Vertical root fracture diagnosis in teeth with metallic posts: Impact of metal artifact reduction and sharpening filters.

Purpose: This study examined the influence of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool, sharpening filters, and their combination on the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) in teeth with metallic posts using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty single-rooted human premolars - 9 with VRF and 11 without - were individually placed in a human mandible. A metallic post composed of a cobalt-chromium alloy was inserted into the root canal of each tooth. CBCT scans were then acquired under the following parameters: 8 mA, a 5×5 cm field of view, a voxel size of 0.085 mm, 90 kVp, and with MAR either enabled or disabled. Five oral and maxillofacial radiologists independently evaluated the CBCT exams under each MAR mode and across 3 sharpening filter conditions: no filter, Sharpen 1×, and Sharpen 2×. The diagnostic performance was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. These metrics were compared using 2-way analysis of variance with a significance level of α=5%. Intra- and inter-examiner agreement were assessed using the weighted kappa test. Results: Neither MAR nor the application of sharpening filters significantly impacted AUC or specificity (P>0.05). However, sensitivity increased when MAR was combined with Sharpen 1× and Sharpen 2× (P=0.015). The intra-examiner agreement ranged from fair to substantial (0.34-0.66), while the inter-examiner agreement ranged from fair to moderate (0.27-0.41). Conclusion: MAR in conjunction with sharpening filters improved VRF detection; therefore, their combined use is recommended in cases of suspected VRF.

Osteomielitis, perimplantitis y fractura vertical radicular mandibular en un paciente con fibromialgia: presentación de caso / Osteomyelitis, Peri-implantitis and Mandibular Root Vertical Fracture in a Patient with Fibromyalgia: Case Report / Osteomielite, peri-implantite e fratura vertical da raiz mandibular em um paciente com fibromialgia: relato de caso

Introducción: se considera la osteomielitis mandibular un proceso patológico poco frecuente. La mayor parte de los casos presentados involucran pacientes con osteorradionecrosis y aquellos pacientes con ingesta de algunos medicamentos antirresortivos. El objetivo es informar un caso inusual de una paciente con osteomielitis, perimplantitis y fractura vertical radicular con antecedentes de fibromialgia. Presentación del caso: mujer de 70 años de edad, no fumadora ni consumidora de alcohol, que acudió con un dolor posteroinferior izquierdo de un año de evolución. Presentaba una profundidad de son-deo mayor de 12 mm en el órgano dental (od) 37, sangrado a la palpación, dolor y movilidad grado ii. En el od 36 fue notoria la exposición clínica del tercio superior del implante dental, sin movilidad, con una profundidad de 4 mm. El tratamiento consistió en una exodoncia atraumática del od 37, donde se identificó una fractura radicular vertical. Discusión: actualmente, los implantes dentales permiten restablecer la salud bucodental. Sin embargo, ellos también pueden inducir una osteomielitis en los maxilares. La terapia instaurada redujo ostensiblemente la morbilidad del implante dental implicado y regeneró la zona intervenida.

Introduction: Mandibular osteomyelitis is considered a rare pathological process. Most of the cases pre-sented involve patients with osteoradionecrosis and those patients with intake of some antiresorptive drugs. The objective of this report is to report an unusual case of a patient with osteomyelitis, peri-im-plantitis and vertical root fracture with a history of fibromyalgia. Case presentation: A 70-year-old female patient, non-smoker or alcohol consumer, who presented with lower left postero-pain of one year's evolution. She presented a probing depth greater than 12 mm in dental organ (od) 37, bleeding on palpation, pain and grade II mobility. At the level of do 36, the clinical exposure of the upper third of the dental implant was notorious, without mobility, with a depth of 4 mm. The treatment consisted of an atraumatic extraction of do 37, where a vertical root fracture was identified. Discussion: Currently, dental implants make it possible to restore oral health. However, they can also induce osteomyelitis in the jaws. The established therapy ostensibly reduced the morbidity of the involved dental implant and regeneration of the intervened area

