Under the lens: a report on global dental morphology modules / Bajo la lupa: un reporte sobre los módulos de morfología dental a nivel global

SUMMARY: Dental morphology (DM) is the first introduction of dental graduates towards the identification of tooth; hence it is an important component of the dental curriculum. Traditionally, it is taught by manual carving of wax blocks, but the limitations of this method have been highlighted. There is a need to adopt innovative teaching methodologies to invigorate the concepts of dental anatomy (DA) and reduce the stress in teaching and learning with a proposal in standardization of training methodologies worldwide. Methods: A three-phased project was designed with an aim to collect global data related to teaching dental morphology within the dental curriculum. One dental professional actively involved in university teaching of DM subject was invited from 11 countries. The present study involved compilation of data from phase 1 questionnaire responses, followed by its discussion and analysis, and generation of preliminary report. Results: It is universally acknowledged that acquiring dental morphology knowledge by dentists is a prerequisite before they commence clinical practice. Our data points that no uniformity in DA course modules exists throughout the world and globally the subject requires curriculum redesigning. Conclusions: Consensus should be achieved amongst academicians in DM teaching and learning context. Innovative and standardized DM modules with component of computer-based and remote learning techniques should also be introduced.

La morfología dental (MD) es el primer contacto de los estudiantes de odontología con la identificación del diente; por lo tanto, es un componente importante del plan de estudios de la carrera. Tradicionalmente, se enseña mediante el tallado manual de bloques de cera, pero se han destacado las limitaciones de este método. Existe la necesidad de adoptar metodologías de enseñanza innovadoras para dinamizar los conceptos de anatomía dental (AD) y reducir el estrés en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje con una propuesta de estandarización de metodologías de formación, a nivel mundial. Métodos: Se diseñó un proyecto de tres fases con el objetivo de recopilar datos globales relacionados con la enseñanza de la morfología dental dentro del plan de estudios dental. Se invitó a un profesional de la odontología de cada uno de 11 países que participa activamente en la enseñanza universitaria de la MD. Esto incluyó la recopilación de datos de las respuestas a un cuestionario en la fase 1, seguida de su discusión y análisis, y la generación de un informe preliminar. Resultados: Se reconoce universalmente que la adquisición de conocimientos de morfología dental por parte de los odontólogos es un requisito previo antes de comenzar la práctica clínica. Nuestros datos indican que no existe uniformidad en los módulos del curso de AD en todo el mundo, por lo que el tema requiere un rediseño del plan de estudios. Conclusiones: Debe lograrse consenso entre los académicos en el contexto de enseñanza y aprendizaje de MD. También se deben introducir módulos innovadores y estandarizados de MD con componentes de aprendizaje remoto y de base digital.

Problems Encountered by Dental Students in Understanding Oral Histology and Dental Anatomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dental anatomy and oral histology as a subject need comprehensive information for its application in every wake of academic as well as clinical life. It’s also the responsibility of the trainers for a brighter prospect and enhancement in their academic field. Aim and objectives of the study: To analyze the problems encountered by the dental students in understanding oral histology and dental anatomy as well as to find out the necessary solutions to overcome these problems. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study will be conducted in the department of Oral Pathology, GDC Srinagar where the prepared questionnaires will be distributed to all the undergraduate students and interns of GDC, Srinagar. The questionnaire will be in the form of multiple choice questions and designed in such a way which will be simple to understand and answer. Results: In the present study, dental students have satisfactory knowledge of this concerned discipline of dentistry but there are still gaps between the understanding and interest for this subject in the students. Conclusion: In the present study, students felt problems/difficulties which are easy to handle if proper measures are taken. By making few variations in their recent curriculum, it can be make more interesting and comprehensive for the future aspirants

Is there a correlation between students' performance in dental anatomy and performance in operative dentistry? / ¿Existe una correlación entre el rendimiento de los estudiante de anatomía dental y el rendimiento en odontología operativa?

