The Management of Immature Necrotic Permanent Molars for Uncooperative Child: A Case Report with 12-Month Follow-up.

Uncooperative children with dental fear form a barrier in front of a pediatric dentist to provide appropriate treatment. This study reports a detailed management of a child with a previous bad dental experience and permanent immature necrotic molars. The painful phase of the treatment was accomplished under two sedation sessions and the molars were treated. The permanent molars were followed up for a year to verify the success of the treatment.

Modern versus Traditional Endodontic Access Cavity Designs.

By creating a precise access cavity (AC) and finishing the pulp chamber, less invasive endodontic therapy attempts to improve conventional endodontic therapy. The cingulum, oblique ridge, and roof of the pulp chamber, which all play a vital role in functional activity, might be preserved to increase fracture resistance. To reduce tooth structure loss, endodontic new ACs have recently been created. The preparation of the conservative access opening had advanced to a new level with the advent of microscopes and improved root canal equipment. The conservation of the cervical dentin is the most essential factor in preserving the restored tooth's normal function and lifespan. In recent years, minimally invasive endodontics has posed a challenge to the traditional method.

Comparative Evaluation of Potential Dentinal Microcracks Related to Instrumentation alongside Bypassed Broken Instruments: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of microcracks in the canals containing broken instruments in the middle and apical thirds after instrumentation with various systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and fifty mature mandibular premolars with single straight canal were collected and stored in distilled water. Samples were checked out from any preexisting deformation or cracks, and then standardized in length. Thirty teeth were never instrumented (NI) as a control group, 60 teeth have received a broken instrument in the middle third, and 60 ones at the apical third. Teeth were placed in resin blocks with simulation of periodontal ligaments. After bypassing the instruments, samples were divided into four groups n = 30; first group was prepared manually MN until 25/0.02, while the other three groups were prepared until 25/0.04 using three different rotary systems; Race RC-2Shape TS-Hyflex CM HCM. Roots were cut transversely at levels of broken instruments and examined under 40× microscopic magnification. RESULTS: All the rotary groups produced microcracks. No significant difference of the partial cracks was observed among all groups at the middle and apical levels p >0.05. TS produced more complete cracks compared to each of NI, MN, RC at middle level and NI, MN at apical level; p <0.05. No significant differences of microcracks incidence were observed between two middle and apical levels among the five groups. CONCLUSION: Dentinal microcracks could be obviously resulted after rotary instrumentation alongside broken instruments, while manual shaping was less likely to cause microcracks. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Manual files were less likely to induce microcracks alongside broken instruments in comparison with rotary files which could be considered much safer.

Spectrophotometric study determining staining tendency in different restorative materials (longitudinal in vitro study).

AIM: Our aim was to measure the discolouration degrees in a packable composite, zircon, ceramic, a flowable composite, and GIC (glass isomer cement) and to determine their tendencies to discolour to provide guidance to dentists and prosthodontist for choosing proper materials for cases in which aesthetics is the main treatment goal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty discs were fabricated from the composite, zircon, ceramic, the flowable composite, and GIC, and natural teeth were the control group. The shades were recorded using the Ivoclar Vivadent Shade Guide, and readings were recorded from a Vita Easyshade 4.0 spectrophotometer before immersion, after 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 24 weeks of immersion in coffee. The analysis was performed using a SPSS paired t-test and CIE 76 formula. RESULTS: The ceramic had a starting shade of B1 and kept the same colour throughout the testing period. Zircon had a starting shade of A3 and transitioned to B3 by the second week. The composite had a shade of A1, and after the first week, it was A4; in the second week and afterwards, it was C4. The flowable composite had a starting shade of A1, and after one week, the shade was B3, and then after one more week A3.5; after five months, it was A4. CONCLUSION: The ceramic showed no change, making it ideal for aesthetic regions and anterior replacements. Zircon had the second-highest colour stability, whereas all the other materials showed variable degrees of colour and surface changes, making them not ideal choices for anterior restorations. Thus, this information can aid choices for aesthetic regions to provide the highest longevity.

