Exploring dental anxiety as a mediator in the relationship between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect.

Dental anxiety and dental neglect are interconnected constructs with profound consequences for oral health and corresponding challenges for dental professionals. Meanwhile, other literature has indicated that mindfulness and self-compassion relate negatively to different forms of anxiety, and propose elements of potential interventions. This study aimed to explore the potential impact of dental anxiety as a mediator on the relationships between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect. The results showed significant negative associations between mindfulness and self-compassion with dental anxiety and dental neglect. Mediation analyses supported the hypothesis that dental anxiety mediates the positive associations between mindfulness or self-compassion and dental neglect, providing preliminary evidence for the potential effectiveness of mindfulness and self-compassion interventions in addressing dental anxiety and dental neglect. Future research and potential clinical implications are discussed.

Mandibular canines with additional roots: An ex vivo study of the external and internal morphology.

The aim of this study was to investigate the root and root canal morphologies of mandibular canines with additional roots using cone-beam computed tomography. Seventy-seven extracted two-rooted and one-three-rooted permanent human mandibular canines were selected. Aspects of the external morphology evaluated were crown length, root length, total length, root bifurcation distance from the cementoenamel junction, root size, and direction of the root curvature in the apical third. Features of internal morphology assessed were root canal number per root, root canal bifurcation distance from the cementoenamel junction, and the angle between the buccal or lingual canal and the main canal. The root size and length presented considerable diversity. Most of the roots bifurcated at the middle third and exhibited a buccal curvature. The main root canal bifurcated coronally in two root canals, a buccal and a lingual. The majority of the buccal and lingual root canal angles were blunt. The presence of a third root in a specimen was a novel finding of this study.

3-Rooted Maxillary First Premolars: An Ex Vivo Study of External and Internal Morphologies.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the external and internal morphologies of 3-rooted maxillary first premolars using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging. METHODS: Fifty-six three-rooted maxillary first premolars were imaged by CBCT imaging and classified into 4 groups on the basis of external root morphology. Internal morphologic features, including the shapes of the buccal and palatal orifices and distances of bifurcation of the buccal-palatal and mesiobuccal-distobuccal root canals from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ), were measured. RESULTS: The teeth were classified into 4 groups on the basis of external morphology: group A, separation of the buccal and palatal roots with bifurcation of the former into the mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots (n = 22); group B, fusion of 2 buccal roots with the palatal root being separate (n = 19); group C, complete or partial fusion of the distobuccal and palatal roots (n = 9); and group D, fusion of all 3 roots (n = 6). The buccal orifice was mainly triangular/heart shaped. The distance of bifurcation of the buccal-palatal root canals from the CEJ in group A differed significantly from those in groups B and C (P < .05). There were significant differences in the distance of bifurcation of the mesiobuccal-distobuccal root canals from the CEJ among groups A, B, and C (P < .05). Four teeth exhibited C-shaped root canal systems of different configurations. CONCLUSIONS: The external and internal morphologies of 3-rooted maxillary first premolars vary considerably.

Endodontic management in a patient with vitamin D-resistant Rickets.

INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphatemic vitamin D-resistant rickets (VDRRs) is a metabolic bone disease caused by abnormalities in the vitamin D receptive system or in phosphate and calcium metabolism. This condition occurs in growing skeleton affecting bone and dentin mineralization, resulting in systemic and oral manifestations. METHODS: A 15-year-old boy was referred to the private clinic for endodontic treatment in #9. His medical history revealed VDRR disease. The dental findings were multiple periapical lesions in several teeth without obvious reason such as caries or trauma. The radiographic examination showed short roots, enlarged pulp chambers with longer pulp horns, thin dentin and enamel, missing or poorly defined lamina dura, and abnormalities in the cementoenamel junction, all pathognomonic features of the disorder. Conservative endodontic treatment was completed in all teeth with pulp necrosis and rarefactions. RESULTS: A 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up radiographic examination revealed progressive improvement with bone reconstruction without any clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis, conventional treatment, and continuous radiographic examination are important factors in improving dental alterations in patients with VDRRs.