Cone beam computed tomography analysis of residual dentin thickness after virtual post placement in the palatal roots of maxillary first molars.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In endodontically treated maxillary first molars, post space preparations in the palatal roots can compromise the residual dentin thickness (RDT) and increase the risk of perforations or root fractures. This can be attributed to the direction of the buccopalatal curvature that cannot be viewed with conventional 2D imaging. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the RDT of palatal roots following the placement of digital post analogs of different diameters positioned at various distances from the radiographic apex by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 122 deidentified CBCT data sets containing both maxillary permanent first molars were randomly selected from a private radiology practice. Digital parallel-sided post analogs were superimposed onto the CBCT coronal images at distances of 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm from the radiographic apex and at a depth equal to the height of the anatomic crown (1:1 crown/post ratio). Post analogs of 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.14 mm in diameter were matched with safety zone analogs representing 1 mm of circumferential RDT. The minimum RDT for each analog was determined and grouped into 3 categories: RDT≤0 mm, 0 mm50.0%) had inadequate or no RDT. The depth of the post (P<.001) had a greater impact on RDT than the post diameter (P>.017). No similarities were found in the RDT between contralateral molars in 86.9% of the images. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of insufficient RDT (<1 mm) after the placement of parallel-sided posts in the palatal roots of maxillary first molars is minimized if the post is inserted to a depth equaling the height of the crown compared with 3, 4, and 5 mm from the radiographic apex. The RDT of the palatal root of a maxillary first molar is not a reliable predictor of the contralateral palatal root RDT in the same patient.

Awareness, attitude, and expectations toward dental implants among removable prostheses wearers.

PURPOSE: To assess removable denture patient awareness, expectations, and source of information about dental implants (DIs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred patients [150 removable partial denture (RPD) wearers and 150 complete denture wearers (CDWs)] attended the removable prosthodontic clinic at Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology. Patients were evaluated using a pilot-tested, 21-question questionnaire. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of participants were aware of DIs, with no difference between CDWs and RPD wearers (p > 0.05). The participants' friends and relatives were the main source of information (63.4%), followed by dentists (32.4%). Improvement in function was the predominant reason (55.7%) for patients to consider DIs. Fear of unknown side effects was the major factor in preventing patients from choosing DIs (11.7%), followed by high cost (9.7%) and surgical risk (8.7%). Approximately 89% had no information or were poorly informed about DIs. Over two-thirds of patients did not know about the care (78.3%) of DIs, causes of DI failure (69.7%), or DI duration of service (80.7%). Only 24.7% knew that DIs would be anchored to the jawbone; however, 27.3% and 56.7% of CDWs and RPD wearers, respectively, preferred (p < 0.05) to have their teeth replaced with DIs. High costs were considered the major disadvantage of DIs in 45% of participants, followed by fear of surgery (27.3%), and long treatment times (24.7%). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high awareness about DIs among removable denture patients; however, this awareness was associated with a low level of accurate information.