Root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molars in a Sudanese population.

AIM: To investigate variations in the root canal systems of first and second permanent mandibular molar teeth in a Sudanese population using a clearing technique. METHODOLOGY: Two hundred extracted first and second permanent mandibular molars from three cities in the state of Khartoum were studied. Access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue was removed by immersion in 5% sodium hypochlorite under ultrasonication; Indian ink was then injected into the root canal systems assisted by a vacuum applied apically. The teeth were rendered clear by demineralization and immersion in methyl salicylate before evaluation. The following observations were made (i) number of roots and their morphology; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) number of root canals per root and (iv) root canal configuration. RESULTS: Overall 59% of mandibular first molars had four canals with 3% having a third distolingual root. Seventy-eight per cent of second mandibular molars had two separate flat roots, whilst 10% were C-shaped. The most common canal system configurations were type IV (73%) and type II (14%). Inter-canal communications were more common in the mesial roots. The prevalence of inter-canal communications was 65% in first molars and 49% in second molars. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of Sudanese teeth, 59% of the mandibular first permanent molars had four root canals whilst 10% of the mandibular second molars had C-shaped roots/canals.

Basic infection control procedures in dental practice in Khartoum-Sudan.

OBJECTIVES: To survey the infection control procedures used by dental practitioners in Khartoum, Sudan. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to150 randomly sampled dentists practising in Khartoum state. Each questionnaire comprised 17 questions about basic infection control procedures. RESULTS: A 100% response rate to the questionnaire showed that 92% of dentists routinely wore gloves when treating patients, 50% face masks, 61% a gown and 14.7% protective eye wear. Furthermore 52% of the practitioners had been immunised against Hepatitis B. The majority of practitioners (72%) used dry heat as their method of instrument sterilisation, 22% used an autoclave, 2% used boiling water and the remainder used chemical sterilisation. Safe disposal of clinical waste was undertaken by only 23% of dentists although 47% of practitioners stored sharp items in closed containers. All respondents used disposable dental needles, but only a few used other disposable items. There was a significant difference in the implementation of cross infection control procedures between salaried and private dental practitioners, especially with regard to handpiece sterilisation, use of disposables, the wearing of face masks and the availability of additional sets of instruments. CONCLUSION: There is a clear need to improve the existing situation particularly with regard to immunisation of dentists against Hepatitis B, the safe disposal of clinical waste and instrument sterilisation in Khartoum.

Cyclosporine-induced gingival overgrowth in beagle dogs.

Development of gingival overgrowth during daily long-term cyclosporine A treatment was studied in 2-yr-old beagles. Gingival enlargement developed in five of 12 dogs (42%), primarily in the mandibular anterior area. The earliest gingival changes occurred by 3 wk as an increase in the size of the interdental papillae. The lesions progressively became more severe, in some cases obscuring portions of teeth by wk 6. The redundant tissue exhibited an increase in connective tissue components and an inflammatory infiltrate primarily of plasma cells. Severity of the overgrowth varied in responding animals; both incidence and severity were related to the CSA concentration in blood. The mean CSA blood levels of responders were significantly greater than nonresponders at wk 3, 6 and 10. Since beagles develop gingival overgrowth similar to humans, they provide an excellent model to investigate the roles of local and systemic factors in the induction of gingival overgrowth.