SUMMARY: Manual skills form only a part of the capabilities required for a future dentist. Nevertheless, they are very important components that should be tested. The aim of this study is to investigate if a correlation exists between dental students' grades in the preclinical courses and their clinical performance. Preclinical/clinical grades were collected for first, fourth, and fifth year students who graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan, in 2016, and 2017. Two courses (Dental Anatomy and Operative Dentistry) were selected. Corre-lations comparing the practical grades of Dental Anatomy course for first year students, and the practical grades of Operative Dentistry course for the same students in fourth and fifth years. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between the soap carving grades of first-year dental students and their practical grades in Operative Dentistry course during fourth and fifth years. Also, statistically significant strong positive correlation was found between the grades of fourth-year practical Operative Dentistry and the grades of fifth-year practical Operative Dentistry. The clinical performance of dental students in their practical courses in fourth and fifth years can be predicted from their soap carving grades at their first year in Dental School.

RESUMEN: Las habilidades manuales forman solo una parte de las capacidades requeridas para un futuro dentista. Sin embargo, son componentes muy importantes que deben ser probados. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar si existe una correlación entre las calificaciones de los estudiantes de odontología en los cursos preclínicos y su desempeño clínico. Los grados preclínicos / clínicos se obtuvieron para los estudiantes de primero, cuarto y quinto año, graduados de la Facultad de Odontología, de la Universidad de Jordania, Amman, Jordania, en 2016 y 2017. Se seleccionaron dos cursos (Anatomía Dental y Odontología Operativa). Correlaciones que comparan los grados prácticos del curso de Anatomía Dental para estudiantes de primer año y las notas de calificación prácticas del curso de Odontología Operativa para los mismos estudiantes en cuarto y quinto año. Se encontró una correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa, entre las notas de tallado de jabón de los estudiantes de primer año de odontología y sus notas de calificación prácticas en el curso de Odontología Operativa durante el cuarto y quinto años. Además, se encontró una fuerte correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa entre las notas de calificación en Odontología Operativa práctica de cuarto año y los grados de Odontología Operativa práctica de quinto año. El rendimiento clínico de los estudiantes de odontología en sus cursos prácticos en cuarto y quinto año se puede predecir a partir de las calificaciones en tallado de jabón durante su primer año en la Escuela de Odontología.

Construction of stomatology students spatial memory based on staged mindmapping in the dental anatomy course / 解剖学报

Objective: To discusse the application effect of mindmapping on the construction of stomatology students' spatial memory on dental anatomy by integrating into a system's internal knowledge framework based on staged mindmapping. Methods: This study was performed among 121 Grade 2016 students majoring in oral medicine in our school. The dental anatomy chapter of the course of oral anatomy and physiology was selected, and Mindjet MindManager 2019 software was used to make a staged mind map of dental anatomy. The mindmapping experimental group (60 students) was divided into three stages during the teaching process: preview before class stage (focus on the summary of key knowledge points), theory teaching stage (focus on the detailing of knowledge points), and review after class stage (focus on the linking of knowledge points). The conventional teaching group (61 students) adopted method conventionally used in lectures. After the lecture, students scores in theoretical written and practical training examinations were compared and analyzed between the two groups, and the clinical memory scale was used to test the memory ability of the two groups of students. Results: The total scores and subjective question scores of the mindmapping experimental group in the theoretical examination were better than the conventional teaching group (P0.05). According to the testing items of the clinical memory scale, after implementing the staged mindmapping teaching method in the two groups, students scores in the free memory of images, the recognition of meaningless figures and the portrait-feature associated recall were compared between the two groups. The scores of the mindmapping experimental group were all significantly higher than the conventional teaching group (P 0.05) in directed memory scores and associative learning scores. Conclusion: Compared with conventional teaching method, staged mindmapping plays a role in strengthening logical memory in students' spatial thinking construction, which can help students explore the relevance among knowledge points and construct a relatively complete knowledge system.