Introdução: a osteomielite mandibular é considerada um processo patológico raro. A maioria dos casos apresentados envolve pacientes com osteorradionecrose e aqueles pacientes com uso de alguns medi-camentos antirreabsortivos. O objetivo deste relato é relatar um caso incomum de um paciente com osteomielite, periimplantite e fratura radicular vertical com histórico de fibromialgia. Apresentação do caso: paciente do sexo feminino, 70 anos, não fumante ou etilista, que apresentou dor póstero-infe-rior esquerda com um ano de evolução. Apresentava profundidade de sondagem maior que 12 mm no órgão dentário (od) 37, sangramento à palpação, dor e mobilidade grau ii. Ao nível de do 36, foi notória a exposição clínica do terço superior do implante dentário, sem mobilidade, com profundidade de 4 mm. O tratamento consistiu em uma extração atraumática de do 37, onde foi identificada uma fratura vertical da raiz. Discussão: atualmente, os implantes dentários possibilitam o restabelecimento da saúde bucal. No entanto, eles também podem induzir osteomielite nos maxilares. A terapia instituída reduziu ostensivamente a morbidade do implante dentário envolvido e a regeneração da área intervencionada

Influence of a Metal Artifact Reduction Filter on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Complete and Incomplete Vertical Root Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the influence of the e-vol DX BAR filter on the diagnostic accuracy of complete and incomplete vertical root fractures (VRFs). METHODS: Twenty single-rooted teeth were selected. The tooth crowns were removed, and the root canals were prepared up to a 40/.06 instrument (ProTaper Next). Each specimen was scanned in a Prexion 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device, in a dry human skull, in 4 different situations: no root canal filling, gutta-percha, fiberglass post, and metal post. The specimens were fractured in a universal testing machine by using a customized wedge. Each specimen was reinspected to confirm the presence of incomplete VRFs. Another set of CBCT scans was performed. Then, the fractures were completed in the universal testing machine, the teeth were reinspected, and the CBCT images were acquired again. Images were assessed by using the e-Vol DX software system, with the BAR filter and with the original images, for the diagnosis of VRFs. Statistical analysis was performed by using the DeLong and McNemar tests for the comparison of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values. RESULTS: The use of the BAR filter did not improve the diagnostic values of AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in both fracture patterns (P > .05). Incomplete VRFs presented significantly lower AUC, accuracy, and sensitivity compared with complete VRFs (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The BAR filter did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of VRFs. The intracanal materials also did not influence the diagnosis. Incomplete VRFs were highly associated with a decrease in sensitivity.

Effect of cone-beam computed tomography metal artefact reduction on incomplete subtle vertical root fractures.

Purpose: This study compared the accuracy of detection of incomplete vertical root fractures (VRFs) in filled and unfilled teeth on cone-beam computed tomography images with and without a metal artefact reduction (MAR) algorithm. Materials and Methods: Forty single-rooted maxillary premolars were selected and, after endodontic instrumentation, were categorized as unfilled teeth without fractures, filled teeth without fractures, unfilled teeth with fractures, or filled teeth with fractures. Each VRF was artificially created and confirmed by operative microscopy. The teeth were randomly arranged, and images were acquired with and without the MAR algorithm. The images were evaluated with OnDemand software (Cybermed Inc., Seoul, Korea). After training, 2 blinded observers each assessed the images for the presence and absence of VRFs 2 times separated by a 1-week interval. P-values<0.05 were considered to indicate significance. Results: Of the 4 protocols, unfilled teeth analysed with the MAR algorithm had the highest accuracy of incomplete VRF diagnosis (0.65), while unfilled teeth reviewed without MAR were associated with the least accurate diagnosis (0.55). With MAR, an unfilled tooth with an incomplete VRF was 4 times more likely to be identified as having an incomplete VRF than an unfilled tooth without this condition, while without MAR, an unfilled tooth with an incomplete VRF was 2.28 times more likely to be identified as having an incomplete VRF than an unfilled tooth without this condition. Conclusion: The use of the MAR algorithm increased the diagnostic accuracy in the detection of incomplete VRF on images of unfilled teeth.

