucosa near the premolar region; this therapy was repeated for 10 days. Buccal epithelial cells were collected from the right and left premolar regions of the individuals with a brush before and after therapy. The specimens collected from the left side were measured cytomorphometrically and used for the control group. Student's t test was used for statistical comparison of the values of the buccal epithelial cells collected from individuals; a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. None of the patients showed any adverse reactions to the low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation therapy during application. There was no cytogenetic damage to the therapied or non-therapied regions in the buccal mucosa cells, as determined cytomorphologically. The results suggest that low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation therapy has no genotoxic potential. Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that low-level 1,064-nm laser radiation therapy may be used safely in dental treatments.