Knowledge and attitude of dental students in Riyadh City toward the effect of mouthwashes on surface roughness and color stability of some esthetic restorations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of dental students in Riyadh city toward the effect of mouthwash on surface roughness and color stability of some esthetic restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study is directed toward dental students in Riyadh city. The inclusion criteria include both undergraduate students and interns. The exclusion criteria include postgraduate dentist and those in the preparatory year. Also, dental students outside Riyadh are excluded, A questionnaire in English language was distributed through randomized selected participants in both social media (WhatsApp, Twitter) via link in a google sheet. The survey items were divided into two sections that include socio- demographic data and knowledge subscales. RESULTS: A total of 455 dental students have filled the survey, among them 168 were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria (they were preparatory year students), making the number of included responses 287. There was a significant difference between males in females when answering the questions related to 1) indication of mouthwash prescription (P = 0.044), 2) if mouthwashes increase surface roughness of esthetic restorations (P= 0.007) and 3) the type of toothbrush used with esthetic restoration (P= 0.016). CONCLUSION: there is high awareness and using of mouthwashes among dental students in Riyadh the correlation between mouthwashes and restorative materials needs more spot lightening in the dental education process.

Postendodontic pain in asymptomatic necrotic teeth prepared with different rotary instrumentation techniques.

OBJECTIVES: to investigate the postendodontic pain in asymptomatic necrotic teeth prepared with different rotary instrumentation techniques after single-visit root canal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 single-rooted teeth with single root canal were treated endodontically. Teeth were divided randomly into four equaled groups (n = 15) according to instrumentation systems as follows: group I were shaped using ProTaper Universal (control group) (Dentsply/Maillefer, Ballaigues), group 2 were shaped with 2Shape (Micro-Mega) till TS2 (25.06), group 3 were shaped with XP-endo Shaper file (FKG Dentaire) till #30.04, and group 4 were shaped with Reciproc blue (VDW) till R25 (25.08). All groups were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions and obturated with lateral condensation technique. Pain levels were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal evaluation of pain questionnaire after 6, 12, 24, 48 h, and 7 days of canal obturation. Data were then analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at P value of 0.05. RESULTS: Postendodontic pain started after 6 h of treatment with highest values and then decreased gradually until almost vanished after 1 week of treatment, with no significant differences in VAS among studied groups (ProTaper, 2 shape, XP endo Shaper, and Reciproc Blue) after 6,12, and 48 h of treatment. On the other hand, XP endo Shaper group, showed the lowest pain values after 24 h of treatment, and the highest pain values were found in 2 shape group after 1 week with significance (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Root canals prepared with XP endo Shaper resulted in the lowest pain levels after 24 h of treatment. Root canal preparation with 2Sshape rotary system resulted in the highest pain levels after 1 week of treatment.

The Vital Pulp Therapy of Permanent Teeth: A Dental Practitioner's Perspective from Saudi Arabia.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners (DPs) toward vital pulp therapy (VPT) of young permanent teeth in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by taking convenient sample of general DPs and specialist attending Saudi International Dental Conference, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 200 DPs administered a structured, self-administered questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge and attitude toward VPT. The questionnaire comprised four parts: Part I: Characteristics of the study participants; Part II: Items related to indications and diagnosis of VPT; Part III: Questions related to the different VPTs for immature permanent teeth; and Part IV: Dental materials used in VPT and restoration. All the data were entered into the statistical analysis software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY) and analyzed by using descriptive statistics of frequency distribution and percentages for the categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of 193 (men = 57% [110] and women = 43% [83]) DPs participated in this study with a response rate of 96.5%. Less than half of correct responses were observed with (Item 1) related to the duration of complete closure of root apex (43%) and (Item 14) use of sodium hypochlorite to serve as an excellent diagnostic tool to differentiate irreversible from reversible pulpitis. A high percentage of correct responses were seen with the (Item 9) indirect pulp capping--a procedure performed in a tooth with a deep carious lesion without signs or symptoms of pulp degeneration (75%). All other item responses ranged in between 52% and 72%. CONCLUSION: DPs showed fair-to-good knowledge and attitude toward VPT of young permanent teeth. In general, there is a need to improve knowledge and attitude of dental professionals about the VPT by attending continuing dental educational programs.