Influence of the technical parameters of CBCT image acquisition on vertical root fracture diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of image acquisition parameters (voxel, FOV, kVp, mA) on the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting vertical root fracture (VRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed in 6 main databases and the gray literature, without restrictions of language or date. Observational clinical studies (OCS) and in vitro-extracted teeth (IV) studies were considered eligible for inclusion when investigating the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity) of CBCT in detecting VRF in human teeth. The risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2, and a meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager v5.4 software and Jamovi software v1.6. RESULTS: A total of 60 out of 132 articles was included after fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Of these, 54 were IV studies while 6 were OCS. In the IV studies, it was seen that smaller FOV sizes tended to present higher accuracy values. The meta-analysis of the 6 OCS showed that the overall sensitivity and specificity values for 0.08 mm and 0.1 mm voxels were greater (0.84 and 0.79, respectively) than the sensitivity and specificity values for 0.125 mm and 0.2 mm voxels (0.70 and 0.55, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the uncertain risk of bias found for the IV and OCS studies, smaller voxel and FOV sizes seem to provide more accurate VRF detection values when using CBCT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This information is crucial for supporting the clinician when prescribing CBCT in cases of a clinical suspicion of VRF, and contributes to the personalization of the CBCT prescription, thereby ensuring greater accuracy in the VRF diagnosis. Registration This protocol was registered at the PROSPERO database (International Prospective Register of Systematic Review) under registration number CRD42020210118.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma attendance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dental trauma patient attendance. The study was registered in the PROSPERO system, using the CRD42021288398 protocol. Searching was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Lilacs, and OpenGrey databases, using the following keywords: "Tooth injuries," "Dental trauma," "Traumatic Dental injury," and "COVID-19". We included observational studies evaluating dental trauma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Cross-Sectional Studies. Meta-analysis was performed in RevMan 5.4 software with Odds Ratios as a pooled measure of effect, with a 95% confidence interval, and using random-effects modeling. After applying the eligibility criteria, 32 studies were included for qualitative analysis, in which 10 were used to assess the frequency of dental trauma diagnoses in dental emergencies. Despite the decrease of visits during COVID-19, the analysis revealed no difference between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Regarding the type of dental trauma, two of the studies revealed no differences for the periods before and during the pandemic. This study revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has not impacted the frequency or type of dental trauma compared to previous periods.

Dental trauma and oral health-related quality of life among 7th-grade students of public elementary schools

Dental trauma is a public health problem because of its high prevalence rates and treatment costs and for affecting mainly younger individuals. Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the variables associated with dental trauma and its influence on oral health-related quality of life among 7th-grade students of public elementary schools. Methods: The data was collected with semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires and an intraoral clinical examination (n = 204). The variables collected regarded dental trauma, lip coverage, overjet, oral health-related quality of life (Child Perceptions Questionnaire - CPQ11-14 ISF: 8), and sociodemographic profile. Association tests and the Mann-Whitney test were performed at a 5% significance level. Results: Dental trauma occurred in 12.3% of students, 94.6% had adequate lip coverage, and the mean overjet was 2.7 mm (±2.0). Sex was the only variable with a statistically significant association with dental trauma (p = 0.021). There was no statistically significant difference in the CPQ11-14 ISF: 8 score between students with and without dental trauma (p = 0.136). Conclusions: Dental trauma was significantly associated with sex and did not impact the oral health-related quality of life of the students

Are yellow-brownish opacities in hypomineralized teeth more prone to breakage than white-creamy ones? A systematic review.

OBJETIVE: To evaluate all the available evidence assessing if in hypomineralized teeth, yellow-brownish opacities are more prone to post-eruptive breakdown (PEB) compared to white-creamy opacities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational studies that evaluated the occurrence of PEB in hypomineralized teeth were considered for inclusion. Electronic searches were performed up to January 2022 in MedLine, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. Neither publication date nor language restrictions were imposed to the searches. Two researchers independently performed the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Datasets from studies were grouped for narrative synthesis based on the severity of the PEB (enamel or dentin), type of tooth (molar or incisor), unit of analysis (subject or tooth or tooth surface), and follow-up period (in months). The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Nine studies were included, five cohort and three cross-sectional. All studies assessed the opacities and PEB by visual examination and diagnosed MIH according to EAPD criteria. In the cohort studies, considering all follow-up periods (ranging from 6 to 36 months), dark opacities fractured more than light opacities, at both enamel and enamel/dentin levels, and molars fractured more than incisors. In two out of three cross-sectional studies, dark opacities also fractured more than light opacities, but the deep of the PEB (enamel or dentin breakdown) or the type of tooth (molar or incisor) was not considered in the analysis. CONCLUSION: Although it seems plausible to state that darker demarcated opacities in MIH patients broke more often than light ones, based on this systematic review of the literature, the certainty of the available evidence about this association is still very low. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: More reliable and valid research is still necessary to support any future recommendation that MIH children who present yellow-brownish opacities should be monitored at shorter intervals compared to those who present only white-creamy opacities.

