Unlocking the Potential: Investigating Dental Practitioners' Willingness to Embrace Artificial Intelligence in Dental Practice.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant promise for transforming healthcare delivery, including dentistry. However, the successful integration of AI into dental practice necessitates an understanding of dental professionals' perspectives, attitudes, and readiness to adopt AI technology. This study aimed to explore dental professionals' perceptions, attitudes, and practices regarding AI adoption in dentistry. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 dental professionals using an online questionnaire. Participants were assessed for familiarity with AI technology, perceived barriers to adoption, attitudes towards AI, current usage patterns, and factors influencing adoption decisions. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests and regression analysis, were employed to examine associations between variables and identify predictors of AI adoption in dentistry. RESULTS: The study surveyed 256 dental professionals from various regions across India, primarily aged 30 to 50 years (mean age: 42.6), with a nearly equal gender split (male: 48.4%, female: 51.6%) and high educational attainment (67.8% with master's or doctoral degrees). Private practices were predominant (56.3%). The diagnostic algorithms and treatment planning software were well known (77.3% and 70.3% familiarity, respectively). Technical concerns (average score: 3.82 ± 0.68) were the main barriers to AI adoption, followed by financial considerations (average score: 3.45 ± 0.72), ethical and legal issues (average score: 3.21 ± 0.65), and organizational factors (average score: 3.67 ± 0.71). Despite these concerns, most participants had positive attitudes towards AI (70.3% agreed). Current usage varied, with diagnostic support and administrative tasks being the most common (44.5% and 82.8% usage, respectively). Perceived utility (average score: 4.12 ± 0.75) and ease of use (average score: 3.98 ± 0.69) significantly influenced adoption, as identified by regression analysis (perceived utility: ß = 0.342, p < 0.001; ease of use: ß = 0.267, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into AI adoption in dentistry, highlighting the multifaceted nature of barriers and facilitators that influence dental professionals' adoption decisions. Strategies to promote AI adoption should address practical considerations, ethical concerns, and educational needs to facilitate the integration of AI technology into dental practices.

Micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) characterization of root and root canal morphology of mandibular first premolars: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular first premolars are familiar with their varied root canal morphology, causing difficulties and challenges for successful endodontic procedures. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to study the characterization of root and canal morphology of the first mandibular premolar using micro-computed tomography. METHODOLOGY: The literature search was conducted using electronic web databases like PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Cochrane with the chosen MeSH key words and data was retrieved until May 2023. Further to perform the statistical analysis, R v 4.3.1 software with "meta", 'metafor" "metaviz" " ggplot2" package was used, and results were represented by odds ratios (OR) and the percentage of forest plots along a 95 per cent confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The total number of studies meeting the inclusion criteria was 13; these studies were conducted on mandibular first premolar using Micro-CT; the total sample size was 1817. To scan the sample, an X-ray micro-focus CT system (Siemens Inveon CT, Erlangen, Germany) was used in four studies and seven different machines were used in the respective studies. Mimics 10.01 software (Materialize, Leuven, Belgium) and NRecon v.1.6.9 software (Bruker, Kontich, Belgium) were commonly operated. The minimum and maximum voxel size ranges between 11.94 and 50 µm. Vertucci's classification was frequently used (9), while one study applied Ahmed et al. and Vertucci's classification. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides essential information about the root and canal configurations, radicular grooves, accessory canals, and apical foramina through Micro-CT, aiming to improve the accuracy of endodontic treatment and help practitioners.

