Quality of root canal filling performed by undergraduate students of odontology at Kaunas University of Medicine in Lithuania.

INRODUCTION: High-quality filling of root canals is one of indicators of successful endodontic treatment. However, poor-quality of the filling is still a common phenomenon in the work of general practitioners. Better training of dental students of modern odontology is possible solution of the problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of root canal filling performed by undergraduate students in single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth shaped by hand stainless-steel or rotary ProTaper instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 258 post-operative radiographs under illumination and x7 magnification. 120 (46.5%) root canal were prepared using hand stainless-steel K-files, 138 (53.5%) using ProTaper rotary instruments. The filling was evaluated as adequate when it was located at 0-2 mm below the radiographic apex, under-filled>2 mm below the radiographic apex, over-filled, protruded through the radiographic apex. The filling homogeneity and condensation were also evaluated. RESULTS: The filling height and position in relationship to the radiographic apex showed 84.1% were filled adequately, 10.5%--under-filled, 5.42%--over-filled. Homogeneity and density in 79.5% was good, in 20.5%--poor. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of root canal filling was acceptable, because 84.1% cases were filled adequately. The density and homogeneity were statistically reliably better in the canals prepared using ProTaper System.

Evaluation of odontological assistance to soldiers going on a mission, and prognostication of their odontological problems.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the condition of the oral cavity in soldiers going on a military mission, the level of odontological assistance to them, and to prognosticate possible odontological problems during the mission period. We studied 50 soldiers going on a military mission in Iraq. During the study we applied odontological examination and panoramic imaging. We found that soldiers' teeth were treated, and they received comprehensive odontological assistance: 18% of soldiers had their teeth restored with single crowns and bridges, and 56% of soldiers had underwent endodontic treatment of their teeth. During the radiological examination we diagnosed individual cases of dental caries on the contact surfaces of teeth, and determined the level of the filling of root canals of endodontically treated teeth and the relationship of this level with radiological changes in apical periodontium. 67.3% of teeth had incompletely filled root canals, and radiological changes in their apical periodontium were reliably more frequent (80.6%) than in the apical periodontium of teeth with completely filled root canals (19.4%) (p<0.001). Of significant concern is the fact that frequently teeth with incompletely filled root canals and apical periodontal damage are restored using radical post-core and crowns. Radiological examination showed that in teeth with signs of chronic apical periodontitis and insufficient quality of filling, the condition may become more acute and cause odontological problems. A part of odontological problems in soldiers may be caused by incorrect position of the third molars in the jaw and possible aggravated eruption of these teeth.

Smoking and other factors influencing the oral health of Lithuanian Army recruits.

The aim of our research was to determine the prevalence of smoking among Lithuanian army recruits and how smoking and other factors affect oral health. The findings of our research showed that 70% of recruits smoke. The analysis of the research findings showed that smoking had a negative effect on oral hygiene. Especially smoking was harmful with respect to periodontal tissues. The periodontal lesions were more prevalent and severe among recruits who smoked. Smokers had a higher Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index than nonsmokers. The analysis of the research findings showed that the state of oral health was related to other factors, such as oral hygiene, age, and education. It was determined that the oral hygiene of males living in the countryside and having poorer education was worse than that of males living in the city. Their status of periodontal tissues was worse, and they had more decayed and untreated teeth. The findings of the logistical regression analysis showed that poor education and living in the country, irregular tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene, and smoking were the most important factors related to a great number of untreated decayed tooth surfaces.

[The influence of smoking on oral health]. / Rukymo poveikis burnos sveikatai.

Smoking is a serious risk factor for many diseases. The determining of smoking as a harmful habit among young people is very important. We examined 618 (mean age 21+/-2.9 years) young Lithuanian men. The findings of our research showed that 70% of young men smoked. The analysis of the research findings showed that smoking had a negative effect on oral hygiene. Young men who smoke daily had significantly higher oral hygiene index than those who do not smoke (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S)=2.9(1.0) and OHI-S=2.2(1.2), respectively; p<0.001). Smoking is especially harmful to the periodontal tissues. The periodontal lesions were more prevalent and severe among young men who smoke. It is confirmed by the fact that smokers had significantly higher Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) than nonsmokers (CPITN=1.5(0.7) and CPITN=1.2(0.8), respectively; p<0.001). Our findings show that smoking increased the possibility of having decayed untreated teeth and this shows young men's careless attitude to their oral health. There was no difference in the prevalence of smoking among men who live in the countryside and those who live in the city. However, the men with poorer education smoked more frequently.