RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency and status of root canal-treated teeth in patients treated at the College of Dentistry, University of Dammam in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 3701 patients visited the clinics during the study period. Through the use of radiographs, 161 patients were initially selected who had endodontically treated teeth. However, after applying the inclusion criteria, the total number of eligible cases was reduced to 155. Patients were divided into three groups according to age (children 1-12 years, adults 13-65 years and geriatrics >65 years). RESULTS: On average, each patient had 2.28 ± 1.88 root canal-treated teeth and 24.02 ± 5.03 teeth without root canal treatment. The average number of endodontically treated teeth increased with an increase in age. The adult group showed the highest number of root-filled teeth 314 (93.4%). Of the 336 endodontically treated teeth, only 75 (22.3%) teeth exhibited periapical radiolucency. First molars (28.43-36.36%) and second premolars (20.1-27.27%) were the most frequently root-filled teeth in both jaws, followed by the first maxillary premolars (11.76%). Periapical lesions showed an almost similar pattern with the highest number of radiolucencies found in the first molars in both jaws (29.3-33.3%) followed by the second premolars in the mandible (30.6%) and first premolars in both jaws (20.8-25%). CONCLUSION: The first molars and second premolars were the most frequently root-filled teeth in both jaws, followed by maxillary first premolars. Periapical lesions showed an almost similar pattern among teeth with a higher number of radiolucencies found in the first molars in both jaws, followed by the second premolars in the mandible and the first premolars in both jaws.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the perception of students and interns toward research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in January 2014. Participants of the study were fourth, fifth, and 6th year students and interns. A questionnaire comprised thirteen questions was distributed to evaluate students' and interns' perception about the importance of research in their learning. RESULTS: The results showed that interns and 6th year students were more interested in research as compared to their junior counterparts as they realized the importance of research in their educational growth. This was reflected by the number of interns who completed the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Dental students realized the importance of research in the education, but it was found that the proportion of students who did research as part of their course was very low. Students should be actively engaged in research, which can be achieved by introducing research as a compulsory component of their course.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of dental caries in the primary and permanent teeth, and evaluate the brushing habits of school children in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods. This study was conducted at Dammam, KSA. Oral examination of the participants was conducted from February to May 2014. The total sample size for this cross-sectional study was 711. There were 397 children between the age of 6-9 years, who were examined for primary teeth caries, and 314 between the age 10-12 years were examined for permanent teeth caries. Primary and permanent dentitions were studied for decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft [primary teeth], DMFT [permanent teeth]). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth was almost 73% (n=711). Among the 6-9-year-old, the prevalence of caries was approximately 78% (n=397) whereas, among the 10-12-year-old children, it was approximately 68% (n=314). Mean dmft value among the 6-9-year-olds was 3.66±3.13 with decayed (d) component of 3.28±2.92, missing (m) component of 0.11±0.69, and filled (f) component of 0.26±0.9. Mean DMFT value among the 10-12-year-old children was 1.94±2.0 with decayed (D) component of 1.76±1.85, missing (M) component of 0.03±0.22, and filled (F) of component 0.15±0.73. Daily tooth brushing had a positive effect on caries prevention, and this effect was statistically significant for caries in primary teeth. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth was not found to be as high as other researchers reported from different cities of KSA, still the prevalence was high considering the World Health Organization future oral health goals. Awareness should be provided to students, as well as, teachers and parents regarding the importance of good brushing habits and regular dental visits.