Root canal morphology of mandibular canines in the Syrian population: A CBCT Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The recent study aimed to assess the root canal morphology of mandibular canines in the Syrian population depending on the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 418 fully developed mandibular canines in Syrian individuals aged between 16 and 60 years were included. The presence of at least one mandibular right or left canine with fully developed roots was recorded in each image. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. The mandibular canines were examined in sagittal, coronal, and axial dimensions. The CBCT images were evaluated by three endodontists with at least 9 years of clinical experience in endodontics. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Out of the 418 mandibular canines, 409 (97.85%) were single-rooted canines while only 9 (2.15%) were double-rooted canines. The most common type of Vertucci in single-rooted canines was Type I (1-1) in the percentage of 95.87% and the least type was Type V (1-2) in the percentage of (0.24%). The Chi-square tests showed no significant association between gender and number of roots (P = 0.64) and gender and root canal configuration in single-rooted canine (P = 0.194). CONCLUSION: Single-rooted with Type I canal configuration was the most common anatomy in mandibular canines in the Syrian population. Incidence of more than one root canal foramen at the end of the single root was detected in one case only.

Knowledge and Opinions of Saudi Dentists Regarding Dental Treatment of Patients Undergoing Bisphosphonates.

OBJECTIVES: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used for treatment of various benign and malignant medical conditions. Medications-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a very serious complication of prolonged therapy with BPs. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding MRONJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire comprising close-ended questions about BPs and MRONJ was sent to a convenience sample of dentists in Saudi Arabia.Statistical Analysis SPSS software was used for data analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare between the groups. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 607 dentists participated in this survey. Overall, the respondents showed insufficient level of knowledge regarding BPORNJ, with only 70% of the respondents had heard about BPORNJ, and less than 50% recognized the risk factors and clinical features of the disease. Additionally, while two-thirds of the respondents recognized the importance of taking BPs history, the majority did not know the correct treatment approach. Respondents with higher degrees (specialists) showed far better knowledge than general dentists. CONCLUSION: The knowledge regarding BPs therapy and its complications among Saudi dentists is unsatisfactory. Hence, interventions are highly required to improve dentists' knowledge regarding BPs and MRONJ.

The knowledge about coronavirus (COVID-19) among populations in two different Arab countries.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most patients infected with the COVID-19 virus experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and heal without any special treatment. This survey aimed to assess the knowledge of Syrian and Saudi populations about the general information, symptoms, and methods of prevention of coronavirus (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized questionnaire composed of four sections (demography, general information about COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19 infection, and methods of prevention) including 34 questions divided between the four mentioned sections were sent online to different social media in the Syrian Arab Republic and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a Google drive form. The collected data were coded, computerized, and analyzed using methods of descriptive statistics by SPSS 25. A Chi-square test was done. RESULTS: The total number of participants was 790; most of them were in the age group of 18-30 years (60.3%) wherein females formed about 59.2% of the whole sample. About 94.6% of the respondents from Syria agreed that several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections while 45.6% of Saudi people knew that diarrhea is one of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). The good results of this current study were clear in the section of coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention as most of the information was correct in more than 60% of answers. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of Syrian and Saudi populations about the general information, symptoms, and methods of prevention of coronavirus COVID-19 was very good to excellent except in very limited points.