Sequelae in permanent dentition after trauma in primary dentition in patients assisted at hospital base Valdivia, Chile / Secuelas en dentición permanente por trauma en dentición temporal en pacientes atendidos en el hospital base Valdivia, Chile

Aim: To determine the type and frequency of sequelae in permanent teeth as a result of traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth in pediatric patients attended to at the Hospital Base Valdivia, between 2007 and 2012. Material and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted. The medical records of pediatric patients who were affected by traumatic dental injuries in primary teeth and went to the Sub-department of Dentistry of the Hospital Base Valdivia, Chile, were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The recorded data was: age of the child at the time of the accident, gender, affected primary tooth, type of traumatic dental injuries, and diagnosis of the permanent successor tooth. Descriptive statistics were performed. A chi-square test was used to establish differences between type of traumatic dental injuries and condition of the permanent tooth. Results: The most frequent diagnosis of traumatic dental injuries in primary dentition was subluxation. The primary tooth with the highest frequency of traumatic dental injuries was the right maxillary central incisor; 58.2% of the permanent successors presented some developmental disturbances. The most frequent sequelae observed in permanent teeth were chronological alterations of the eruption. Conclusion: There is a high frequency of sequelae in permanent dentition as a result of trauma in primary dentition. The most frequent sequel observed was chronological alteration of the eruption. It is fundamental to inform parents about the possible consequences that could arise and emphasize the importance of attending periodic follow up in order to prevent or minimize possible sequelae in permanent teeth.

Objectivo: Determinar el tipo y frecuencia de secuelas en dientes permanentes como consecuencia de lesiones dentales traumáticas en dientes temporales en pacientes pediátricos atendidos en el Hospital Base Valdivia, entre los años 2007 y 2012. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo. Se seleccionaron las historias clínicas, según criterios de inclusión y exclusión, de pacientes pediátricos que sufrieron lesiones dentales traumáticas en dientes temporales y que acudieron al sub-departamento de Odontología del Hospital Base Valdivia, Chile. Los datos registrados fueron: edad en el momento del accidente, sexo, diente temporal afectado, tipo de lesiones dentales traumáticas y diagnóstico del diente sucesor permanente. Se realizó estadística descriptiva. Se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para establecer diferencias entre el tipo de lesiones dentales traumáticas y el estado del diente permanente. Resultado: El diagnóstico más frecuente de lesiones dentales traumáticas en dentición temporal fue subluxación. El diente temporal con mayor frecuencia de lesiones dentales traumáticas fue el incisivo central superior derecho. El 58.2% de los dientes sucesores permanentes presentó alguna alteración del desarrollo. Las secuelas más frecuentes observadas fueron alteraciones cronológicas de la erupción. Conclusión: Existe una alta frecuencia de secuelas en la dentición permanente como consecuencia de traumatismos en la dentición temporal. La secuela más frecuente observada fue la alteración cronológica de la erupción. Es fundamental informar a los padres sobre las posibles consecuencias que podrían surgir y enfatizar la importancia de realizar un seguimiento periódico para prevenir o minimizar posibles secuelas en los dientes permanentes.

Sinopsis de la Situación de Salud Oral en Chile - Parte IV: Traumatismo Dentoalveolar / Synopsis of the Oral Health Situation in Chile - Part IV: Traumatic Dental Injuries

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Sintetizar los resultados de estudios epidemiológicos sobre Traumatismo Dentoalveolar (TDA) en la población chilena. Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura para identificar estudios poblacionales a nivel nacional, regional, provincial y comunal, además de datos de servicios dentales de atención primaria y secundaria sobre TDA en Chile. Resultados: Se incluyeron 2 estudios con representatividad nacional y 8 realizados en centros de atención en salud. A nivel nacional, la prevalencia de TDA a los 6 años fue de un 2.57%, y a los 12 años, 4.97%. En los estudios realizados en centros de salud, el diagnóstico más prevalente en dentición primaria fueron las lesiones de tejidos de soporte y en dentición permanente, la fractura coronaria. Fue más frecuente la afectación de un solo diente, y los incisivos centrales superiores fueron los dientes más afectados. Conclusiones: Los estudios representativos de la población en Chile son escasos, realizados hace más de una década y representativos sólo de la población de 6 y 12 años, lo cual pone de manifiesto la necesidad de mayor información epidemiológica sobre el TDA en la población chilena.