Reto de la endodoncia: conducto en "C" / Endodontics challenge: C-shaped root canal

El correcto manejo de la configuración del sistema de conductos radiculares en forma de C es un reto en la práctica endodóntica. La complejidad de este tipo de conductos hace que su diagnóstico, instrumentación y sobretodo su limpieza y obturación sea una tarea ardua en la mayoría de las ocasiones. El sistema de conductos tipo C en molares inferiores fue descripto por primera vez en 1979, por Cooke y Cox. Es una variación anatómica vista principalmente en segundos molares inferiores con una prevalencia de hasta un 31,5% en población asiática, aunque también puede ocurrir en premolares y molares, tanto superiores como inferiores. El rasgo anatómico principal de los conductos en C es la presencia de una aleta o cortina que conecta los conductos radiculares individuales. La cámara pulpar tiene un orificio que describe un arco de 180° o más. Se realiza un reporte de dos casos clínicos de conductos en C en segundo molar superior e inferior (AU)

The right management of the configuration of C-shaped root canal system is a challenge in endodontic practice. The complexity of this type of canals makes its diagnosis, instrumentation and especially its cleaning and obturation an arduous task in most of the occasions. The C-shaped canal system in mandibular molars was first described in 1979 by Cooke and Cox.It is an anatomical variation mainly seen in mandibular second molars with a prevalence of up to 31.5% in Asian population, although it can also occur in premolars and molars, both maxillary and mandibular. The main anatomical feature of the C-shaped canals is the presence of a fin or web connecting the individual root canals. The pulp chamber has an orifice that describes an arc of 180° or more. A report of two clinical cases of C-shaped canals in second maxillary and mandibular molar is presented (AU)

Entendendo a anatomia do primeiro molar inferior / Understanding first lower molar anatomy

Para entender a anatomia de cada dente precisamos estudar a sua forma e função, pois cada estrutura está diretamente ligada ao movimento da mandíbula, como altura, inclinação das cúspides e profundidade de fossa. A anatomia deve estar interligada com as condições do antagonista, estando em perfeita harmonia. Este artigo tem a função de detalhar a anatomia do primeiro molar inferior, através de fotos de dentes naturais.

To understand each tooth anatomy, we need to study its shape and function, as each structure is directly linked to the mandible movement, such as height, cusp slope and pit depth. Anatomy must be interconnected with the antagonist conditions, being in perfect harmony. This article has the objective to detail the lower first molar anatomy through photos of natural teeth.

The research progress of maxillary third molar anatomical morphology / 口腔疾病防治

@#Third molars, late-eruption permanent teeth in humans, have commonly been extracted in clinical treatments. However, with the development of oral medicine, the value of maxillary third molars in clinical treatments, as well as in oral prosthetics, orthodontics, and oral implant applications, has gradually become recognized. This paper summarizes the research on the morphology of the crown, root, root canal and root tip of the maxillary third molar in a review to facilitate related research and clinical treatments.

Micro-CT analysis of the dental morphology of C57BL/6 mice strain / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the dental anatomy of C57BL/6 mice strain. Methods: The skulls and alveolar bones of 16 C57BL/6 mice were scanned by a micro-CT scanner. After 3D reconstruction,the internal and external anatomy of each tooth type was examined. Results: The upper incisors were more curved (mean radius: 2. 37 mm vs. 6. 31 mm) and shorter (mean tooth length: 8. 63 mm vs. 11. 19 mm) than the lower incisors. The palatal roots of the upper 2nd molars (3-rooted),the mesial roots of the lower first molars(double-rooted) and the mesial and distal roots of the lower 2nd molars (double-rooted) had type 1-2 canal form,and all the other roots had a single canal. The mesiodistal diameter of the crown,as well as the numbers of the cusps and developing grooves decreased from the 1st to the 3rd molars. The external tooth shape was very similar as the morphology of the pulp cavity. Conclusion: The C57BL/6 mouse have strong incisors. The tooth size and the anatomic complexity decrease from the 1st to the 3rd molars,which reflects a trend of degradation.

A case series of unusual root canal morphology

Aim: The thorough knowledge of tooth morphology and its variations is essential for successful endodontic treatment. Case report: This article reports an unusual root canal configuration that was detected in a maxillary central incisor with two root canals , mandibular canine with two canals and mandibular canine with two roots and root canals. Conclusions: These case reports increase the awareness of clinicians on variations in the root canal anatomy so that complete disinfection and obturation of the root canal system is possible.