Dental education in the Arabic language vs English language: A survey among Arab dentists.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the language difficulties encountered by Arabic dental students and dentists in some aspects of their dental education and to determine their attitude towards the Arabization of the medical curriculum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based self-administered questionnaire with 14 multiple-choice questions was designed and distributed online via google forms in the Arabic language. The online link was sent randomly to Arabic dental students, dental academic staff, and dental practitioners. The survey questions explored language problems during reading, attending lectures and scientific conferences, preparing scientific researches, taking deferent exams, and the attitudes towards Arabization. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to analyze the responses to the questions. RESULTS: There were 378 respondents for this study. Nevertheless, paying high attention to the importance of English language as the global language of communication, (70.6%) of the respondents believed that studying in Arabic is a basic requirement for the Arabs. Near percentage agreed that mastering their mother tongue is much easier than to acquire another language, which further facilitates studying and improves understanding. More than (65%) of the subjects preferred a mixture of both languages for attending lectures, conferences, and exams. But (68.3%) said that they use English when they search for any subject related to dentistry. CONCLUSION: There has been a consensus on the need for receiving knowledge in the Arabic language, and the importance of studying the mother tongue for enhancing understanding and memorization. The results demonstrated that the idea of teaching some dental courses in Arabic is not impossible and it might be the key to improve dental study for the Arabs. Consequently, a majority stated that there were obstacles in teaching dentistry in fully Arabic language due to the dominance of English language internationally and the weak possibilities of Arabization and translation in the Arab world.

Internal Bleaching of Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Dental Practitioner's Perspective from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

AIM: To determine the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners (DPs) for internal bleaching technique (IBT) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was developed based on a convenient sampling of dental practitioners and specialists working in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. DPs responded to a structured, self-administered questionnaire for evaluation of their knowledge and attitude toward IBT. The questionnaire had two components: (i) the characteristics of the study participants; and (ii) the items related to the internal bleaching technique (IBT). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 25.0), with descriptive statistics and a bivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 532 dental practitioners (61.3% males and 38.7% females) participated in this study. The response rate of participation was estimated at 92.5%. Almost 37% participants considered the sodium perborate as the most commonly used dental material for internal bleaching. Almost 70% participants reported that superficial enamel discoloration was a contraindication for internal bleaching in endodontically treated teeth. CONCLUSION: DPs have good knowledge and attitude on use of IBT for discolored teeth. In general, there is a need to improve knowledge and attitude of dental professionals about the IBT by attending continuing dental educational programs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Saving of the remaining tooth structure is a main principle of the different types of dental treatments. So the IBT should be known for all dental practitioners to use it before going to more aggressive dental treatment options such as full crowns. How to cite this article: Doumani M, Alotaibi AN, Al Hussain F, et al. Internal Bleaching of Endodontically Treated Teeth: A Dental Practitioner's Perspective from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019;20(10):1141-1145.

Root canal treatment of mandibular canine with two root canals: A case report series.

Canine is the cornerstone of the mouth due to its position, which reflects its significance of mastication with incisors and premolars. Anomalous root canal morphology can be found in any tooth with different degrees. The unusual configuration of root canal system may lead to a lot of procedural errors during cleaning and shaping, and this, in turn, may increase the probability of root canal treatment failure. In most cases, mandibular canines have one root of a centrally located root canal and 15% of this type of tooth has two root canals.

The knowledge, attitude and practice of fixed prosthodontics: A survey among Qassim dental practitioners.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and fixed prosthodontics practice guidelines amongst dental practitioners of Qassim in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done amongst the Dental Practitioners of Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia in 2018. A total of 290 dentists were selected randomly (from public and private dental clinics and dental schools). A survey was conducted through printed and online questionnaire composed of 19 open and multiple-choice questions. Data from the completed questionnaires were analysed using the SPSS Statistical Software Package (version 25). All statistical analyses were carried out at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results were analysed and compared using the Chi-square test and frequency test. RESULTS: This study showed that 227 (78.3%) of the participants assessed abutment tooth radiographically, also most of them fabricated study cast before starting crown and bridge procedures 37.2% (108). The vitality test for restored abutments was always done by 132 (45.5%) respondents, and 111 (38.3%) of them used poly vinyl siloxane for making final impression, which provides the level of quality of final impression. A total of 117 (40.3%) of them always used retraction cord before making final impression. Both written prescriptions and verbal instructions were used by 209 (72.1%) of the practitioners for communication with the lab. The study revealed that there were no significant differences between males and females in answering questions 11, 13 and 17. CONCLUSION: The dental practitioners (DPs) of Qassim displayed an acceptable level of knowledge and a level of awareness of fixed prosthodontics practicing. However, to further enhance the proficiency, efforts should be made to encourage the practitioners to be aware of the advances in fixed prosthodontics practice through state-of-the-art continuous education programmes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As fixed prosthodontic restorative procedures are widely practiced for dental rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia, it was very important to measure and evaluate the knowledge of DPs about the details of basic steps in the field of fixed prosthodontics and the way of practicing this important branch of dentistry.