ABSTRACT: Aim: To summarize the evidence on epidemiological studies about traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in Chile. Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out in two databases to identify population studies at national, regional, provincial and community levels, as well as reports from primary and secondary dental care services, regarding TDI in Chile. Results: Two studies with national representation and eight studies from primary and secondary healthcare centers were included in the analysis. National prevalence for 6-year-old children was 2.57%, and 4.97% for 12-year-old children. While the most frequent diagnosis in primary dentition was traumatic injury involving tooth-supporting tissues, the most commonly reported diagnosis in permanent dentition was crown fracture. Single tooth affection was more frequent, and the upper central incisors were the most affected teeth. Conclusions: Data on representative studies about TDIs in Chile are scarce. Few studies, carried out more than a decade ago and only on 6- and 12-year-old children are available. There is a need for further epidemiological information about TDIs in Chile.

Influence of sharpening filters on the detection of root fractures using low-dose cone-beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of sharpening filters in the detection of root fractures using low-dose cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four CBCT volumes acquired at three mA levels of 28 teeth inserted in the dental socket of dry human skull were selected from a previous study. The teeth were divided into four groups according to the presence and absence of root fracture and endodontic filling. Five radiologists evaluated all CBCT volumes for the presence of root fracture with and without the application of "Sharpen 1x" and "Sharpen 2x" filters in OnDemand3D software. Area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and inter- and intra-observer concordance were calculated and compared (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Sharpening filters did not lead to significant differences in AUC, sensitivity, and specificity at the three mA levels tested (p > 0.05), regardless of the presence of endodontic filling (p > 0.05). However, the significant reduction of AUC observed in CBCT volumes at 4 mA without filter (p < 0.05) ceased to exist after the application of filters (p > 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity ranged from low and moderate. CONCLUSIONS: The use of sharpening filters can be recommended in CBCT volumes at 4 mA for root fracture detection for leading to the same performance as those at 6.3 and 10 mA. The presence of endodontic filling material did not influence the action of filters in the diagnosis of root fracture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sharpening filters seem to contribute to the diagnosis of root fracture in CBCT volumes acquired with reduced radiation dose.

Dental undergraduate students' ability in the diagnosis of root fractures: Comparative analysis of different imaging methods.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic ability of dental undergraduate students to detect horizontal and oblique root fractures (ORFs) using different imaging techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine teeth were selected and randomly divided in three groups in order to create a fracture line without fragments separation: control (without fracture), horizontal root fracture (HRF), and ORF. The root fracture was created using perpendicular force and was confirmed by transillumination. A model with two adjacent teeth was created, and different imaging techniques were performed: conventional periapical radiograph; mesially and distally shifted periapical radiographs; cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT). Twenty students that had participation on dental trauma clinic at the year of 2019 were invited to identify root fractures by a five-point scale: (i) fracture definitely not present, (ii) fracture probably not present, (iii) uncertain whether fracture is present or not, (iv) fracture probably present, and (v) fracture definitely present. Data were analyzed by Kappa test for agreement evaluation. RESULTS: Comparing each student to the gold standard, there was a variation in reproducibility and performance from poor to substantial (0.042-0.667). Reproducibility values ranged from poor to good for all periapical radiographs both in the diagnosis of ORF (-0.33-0.667) and in HRF (0-1). CONCLUSIONS: In CBCT images, the students' ability was lower in HRF detection in comparison with the oblique ones. The students showed limited capacity to diagnose root fractures; however when CBCT was used, the performance was more satisfactory than when periapical radiographs were used.

Digital file format does not influence the radiographic diagnosis of vertical root fracture.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the file format of digital periapical radiographs on the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF). STUDY DESIGN: Periapical radiographic images of 34 single-rooted teeth-19 with VRF, and 15 without VRF were acquired using two digital systems-Digora Toto, and Digora Optime, and exported into four different file formats-TIFF, BMP, PNG, and JPEG, totaling 272 radiographs. The radiographs were assessed by five examiners for the detection of VRF, using a 5-point scale (1-definitely absent; 2-probably absent; 3-uncertain; 4-probably present; 5-definitely present). Diagnostic values of area under the ROC curve, specificity, and sensitivity for the diagnosis of VRF were calculated. The results were compared by two-way Analysis of Variance with post hoc Tukey's test. The intra- and inter-examiner agreements were measured by the Kappa test. The significance level was set at 5% for all analyses. RESULTS: The values of intra-examiner agreement varied from moderate (0.56) to almost perfect (0.81), while the values of inter-examiner agreement varied from fair (0.29) to moderate (0.60). The image file format did not influence the diagnostic values for VRF for any of the radiographic systems tested (p > 0.05). Digora Toto had significantly greater values of area under the ROC curve than Digora Optime for all file formats (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The image file format of periapical radiographs does not influence the diagnosis of VRF, regardless of the digital radiography system.

