A retrospective study of the prevalence and characteristics of dens invaginatus in a sample of the Turkish population

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of dens invaginatus and to classify the types of dens invaginatus in a sample of the Turkish population.. Study Design: A retrospective study was performed using periapical and panoramic radiographs of 5355 patients who presented to the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology at the Ondokuz Mayıs University Dentistry Faculty between January 2009 and December 2010. Maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth were evaluated for the presence and characteristics of dens invaginatus. Statistical evaluation of the presence of dens invaginatus related to gender was performed by the Pearson chi-squared test. Results: Dens invaginatus was observed in 116 of 4556 subjects, with a frequency of 2.5%. There was only one periapical lesion in teeth with type I dens invaginatus, but 8.1% of patients with type II and 87.5% of patients with type III dens invaginatus had apical periodontitis at the time of referral. There were 116 (72%) females and 32 (27%) males with dens invaginatus. Conclusion: This data represents the only study carried out in a large population in Turkey, and no dens invaginatus was found in mandibular teeth. The most commonly observed type of dens invaginatus was type I (69.8%). Key words:Dens invaginatus, dens in dente, dental anomaly, Turkish.     

A cone-beam computed tomography study of root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolars in a Turkish population

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal number and configuration of maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth by gender, intervals for decades, tooth position and unilateral or bilateral occurrence in a Turkish population using Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT) scanning. Methodology. CBCT images of 5496 maxillary and mandibular premolars from 849 patients were evaluated. The following was evaluated in all the images: numbers of roots and root canals, the morphology of the root canal configuration according to the Vertucci classification, male–female differences in the tooth position and male–female differences in unilateral or bilateral occurrence. The reliability data were analyzed with a chi-square test. Results. The most prevalent root canal frequency was the two canals (86.2%) and type IV (76.9%) configuration for maxillary first premolar, one canal (59.7%) and type I (54.5%) canal configuration for second premolar. The incidence of one canal was higher in females and the occurrence of two or three canals was more common in males. The incidence of one canal was higher on the left side of maxillary premolars and the incidence of two canals was higher on the right side. Most mandibular first (93.5%) and second (98.5%) premolars had one canal. In general, females had one root canal of the mandibular premolar, whereas males had two or three canals. The type I configuration was most common and the incidence was higher on the right side. There were some differences found in the frequency distribution of the number of root canals and configuration of maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth according to intervals for decades. Conclusion. CBCT scanning provides comprehensive information about the root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolar teeth. These data may help clinicians in root canal treatment of premolar teeth.     

The frequency of distomolar teeth in a population of urban Turkish adults: a retrospective study

Objectives  

To determine the frequency, location, and shape of distomolar teeth in a population of urban Turkish adults.     

The prevalence of root caries in a diabetic population

The objective of this study was to assess the level of root caries in a population of diabetic adults. Diabetics are of special interest because they are alleged to be periodontally compromised and have atypical patterns of refined carbohydrate ingestion. Diabetic subjects were patients of the Joslin Diabetic Center in Boston and had significantly elevated blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels over at least a ten-year period. Eligible subjects had to be between the ages of 45 and 65 and have a minimum of ten teeth and three sites with recession. Data were collected on coronal caries, oral hygiene, gingivitis, pocket depth, recession, and root caries and were compared with data from control subjects from a larger non-diabetic study group. There were 88 diabetics and 185 controls with mean ages of 55.7 and 56.3 years, respectively. The groups were found to be similar with respect to the numbers of buccal surface sites with gingival recession and the numbers of carious root lesions. There was a distinct difference, however, with respect to restored root surfaces: 1.76 mean filled surfaces were observed in the controls, as compared with 0.49 in the diabetics. A Katz Root Caries Index (for which lesions are calculated as a percentage of the numbers of exposed root surfaces) was determined to be 15.2 for the controls and 7.1 for the diabetics. A reasonable inference is that these differences are the result of a restricted ingestion of refined carbohydrates by the diabetic group. This was confirmed by a dietary survey of subsamples from the diabetic and non-diabetic groups.     

