Three-dimensional analysis for detection of pulp stones in a Saudi population using cone beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and distribution of pulp stones in a Saudi population. METHODS: A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis of 150 upper and 150 lower dental arches was performed. The relationships between pulp stones and age, sex, tooth type, dental arch, orthodontic treatment, caries, and restoration were statistically examined (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 295 dental arches (98.3%) had at least one pulp stone, and the prevalence was higher in the maxillary teeth (56.2%) than in the mandibular teeth (48.1%) (P = 0.0003). Men were more likely to have pulp stones than women (P = 0.011 for the maxilla, P < 0.0001 for the mandible). Furthermore, age and orthodontic treatment had no significant effects on the incidence of pulp stones (P > 0.05). A higher occurrence of pulp stones was observed in the first molars (>91%), and in carious and restored teeth when compared to intact teeth (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pulp stones were more prevalent in the upper dental arches, first molars, and carious and restored teeth, as well as in the male population, and were not associated with age or orthodontic treatment.

Anatomy of the accessory mental foramen in a Saudi subpopulation: A multicenter CBCT study.

AIM: The aim of this is to evaluate the prevalence and location of the accessory mental foramen (AMF) in a Saudi population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODOLOGY: CBCT data were retrieved from two dental facilities at two universities located in two different cities and filtered over a period of four years. The scans were aligned when the AMF was noticed, and then the size of both the AMF and mental foramen (MF), its location, and the distance from the AMF to the MF were recorded. The AMF measurements were compared between males and females and between the two sides of the mandible. RESULTS: In total, 603 CBCT scans were investigated. The percentage of scans with an AMF was 9.95% (n = 60), and AMFs were almost equally distributed on both sides. Only four cases (0.66%) of a second AMF were detected among the scans. The MFs on both sides were significantly larger in males than in females (P > 0.05), but they showed no differences in the sizes of the AMFs. The AMFs were most commonly located inferior and posterior to the MF. The distance between the MF and AMF ranged from 2.32 to 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of the AMF in this Saudi population was 9.95%, and it was significantly more prevalent in males than in females. Its proximity to the MF makes it clinically important to conduct proper detailed planning prior to performing any procedure that might risk the vital structures.

Root canal morphology of maxillary second molars in a Saudi sub-population: A cone beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: Root morphology and canal anatomy of maxillary molars shows several complexities and variations. Knowledge of these is essential for successful endodontic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the morphology of the maxillary second molars in a Saudi Arabian sub-population in relation to gender, age, and nationality, as well as to analyze the anatomical symmetry between the left and right side in each individual. METHODOLOGY: 420 digitized cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were collected, of which 351 scans met the inclusion criteria. Number of roots and canals at three different levels of the root in each case was counted at all available sides and compared on the basis of the study variables. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Most of the patients (n = 323, 92%) had three roots, while two roots (n = 23, 6.6%), four roots (n = 4, 1.1%), and one root (n = 1, 0.3%) were less frequently observed. A significant correlation between female patients and the presence of two canals, while male patients showed a higher correlation with the presence of four canals at all levels. There also was a correlation between Saudi participants and the presence of four canals at all levels. No significant correlation in symmetry between the left and right side root canal anatomy was found. There was an inverse relation between the number of canals and age. CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations in this study, it appears that the Saudi population is more likely to have three- and two-rooted maxillary second molars, with males and females showing greater tendencies to having three and two roots, respectively.