Evaluation of the combined assessment of two digital enhancement filters in periapical radiographs obtained with different projection angles in the detection of simulated dental root fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the combined assessment of the original radiographic image with the Invert or Emboss digital enhancement filters in periapical radiographs obtained with different horizontal projection angles in the detection of simulated dental root fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four single-rooted teeth were selected, out of which 17 teeth were subjected to root fracture. Each tooth was individually placed in an empty socket of a dry human maxilla or mandible and X-rayed following the paralleling technique at three horizontal projections: mesial, right angle, distal. Then, the Invert and Emboss enhancement filters were applied. Five examiners independently evaluated all the images and rated the fractures using a 5-point scale. Weighted kappa test assessed the intra- and interexaminer agreements. Diagnostic values were calculated and the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared using two-way ANOVA with Tukey test as post hoc (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The inter- and intraexaminer agreement ranged from moderate to almost perfect and from substantial to almost perfect, respectively. Diagnostic values were considerably high for all conditions with no significant difference between the AUC values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of the original radiographic image with the Invert or Emboss digital enhancement filters in periapical radiographs obtained with different projection angles did not influence the detection of simulated dental root fracture.

Age-Related Pattern of Dental Trauma in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the pattern of traumatic dental injuries among children, adolescents, and adults. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytic study of children and adults who presented with dental trauma. Data utilized for this study were sociodemographic characteristics, history of the traumatic incident, presenting complaints, traumatized teeth and classification of the traumatized tissues using Ellis and Davey's classification. Results: A total of 163 participants with 307 traumatized teeth were included in the study. The participants' age ranged from 2 years to 75 years, with a mean age of 25.36 ±15.4 years. Children <10 years were the least represented (14.7%), adolescents 10-19 years accounted for 23.9%., young adults 20 to 40 years were the most represented (44.8%) and older adults >40 years (16.6%). A higher proportion of the study participants were female 83 (50.9%) and the most prevalent complaint was broken teeth (57.1%) The most prevalent aetiology of the trauma documented was fall (36.2%). The most prevalent injury type was extended crown fracture with noticeable dentinal involvement without pulp exposure. There was a statistically significant association between injury type, aetiology and age group. Conclusion: Traumatic dental injuries affect children, adolescents and adults alike. The central incisors were the most vulnerable teeth across all age groups. Age was significantly associated with the etiology of dental trauma and injury type (AU).

Determination of Shear Bond Strength of Nanocomposite to Porcelain and Metal Alloy

Abstract Objective: To compare porcelain and metal repair done with both nanocomposite and conventional composite. Material and Methods: A total of 30 cylinders were fabricated from Porcelain (I), Porcelain fused to metal (II), and metal (III) substrate each. Control group (A) was bonded with conventional micro-hybrid composite and experimental group (B) was bonded with nanocomposite in a 2 mm thickness. All specimens were thermocycled and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 7 days. A universal testing machine was used to measure the Shear bond strength (SBS). The difference between bond strengths of the groups was compared using an independent t-test. Results: In all three groups, the SBS was higher in the experimental group as compared to the control group. The use of nanocomposite of metal alloy presented maximum shear bond strength, followed by samples of porcelain fused to metal and finally porcelain, showing the lowest values of SBS. Conclusion: Porcelain and alloys bonded with nanocomposite exhibit enhanced adhesiveness as well as aesthetic and mechanical properties. This subsequently would translate into providing higher clinical serviceability and durability and hence a cost-effective and accessible repair option for human welfare (AU).