Burning mouth syndrome: a retrospective study of 140 cases in a sample of Catalan population

The results of analyzing etiologic and clinical factors, and their connection with the burning mouth syndrome (BMS) in a sample of Catalan (Barcelona, Spain) population are presented in this work. The purpose of this study is to establish connections between BMS and the following variables: age, sex, overt depression, masked depression, cancerophobia, dry mouth, foreign body sensation in the mouth, and burning. 140 clinical cases of patients diagnosed with the disease and 140 cases of control patients are studied here. The data were statistically analyzed to study connections as well as the disease and variables frequency. The obtained results will help understanding possible connections of the studied etiologic and clinical factors with the disease, as well as the course of BMS, and its consequences in the Catalan population.     

A retrospective study of the prevalence and incidence of recurrent aphthous ulcers in a professional population, 1958-1971.

A 12-year retrospective investigation of 1,788 professional school students from the University of Pennsylvania was conducted. Because of changes in profession, location, marital status, and names, only 651 proband subjected were available for the follow-up investigation. Techniques of subjective evaluation of disease status (mailed schedules describing disease and color photographs) were used in making an assessment of RAU, including both current disease and histories of prior disease. The data presented suggested a trend toward decreased RAU prevalence and severity among physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and nurses as compared with 12 years previously when they were professional school students. The prevalence rate, however, was still very high, indicating that 48.3 per cent of the men and 57.2 per cent of the women had RAU at the time. It has been suggested that the student years may represent the highest levels of RAU and that special features of the life patterns of the student favor disease expression; the data from study support this hypothesis, since reduction in severity was observed in all groups.     

Radiographic prevalence of root canal ramifications in a sample of root canal treatments in a Brazilian Dental School

The aim of this study was to radiographically investigate the presence of root canal ramifications found after endodontic treatment, and to determine any relationship between their presence and the type of the auxiliary chemical substance used. The study evaluated 1,470 endodontic treatments performed by final year undergraduate students at the Dental School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), SP, Brazil, during the period from 1998 to 2000. The X-rays taken during treatment were evaluated in order to establish the presence of ramifications of the root canal system. The initial X-ray did not show the presence of any canal ramifications. After filling, X-rays showed only 3 ramification types: 3.06% of lateral canals, 2.99% of apical deltas, and 0.1% of interradicular canals. The maxillary premolars showed the highest number of lateral canals (n = 13), followed by mandibular premolars (n = 10) and maxillary incisors (n = 10). Apical deltas were mostly found in mandibular molars (n = 14), followed by maxillary incisors (n = 9). Only mandibular molars had interradicular canals. The detection of ramifications increased with the use of EDTA. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between the type of auxiliary chemical substance used and the number of root canal ramifications detected after root canal filling. It was concluded that the frequency of root canal ramifications found radiographically was low in treatments performed by undergraduate students.     

Maxillary and mandibular mesiodistal tooth sizes among different malocclusions in a sample of the Turkish population

The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for mesiodistal tooth crown dimensions with respect to malocclusions and gender differences in Turkish sample. The subjects were randomly selected and assigned to three malocclusion groups according to Angle's classification. Each group consisted of 100 individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 years with the following distribution: Class I, 42 males and 58 females; Class II, 52 males and 48 females; and Class III, 51 males and 49 females. An electronic digital calliper was used to measure the mesiodistal tooth width from the right second permanent molar to the left second permanent molar on both upper and lower study casts. For statistical evaluation, one- and two-way analyses of variance and post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) tests were performed. There were statistically significant differences for the maxillary canine (P < 0.001), first premolar (P < 0.05), second molar (P < 0.05), and mandibular canine (P < 0.01) for males, and for all maxillary teeth and the mandibular central (P < 0.05), canine (P < 0.001), and first premolar (P < 0.05) teeth in females among the malocclusion groups. When Angle's classification was evaluated, significant differences were determined, except for the first and second mandibular molars. All mesiodistal widths were also found to be statistically different according to gender dimorphism. A significant relationship was found between mesiodistal tooth size, Angle's classification, and gender. Therefore, tooth dimensions may play a crucial role in treatment planning and in achieving satisfactory interdigitation of the upper and lower dentition following the completion of orthodontic treatment.     

The quality of root canal treatment and periapical status of permanent teeth in Turkish children and teens: a retrospective CBCT study

Objective

This study aimed to assess the quality of root canal fillings and the prevalence of periapical radiolucencies in the permanent teeth of 6–18 year-old Turkish children.

Methods

CBCT images of 150 patients’ 235 teeth with a mean age of 16.0?±?2.06 years were included. Root development stage, quality of root canal filling, the presence and severity of periapical radiolucencies, and their relationship with anatomical structures were recorded. Correlations between the quality of root canal filling, periapical lesion, and lesion size were assessed using regression analyses.

