RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the prevalence of C-shaped root canals in mandibular molars using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a subpopulation of Central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT scans of patients from diagnostic imaging center were selected in accordance with the criteria given by Fan et al. (2004) for C-shaped canals. A total of 238 CBCT scans fulfilled the inclusion criteria and thereby divided into two groups: Group 1: Images showing C-shaped canal configuration in mandibular second molars. Group 2: Images showing C-shaped canal configuration in mandibular third molars. The frequency and distribution of canals and their configuration along with the position of lingual/buccal grooves in the images were evaluated, and the data was analyzed. RESULTS: CBCT evaluation showed that 9.7% of second molars and 8% of third molars had C-shaped canals. A prominent buccal groove was seen in these teeth. The data showed a significant difference (P = 0.038) for the presence of such anatomy on the right side for mandibular third molars. CONCLUSION: The study showed a significant prevalence of C-shaped canal configuration in the subpopulation studied.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: One of the aims of root canal treatment is to prevent or eliminate pain. Postoperative endodontic pain control continues to be a significant challenge. AIM: To compare and evaluate the effect of single oral dose of 100 mg of tapentadol, 400 mg of etodolac, or 10 mg of ketorolac as a pretreatment analgesic for the prevention and control of postoperative endodontic pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The incidence of side effects was recorded as secondary outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty emergency patients with moderate to severe pain, diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated (1:1:1) to any of the three groups; tapentadol, etodolac, or ketorolac. Medications were administered 30 min before beginning of the endodontic treatment. Patients recorded pain intensity on 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) after treatment, for upto 24 h. RESULTS: At 24 h, mean ±standard deviation (SD) of VAS scores (in cm) for tapentadol, etodolac, and ketorolac were 0.89 ± 0.83, 2.68 ± 2.29, and 0.42 ± 0.69, respectively. Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) test showed significant difference among the three groups (P = 0.001). Mann-Whitney test showed significantly lower VAS scores in tapentadol and ketorolac than etodolac group (P = 0.013 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Single oral dose of 10 mg of ketorolac and 100mg of tapentadol as a pretreatment analgesic significantly reduced postoperative endodontic pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis when compared to 400 mg of etodolac.
