Comparison of micro-computerized tomography and cone-beam computerized tomography in the detection of accessory canals in primary molars

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the accuracy of micro-computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting accessory canals in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one extracted human primary first and second molars were embedded in wax blocks and scanned using micro-CT and CBCT. After the images were taken, the samples were processed using a clearing technique and examined under a stereomicroscope in order to establish the gold standard for this study. The specimens were classified into three groups: maxillary molars, mandibular molars with three canals, and mandibular molars with four canals. Differences between the gold standard and the observations made using the imaging methods were calculated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The presence of accessory canals in micro-CT images of maxillary and mandibular root canals showed a statistically significant correlation with the stereomicroscopic images used as a gold standard. No statistically significant correlation was found between the CBCT findings and the stereomicroscopic images. CONCLUSION: Although micro-CT is not suitable for clinical use, it provides more detailed information about minor anatomical structures. However, CBCT is convenient for clinical use but may not be capable of adequately analyzing the internal anatomy of primary teeth.

Effects of fixed and removable space maintainers on plaque accumulation, periodontal health, candidal and enterococcus faecalis carriage

Objective: To evaluate the effects of space maintainers on plaque accumulation, periodontal health and oral microflora

Subjects and Methods: The study participants comprised 38 patients aged 4-10 years requiring either fixed or removable space maintainers. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing index, candidal colonization and Enterococcus faecalis were recorded just before the application of space maintainers [T0] and during treatment at the 1[st] [T1], 3[rd] [T2] and 6[th] [T3] month

Results: The gingival and bleeding on probing index scores increased significantly [gingival index from 0.20 +/- 0254 to 0.54 +/- 0417 and bleeding on probing index from 7.18 +/- 9.946 to 18.07 +/- 14.074] in the regions with fixed space maintainers at T3 [p < 0.01]. The mean Candida counts also increased [for removable appliances from 1.90 +/- 3.638 to 1.98 +/- 3.318, p < 0.05, and for fixed appliances from 4.25 +/- 4.587 to 4.52 +/- 4.431, p < 0.001]. The salivary E. faecalis counts at T3 also increased significantly with the use of fixed and removable appliances [for removable appliances from 5.93 +/- 2.65 to 85.53 +/- 34.1 and for fixed appliances from 4.95 +/- 2.94 to 123.59 +/- 29.51, p < 0.001]. A positive correlation was found between the plaque [r = 0.67], gingival [r = 0.76] and bleeding on probing index scores [r = 0.76] and the candidal colonization for the fixed space maintainers [p < 0.01, p < 0.001]

Conclusions: In this study, both fixed and removable space maintainers led to an increase in the number of microorganisms in the oral cavity as well as to increases in the periodontal index scores. Patients should be informed that space maintainers may serve as a source of infection and that special attention must be given to their oral hygiene