[ radiographic evaluation of degree of root curvature in treated permanent teeth in endodontics department in Shiraz dental school [2001-2002]]

Statement of Problem: The major objectives of root canal treatment are removal of all irritant from the root canal space and accomplish a proper shaping of the space and total obturaion of this space. So, diagnosis of root curvature is critical and can affect on proper preparation and prevention of procedural accidents

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure and evaluate the root curvature of permanent teeth that were treated at Endodontic Department of Shiraz Dental School [2001- 2002]

Materials and Methods: In this case control study, all endodontic treated patients with standardized radiographic films to determine the working length were analyzed and the angel of root curvature, were evaluated by Schneider method. After image projection and drawing of two lines, one on long axis of the canal and the other from apical foramen to the first line, the constructed angel was measured

Results: From 398 evaluated films, the root curvatures in posterior teeth were more than that in anterior teeth. Most of the roots [80%] had root curvatures directed to the mesial or distal plane although root curvatures to distal plane were more common. All of the roots had mild to moderate curvatures [0-25 degrees] except the mesial root of the first mandibular molar that had severe root curvature [more than 25 degrees]. The mean of root curvature of permanent teeth were between 2.76 to 28.28 degrees

Conclusion: The results indicated that root curvatures in teeth were common and practitioners should be aware in the case of any difficulty, and refer the case to a specialist

Laser therapy of freckles and lentigines with Quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled, nd: yag [532NM] laser: a preliminary report

Traditional treatment for freckles and lentigines are often ineffective and associated with significant complications. Newly developed lasers produce excellent results with minimal complications. The aim of this ongoing study is to assess the efficacy and safety of quasi-continuous frequency-doubled Nd:YAG [532 nm] laser in the treatment of these lesions. Twenty adult patients [14 with freckles and 6 with lentigines] were enrolled in the study. In phase I, three test sites in each patient were irradiated with fluences of 1.45, 2.90, and 7.25 J/cm [2], one fluence per site. Three months after single treatment, the fluence yielding the best response was selected for subsequent treatment of remaining lesions in phase II. In phase II, variable number of treatments were administered at minimum of four weeks interval. Treatments would continue till no additional improvement occurs. Patients completing phase II were followed up monthly. In phase I maximum improvement [grade 3 and 4 response i.e. >50 percent in 50 percent of patients] was noted with 7.25 J/cm [2], [p<0.02], followed by 2.90 J/cm [2], [>50 percent in 5 percent of patients] and 1.45 J/cm [2], [>50 percent in none]. In phase II, 15 [75 percent] of 20 patients manifested more than 50 percent improvement [p< 0.05] The patients were irradiated 2-6 times at 4-12 weeks intervals. Complications included hypopigmentation [25 percent], atrophy [15 percent] and hyperpigmentation [10 percent]. All these were mild and resolved within 2-6 months. No recurrence was noted in 5 patients who had completed the phase II during a mean follow up period of 3.6 months. Quasi-continuous, frequency-doubled Nd :YAG [532 nm] laser safely and effectively treats freckles and lentigines

Characteristics of psychiatric hospital absconders

Absence of patients without leave is common in psychiatric hospitals causing anxiety to staff, relatives and the lay public. This study is an attempt to identify some of the characteristics of patients absconding from the Mental Hospital, Lahore over one year. Absconders were predominantly young males who were compulsorily admitted and diagnosed as cases of schizophrenia. They tended to be single and had history of frequent and a relatively longer period of hospitalisation. Police were more often involved in their admission. Reasons for absconding and implications for management of newly admitted psychiatric patients are discussed