Assessing Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Patients regarding the Use of Dental Implants: A Survey-Based Research.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and source of information regarding the use of dental implants as treatment option compared to other conventional treatment modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study among adult dental patients attended dental clinics of College of Dentistry, Qassim University. The level of knowledge, source of information, and attitude regarding the use of dental implants were evaluated through standardized self-explanatory questionnaires which were handed to the patient during their regular dental visits. 200 patients were selected randomly to be included in this survey. RESULTS: Among the 200 participants included in this study, 91.5% of the respondents heard about implants and their source of information were friends (45.5%), 38% of the respondents had no idea about the oral hygiene for the care of the implants compared with natural teeth, 28.5% of the respondents expected them to last between 10 and 20 years, and 48.5% of the respondents believed that dental implants have no effects on the systemic health and there was nonsignificant difference between males and females. CONCLUSION: The survey concluded that an acceptable level of awareness regarding using dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth, with friends being the main source of information.

Evaluation of the Apical Seal of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in the Absence and Presence of Smear Layer.

AIM: The aim of this study was to in vitro evaluate the apical sealability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) when used as an orthograde root filling material, and to evaluate whether smear layer removal has any influence on the apical seal of this material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty single-rooted human mandibular premolars were selected in this in vitro study. The selected teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 20) based on the irrigation type. Group 1 was irrigated using distilled water to keep the smear layer intact, and group 2 was irrigated using NaOCl 5.25% and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 17% to remove the smear layer. All teeth were instrumented using a step-back technique and obturated using white MTA. Microleakage of 0.2% rhodamine B solution at the tooth-material interface was evaluated to assess the apical seal of MTA. The data were analyzed statistically using Mann-Whitney test U-test (p = 0.05). RESULTS: When the smear layer was present, MTA revealed less leakage compared to the group of MTA without smear layer with statistically significant difference (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: The apical seal produced by MTA when smear layer is left intact was better than the apical seal of MTA when smear layer is removed.It can be stated that MTA is a promising root canal filling material with good sealing ability in the presence of a smear layer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using white MTA material for the obturation of root canals is a useful procedure. It could be done without complexity in irrigation during root canal treatment and cause no discoloration to the teeth.

Dentists' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Root Canal Treatment Procedure: Survey-based Research.

AIM: The aim of this survey was to assess the dentists' knowledge, attitude and practice of endodontic treatment procedures and materials in Damascus city (capital of Syria), and the effect of endodontic specialty and years of experience on the survey findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred direct contacts (25 multiple-choice questions containing) questionnaires were distributed to randomly selected dentists practicing in Damascus city in 11 different areas, and a questionnaire contained questions regarding dentists' knowledge, attitude, and practice of root canal treatment procedure. The collected data were entered into a personal computer and analyzed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), 25 edition. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight questionnaires were collected with a 94% response rate. About 71.8% were general dental practitioners (GDPs), 25.5% were not practicing molar endodontics, and only 5.3% were referring difficult cases to endodontists. 32.4% and 21.8% of respondents were practicing vital and necrotic single visit root canal treatment, respectively. Only 6.9% were using rubber dam isolation, and more than half of the respondents used the standardized preparation technique. Non-setting calcium hydroxide was used 100% as an intra-canal medicament during necrotic root canal treatment sessions.96.3% of our respondents prefer delaying final restoration to next visit for symptoms disappearance. CONCLUSION: It was evident that more practicing experience does not improve treatment options selections of endodontic treatment. So the continuous educational programs are a very important way to change the old or wrong concepts in dental offices. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The sample covered a large number of dentists who are working in Damascus; the most developed place in Syria. It is also considered that for carrying out such kind of surveys as long as the dentists are familiar with this type of studies.

