Effect of Different Bleaching Gels Thickeners on Cytotoxicity to Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Enamel Physical Properties: an in Situ Study

ObjectiveThis study evaluated in vitro, the effects of carbamide peroxide 10% (CP) associated with Carbopol® (CP-ct) and Aristoflex® (CP-at) thickeners on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cytotoxicity and assessed in situ their effects on dental enamel.Material and methodsThe cytotoxicity was analyzed using MTT - Vybrant® proliferation test. For in situ stage, 144 bovine enamel/dentin blocks were randomized into seven groups (n=12). Samples were stained, fixed in intraoral palatal devices and bleached for 4 h, during 14 days, with: Carbopol thickener (ct), Aristoflex thickener (at), CP-ct, CP-at, CP without thickener (CP-wot), Commercial CP (CP-com). The samples had their microhardness (SMH), roughness (Ra) and color analyzed using a microdurometer, a rugosimeter and a spectrophotometer, respectively. The analyses were performed at baseline and 24-h after completion of tooth bleaching.ResultsDifferent thickeners were similar regarding their cytotoxicity. The experimental gels with Carbopol exhibited lower SMH values, while the groups treated with CP exhibited higher Ra values. For the color change results, the groups treated with CP had values above the acceptability and perceptibility limits.ConclusionCP-at was able to promote an effective bleaching with less alterations of the tooth surface compared to the CP-ct. Hence, Aristoflex stands as a promising thickener in conjunction with CP in order to preserve the physical properties of dental enamel after home bleaching.Key words: Tooth Bleaching, Dental Esthetics, Biocompatible Materials, Dental Enamel, Fibroblasts     

Assessment of Damage of Endodontic Instruments with Naked Eye and Optical Instruments

ObjectivesTo determine the accuracy of visual damage evaluation of rotating and reciprocal endodontic instruments with the naked eye and optical devices.Material and methodsFour examiners were involved, divided into two age groups: I. 20−30 years, n = 2, II. 40−50 years, n = 2. They visually assessed the existence of damage to rotating or reciprocal endodontic instruments by their naked eye and with two types of optical aids. A total of 239 instruments from different manufacturers were evaluated by each examiner. Before damage estimation, each examiner calibrated the eye on a new instrument. Sensitivity of the detection method was calculated as by the naked eye. When an instrument was detected as damaged by the naked eye, the damage assessment was stopped and the instrument was considered to be damaged by the other two methods, as well.ResultsDamage was found in 178 instruments. Sensitivity of the naked eye was calculated to be 49.7%, for the loupe 66.2% and for the operating microscope 76.5%. The three methods of damage assessment had significant differences (p < 0.05) in sensitivity.ConclusionIt was concluded that there is a significant difference between age groups in estimating instrument damage. Also, it was noted that the damage assessment with the naked eye and optical aids were different. Finally, in terms of ease of damage recognition, significant differences between the types of engine-driven endodontic instruments were found. However, no type of instrument was more prone to damage than any other type of instrument.     

Influence of Different Surface Pretreatments of Zirconium Dioxide Reinforced Lithium Disilicate Ceramics on the Shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Resin Cement

AimTo analyze the influence of different surface pretreatments of zirconium dioxide reinforced lithium disilicate ceramics on the shear bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement.Materials and methodsEighty-four zirconium reinforced lithium disilicate disc Vita suprinity (Vita Zahnfabrick, Bad Säckingen, Germany) 14x12x2 mm specimens were fabricated according to the manufacturer''s recommendations. The specimens were embedded in acrylic resin blocks and randomly divided in seven groups (n=12/each) accorrding to the treatment: Group 1- 10% hydrofluoric acid; Group 2- silane; Group 3- hydrofluoric and silane; Group 4- sandblasting with silane; Group 5- Er: YAG laser+ silane; Group 6- Nd: YAG laser + silane; and the control group, in which the specimens were not treated. Round shape composite discs (Filtek Bulk fill, 3M ESPE, St.Paul, Minnesota, USA) with 3.5 mm diameter, were made for shear bond strength testing, and then cemented to the ceramic sample surface using composite cement (RelyX U200 Automix, 3M ESPE, Neuss, Germany). After cementing the composite disc on the sample, the samples were subjected to shear bond strength test of 10 N with a “stress rate” of 1 MPa / s. To determine the nature of the fracture (adhesive, cohesive or adhesive-cohesive), the broken samples were examined under a stereomicroscope. The ANOVA test and the Tukey test were used to compare the values ​​of the bond strength characteristics between different types of materials. All tests were performed with a significance level of α = 0.05.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the shear bond strength of self-adhesive cement to dental lithium-disilicate ceramics reinforced with zirconium dioxide after different preparation protocols (p<0, 05). The treatment of lithium disilicate ceramics reinforced with zirconium dioxide by silanization, sandblasting + silanization, Nd: YAG + silanization resulted in significantly higher bond strength compared to the control group. There was statistically higher bond strength of self-adhesive cement after pretreatment of lithium disilicate ceramics Nd: YAG + silanization compared to Er: YAG + silanization (p <0.05). Adhesive fracture dominated in the control group, sandblasting + silanization group, and in the laser groups, while mixed fracture dominated in other groups.ConclusionUnder the limitations of this study, the Nd:YAG irradiation with silanization could be used as pretreatment for providing greater shear bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to zirconium reinforced lithium disilicate.     