Results

A total of 235 teeth (528 root canals) were evaluated. 65.5% of root canals had periapical lesions. Immature roots and mandibular teeth had the highest prevalence and the largest size of periapical radiolucencies (p?<?0.05). Overfilling (n?=?52), underfilling (n?=?93), unfilled (n?=?46), inhomogeneously filled (n?=?113) root canals and poor coronal restoration (n?=?85 teeth) were observed in terms of technical failures of endodontic treatment. The quality of endodontic treatment was associated with the presence of periapical lesion and lesion size (p?<?0.05). Teeth with under-filled, overfilled or inhomogeneously filled root canals and poor coronal restoration had a periapical lesion larger than 5 mm (p?<?0.05). Immature teeth were most associated with the presence of lesion (OR?=?4.07) and the lesion size?>?5 mm (OR?=?3.71).

Conclusion

The prevalence of periapical radiolucencies in young permanent teeth showed an increase when the tooth was an incisor, had incomplete root development, or the root filling had technical errors.

     

Evaluation of root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a Saudi population using cone beam computed tomography: A retrospective study

Objective

To investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular first and second premolars using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in a Saudi population.

Radiographic study of tooth agenesis in the Turkish population

Objectives  

This retrospective study used panoramic radiographs of a large number of Turkish patients to determine the prevalence of tooth agenesis.     

The prevalence and pattern of distribution of root caries in a Scottish medieval population

The prevalence and pattern of distribution of root caries were determined in a Scottish Medieval population. The principal finding was a lower root caries prevalence, compared with that of modern times, with respect to surfaces at risk; this was particularly marked with respect to buccal root caries. A lower intake of refined sugars and the presence of heavy deposits of supragingival calculus are suggested as factors that may be responsible for the observed differences. The common site for the early root caries lesion was just apical to the enamel-cementum junction. Initially, it extended laterally in the form of an elliptical erosion; however, the greater the depth of the lesion, the more circular the outline became.     

Investigation of the root canal configurations of mandibular permanent teeth in the Turkish population

AIM: To investigate the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent teeth collected from an indigenous Turkish population. METHODOLOGY: A total of 1400 extracted mandibular permanent teeth were evaluated. The teeth were divided into seven groups as central incisors, lateral incisors, canines, first premolars, second premolars, first molars and second molars in order to evaluate their root canal configurations. Access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue removed using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution. The teeth were stored in 5% nitric acid solution for 5 days, then rinsed under running water for 4 h and placed in increasing concentrations of ethyl alcohol. The teeth were rendered transparent by immersion in xylene solution for 3 days until complete transparency was achieved. Following this procedure, India ink was injected in the root canal systems and their configurations were examined and compared with the classification of Vertucci. The following observations were made: (i) root canal classification of mandibular teeth; (ii) morphology of the mandibular permanent teeth. The classification of Vertucci was taken as a reference during the evaluation; however additional canal morphological types were evaluated as separate groups. RESULTS: The presence of a second canal was detected in 68% of mandibular central incisors and 63% of lateral incisors. Lateral canals were found in 6.5% of mandibular central incisors and in 13% of lateral incisors. Overall, 62% of mandibular first premolar teeth had a single canal whereas 71% of second premolars had a single canal. The mandibular first and second molar teeth exhibited similar root canal configurations except for a group of second molar teeth that had a single root and canal. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological characteristics of teeth in this Turkish population were consistent with those of other studies performed on different populations using similar methodology.     

Root and root canal morphology of permanent mandibular first and second molars in a Kuwaiti population: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study

AimEndodontic diseases typically affect the mandibular molars. Understanding the complex morphology of the root canal system and its variations is necessary for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology of roots and root canals of mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth in a Kuwaiti population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and methodsCBCT images of 651 mandibular first and second molar teeth were obtained from specialist government dental centers. The age, sex, root canal configuration, and number and type of roots were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe most common canal configuration in the mandibular first and second molars was type II (65.6% and 54.4%, respectively), with no significant difference seen between the sexes (p = 0.234). The canal configuration was significantly different between the mandibular first and second molars (p < 0.001). Most teeth had two roots (94.5%); split roots were common (92.6%) and the number thereof varied significantly. Radicular grooves were most common on the lingual side (4.9%). C-shaped canals were present in 43 (6.60%) teeth. Additionally, one tooth had a confluent middle mesial canal and nine (1.4%) had radix entomolaris.ConclusionMandibular molars in our Kuwaiti population typically had two split roots with type II and IV canal configurations. The prevalence rates of C-shaped canals, middle mesial canals, and radix entomolaris were remarkably low.     