Reasons for choosing dentistry as a career among dental students in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify reasons and influential factors for choosing dentistry as a career among dental students in Saudi Arabia. The preferred field of dental specialty following graduation will also be investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and circulated among undergraduate dental students studying at a private dental college in Saudi Arabia. A list of 16 reasons that possibly influenced students' decision to study dentistry was presented and participants were invited to indicate on a 5-point Likert scale the extent each reason influenced their choice of dentistry as a career. The listed reasons were categorized into economic, professional, vocational, social and personal reasons. RESULTS: Totally, 788 out of 970 questionnaires were completed (response rate: 81%). Proportion of female students exceeded proportion of male students (59% and 41%, respectively) and most participants were Saudi students (73%). The top three influential factors on students' decision to study dentistry were "Dentistry is a prestigious profession," "I like to treat people and improve their appearance," and "I like working with people and caring for them." Variations were identified between male and female students and also between Saudi and non-Saudi students in the reasons to choose dentistry as a career. The vast majority of participants (94%) expressed a desire to follow a postgraduate study. Orthodontics and oral surgery were the most preferred dental specialties. CONCLUSION: The social and vocational reasons were the main factors that motivated this group of dental students to attend a dental program. Greater training opportunities should be planned to accommodate the speculated increasing demand for postgraduate dental education in Saudi Arabia.

Amelogenin is a Potential Biomarker for the Aggressiveness in Odontogenic Tumors

Amelogenin (AMEL), the major structural protein of the enamel organic matrix, constitutes more than 90% of the enamel's protein content, Aberrations of amelogenin are thought to be involved in the oncogenesis of odontogenic epithelium. The expression of amelogenin is possibly an indicator of differentiation of epithelial cells in the odontogenic tumors. Aim of the study: Investigating the expression of amelogenin in some odontogenic tumors, using an anti-amelogenin polyclonal antibody, and then compare it with AMEL expression in tooth buds as control. Materials and Methods: study sample consisted of 10 formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded specimens of ameloblastoma, 10 Keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and 10 tooth buds were conventionally stained with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemically with AMEL polyclonal antibody. Results: All of the odontogenic tumors expressed AMEL in the epithelial component, Intensity of expression in ameloblastoma and Keratocystic odontogenic tumor was lower, compared with tooth buds, Statistical analysis indicated a significant differences between the tumors and tooth buds. Conclusion: Amelogenin can be used as a marker for odontogenic epithelium, and the expression of amelogenin is possibly an indicator of epithelial cells differentiation in the odontogenic tumors, and therefore in prediction of the histological behavior of odontogenic tumors.

Radiographic Assessment of the Quality of Root Canal Fillings Performed by Senior Dental Students.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiographic technical quality of root canal fillings performed by senior dental students at Alfarabi colleges for dentistry, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Radiographic assessment was conducted for 246 teeth (390 root canals) endodontically treated by senior dental students to evaluate the quality of root canal fillings. Three criteria were evaluated to assess the technical quality of root canal fillings: length, density, and taper. The root canal filling was considered acceptable if it had an adequate length with no voids and consistent taper from the orifice to the apex. Statistical analysis was conducted using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square tests (P=0.05). RESULTS: Acceptable root canal fillings were detected in 127 (32.6%) patients. The frequency of an acceptable root canal filling was the highest for the upper anterior teeth (40%). There were significant differences in the length and density among the types of teeth (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the taper among the types of teeth (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The quality of root canal fillings performed by senior undergraduate dental students at AlFarabi colleges for dentistry was acceptable in 32.6% of patients. This outcome enhanced the poor performance of undergraduate dental students in the area of endodontics.