Muscle Activity in Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients: Electromyography Study.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition of insidious onset which affects the oral mucosa, pharynx, and esophagus. The muscles of mastication are known to be affected resulting in limited mouth opening. Electromyography (EMG) is a sophisticated method of measuring and evaluating muscle activity. Previously, EMG was primarily utilized in medical sciences, but it is currently being used extensively in both the medical and dentistry fields. Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the electromyographic activity of masseter muscle in OSMF patients before and after treatment and to compare with healthy controls. Materials and Methods: This prospective case-control clinical study comprised 180 OSMF patients who were divided into four groups and 45 healthy individuals served as the control group. The OSMF individuals were injected with hyaluronidase 1,500 IU mixed in 1.5 ml of dexamethasone and 0.5 ml of lignocaine HCL intralesionally twice a week for one month along with a basic physiotherapy regimen consisting of mouth exercises two times daily. The control subjects were given placebo capsules. The treatment was carried out for a month and the electromyographic masseter muscle activity was evaluated among the OSMF patients and control group before and after treatment. Results: The results revealed that the electromyographic activity of master muscles in OSMF patients showed increased activity when compared with healthy controls. Patients with OSMF showed decreased muscle activity after treatment. Conclusion: When compared with healthy controls, OSMF patients had higher electromyographic activity of the masseter muscles and the muscle activity was decreased following treatment. In OSMF patients, EMG may help in determining the involvement of the mastication and facial expression muscles. It can also be used as a diagnostic tool to assess the treatment outcome of muscle activity in OSMF patients.

The Reliability of a New Device for Measuring the Maximum Bite Force.

OBJECTIVE: To test the inter- and intraexaminer reliability of a recently developed instrument for measuring the maximum bite force (MBF). Material and Methods. Sixty patients who were clinically confirmed as having Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. For each subject, age, gender, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The maximum bite force was recorded in alternate order with a bite force sensor (D1) and an occlusal force meter (D2). Bite force was measured in the first molar region. Pearson's correlation coefficient and kappa statistic were applied to assess the reliability between D1 and D2 in the assessment of maximum bite force. The independent t-test was performed to find the statistical significance between the two study groups. The paired t-test was applied to find out the difference between the right and left disease in groups of two devices separately. The one-way analysis of covariance (ANOVA) was performed to find the significant difference between grades of OSMF. RESULTS: The results of the kappa values were 0.8531 ± 0.0724 and 0.7336 ± 0.0737 for interdevice reliability in OSMF patients in right and left sides. Similar findings were obtained in right and left sides of healthy individuals (0.7549 ± 0.0816 and 0.9440 ± 0.0806) and in the total sample (0.8132 ± 0.0544 and 0.8303 ± 0.0538). Pearson's correlation coefficient between two devices revealed a high and significant positive correlation between D1 and D2 separately and in the whole sample. CONCLUSION: The observations of the present study suggest that the bite force sensor can be used as a reliable device for measuring bite force.

Association of oral hygiene practices with the outcome of untreated dental caries and its clinical consequences in pre- and primary school children: A cross-sectional study in a northern province of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association amongst oral hygiene practices, untreated dental caries (UDC) and clinical consequences of UDC in pre- and primary school children aged 3-5 and 6-7 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 subjects were recruited. The demographic and oral hygiene data were collected using a closed-ended questionnaire. The UDC was measured using the 'd/D' component of the decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index, and its clinical consequences were recorded using the 'p/P' component of the pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula and abscess (pufa/PUFA) index. The data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 94.2% and 56.5% of the participants had one or more UDC and pulp involvement (p ≥ 1), respectively in 3-5-year-old age group. In the 6-7-year- age group the prevalence of UDC was 26.7% and the pulp involvement was 11.6%. Children who brushed with their fingers were 4.7 times more likely to have UDC (crude odds ratio [COR] = 4.71; 95% CI: 1.21-18.40). Twice-daily brushing resulted in a 39% (p = 0.732) lower likelihood of having UDC compared with once-daily brushing (COR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.04, 10.09). Children with irregular brushing frequency were 3.2 times more likely to have pulpal involvement (COR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.74-5.93). CONCLUSION: Finger brushing, irregular frequency of brushing and lack of parental supervision whilst brushing were associated with UDC and its consequences.

