Investigating the Relationship between the Dimensions and Morphology of Sella Turcica with the Long-Face Growth Pattern and the Vertical Growth Pattern.

Introduction: The sella turcica is one of the important landmarks of lateral cephalometry, which is used in orthodontics for the diagnosis, treatment plan, and evaluation of skeletal development and maturity. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the dimensions and morphology of sella turcica with the long-face growth pattern and people with an open bite. This study also examines the relationship between sella turcica bridging (STB) and the vertical growth pattern. Methods: As many as 153 radiographs were analyzed using the Romexis software, considering the basal, gonial, and FMA angles to determine the vertical growth pattern of the face. The basal angle was also used to check for an open bite. Of these patients, 80 had a long vertical face growth pattern, and 73 had a normal face growth pattern. The four landmarks of tuberculum sellae, dorsum sellae, sellae floor, and posterior clinoid were determined on the cephalograms to measure the length, depth, and anteroposterior diameter of the sella turcica. Results: In this study, it was found that the chance of developing a long face in people with partial and complete bridging is 8.37 and 1.92, respectively. An increase in the length of the sella turcica for one unit decreases the chance of a long face, and as the depth of the sella turcica increases, the chance of a long face increases. Conclusions: STB is frequently seen in people with long faces. However, this finding should be considered in relation to other diagnostic parameters. The shorter the length and higher the depth of sella turcica, the higher the chance of developing a long face.

Plant-mediated synthesis of silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against bacteria cause tooth decay.

In this research, silver-doped zinc oxide (SdZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in an environmental-friendly manner. The synthesized NPs were identified by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finally, the antimicrobial activity of synthesized ZnO and SdZnO NPs was performed. It was observed that by doping silver, the size of ZnO NPs was changed. By adding silver to ZnO NPs, the antimicrobial effect of ZnO NPs was improved. Antibacterial test against gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus mutants showed that SdZnO NPs with a low density of silver had higher antibacterial activity than ZnO NPs; Therefore, SdZnO NPs can be used as a new antibacterial agent in medical applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles were prepared using an eco-friendly synthesis method and their antimicrobial activity against bacteria causing tooth decay was studied.

An Extrafollicular Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor Mimicking a Periapical Cyst.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a rare noninvasive odontogenic tumor that occurs mostly in the second decade of life. Based on its tooth association, AOT can be classified into three categories of follicular, extrafollicular, and peripheral types; the follicular classification is considered as the most common type of AOT. This study reported a large extrafollicular case of AOT in a 40-year-old female. She was asymptomatic and tumor was detected accidentally by her dental practitioner. Since the panoramic radiograph showed a well-defined unilocular radiolucent lesion, we observed radiopaque spots within the lesion by using cone beam computed tomography. The extrafollicular type can mimic a periapical radiolucent lesion.

Effect of Spatial Position in the Field of View on Dimensional Changes in Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the relation between dimensional changes and object location in the field of view (FOV) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A custom-made phantom was fabricated from base plate wax. To analyze the accuracy of measurements in horizontal and longitudinal dimensions, aluminum squares (0.5 mm thickness, 10×10 mm dimensions) were constructed and placed in three levels (upper, middle, and lower) and five positions (central, right, left, anterior and posterior). This phantom was scanned using Asahi, Planmeca and NewTom CBCT systems. CBCT scans were measured three times by use of their corresponding software. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, post-hoc test and two-way ANOVA (P<0.05). RESULTS: The differences between the mean horizontal dimensions of different systems were not significant (P=0.296). However, the differences between the mean longitudinal dimensions of different systems were significant (P=0.039). The differences between the different positions and the mean horizontal and longitudinal dimensions were significant (P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). The differences between the mean horizontal dimensions and different levels were not significant (P=0.51), but the differences between the mean longitudinal dimensions and different levels were significant (P<0.001). The interaction effect of level and position on the accuracy of horizontal and longitudinal measurements was significant (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found statistically significant differences in most of our comparisons; however, these differences were not clinically significant. Therefore, CBCT could be an accurate device for measurement of dimensions of objects placed in different positions in the FOV.

Preferred materials and methods employed for endodontic treatment by Iranian general practitioners.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to gather information on the materials and methods employed in root canal treatment (RCT) by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Iran. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A questionnaire was distributed among 450 dentists who attended the 53(th) Iranian Dental Association congress. Participants were asked to consider demographic variables and answer the questions regarding the materials and methods commonly used in RCT. Descriptive statistics were given as absolute frequencies and valid percentages. The chi-square test was used to investigate the influence of gender and the years of professional activity for the employed materials and techniques. RESULTS: The response rate was 84.88%. The results showed that 61.5% of the participants did not perform pulp sensitivity tests prior to RCT. Less than half of the general dental practitioners (47.4%) said that they would trace a sinus tract before starting the treatment. Nearly 16% of practitioners preferred the rubber dam isolation method. Over 36% of the practitioners reported using formocresol for pulpotomy. The combined approach of working length (WL) radiographs and electronic apex locators was used by 35.2% of the practitioners. Most of the respondents used K-file hand instruments for canal preparation and the technique of choice was step-back (43.5%), while 40.1% of respondents used NiTi rotary files, mostly ProTaper and RaCe. The most widely used irrigant was normal saline (61.8%). Calcium hydroxide was the most commonly used inter appointment medicament (84.6%). The most popular obturation technique was cold lateral condensation (81.7%) with 51% using zinc oxide-eugenol-based sealers. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Iranian GDPs who participated in the present survey do not comply with quality guidelines of endodontic treatment.