Morfologia radicular da dentição permanente de Sapajus apella: morfometria, anatomia macroscópica, ultraestrutura e propriedades físicas / Root morphology of the permanent dentition Sapajus apella: morphometry, gross anatomy, ultrastructure and physical properties

O objetivo desse trabalho foi contribuir com o estudo anatômico, morfométrico, ultraestrutural e propriedades físicas dos dentes permanentes do primata Sapajus apella. Para tal, foram utilizados 10 animais adultos e machos. Os dentes foram avaliados quanto ao seu comprimento e quanto à anatomia radicular externa e interna considerando número de raízes e canais, forma e direção radicular e forma do canal, assim como análise da densidade e diâmetro tubular do canal radicular, composição e microdureza dentinária. A anatomia radicular desse primata apresentou especificidades, como o número de raízes do segundo pré-molar superior e a presença do terceiro pré-molar. Quanto à densidade e o diâmetro dos túbulos dentinários, observou-se uma diminuição do número e diâmetro de túbulos ao longo do canal radicular, havendo diferença estatisticamente significante ao se comparar o terço apical com as regiões cervical e média, padrão de densidade e tamanho semelhantes a dentes humanos. Semelhanças também foram encontradas com dentes humanos quando comparados os valores de microdureza e proporção de elementos químicos encontrados na dentina radicular...

This paper aimed the anatomical study including morphometric, ultrastructural and physical properties of permanent teeth of Sapajus apella primate. Ten adult male monkeys were studied. The teeth were evaluated for their length, root anatomy (external and internal considering the number of roots and canals), direction and shape of the root canal, density and diameter of the tubular root canal, dentin microhardness, and composition. The root anatomy showed specificity regarding the number of roots of the second premolar and the presence of the third premolar. We observed a decrease in the number and diameter of dentinal tubules along the root canal, a statistically significant difference when compared with the apical and cervical regions. Similarities with human teeth were found in regard to microhardness values and proportion of chemical elements in the root dentin...

Multidisciplinary approach in the teaching of dental sculpture and anatomy / Enfoque multidisciplinario para la enseñanza de escultura y anatomía dental

The purpose of the Dental Sculpture and Anatomy discipline is to introduce undergraduate students to the study of the anatomic and morphological characteristics of permanent and primary human dentition, through classes, books and cognitive and psychomotor activities. This discipline supports the teaching of specific knowledge necessary for a more extensive education, involving interdisciplinarity as a means of knowledge exchange among several areas of dentistry, to achieve comprehensive professional education. Students must recognize the dental morphology from samples of preserved teeth, and reproduce the morphology through three-dimensional models made of stone or wax blocks. In this article, the authors describe the process for producing teeth collars and macro dental models made of stone, their importance and benefits of utilization. The purpose of the study was to encourage the teaching of Dental Sculpture and Anatomy toundergraduate students of the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, through activities that would associate theory, practice and the development of manual skills.

El propósito de la disciplina sobre escultura y anatomía de dientes es introducir a los estudiantes de pregrado para el estudio de las características anatómicas y morfológicas de la dentición humana permanente y primaria, a través de clases, libros y actividades cognitivas y psicomotoras. Esta disciplina se fundamenta en la enseñanza de conocimientos específicos necesarios para una educación más amplia, que implica la interdisciplinariedad como medio de intercambio de conocimientos entre diferentes áreas en odontología, y de esa forma, lograr una enseñanza profesional integral. Los estudiantes deben identificar la morfología dental a partir de dientes conservados, además de reproducir la morfología a través de modelos tridimensionales elaborados con bloques de yeso tipo piedra o cera. En este estudio, los autores describen el proceso para la producción de collares de dientes y macro modelos dentales hechos de yeso tipo piedra, su importancia y los beneficios de su utilización. El propósito del estudio fue incentivar la enseñanza de la escultura y anatomía dental a los estudiantes de pregrado de la Facultad de Odontología de Bauru, Universidad de São Paulo, a través de actividades que asocian la teoría, práctica y desarrollo de habilidades manuales.