Evaluation of the Effect of Long-term Use of Three Intracanal Medicaments on the Radicular Dentin Microhardness and Fracture Resistance: An in vitro study

ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of long-term use of three intracanal medicaments on the radicular dentin microhardness and fracture resistance.Material and methodsA chemomechanical preparation was done using the Protaper rotary instruments up to F3. The teeth were stored in an incubator at 37°C at 100% humidity and were categorized in three groups by random allocation, namely: Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP), Calcium hydroxide paste (Apexcal) and Ledermix. Following medicament application, the access openings of all teeth were sealed with 4 mm thickness of cavit. The samples were stored for periods of 1 week, 1 month and 3months. Two dentin cylinders measuring 5mm and 3mm were obtained from each sample. The cervical third was used for fracture resistance and the middle third was used for micro hardness evaluation. The microhardness testing was done using a Knoop microhardness tester, and the fracture resistance testing was done using the universal testing machine.ResultsCalcium hydroxide showed maximally negative effect on the physical properties of radicular dentin compared to TAP (p= 0.0100 at one month and Ledermix (p=0.0001 at one month). With an increase in the application time, there was an increased deterioration in the physical properties of radicular dentin.ConclusionLong-term placement of calcium hydroxide, Triple Antibiotic Paste, and Ledermix (p= 0.0001at 3 months) significantly affects the microhardness and fracture resistance of radicular dentin.     

Impact of Gingival Margin Asymmetries on the Smile Esthetic Perception of Dental Specialists,Doctors of Dental Medicine,Students, and Laypeople: a Comparative Pilot Study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the perceptions of altered incisor gingival position among dental specialists, dentists, dental students, and laypeople.Materials and methodsFour digital smile photographs with altered gingival margin position of the right maxillary incisor (0, 1, 2, and 3 mm) were presented to a sample of 232 respondents (71.1% female; 28.9% male): 42 dental specialists, 63 dentists, 33 dental students (1^st to 3^rd year), 38 dental students (4^th to 6^th year) and 56 laypeople. The questionnaire consisted of four randomly displayed photographs, administered via Google Form, and respondents were asked to rate the images on a scale from 1 to 5, from the least attractive to the most attractive. A statistical analysis was performed using the TIBCO Statistica program (v. 13.3. 0, TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA; 2017). According to the Shapiro- Wilk''s test, the data were not distributed normally. The Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc multiple comparisons with the Bonferroni adjustment were used to compare group esthetic scores and to determine the threshold levels of deviation at which each group was discriminated between esthetic and non-esthetic situations.ResultsMedian values of esthetic scores decreased in all groups as the gingival asymmetries increased. Dental professionals were significantly more critical of esthetics than laypeople in all levels of asymmetry. The greatest difference was found for 2 mm of gingival asymmetry (p=0.002).ConclusionFrom the results of our study, we can conclude that the perception of gingival asymmetries in the esthetic zone of smile differs among dental specialists, doctors, students, and laypeople. Dental specialists, doctors, and clinical students were more critical of these asymmetries, while preclinical students and laypeople noticed only 2 mm or more of gingival asymmetry of central incisors.     