A study of the reasons for tooth extraction in a Canadian population sample.

The reasons for extraction of teeth were determined in a Canadian population sample of 909 patients, ranging in age from 14 to 91 years. Caries was the primary cause of extraction (63%), followed by periodontitis (34%). For the adult age groups, the percentages were approximately the same. While periodontitis was the cause of one-third of the extractions, these occurred in only one-fifth of the population. Although there is a commonly expressed belief that periodontitis is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, a review of both historical and contemporary literature does not support this position. According to the current concept of the natural history of periodontal disease, only about one-fifth of the population, or less, is likely to have periodontitis severe enough to cause tooth loss. This view is consistent with data from this and most other studies on the reasons for tooth extraction.     

MRI evaluation of the classification,frequency, and disc morphology of temporomandibular joint disc displacements: a multicenter retrospective study in a Turkish population

Objectives  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) have been discussed in detail for various populations. As no such study has examined the Turkish population, we determined the frequency of TMDs in the Turkish population through a multicentric investigation using MRI. Methods  This retrospective study examined 504 TMJs of 252 symptomatic patients who had undergone bilateral MRI investigation in four different dental schools. The image analysis included the assessment of disc position and morphology, and recaptured the coronal and sagittal planes in the closed and open mouth positions. The TMJ disorders were classified using the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (CDC/TMD). The correlations among the groups of TMJs and disc morphologies were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test (P ≤ 0.05). Results  Disc displacement and abnormal disc morphology were detected in 69.5% of the symptomatic TMJ patients. Of the joints examined using MRI, 154 were normal, 135 had anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR), 145 had anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR), 30 had partial anterior disc displacement, and 18 had sideways disc displacements. Regarding disc morphology, enlargement in the posterior band was the most commonly encountered type and was observed in 152 TMJs. Overall, the average time for referral for treatment, which was defined as the time from symptom onset until the time of referral, was 1.5 years. Conclusions  The most common type of disc displacement found in the Turkish population studied was ADDwoR. In addition, patients did not perceive the symptoms of TMDs as a disease and did not seek help until the TMJ derangement caused a major complaint.     

Frequency of root-filled teeth and prevalence of apical periodontitis in an adult Turkish population

AIM: To report the frequency and distribution of root-filled teeth as well as the prevalence of apical periodontitis in an adult population in Turkey. SUMMARY: Digital panoramic radiographs of 1000 patients who were examined at the Baskent University Faculty of Dentistry between December 2004 and May 2005 were evaluated. Patients ageing <15 years and those with less than nine remaining teeth were excluded. The coronal and periapical status of all the teeth with the exception of third molars was examined according to the criteria proposed by De Moor et al. (2000). Statistical analysis was performed with the Rao and Scott adjusted chi-square test for the comparison of clustered binary data. In all, 24 433 teeth were examined. A total of 346 teeth (1.4%) had radiographic signs of apical periodontitis, and 812 were root filled (3.3%). Of the 812 root-filled teeth, 148 (18.2%) had apical periodontitis. Of the 23,621 nonroot-filled teeth, 198 (0.8%) had apical periodontitis. The number of root-filled teeth in male subjects was significantly less than that in female subjects (P < 0.001), but the presence of apical periodontitis in male subjects was significantly higher than that in female subjects (P < 0.05). KEY LEARNING POINTS: * The prevalence of apical periodontitis and the frequency of root-filled teeth with apical periodontitis were lower than in comparable populations in other countries. * The number of root-filled teeth was comparable to that found in other epidemiologic studies.     

Prevalence study of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in a Turkish population

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a population of 792 Turkish adults ranging in age from 15- to 72-years-old. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Subjects were examined objectively and subjectively for signs and symptoms of TMD through the distribution of frequency of the data obtained from a questionnaire and a physical examination using a similar methodology of previous studies. RESULTS: This study determined the prevalence of signs and symptoms of TMDs in subjects from male and female subgroups in a Turkish adult population. Both signs and symptoms of TMDs were generally more prevalent in females than in males. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of signs and symptoms were generally greater than in previous studies of other populations.