Incisivo lateral superior con dos raíces y dos conductos: caso clínico / Upper lateral incisor with two roots and two canals: a clinical case

Las anomalías en la morfología del incisivo lateral superior son de muy baja frecuencia. Las anomalías de desarrollo radicular pueden presentarse como alteraciones tanto en el número de conductos, como en el número de raíces, así como en ambas regiones a la vez. En el presente trabajo, se reporta el caso de un paciente que se presenta a la consulta con malestar en el incisivo lateral superior izquierdo. En laradiografía preoperatoria se detectó la presencia de dos conductos y dos raíces, sin anomalía morfológica de su corona clínica, con requerimiento de tratamiento endodóntico. Concluimos que una correcta interpretación de las imágenes radiográficas preoperatorias es esencial, para poder detectar estas variantes y tomar las consideraciones necesarias para el adecuado tratamiento endodóntico

Abnormalities in the morphology of the maxillary lateral incisor are very low frequency. Root development abnormalities can occur as alterations in the number of ducts and the number of roots, as well as two regions at once. In this paper, we report the case of a patient presenting with discomfort in the upper left lateral incisor. In preoperative radiography, we detected the presence of two channels and two roots, without morphological abnormality in clinical crown, with endodontic treatment requirement. We conclude that a correct interpretation of preoperative radiographic imaging is essential in order to detect these variants and take the necessary considerations for proper endodontic treatment.

Caracterización y prevalencia de las enfermedades orales en el caballo criollo, del partamento de Caldas,Colombia / Characterization and Prevalence of Oral Diseases in Creole Horse, Department of Caldas, Colombia

El objetivo del artículo es caracterizar y estimar la prevalencia de las enfermedades orales en el equino de trabajo del departamento de Caldas, Colombia. Se registraron las variables presencia o no de enfermedad en la cavidad oral, condición corporal (CC), edad, sexo, especie (mular o caballar) y tipo de alimentación. Para analizar la información se crearon cuatro grupos de edad: joven, adulto, maduro, viejo. Se conformaron tres grupos de CC: pobre odelgados (1-2-3), saludable (4-5-6) y obesos (7-8-9), y se observaron tres grupos de alimentación: tipo 1, forraje; tipo 2, forraje + alimento concentrado, y tipo 3, forraje + derivadosde la fabricación de panela (cachaza). Todos los análisis se efectuaron usando el programa SAS. La prevalencia para cada enfermedad se calculó mediante ji-cuadrado (χ2). El efecto de los grupos de edad, CC y alimentación sobre las distintas enfermedades orales se evaluó mediante análisis de varianza (Anova). El nivel de significancia se fijó en p < 0,05. La prevalencia de enfermedad oral hallada fue del 76,5% (n = 400). Se diagnosticaron 32 anormalidades orales diferentes. La CC y la edad tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre la probabilidad deasociarse con afección oral (p < 0,01). El efecto del tipo de alimentación sobre la probabilidad de enfermedad oral fue significativo (p = 0,04), mientras los efectos de sexo y especie no lo fueron. Los equinos estudiados no habían recibido tratamiento odontológico previamente,siendo este un importante campo de acción para los profesionales de dicha región...

The purpose of this paper is to characterize and estimate the prevalence of oral diseases inworking horses in the Department of Caldas, Colombia. The variables, presence or absenceof a disease in the oral cavity, body condition (BC), age, gender, species (mule or horse)and type of food were recorded. To analyze the information, four age groups were created:young adult, mature, old. They were divided into three groups according to BC: poor or thin(1-2-3), healthy (4-5-6) and obese (7-8-9), and three feeding groups were observed: type 1,forage; type 2, forage + concentrated food, and type 3, forage + products made from sugarcane (cachaza). All the analysis were performed using SAS software. The prevalence of eachdisease was calculated using Chi-square (c2). The effect of age groups, BC and feeding on the various oral diseases was evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significancelevel was set at p <0.05. The prevalence of oral disease found was 76.5% (n = 400). Thirtytwo(32) different oral abnormalities were diagnosed. BC and age had a significant effecton the likelihood of association to oral disease (p < 0.01). The effect of feeding type on thelikelihood of oral disease was significant (p = 0.04), while the effects of gender and specieswere not. The horses studied had not received any previous dental treatment, which is animportant field for professionals in the region...