牙科着色氧化锆陶瓷饰瓷前后的力学性能及断裂模式分析

目的:本研究对牙科氧化锆陶瓷着色及构筑饰面瓷前后的力学性能及断裂模式进行分析.方法:球磨混合一定组分的着色剂(氧化铁及氧化铈)和3Y-TZP(钇稳定氧化锆)粉体制备着色氧化锆陶瓷.根据ISO6872牙科陶瓷标准,制备着色和未着色氧化锆陶瓷的三点弯曲强度样品和构筑饰面瓷后的双层瓷样品,核心瓷与饰面瓷的厚度比为1:1.对所获得样品进行三点弯曲强度、断裂韧性和维氏硬度测试.采用X射线衍射(XRD)分析物相结构,扫描电镜(SEM)观察样品的断裂模式.结果:白色氧化锆陶瓷与着色氧化锆陶瓷的三点弯曲强度分别为1301 MPa和1203:MPa,统计学结果显示二者间没有明显差异,构筑饰面瓷后的三点弯曲强度分别为817 MPa和803 MPa,统计学结果显示二者间没有明显差异,但构筑饰面瓷后比单一材料样品强度降低,二者间有显著差异.在所有的双层瓷样品中,断裂模式的应力位移曲线显示为单峰断裂模式,断裂起始于核心瓷的张应力面中心区域同时发生饰面瓷的破碎和瓷层剥脱.结论:对氧化锆粉体的适当着色并没有明显影响材料的机械性能,着色和未着色氧化锆材料与饰面瓷具有良好的物理匹配性.     

Comparison of Two Types of Pit and Fissure Sealants in Reducing the Incidence of Dental Caries Using a Split-Mouth Design

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of two pit and fissure sealants (PFS) in reducing the incidence of dental caries in schoolchildren.Material and MethodsA randomized split-mouth experimental design was used in a sample of 140 subjects assigned to two groups. The sealants used were Clinpro©3M and BeautiSealant©Shofu placed in first permanent molars (FPMs). Each sealant was compared to molars in the controls to determine effectiveness over a period of 6 months. The study had a 12.9% loss to follow-up. No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were observed for sex, age, baseline dmft, or type of sealants. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsAverage dmft index at baseline was 4.10±3.16. Lower incidence of caries was observed in FPMs with pit and fissure sealants (p<0.01), regardless of the type used. When sealants remained intact there was a lower caries incidence compared to sealants partially or completely missing – but differences were only significant for FPM 16. Caries incidence was higher for BeautiSealant sealed teeth than for Clinpro’s, but only statistically significant in FPMs 16, 36 and 46 (p< 0.05). Caries incidence was higher in those cases with a higher baseline dmft but it only reached statistical significance in FPMs 26 and 36. Relative risks for dental caries were lower in sealed teeth (p<0.01).ConclusionsPit and fissures sealants are an effective preventive treatment to reduce caries during a 6-month follow-up in schoolchildren 6 to 8 years of age, regardless of the type of sealant used. The sealant brand that showed greater effectiveness in terms of prevention and retention was Clinpro©3M.     

Evaluation of Elastomeric Impression Materials’ Hydrophilicity: An in vitro Study

IntroductionHydrophilicity of dental impression materials is crucial for obtaining an accurate impression and necessary for the production of a well-fitting cast restoration. The most common technique for evaluation of hydrophilicity is a contact angle measurement. The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the water contact angles of four groups of elastomeric impression materials, before and during setting.Material and methodsFlattened specimens (n=10) of tested impression materials were prepared by the use of a Teflon mold with specific dimensions. A 5μl droplet of deionized water fell on the specimen, and photos were taken using a Nikon D3200 DSLR camera and a 105 mm macro lens (Nikorr, Nikon) in specific time points.ResultsThe CAD/CAM material showed the highest contact angle measurements. The light body polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) material 1, polyether and vinylsiloxanether material showed comparable contact angle measurements especially at the initial time point. A statistically significant reduction of contact angles was reported during setup time for all PVS, PE and vinylsiloxanether materials, while the most expressed reduction of contact angle measurements, and thus the most significant increase of hydrophilicity were reported for light wash PVS material 2.ConclusionsThe CAD/CAM impression material showed the most hydrophobic behavior. PVS materials showed excellent hydrophilicity. Polyether and polyvinyloxanether impression materials presented lower contact angle measurements, and thus superior hydrophilicity, compared with other tested materials initially and during setting. All tested impression materials presented a stepwise development of hydrophilicity during the setting stage.     

