Anatomical and clinical considerations regarding the greater palatine foramen.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we mapped the topography of the greater palatine foramen (GPF), within the South-Eastern European population, according to clinically identifiable anatomical landmarks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 100 dry adult human skulls, of which 75 were bilaterally dentate, whereas 25 were partially edentulous. RESULTS: The shape of the GPF was oval in 84% of the cases. The foramen was located internally from the third molar in 73% of the skulls. The greater palatine canal showed an antero-infero-medial direction in 82% of the cases. The average values of the distances between the GPF and the oral surfaces of the maxillary third molar, the medio-palatine suture, the posterior margin of the hard palate, the pterygoid hamulus and the pterygo-maxillary suture were 11.0 (SD 1.5), 14.5 (SD 0.8), 4.4 (SD 1.1), 12.0 (SD 1.8) and 10.5 mm (SD 1.3), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough knowledge of GPF's various positions may assist the clinicians in providing improved surgical techniques in the area.

A rare morphological variant of the first maxillary premolar: a case report.

Anatomical variations of the dental root morphology may lead to endodontic treatment failure. Knowledge of root morphology and possible anatomical variations may ensure proper endodontic treatment and long-term success. The present study describes the case of a three-rooted maxillary right first premolar with two buccal roots and one palatal root, each of them having one canal, diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The treatment was applied according to traditional procedures, and the post-therapeutic evolution was favorable without any further complications.

A radiographic study regarding post retained restorations.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of intraradicular retention and the prevalence of different types of posts used for the restoration of endodontically treated teeth, in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on 94 digital panoramic radiographies that allowed a comprehensive appreciation. Root canal fillings and the posts were identified on these radiographies and their correctness and quality were assessed by measurements according to the data provided by the specialized literature references. Morphologic parameters investigated were: length, diameter and configuration. RESULTS: 474 teeth with endodontic treatment were identified, of which 224 were post restored: 156 (69.6%) using cast posts, 55 (24.6%) using prefabricated non-metallic posts and 13 (5.8%) using threaded prefabricated metallic posts. Regardless the type, we have noticed a great number of errors (84.37%) concerning the manufacturing, the selection, or the application of the post. The errors resulted from disregarding at least one of the investigated morphologic parameters. Intraradicular retention is indicated in clinical situations were dental tissues destruction does not allow placement of crown fillings. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of endodontically treated teeth restorations retention with posts is appropriate as long as post preparation does not undermine the remaining tooth structure. Scientific debates still exist regarding the safest modality to restore a non-vital tooth.