Double Gemination or Fusion of a Permanent Mandibular Second Molar: A Case Report.

Gemination and fusion are developmental conditions affecting the shape of teeth in both primary and permanent dentition. A 12-year-old girl presented for clinical assessment and the examination revealed an unusually shaped mandibular right second molar with irreversible pulpitis. Correlation of the intraoral and radiological appearance of this tooth suggested a diagnosis of either double gemination or fusion. The favourable position of the developing third molar supported early extraction of the abnormal second molar. The present report documents the clinical and radiological presentation of a mandibular second molar with an unusual developmental alteration in shape. Well-timed extraction therapy and good communication may reduce the need for unnecessary, complex treatment.

Root and canal configurations of mandibular first molars in a South African subpopulation.

PURPOSE: This study investigated root number and canal configurations, including morphological variations, of mandibular first molars in a subpopulation of South Africans. METHODS: Two calibrated examiners retrospectively evaluated 371 mandibular first molars by using high-resolution cone-beam CT images and the Vertucci classification system with the additions of Sert and Bayirli. Internal and external configurations were recorded, and correlations of sex and age with root number and canal configuration were determined with the chi-square and Fisher exact tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Among mandibular first molars, 0.3% were single-rooted, 98.7% were two-rooted, and 1% were three-rooted. The most frequent configuration was Vertucci Type IV in mesial roots and Vertucci Type I in distal roots. Middle mesial canals were found in 20% and middle-distal canals in 7% of samples. The prevalence of third canals increased in mesial and distal roots as age increased (P > 0.05). Canal configuration and sex were not correlated (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mandibular first molars exhibited diverse anatomic characteristics in this subpopulation. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of additional canals in mandibular first molars, as treatment outcomes may be worse if canals are left untreated.

Self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and practice of final-year dental students in relation to child abuse: A multi-centre study.

BACKGROUND: The number of child abuse cases is increasing worldwide; therefore, it is important to educate individuals having contact with children about it. This includes dentists who play a pivotal role in detecting and reporting child abuse. AIM: To identify and compare the final- year dental student's knowledge, attitudes, and practice in relation to child abuse. DESIGN: A 38- item and four- part online questionnaire was distributed to students of 11 dental schools in 10 countries. SPSS and GraphPad Prism were used for data analysis. The levels of statistical significance were determined using a chi- square test. P ≤ .05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 660 students completed the survey. Fifty- six percent of the students received formal training on child abuse, and 86% wanted additional training. The knowledge of child abuse was significantly higher in Australia, the United States, and Jordan compared with other countries. Internet (60.3%) was commonly used as an information source for child abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that dental students lack knowledge and experience in recognizing and reporting child abuse. Most respondents indicated a desire for additional training; therefore, dental schools should review what they are currently teaching and make changes as appropriate.

Endodontic treatment of dentin dysplasia type I D.

Dentin dysplasia (DD) Type I is a developmental condition affecting dentin, inherited in an autosomal-dominant pattern or occurring due to a new mutation. Whilst the crowns of DD Type I affected teeth appear clinically normal, the roots are blunt and shortened. Pulp necrosis and periapical pathoses may be seen in the absence of obvious causes. Pulp stones and calcifications are frequently encountered. Endodontic management of DD may be challenging. A case of DD Type I, sub-classification d, in which spontaneous irreversible pulpitis developed on three mandibular incisors is documented. The case was managed by conventional endodontic treatment. Knowledge of this uncommon dental condition may assist dentists to adequately diagnose and manage these cases. Extraction should not be considered the first-line treatment option when sufficient root length is available to attempt endodontic treatment. Referral for medical evaluation is recommended to rule out systemic diseases which may mimic this condition.

Root and canal configurations of maxillary premolars in a South African subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography and two classification systems.

This cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study aimed to describe the maxillary premolar anatomy of a South African subpopulation using two classification systems. A total of 601 premolars were evaluated. For each tooth, the root number and canal configurations were described using the classification systems devised by Vertucci (1984) and Ahmed et al. (2017). Correlations between root number and sex were determined using the chi-squared test (P = 0.05). Two roots were present in approximately half of all maxillary first premolars (54.1%, n = 171/316). The majority of maxillary second premolars displayed one root (78.2%, n = 223/285). Single-rooted maxillary second premolars were more common in females (P < 0.05). The Vertucci type IV configuration was most prevalent in the maxillary first premolars. In contrast, maxillary second premolars showed a greater tendency toward Vertucci's type I configuration. The classification proposed by Ahmed et al. indicated the most prevalent maxillary first premolar configuration to be 2MP B1P1. The most common configuration among the maxillary second premolars was 1 MP1. Diverse root and canal anatomical presentations were found in this subpopulation. Both classification systems adequately describe maxillary premolar anatomy; however, the system proposed by Ahmed et al. may more accurately describe complex teeth.

Allergic contact dermatitis from resin-modified glass ionomers.

Monomers in a variety of dental materials may cause allergic contact dermatitis. While resin materials have been implicated in the onset of this condition, there is a paucity of evidence linking the condition to the resin-modified glass ionomers (RMGIs). This report documents a rare case of a dentist who developed allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to a RMGI. Contact dermatitis occurred despite the use of latex gloves, which were worn during the procedure. Both the acute and chronic stages of the condition were clinically represented. Patch testing was conducted to confirm the diagnosis. A no-touch technique and the routine use of nitrile gloves were subsequently adopted, which resulted in an overall decrease of the condition. Dentists, auxiliary personnel, and students should be aware of the possibility of sensitization to, and the development of allergic contact dermatitis not only from conventional resin materials, but also from the RMGIs.