Five Years Follow-up of Short Implants Placed in Atrophic Maxilla with Simultaneous Sinus Floor Transcrestal Elevation

ObjectiveMany authors have tried to face the anatomical limitations resulting from maxillary bone atrophy. Up to five millimeters bone height, the lateral sinus floor elevation is the most commonly used and validated strategy to achieve the prosthetic rehabilitation. However, the disadvantages of this technique are its invasiveness and delayed rehabilitation. The aim of this paper was to assess 5 years clinical outcome of implants placed with a technique that allows the percrestal sinus floor elevation and the immediate implant placement.Materials and Methods30 transcrestal sinus floor elevations with immediate implant placement were performed in severely atrophic maxillae. Implant survival, marginal bone level variation, harvested bone height variation and periodontal indices were assessed.ResultsAfter a five year follow up none of the thirty implants were lost. The mean value of vertical harvested bone loss was 5%. The mean crestal bone loss was -0.33 mm (Standard Deviation (SD) 0.11 mm). The mean value of periodontal indices was respectively: PD 1.22 mm (SD 0.72 mm), PI 17.47% (SD 15.01 mm), BOP 9, 87%.,(SD 19.17 mm).ConclusionThe results obtained are comparable with success criteria in implant rehabilitation. The reported technique proved to be successful in the population observed, with minimal trauma and reduced invasiveness.     

Assessment of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effect of Fissure Sealants in Buccal Epithelial Cells

AimThe main purpose of this study was to assess the genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of fissure sealants on buccal epithelial cells.Material and methodsThe study was conducted on 45 patients (27 girls and 18 boys), seven to 16 years of age (age mean 12.09 ± 2.20). Buccal swabs were collected before (T0), seven (T1), 30 (T2) and 90 days (T3) consequently after fissure sealant placement (Helioseal F®, Equia Fil®, Constic®). Patients or legal guardians filled in the questionnaire regarding the demographic data (age, gender), dietary habits, health status, medication usage, and recent X-ray exposure. DNA damage was analyzed using the micronucleus test.ResultsStatistically significant difference in the number of buccal cells with condensed chromatin was found between T0 (time before fissure sealant placement) and T3 (90 days after fissure sealant placement) period for Helioseal F® (P = 0.025). For the other two analyzed materials, no difference was observed during the tested period. There was no difference between materials in the same sampling time.ConclusionApart from an increase in cells with condensed chromatin 90 days after the placement of Helioseal F®, no other nuclear abnormalities were observed for tested fissure sealants. Although these sealants have now largely been used, it is of high importance that their biocompatibility is checked continuously, especially in in vivo clinical studies.     

Comparison of Osteoimmunological and Microbiological Parameters of Extra Short and Longer Implants Loaded in the Posterior Mandible: A Split Mouth Randomized Clinical Study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF-α, PGE₂, RANKL, RANK, OPG, the markers of periimplant bone loss in peri-implant crevicular fluid obtained around standard and extra short implants. Moreover, the levels of putative oral pathogens were investigated in the submucosal biofilm samples.Material and MethodsThe implants were divided into two groups according to their lengths: standard (≥8 mm) and extra short (4 mm). A total of 60 implants were researched in 30 patients. The probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), presence of bleeding on probing (BOP), 3-year survival rate (CSR), and bone loss (BL) were measured.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found in the values of PD, CAL, BOP, CSR, and BL between the groups (P> 0.05). Total amounts of PGE₂, TNF-α, RANKL, RANK, OPG, and RANKL/OPG were not statistically significantly different between the groups (P> 0.05). The abundance of F. nucleatum, T. forsythia, P. intermedia, P. gingivalis, S. oralis and T. denticola was compared between the groups and the results were not statistically significant (P> 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study suggested that PGE₂, TNF-α, RANKL, RANK, OPG, and RANKL/OPG in PICF, as well as microbiological parameters in submucosal biofilms, were similar between standard (≥8 mm) and extra short (4 mm) implants. Therefore, the implant length does not seem to influence the bone loss, levels of osteoimmunological and microbiological markers in the peri-implant tissues and survival rates.     