Association of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference With Dental Caries and Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries Among 12- to 14-Year-old Boys: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) and dental caries (DC), and the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (U-DC) among 12- to 14-year-old male public-school adolescents in the Northern Province, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The demographic and anthropometric measurements of 302 boys 12 to 14 years of age (mean: 12.5 years) were recorded. BMI and central obesity (based on WC) were measured. The decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) index was used to record DC. The pulp involvement, ulceration, fistula, abscess (PUFA) index was used to quantify the clinical consequences of U-DC. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors related to DC and clinical consequences of U-DC. RESULTS: A high prevalence of DC was found in adolescents who were underweight according to BMI and nonobese based on WC (46.7% vs 34.5%). The association between underweight (BMI) and obese (WC) with DC (odds ratio [95% CI]) was 1.91 (0.87, 4.18) and 0.34 (0.18, 0.63), respectively, while with PUFA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 95%CI), it was 1.76 (0.76, 4.09) and 0.19 (0.06, 0.63) respectively. The logistic regression model showed that consuming sugar more than once a day led to a 2.87-fold greater likelihood of DC (AOR [95% CI] = 2.87 [1.68, 4.88]) and a 3.91-fold greater likelihood of mean PUFA score (AOR [95% CI] = 3.91 [2.05, 7.44]. CONCLUSION: High risks for DC and clinical consequences of U-DC were observed among underweight and nonobese adolescent males. The frequency of sugar consumption was significantly associated with both conditions.

Alteration in Serum Lipid Profile Pattern in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Potentially Malignant Disorders

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare lipid profile level in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Material and Methods: Thirty histopathologically diagnosed subjects each of OL, OSMF, OSCC were recruited along with 30 healthy controls. 5ml of venous blood is collected and estimated using standard diagnostic kits. Results: The mean of Total cholesterol level in controls was 219.03 mg%, in OSCC, OL and OSMF was 142.89 ± 10.21mg%, 155.44 ± 17.63 mg% and 180.60 ± 13.25 mg%, respectively. The mean low-density lipid level in controls was 137.24 mg and in OSCC, OL and OSMF groups were 109.28 ± 2.16 mg%, 126.63 ± 0.85 mg% and 119.15 ± 0.93 mg%, respectively. The mean of high-density lipid level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 42.87 ± 0.42 mg%, 36.50 ± 2.31 mg%, 21.13 ± 0.77 mg% and 28.37 ± 1.11mg%, respectively. The mean of very low density lipids level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 30.12 ± 1.51 mg%, 17.24 ± 0.80 mg%, 22.25 ± 0.93 mg% and 25.89 ± 0.43 mg%, respectively. The mean triglyceride level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 118.80 ± 9.47 mg%, 91.2 ± 3.03 mg%, 105.05 ± 2.96 mg% and 106.19 ± 3.09 mg%, respectively. Conclusion: Lipid profile levels could be early indicators of precancer and cancer.

Measurement of the Maximum Occlusal Bite Force and its Relation to the Caries Spectrum of First Permanent Molars in Early Permanent Dentition.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the maximum occlusal bite force (MOBF) of the complete spectrum of dental caries in first permanent molars (FPMs) in children aged 7-9 years. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 children. The evaluation of the caries spectrum of FPMs was carried out using the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment index (CAST). The MOBF was measured in the FPM region using the portable occlusal force gauze. Independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance test were performed to compare MOBF with CAST scores of FPMs. Based on the CAST scores, FPMs were categorized into three groups, group 1: healthy (score 0, 1, 2), group 2: premorbid (score 3), group 3: morbid (score 4, 5). RESULTS: A significantly lower MOBF was observed (167.56 N ± 49.77) in the morbid stage (group 3) than in the premorbid stage (group 2: 291.57 N ± 56.64), and healthy (group 1; 320.93 N ± 54.23). Intergroup comparison also revealed that FPMs in the healthy stage was associated with a higher bite force compared to those in the premorbid and morbid stages (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mean MOBF decreased with the progression of the caries spectrum of FPMs in early permanent dentition.

Comparison of Primary Stability of Implants Installed by Two Different Methods in D3 and D4 Bone Types: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to assess the method of implant insertion in D3 and D4 bones and influence of insertion torque for achieving better primary implant stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 specimens (wood blocks) simulating D4 and D3 bone were grouped into 1, 2, 3, and 4. In groups 1 and 3, the implant and abutment were placed by manual method while in groups 2 and 4 by motor-driven method. The osteotomy site was prepared as per the protocol for soft bone, and implants were placed till the implant platform was in flush with the surface of the block. After achieving a standard insertion torque of 40 N.cm, pullout test was carried out with a universal testing machine and results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: An intergroup comparison of peak loads revealed an overall statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) with a mean of 442.638 N, maximum in group 4 and least (202.963 N) in group 1. The mean elongation break was found to be maximum in group 3 samples (81.67600%) and less in group 4 (37.15113%). Intergroup comparison of Young's modulus was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) with a mean value found to be minimum among group 1 samples (597.54750 MPa) and maximum in group 2 (1056.76463 MPa). An intergroup comparison of yield points was found to be maximum among group 4 samples (16.17238MPa) and least in group 1 (5.77438MPa). CONCLUSION: The D3 bone sample provided greater primary stability of implant than D4 bone samples, and the motor-driven implant seemed to have improved stability than that placed manually.