Influence of metal artefact reduction tool on the detection of vertical root fractures involving teeth with intracanal materials in cone beam computed tomography images: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of the metal artefact reduction (MAR) tool for the detection of vertical root fracture (VRF) by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the MAR tool on VRF detection involving teeth with intracanal materials in CBCT images. METHODOLOGY: In September 2019, an electronic search was performed in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Lilacs and Embase). The electronic search was updated in May 2020 through searches in Google Scholar and references of included studies (embracing the electronic and gray literature searches). No language or year restrictions were applied. Independently, two reviewers examined titles, abstracts and full texts according to the eligibility criteria that were as follows: diagnostic studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the MAR tool on the diagnosis of VRF in human teeth (laboratory or in vivo studies) on CBCT images. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic of Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). For conducting the meta-analysis, the values of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were obtained, considering the subgroups with and without MAR active. The Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation instrument was applied to assess the level of evidence across the studies using GRADEpro software. RESULTS: A total of 8 laboratory studies were included in both systematic review and meta-analysis. The values of sensitivity, specificity, DOR and AUC to VRF diagnosis with and without MAR active were, respectively, 0.586 and 0.603; 0.699 and 0.713, 3.037 and 3.767; 0.67 and 0.71. The quality of the evidence suggested low confidence in estimating the outcomes. DISCUSSION: The MAR tool decreased slightly the diagnostic values of VRF involving teeth with intracanal materials in laboratory studies. However, it is important to highlight that most studies had an uncertain risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Although a low level of evidence and high heterogeneity were observed in the included studies, the meta-analysis revealed better diagnosis values for VRF detection when the MAR was deactivated when analysing extracted teeth in a laboratory setting. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO-CRD42020145222. FUNDING: This study was financed in party by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brasil (CAPES).

Influence of CBCT metal artifact reduction on vertical radicular fracture detection.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool in a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device on the diagnosis of vertical root fractures (VRFs) in teeth with different root filling materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five extracted human premolars were classified into three subgroups; 1) no filling; 2) gutta-percha; and 3) metallic post. CBCT images were acquired using an Orthopantomograph 300 unit with and without a MAR tool. Subsequently, the same teeth were fractured, and new CBCT scans were obtained with and without MAR. Two oral radiologists evaluated the images regarding the presence or absence of VRF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and diagnostic tests were performed. RESULTS: The overall area under the curve values were 0.695 for CBCT with MAR and 0.789 for CBCT without MAR. The MAR tool negatively influenced the overall diagnosis of VRFs in all tested subgroups, with lower accuracy (0.45-0.72), sensitivity (0.6-0.67), and specificity (0.23-0.8) than were found for the images without MAR. In the latter group, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were 0.68-0.77, 0.67-083, and 0.53-087, respectively. However, no significant difference was found between images with and without MAR for the no filling and gutta-percha subgroups (P>0.05). In the metallic post subgroup, CBCT showed a significant difference according to MAR use (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The OP 300 MAR tool negatively influenced the detection of VRFs in teeth with no root canal filling, gutta-percha, or metallic posts. Teeth with metallic posts suffered the most from the negative impact of MAR.

Orthodontic Movement of Central Incisor with Previously-healed Root Fracture associated with Unerupted Canines.

Teeth with root fracture may need orthodontic treatment. This case report presents the management of unerupted canines in a patient with previously-healed/untreated horizontal root fracture in the maxillary left central incisor. The malocclusion was treated maintaining pulp vitality considering the principles to improve the eruption path of maxillary canines and move short-rooted teeth. The root-fractured tooth remained symptomless after orthodontic treatment without significant adverse effects, and stayed stable following 2-year follow-up.

Influence of glass fiber posts on the fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth with direct veneers: Preliminary results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the influence of glass fiber posts on fracture susceptibility of endodontically treated maxillary anterior teeth with direct veneers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty participants had 1 maxillary anterior tooth restored with a direct veneer. They were divided into 2 groups (n = 25) according to the use of intraradicular glass fiber posts. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The treatment success was determined by the absence of tooth fracture. If there was fracture, it was classified according to its extent. Fischer exact test was performed to analyze the criteria among the groups at each evaluation time. Friedman repeated analysis of variance assessed the difference in the performance of each group at three recall times (α = 0.5). RESULTS: For control group, at the 6-month follow-up, one tooth had suffered a catastrophic failure, which resulted in tooth extraction. Fisher statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the cumulative success rate of the groups for the 6 (P > .999) and the 12-month (P > .999) period. Friedman test showed no significant difference among the periods of evaluation (P > .999). CONCLUSIONS: Both groups had a similar success rate for maxillary anterior endodontically treated teeth with direct veneers after 12 months. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Glass fiber post use does not influence the fracture susceptibility of maxillary anterior endodontically treated teeth with direct veneers in the short term.