Post-Discharge Complications of Dental Treatment in General Anesthesia Performed in a Day-Care Service

ObjectiveTo review the frequency and management of post-discharge complications in patients who underwent dental treatment in general anesthesia (GA) in a day-care surgery setting and identify the factors that increase the risk for these complications.Material and methodsAnonymous questionnaire was sent to parents/caregivers of patients who underwent full mouth restoration in GA at our institution between 1^st January 2017 and 31^st July 2019. Demographic and clinical data of patients as well as the data about the occurrence and management of complications were collected.ResultsSixty-six parents/caregivers (30.5%) responded to the questionnaire. Most frequent complications were drowsiness and pain in 40(60.6%) patients. Complications were managed by parents or caregivers with conservative measures at home in 57(91.9%) cases. Phone consultation with dentist was required in 5(8.1%) cases. One patient (1.6%) was readmitted. Younger age and diagnosis were associated with increased risk for drowsiness.ConclusionPost discharge complications of dental treatment in GA in a day-care service are common and they can be managed by parent/caregiver with conservative measures at home. The rate of readmission is low. Dental treatment in GA in a day-care service is a safe procedure that can be performed with acceptable risk in carefully selected patients.     

Correlation between Body Mass Index and the Occurrence of Postoperative Complications after Surgical Removal of the Lower Third Molar

ObjectivesSwelling, pain and trismus after the surgical removal of the mandibular third molars are the most common and expected postoperative complications. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association of those postoperative complications and BMI after surgical removal of the mandibular third molars.Material and methods84 patients who required the surgical removal of their lower third molar were enrolled in this study and were divided into 4 groups dependent on their BMI. Data were tested by one-way analysis of variance (Welch''s ANOVA). The differences were tested by the intragroup using the Games-Howell test.ResultsThe effect of BMI on pain had a statistically significant difference within the first 24 postoperative hours: 4 hours (p=0.014), 6 hours (p=0.034, p=0.049), 12 hours (p= 0.00.P=0.023), and 24 hours (p=0.010). For swelling and trismus in the exception on first postoperative day between underweight and normal weight groups (p=0.026), and underweight and overweight groups (p=0.014) no statistically significant correlation was foundConclusionBMI has an impact on a patient’s early postoperative recovery     

Dental Caries Prevalence and Oral Health Status among 15-Year- Old Adolescents in Kosovo

IntroductionCaries has a harmful impact on oral and general health and is a major public health problem among children and adolescents. The objective of present study was to investigate into dental caries, oral hygiene, the frequency of brushing habits and dental visits among 15- year- old adolescents.Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on a random sample of 323 15- year- old adolescents in different schools and municipalities of Kosovo. Oral clinical examination and self-administered questionnaire were used to obtain information about dental caries and oral health practices. Oral hygiene and caries status in permanent dentition was assessed through the DMFT index and Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S). The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsThe total mean of the DMFT index was 3.21 ± 2.193, while component D of the DMFT index dominated in both genders, with slightly higher values in boys compared to girls (2.15±2.092, and 1.91±1.919). The mean OHI-S index of adolescents aged 15 was found to be 1.945±3.926. Over 50% of schoolchildren brush their teeth only once per day and they have visited the dentist only when it was necessary. Irregular tooth-brushing, dental visits and poor oral hygiene index were significantly related to dental caries.ConclusionThe results of the study showed poor oral health status among 15- year- old adolescents in Kosovo. There is an emergent need for caries-prevention programs focusing on oral health and healthy habits.Key words: Dental Caries, Oral Hygiene Index, Tooth brushing, Dental Visits, Adolescents     

Systematic review of the role of corticosteroids in cervicofacial infections

The role of corticosteroids in the management of cervicofacial infections continues to cause controversy. Systemic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects that reduce swelling and improve symptoms in the head and neck may make these agents an effective addition to the antibiotics used and to surgical management, although this same effect may dull the physiological response to infection, and allow infections to progress. We have systematically reviewed the evidence for the use of corticosteroids in common cervicofacial infections following the PRISMA guidelines. MeSH terms included “head”, “neck”, “infection”, and “glucocorticoid”. In total, 31 papers were identified. Eight reported the use of corticosteroids for peritonsillar abscess (PTA), 10 for pharyngitis, four for deep neck space infection (DNSI), four for periorbital cellulitis, and five for supraglottitis. Whilst there is an established evidence base for their use in the treatment of PTA and pharyngitis, other indications need further study, and we highlight the potential pitfalls. The evidence suggests that the use of adjunctive, short-term, high-dose corticosteroids in cervicofacial infections may be safe and effective.     