O objetivo deste artigo é caracterizar e estimar a prevalência das doenças orais no equinode trabalho do departamento de Caldas, Colômbia. Registraram-se as variáveis: presençaou não de doença na cavidade oral, condição corporal (CC), idade, sexo, espécie (mula oucavalo) e tipo de alimentação. Para analisar a informação criaram-se quatro grupos de idade:jovem, adulto, maduro, velho. Formaram-se três grupos de CC: pobres ou magros (1-2-3),saudáveis (4-5-6) e obesos (7-8-9), e observaram-se três grupos de alimentação: tipo 1, forragem;tipo 2, forragem + ração, e tipo 3, forragem + derivados da fabricação da rapadura(bagaço). Todas as análises foram efetuadas usando o programa SAS. A prevalência paracada doença foi calculada mediante o qui-quadrado (c2). O efeito dos grupos de idade, CCe alimentação sobre as diferentes doenças orais avaliaram-se mediante análise de variação(Anova). O nível de significância foi fixado em p < 0,05. A prevalência de doença encontradafoi de 76,5% (n = 400). Diagnosticaram-se 32 anormalidades orais diferentes. A CC e a idadetiveram um efeito significativo sobre a probabilidade de associar-se a problema oral (p <0,01). O efeito do tipo de alimentação sobre a probabilidade de doença oral foi significativo(p = 0,04), enquanto que os efeitos de sexo e espécie não o foram. Os equinos estudados nãohaviam recebido tratamento odontológico previamente, sendo este um importante campode ação para os profissionais dessa região...

Two root canals in maxillary central incisor

Introduction and objective: The success of endodontic treatment requires the knowledge of tooth morphology and its variations. Case report: This clinical article reports an unusual root canal configuration that was detected in a maxillary central incisor with two root canals, demonstrated by radiographic and computerized tomography exams. Conclusion: Knowledge of endodontic anatomy as well as the obtainment of both preoperative radiographs and tomography is important to detect abnormal tooth morphology.

Tratamento endodôntico de incisivo superior geminado / Endodontic treatment of a geminated maxillary incisor

INTRODUÇÃO: A geminação é uma anomalia que ocorre por conta da tentativa de dois dentes se desenvolverem a partir de um único germe, resultando em um elemento com tamanho maior que o normal, porém com apenas um canal radicular, e que, em decorrência de suas características e peculiaridades, exige atenção quando da realização do tratamento endodôntico. OBJETIVO E RELATO DE CASO: Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar o tratamento endodôntico de um incisivo central superior portador de geminação. CONCLUSÃO: O planejamento das etapas do tratamento baseado num atento exame clínico e radiográfico faz-se indispensável para a obtenção do sucesso no tratamento endodôntico de dentes geminados.

INTRODUCTION: Gemination is a tooth anomaly caused when a single tooth bud attempts to divide. This results in a tooth with a size greater than normal, but with only one root canal. Therefore, due to its features and singularities, this geminated tooth demands careful attention for endodontic treatment OBJECTIVE AND CASE REPORT: The purpose of this case report is to describe the endodontic treatment of a geminated maxillary central incisor. CONCLUSION: A good planning of all treatment stages, based on a careful clinical and radiographic examination, it is essential to reach the success in the endodontic treatment of geminated teeth.

