Prevalence of apical periodontitis and quality of root canal treatment in an adult Kuwaiti sub-population: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and the technical quality of root canal fillings in an adult Kuwaiti subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods: Two experienced examiners analyzed 250 CBCT images obtained from Kuwaiti patients aged 15-65 years who attended government dental specialist clinics between January 2019 and September 2020. The assessment followed the radiographic scoring criteria proposed by De Moor for periapical status and the technical quality of root canal filling. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis, with significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 2,762 examined teeth, 191 (6.91%) exhibited radiographic signs of AP, and 176 (6.37%) had undergone root canal filling. AP prevalence in root canal-treated teeth was 32.38%, with a significant difference between males and females. Most of the endodontically treated teeth exhibited adequate root canal filling (71.5%). Conclusions: The study demonstrated a comparable prevalence of AP and satisfactory execution of root canal treatment compared to similar studies in different countries.

Root and root canal morphology of permanent mandibular first and second molars in a Kuwaiti population: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study.

Aim: Endodontic diseases typically affect the mandibular molars. Understanding the complex morphology of the root canal system and its variations is necessary for successful endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology of roots and root canals of mandibular first and second permanent molar teeth in a Kuwaiti population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: CBCT images of 651 mandibular first and second molar teeth were obtained from specialist government dental centers. The age, sex, root canal configuration, and number and type of roots were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed. Results: The most common canal configuration in the mandibular first and second molars was type II (65.6% and 54.4%, respectively), with no significant difference seen between the sexes (p = 0.234). The canal configuration was significantly different between the mandibular first and second molars (p < 0.001). Most teeth had two roots (94.5%); split roots were common (92.6%) and the number thereof varied significantly. Radicular grooves were most common on the lingual side (4.9%). C-shaped canals were present in 43 (6.60%) teeth. Additionally, one tooth had a confluent middle mesial canal and nine (1.4%) had radix entomolaris. Conclusion: Mandibular molars in our Kuwaiti population typically had two split roots with type II and IV canal configurations. The prevalence rates of C-shaped canals, middle mesial canals, and radix entomolaris were remarkably low.

Retreatability of Bioceramic Sealer Using One Curve Rotary File Assessed by Microcomputed Tomography.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This article aims to evaluate the residual filling materials after retreatment of bioceramic sealer used in the obturation technique of mandibular molars with different root curvatures using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 canals of mandibular molar teeth with closed apex, no fracture, calcification, or previously root canals treated were selected. Each tooth was mounted in acrylic resin blocks, and canals were instrumented with 06 One Curve rotary file and filled with gutta-percha and EndoSequence bioceramic (group A) or AH Plus sealer (group B) then subdivided into three groups (each) based on the degree of root curvature; mild (≤15°), moderate (16-30°), or severe (≥31°). Retreatment was done with the same rotary file. Samples were scanned before and after retreatment, and the volume of the residual materials was calculated. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The micro-CT scans show remaining filling in all canal levels of the two groups after retreatment. The mean values of all canals in bioceramic as well as AH Plus samples were significantly higher at coronal level (p < 0.001). In addition, the mean differences of distolingual canal after retreatment were not significantly different between the three levels in bioceramic group (p = 0.051). In regard to the AH Plus group, the mean values of mesiolingual canal after retreatment were statistically significant higher at coronal level (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Micro-CT tool provides a clear 3D visualization. Remnants of Bioceramic and AH Plus sealers were detected in different canal curvatures. The use of One Curve rotary file did not improve the removal of the filling materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It is difficult to achieved complete removal of bioceramic filling material from the root canal system using rotary file.

Root and Canal Morphology of Mandibular Premolar Teeth in a Kuwaiti Subpopulation: A CBCT Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the root and root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in a Kuwaiti subpopulation using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: 152 CBCT images were obtained from the radiology department archives of four dental centers in Kuwait. A total of 476 mandibular premolar teeth were analyzed by two observers. The number of roots, root canal configuration types and canal curvature measurements were examined. The relationship between sex, tooth position, and incidence of an additional canal were compared using the chi-square test, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). RESULTS: The number of roots in mandibular first premolars was one in 73.9%, two in 24.9%, three and four in 1.2%. On the other hand, the number of roots in mandibular second premolars was one in 79.2% and two in 20.8%. Based on Vertucci's classification system, 18.7% of the teeth were type II followed by type VI (14.3%). The majority of the examined teeth were straight (74.8%) and the incidence of distal root angulation was about 21%. Canal configurations not included in the Vertucci classification were reported in 102 teeth (21.4%). Variability was significantly higher in the second premolars compared to first premolar (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Kuwaiti population has complex root canal morphology in mandibular premolar teeth.

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and quality of root canal treatment in an adult Saudi population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the health status of periradicular tissue and the quality of root canal fillings in an adult Saudi population attending dental clinics for the first time. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted  in the dental clinics at King Saud University, Riyadh and other dental centers (Jeddah, Najran, and Albaha City), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between year 2010   and 2012. Good-quality panoramic radiographs of 926 Saudi subjects (540 males and 386 females)were analyzed based on the gender, age, health status, smoking habits, periapical status of the endodontically treated teeth, technical quality of the root canal fillings, and the presence or absence of coronal restoration. Data were calibrated and statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 17.  Results: Of the 25,028 teeth examined, 1,556 teeth (6.2%) had apical periodontitis (AP). Male subjects aged over 55 years and females between 36 and 45 years had higher AP. A total of 36 diabetic and 87 smokers subjects had AP. The AP was more common in male diabetics than female (p=0.383), and in female smokers more than male (p=0.44). Only 42.2% of male and 57.7% of female teeth had adequate root canal treatment.  Conclusions: Apical periodontitis was significantly related to diabetes, smoking, and inadequate endodontic treatment.

Retreatment of failed regenerative endodontic of orthodontically treated immature permanent maxillary central incisor: a case report.

A revascularization procedure was shown to be the best alternative therapy for immature teeth with necrotic pulp and apical infection. A 12 year old female with a history of trauma to her upper central incisor and a sinus tract was referred for endodontic treatment. She was an active orthodontic patient and had undergone regenerative endodontic treatment for the past 2 years. Clinical examination revealed no response to sensibility, percussion, and palpation tests. The preoperative radiograph showed an open apex and apical rarefaction. The case was diagnosed as previously treated tooth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Regenerative endodontic retreatment was performed, and the case was followed for 3 years. Clinical, radiographic, and cone-beam computed tomography follow-up examination revealed an asymptomatic tooth, with evidence of periapical healing and root maturation.