Comparative Evaluation of Dental Implant Failure among Healthy and Well-Controlled Diabetic Patients-A 3-Year Retrospective Study.

Diabetes mellitus is known to compromise the various aspects of homeostasis, including the immune response and the composition of oral microflora. One of the oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus is tooth loss and the survival rate of dental implants chosen as a treatment modality for its rehabilitation is controversial. The current study aims to evaluate and compare the failure rate of dental implants between well-controlled diabetic and healthy patients. A retrospective study of case-control design was conceptualized with 121 well-controlled diabetic and 136 healthy individuals. Records of subjects who had undergone oral rehabilitation with dental implants between the periods of January 2013 to January 2016 were retrieved. Post-operative evaluation was carried out for all patients for about three years to assess the immediate and long-term success of the procedure. From a total of 742 dental implants, 377 were placed in well-controlled diabetic patients (case group) and 365 in healthy subjects (control group). A comparable (9.81%), but non-significant (p = 0.422) failure rate was found in the case group in comparison to the control group (9.04%). A non-significant (p = 0.392) raised number (4.98%) of failure cases were reported among females in comparison to males (4.44%). In respect to arch, the mandibular posterior region was reported as the highest failure cases (3.09%; p = 0.411), with 2.29% of cases reported in the mandibular anterior (p = 0.430) and maxillary posterior (p = 0.983) each. The maxillary anterior region was found to have the least number (1.75%; p = 0.999) of failure cases. More (4.98%; p = 0.361) cases were reported to fail during the functional loading stage in contrast to osseointegration (4.44%; p = 0.365). A well-controlled diabetic status does not impose any additional risk for individuals undergoing dental implant therapy.

A CBCT Based Three-Dimensional Assessment of Mandibular Posterior Region for Evaluating the Possibility of Bypassing the Inferior Alveolar Nerve While Placing Dental Implants.

A high rate of nerve injury and related consequences are seen during implant placement in the posterior mandibular arch. An approach has been proposed to avoid nerve injury by dodging the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) while placing an implant. A prospective study with a total of 240 CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) images of patients with three dentate statuses, namely, edentulous (group I), partially edentulous (group II) and dentate (group III) were included in the study. The nerve path tracing was done on CBCT images with On-demand 3D software. The three dimensions, i.e., the linear distance from the outer buccal cortical plate to the inferior alveolar nerve (BCPN), linear distance from the outer lingual cortical plate to the inferior alveolar nerve (LCPN) and linear distance from the midpoint of the alveolar crest to the inferior alveolar nerve (ACN) were assessed. The data were presented and analyzed between variables using one-way ANOVA and independent t-test in SPSS version 21.LCPN of the right 1st premolar region (p < 0.05) was significantly different among the groups with edentulous subjects recorded with the minimum value (6.50 ± 1.20 mm). Females were found to have significantly (p < 0.05) less available bone (6.03 ± 1.46 mm) on the right side of the mandibular jaw compared to males in edentulous group of patients. On comparing age groups for partially edentulous subjects, LCPN of the right 1st premolar region had significantly (p < 0.05) less available bone (6.03 ± 0.38 mm) in subjects with age ≥54 years. The IAN follows a lingual course in the molar region and later flips to the buccal side in the premolar region. The LCPN dimension in the 1st and 2nd premolar region was found to be more than 6 mm irrespective of age, gender and side of the jaw. Thus, it can be considered as a suitable site for placing implants while bypassing the IAN with CBCT assessment remaining as the mainstay in the pre-surgical phase.

Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries among Primary School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the dental caries experience and clinical consequences of untreated dental caries (UDC) among primary school children of Al Jouf region, Saudi Arabia and to determine the correlation between dental caries experience and clinical consequences of UDC. Material and Methods: A 250 primary school children 6-7 years were recruited using systematic random sampling. The prevalence of dental caries in deciduous dentition was assessed by following WHO criteria using the dmft index and the clinical consequence of UDC was assessed with the pufa index. The pufa score was calculated cumulatively following the pufa diagnostic criteria. The Student's t-test was used to equate the mean dmft and pufa scores between boys and girls. The correlation between the dmft and the pufa scores was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), and the p-value was set at 0.05 for statistical significance. Results: Out of which 154 (61.60%) boys and 94 (37.60%) were girls. The mean (SD) values of dmft for boys reported to be 5.37 (± 3.31) and for girls 6.35 (± 3.27), which was statistically significant with gender (p<0.001). Statistically, significant mean values of pufa were 1.20 (± 1.37) in boys and 1.71 (± 1.58) in girls, respectively was observed (p<0.001). The Pearson correlation between dmft and pufa values showed a highly significant positive correlation among dmft and pufa values (r= 0.635, p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study revealed that high caries prevalence and experience of the clinical consequences of UDC in the primary dentition, and there was a strong positive correlation between dmft and pufa score values.

Accuracy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Mandibular Molar Furcation Defects

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment of mandibular molar furcation defects. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with furcation defects were selected, oral hygiene instructions, scaling, and root planing with ultrasonic devices and hand instruments and occlusal adjustments were performed. Pre-surgical clinical measurements were carried out at the buccal aspect of the selected mandibular molars. The horizontal furcation measurements were measured with a Nabers Probe starting at the furcation entrance to the greatest horizontal depth. The degree of furcation involvement was graded from 0 to III. Bone loss in the horizontal and vertical direction and the width of the furcation entrance were measured on CBCT and after reflecting the full-thickness flap and debridement of the defects. The data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The width of furcation entrance in clinical method was 3.27 ± 0.77, while in CBCT method was 3.35 ± 0.71, clinically the vertical bone loss was 3.61±1.09, while in CBCT was 3.57 ± 1.15, horizontal bone loss in clinical method was 5.08 ± 2.21, while in CBCT was 5.11 ± 2.23. No significant difference between the two methods was noted, and a high correlation between the two methods was observed. With regards to the agreement between the two methods of assessment, the width of furcation entrance revealed a difference between the two methods by 0.08 ± 0.21, while vertical bone loss showed difference between the two methods by -0.04 ± 0.19, the horizontal bone loss showed a mean difference between the two methods by 0.03 ± 0.21. Conclusion: CBCT provided high accuracy for the furcation involvement detection and anatomy of surrounding periodontal tissues.

Assessment of Caries Spectrum of First Permanent Molars in 7- to 8-Year-Old School Children in Northern Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To estimate caries spectrum in first permanent molars (FPMs) of 7- to 8-year-old children in Saudi Arabia using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index, and examine the correlation between distributions of CAST codes among contralateral and opposite arches. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 7- to 8-year-old Saudi school children in Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia. A total of 385 children were examined. CAST codes were determined for FPMs, and their distribution was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. Intra-examiner reliability was determined using the unweighted kappa coefficient. Results: The results indicated most of the FPMs were scored as code 3 (enamel lesions) such as upper contralateral FPM 44.40% for right, 53.50% for left, respectively, and lower contralateral molars were 61.30% for right and 64.90% for left, respectively. It was also observed that upper FPMs had scored code 0 (sound teeth) more than that of lower FPMs. Serious morbidity (codes 6 and 7) and mortality (code 8) showed a low prevalence in FPMs. Strong correlations were observed between upper contralateral FPMs (r=0.586) and lower contralateral FPMs (r=0.567, p<0.001). Conclusion: A high prevalence of enamel caries lesions (code 3) was observed in FPMs; in addition, a strong correlation was present between upper contralateral FPMs and between lower contralateral FPMs.

