The effect of an additional application of sealer prior to backfilling in the Continuous Wave of Condensation technique.

An additional sealer application was investigated prior to backfilling with the Continuous Wave of Condensation (CWC). 105 Palatal roots were sectioned and prepared to a file size 40, 0.06 taper with Vortex Blue® files. Groups A, B and C had a single sealer application before while groups D, E and F, received a second application of dyed sealer prior to backfilling. Roots were sectioned at 2,3,4,6,7 and 8 mm from the root apex. The percentage of sealer and dentinal tubular penetration depth was calculated at each level. At each ascending level, the sealer percentage decreased for each experimental group while the number of outer third penetration depths increased when all groups were combined. An additional sealer application prior to backfilling had minimal effect on the percentage of sealer or outer third penetration depths and can be considered a clinical preference rather than an imperative step with the CWC technique.

Radiographic study of ethnic variation in alveolar bone height among New Zealand dental students.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine anatomical variations in the radiographic distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest with respect to ethnic heritage and gender in New Zealand dental students. METHODS: Digitized bitewing films of 123 second-year New Zealand dental students were examined with a computer imaging program on a desktop computer screen. The race of parents and grandparents was obtained by questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean distance from the cemento-enamel junction to the alveolar crest across the sample was 0.97 mm. Eighteen (14.6%) of the participants had measurements >2 mm, of whom 17 were Asians. Asians had a significantly larger mean distance than did non-Asians (1.10 mm compared to 0.83 mm; P <0.001). Gender was not a significant variable. CONCLUSIONS: Students of Asian origin had a significantly greater distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest. It remains to be determined whether this is anatomical or disease related.