Bilateral radicular cyst with severe destruction of the buccal cortical plate secondary to endodontic failure

Large apical radiolucencies after endodontic treatment are usually advised orthograde retreatment, apical surgery and that too with a guarded prognosis. Microsurgical techniques, the use of ultrasonic and magnification aides, have been in use in the developed countries for the past few decades and have shown significant improvement in long-term success of such cases. MTA is proposed as one of the best materials for sealing root end surfaces. In this report, the healing response of cases of 2 large apical radiolucencies, found separately in the anterior maxilla, which were treated by orthograde as well as retrograde endodontic treatments and guided tissue regeneration techniques

Post-traumatic apexogenesis of immature non-vital permanent incisors

Injury to an immature permanent tooth may result in cessation of dentin deposition and root maturation leaving an open root apex and thin dentinal walls that are prone to fracture. Endodontic treatment is often complicated and protracted with an uncertain prognosis frequently resulting in pre-mature tooth loss. There are several advantages of promoting apexogenesis in immature teeth with open apices. It encourages a longer and thicker root to develop thus decreasing the propensity of long term root fracture. This case report highlights the role of Hertwig root sheath and dental papilla in continued root formation of immature permanent tooth, even diagnosed with necrotic pulp

Comparison of convergence angle of prepared teeth for full veneer metal ceramic crowns

To compare clinically practiced convergence angle values of tooth preparation with recommended values, and also the effect of tooth position and operator experience on convergence angle. Analytical study. The study was carried out at the Dental clinic, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from January to June 2007. A minimum of 75 crown preparation dies including 25 dies in each group of teeth [anterior, premolars and molars] were collected retrospectively which were prepared by residents and specialists of operative dentistry. AutoCAD 2007 software was used for measurement of convergence angle. One sample t-test was applied to compare the mean practiced convergence angle values with its recommended values. Two way ANOVA was applied to measure difference in convergence angle values with respect to operator experience and tooth type with the level of significance being a=0.050. Mean reported convergence angle value was 22.72°, which was significantly greater [p < 0.001] than the recommended values. Statistically significant difference in convergence angle was found between anterior vs. molar teeth and between premolars vs. molar teeth [p=0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively]. There was a considerable disparity between the convergent angles values recorded in this study and the recommended guidelines. Measured convergence angle values were greater for posterior teeth as compared to the anterior teeth