Frequency and Characteristics of Mesiodens in Indian School Children: A Retrospective Radiographic Study

Abstract Objective: To determine the frequency and characteristics of mesiodens in Indian school children. Material and Methods: 1232 radiographs of patients attending the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of the age group of 4-15 years studied for the present retrospective study. The intraoral periapical radiographs and occlusal radiographs of the premaxilla were examined to determine the presence of mesiodens. The data regarding the presence of mesiodens, number, position, location on the arch, shape and associated complications were recorded. Results: Eleven patients had 14 mesiodens, with a frequency of 0.8%. The ratio of boys to girls was 1.2:1. Maximum mesiodens observed in the age group of 7-9 years. Most of the mesiodens were conical in shape and found on the palatal side. Fifty percent of the mesiodens were unerupted. The majority of patients (57.1%) had vertically positioned mesiodens. Midline diastema was the most common complication due to mesiodens (66.7%). Conclusion: Routine check-up during the primary dentition and mixed dentition stages helps for early detection of mesiodens and thus preventing complications. Early identification is useful for planning comprehensive management, initiating proper consultation and referral for evaluation and treatment.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in Patients with Dental Prosthesis

Abstract Objective: To determine the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) for post-treated fixed dental prostheses in selected sample of patients. Material and Methods: 120 patients treated with fixed dental prostheses, either single crowns or fixed partial dentures in maxillary or mandibular arches were asked to express their views about their quality of life. Patients' files were randomly selected from the archives of Department of Prosthetic Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. For this purpose, a self-structured questionnaire was prepared and their responses recorded. The responses were categorized on a 5 point scale and frequencies calculated. Results: Of 120 patients approached, 79 responded with the mean age group of 37 years. From the survey, it was noted that only three variables were statistically significant, those relating to the importance of natural teeth over fixed prostheses (p=0.046), the ability to chew all kinds of foods (p=0.021) and satisfaction with the occlusion (p<0.001). Conclusion: Oral health remains important, which directly or indirectly is related to many systemic diseases. In the present study, the majority of patients were satisfied with the treatment given.

Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma - A rarity?

Ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumour classified by the WHO (1992) as an odontogenic sarcoma and defined as "a neoplasm with a similar structure to ameloblastic fibroma (AF) but in which the ectomesenchymal component shows the features of a sarcoma." The first report of AFS was published by Heath in 1887. AFS and related lesions are less frequently diagnosed than odontogenic carcinomas. Approximately two-thirds of AFSs seem to arise de novo, but others have developed in recurrent AF, in which the ectomesenchymal cells retain their embryonic appearance and develop malignant characteristics. We report a rare case of an aggressive odontogenic neoplasm, the incisional biopsy of which showed the features of AF, while the excisional biopsy revealed the features of malignancy, suggestive of AFS. The purpose of this report is to discuss the diagnostic difficulties, whether AFS is truly an extremely rare tumour as reported earlier and, lastly, should the treatment protocols of AFs be revised, as 44% of AFSs arise from recurrent AFs.

Prevalence of hypercementosis in a saudi arabian population: a cone beam computed tomography study

Objective: to determine the prevalence of hypercementosis in a Saudi Arabian population. material and methods: a total of 642 CBCT scans from patients comprising 4471 teeth were incorporated in the study sample. all teeth were analyzed for the presence of hypercementosis in sagittal, axial and coronal plains by two qualified and experienced observers. the characteristics of the involved tooth in terms of gender, jaw and location were recorded from the CBCT scans. the obtained data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 21.0. the reliability of measurements was evaluated by kappa statistics. results: out of total 642 subjects hypercementosis was observed in 31 patients (4.82 percent) and 43 teeth (0.96 percent). Eight (2.68 percent) maxillary 1st molars, 6 (1.88 percent) mandibular 1st molars, 5 (1.46 percent) maxillary second molars, 7 (1.95 percent) mandibular 2nd molars, 9 (4.76 percent) maxillary 3rd molars and 8 (3.58 percent) mandibular 3rd molars were observed to have hypercementosis. among males, 4.76 percent were affected with hypercementosis as compared to 4.86 percent of females (p=0.97). likewise, no significant difference in the occurrence of hypercementosis was observed between maxillary and mandibular arches or between sides (p>0.05). conclusion: the prevalence of hypercementosis in a Saudi population was found to be 4.82 percent with respect to patients and 0.96 percent with respect to teeth. No significant propensity for gender, jaw and arch side was noted.