Anatomia interna da raiz mésio-vestibular dos primeiros e segundos molares permanentes superiores / Internal anatomy of the mesiobuccal root of the first and second permanent upper molars

Objetivo: Esta pesquisa refere-se ao estudo da anatomia interna da raiz mésio-vestibular dos primeiros e segundos molares superiores permanentes. Material e método: Duzentos e vinte cinco molares tiveram a sua raiz mésio-vestibular seccionada ao nível amelo-cementário e, visualmente, com auxílio de sonda exploradora, foram selecionadas aquelas que apresentaram na região cervical, dois orifícos correspondentes às entradas dos condutos mésio-vestibular e mésio-palatino, perfazendo um total de cem raízes (44,44 %). Todas elas foram submetidas ao processo de diafanização, associada à injeção de hematoxilina, que confere transparência às raízes e coloração aos condutos, permitindo, assim, a avaliação tridimensional da anatomia dental interna. Resultados: A presença de dois condutos percorrendo toda a raiz e terminando separados em dois forames foi observada em 46% da amostra, sendo que 68% em altura apical distinta e, a percentagem de condutos que se fusionaram nos terços cervical, médio ou apical e terminaram em um forame foi de 53%. Encontrou-se, também, uma raiz com três condutos e oito dentes com uma raiz extra, correspondente ao canal mésio-palatino. Conclusão: Os resultados mostraram que a incidência expressiva de mais de um conduto na raiz mésio-vestibular e o complexo sistema de canais que ela apresenta, pode ter grande influência no sucesso dos tratamentos endodônticos dos molares superiores, exigindo, por isso, atenção especial do endodontista.

Aim: This research concerns the study of the internal anatomy of the mesiobuccal root of the first and second permanent maxillary molars. Material and methods: Two hundred and twenty five molars had their mesiobuccal root sectioned at the amelo-cemental. With the aid of the exploratory probe it was conducted a visual selection of the roots that presented at the cervical region two orifices corresponding to the entries of the mesiobuccal and mesiopalatal conduits. The total amount was of one hundred roots (44,44%). All of them underwent the process of diafanization associated with the injection of hematoxylin, what brings transparency to the roots and coloration to the ducts, thus enabling three-dimensional evaluation of the internal dental anatomy. Results: The presence of two conduits running through the entire root and ending in two separate foramina was observed in 46% of the sample, 68% in distinct apical height. The percentage of the conduits that merged at cervical, middle or apical thirds and ended in a foramen was of 53%. It was also found a root with three conduits and eight teeth with an extra root, corresponding to the mesio-palatal canal. Conclusions: The results showed that the expressive incidence of more than one conduit at the mesiobuccal root and the complex system of canals that it presents can have a great influence on the success of treatments of the upper molars, therefore requiring special attention from the endodontist.

Effects of Gates-Glidden, LA Axxess and orifice shaper burs on the cervical dentin thickness and root canal area of mandibular molars

This study evaluated the increase of the instrumented area and dentin thickness in the mesial and distal aspects of mesial canals of mandibular molars after the use of Gates Glidden (GG), LA Axxess (LA) and Orifice Shaper (OS) instruments. A total of 53 canals from 27 mandibular molars were embedded in resin and divided into 3 groups. The roots were sectioned 3 mm below the cementoenamel junction and the images were captured before and after instrumentation. The increase of the instrumented area in terms of percentages and the remaining dentin thickness, in mm, at the mesial and furcal aspects were calculated using the Image tools software. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. The significance level was set at 5 percent. All instruments promoted cervical flaring with different amounts of dentin removal at the mesial and distal aspects of the root canals. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was found between LA and all other instruments after using the first instrument. Regarding dentin thickness, no significant difference (p>0.05) was found between the mesial and distal walls in all groups. It may be concluded that LA 35.06 and GG 3 burs produced the thinnest dentin walls, and thus their use in mesial canals of mandibular molars should be done with caution.