表面处理对瓷牙材料机械强度影响的实验研究

目的 比较不同表面处理因素对瓷瓦材料机械强度的影响。方法 制备３００个表面均匀一致的实验标本,对抛光面进行表面处理,处理后的标本用万能实验机进行机械循环,然后用Ｐｉｓｔｏｎ－ｏｎ－ｔｈｒｅｅ ｂａｌｌ方法检查实验标本的挠屈强度。结果 双向卡方检验说明不同表面处理因素及不同循环次数对实验标本挠屈强度的影响都具有显著意义（（Ｐ〈０．０００１）;Ｑ－检验说明自然上釉、酸蚀、喷砂等表面自理和表面抛光相比,     

Streptococcus Mutans Infections in Infants and Related Maternal/Child Factors

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the maternal-child S. mutans infection, mutual interaction and potential risk factors altering this interaction.Material and methodsA total of 160 mothers who were paired with their children were recruited. Saliva from mothers and children was collected and S. mutans categorized levels were analyzed. A questionnaire was used to collect maternal and child conventional caries risk factors. A proportional odds regression model was used to investigate whether the level of infection of mothers would similarly affect the level of infection of their children, thus adjusting for other risk factors.ResultsThe average age of mothers was 28.1 years and children had a median age of 5.1 months. Paired mother-child S. mutans cross-classification into non-infected and infected subjects showed no agreement in mutual contamination. Maternal infection of the child was highest when the mother was infected with 10^>3 S. mutans/ml of saliva. The results obtained by the regression model showed that none of the potential risk factors influenced the level of infection in the child.ConclusionMothers with a high S. mutans level increase the risk of S. mutans acquisition for her five- month- old child but no evidence was found that other maternal/child factors may influence this.     

氧化磷含量对新型牙科玻璃陶瓷微观结构和强度的影响

目的：分析不同氧化磷含量对新型牙科二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷微观结构和强度的影响。方法：通过调控Li2O、SiO2、K2O、Al2O3、ZrO2-P2O5玻璃系统中氧化磷（P2O5）的含量（0.5%,1.0%,1.5%和2.0%）,并进行相应的热处理,应用X射线衍射技术（XRD）,电子扫描显微术（SEM）分析制备的各组玻璃陶瓷的微观形貌,根据ISO6872标准测试玻璃陶瓷的弯曲强度,进行统计学分析。结果：各组玻璃陶瓷样本的主晶相均为二硅酸锂（Li2Si2O5）,随着P2O5含量的改变,析出晶体的形貌和分布有显著不同。1.0%组玻璃陶瓷具有最高的弯曲强度值。结论：通过调控P2O5含量,可制备具有高强度和适宜微观形貌的二硅酸锂玻璃陶瓷。     

Dentin Thickness at Danger Zone and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Molars

ObjectivesDentin thickness in concave areas of the root creates risk for complications such as strip perforation during endodontic treatment. The study aims to examine dentin thickness of the danger (DZ) and safety zone (SZ), canal configuration, and the presence of isthmus in the mesiobuccal root of maxillary molars.Material and MethodsCone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of 1251 teeth belonging to 642 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The dentin thicknesses at DZ and SZ in maxillary molars with one (MB) or two mesiobuccal canals (MB1, MB2) were measured at the 3 mm apical to the furcation level. Vertucci''s canal configurations and the isthmus rate were recorded. The Chi-square test andThe Student’s t-test were performed.ResultsMB2 rate was higher in maxillary first molars (61.68%) than second molars (39.36%). Isthmus rates were 27.3% and 44.11% in first and second molars. DZ thickness was thinner than the dentin thickness in the SZ in both first and second molars with one or two mesial canals (p< 0.05). In teeth with single canal, the mean DZ thickness was 0.88mm. In teeth with two canals, the mean DZ thicknesses were 0.83mm and 0.80mm for MB1 and MB2 canals, respectively.ConclusionMB2 rate was higher in the first molar (61.68%), and the isthmus rate was higher in the second molar (44.11%). DZ and SZ were thinner in MB2 than in MB1 at the maxillary molars with two mesial canals. The results indicated that more conservative preparation must be applied to the MB2 canal in the maxillary molars.