Este estudo avaliou o aumento da área do canal e a espessura de dentina na parede mesial e distal dos canais mesiais de molares inferiores após o uso de Gates Glidden (GG), La Axxess (LA), Orifice Shaper (OS). Um total de 53 canais mesiais de 27 molares inferiores foram incluídos em resina e divididos em 3 grupos. As raízes foram seccionados 3 mm abaixo da junção cemento-esmalte e as imagens foram capturadas antes e depois da instrumentação. O aumento da área do canal em percentagem e a espessura da dentina remanescente nas paredes mesial e furca foram calculados utilizando o software Image Tools. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o Kruskal-Wallis e teste de Dunn. O Nível de significância foi de 5 por cento. Todos os instrumentos promoveram o aumento da área cervical, com diferentes quantidades de remoção da dentina nas paredes mesial e distal do canal radicular. Diferença estatística (p<0,05) foi encontrada entre LA e todos os outros instrumentos após o uso do primeiro instrumento. Quanto à espessura da dentina, não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre as paredes mesial e distal de todos os instrumentos analisados. O LA 35.06 e GG 3 mostraram a menor espessura da parede e sua utilização em canais mesiais de molares inferiores deve ser feito com cuidado.

Segundo molar inferior com configuração do canal radicular em forma de C: relato de caso / C-shaped canal configuration of mandibular second permanent molar: case report

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar e discutir o tratamento endodôntico de molar inferior apresentando configuração de canal radicular em formato de /"C/", variação anatômica radicular de difícil diagnóstico e tratamento. RELATO DO CASO E DISCUSSÃO: O orifício do canal apresentava extensão do canal mesio-vestibular para o canal distal. Não havia presença de lesão periapical; extensa lesão cariosa na face distal da coroa. Tratamento endodôntico com limas Flexofile™, com emprego de solução de hipoclorito de Na a 1% e desmineralizante EDTA, 17%. Obturação convencional, com cones de guta-percha e cimento endodôntico. CONCLUSÃO: A condição anatômica conhecida como formato em “C”, mesmo acarretando dificuldades para a terapia endodôntica, não impede o adequado tratamento, como realizado no presente caso.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the endodontic treatment of a mandibular molar showing a C-shape root canal configuration, a root anatomical variations with difficult diagnosis and treatment. CASE REPORT AND DISCUSSION: Open access during the root canal demonstrated an extension of the mesiobuccal canal to the distal canal. There was not any periapical lesion although extensive carious lesions were present on the distal aspect of the crown. Flexofile™ endodontic treatment with the use of 1% sodium hypochlorite solution and demineralising (EDTA, 17%) was performed, followed by conventional obturation with gutta-percha and endodontic sealer. CONCLUSION: The anatomical condition known as format in /"C/", causes difficulties during endodontic therapy, although that does not preclude the proper treatment, as was performed in this present case.

Anatomical evaluation of some morphological abnormalities related to periodontal diseases

The presence of some dental abnormalities as a predisposal factor to installation of localized periodontal alterations. The present study was to evaluate the frequency of development abnormalities present on a sample of molars that may predispose to occurrence and progression of periodontal disease. Two hundred and seventy seven molars (141 maxillary and 136 mandibular molars) were selected for this study. The evaluations were performed by two examiners together who was trained and calibrated for the study. All measurements were made by direct visualization with a magnifying glass. The following clinical parameters were measured: Enamel cervical projections; Root trunk: in the three different extensions (<3 mm, >3 mm and <6 mm, >6 mm); Enamel pearls: presence (1) or absence (0). The anatomic observations were made on four surfaces of the tooth: mesial, distal, vestibular and palatal/lingual. Descriptive statistics and percentage distribution were performed. A total of 130 molars showed at least some degree of enamel cervical projection and the most frequent score was the degree 1, according to Masters and Hoskins classification. Fifteen teeth presented enamel pearls and the root trunk was more evident on the group with variation from 3 to 6 mm of extension, observed in 64 teeth. It can be concluded that the presence of development abnormalities is a frequent finding in molars and it has to be taken into consideration during periodontal examination and therapy.

Three root canals in the maxillary second premolar.

In this study, we report an endodontic treatment of the maxillary second premolar with three root canals and distinct foramens. The possibility of three root canals in this tooth is quite small; however, it must be taken into account in clinical and radiographic evaluation during endodontic treatment. Many times, their presence is noticed only after canal treatment due to continuing post-operative discomfort.