Mandibular Intercanine Width at Three Stages of Mixed Dentition in Children at Namakkal District: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: To assess and compare the mandibular intercanine width (ICW) of children at three stages of mixed dentition in children at Namakkal district. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 schoolchildren aged 7-11 years, with 45 children in each group. Group I included children with completely erupted permanent mandibular central incisors, group II included children with completely erupted permanent mandibular central and lateral incisors, and group III included children with completely erupted permanent mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines. Impressions were made in the mandibular anterior region, and study casts were prepared. Measurements of the mandibular ICW were taken using a digital vernier caliper. Results: The mean mandibular ICW after the complete eruption of permanent mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines was 23.7, 25.5, and 25.7 mm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the ICW between the three groups (p < 0.001). Post hoc tests showed that mandibular ICW was statistically significant between groups I and II and group III (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that age does not contribute to the changes in mandibular ICW. Conclusion: The average mandibular ICW found can be a standard comparison for treatment planning in the western Tamil Nadu population. Mandibular ICW reaches its maximum after the eruption of permanent mandibular lateral incisors. Changes in mandibular ICW should be attributed to the eruption of permanent mandibular anterior teeth and not to the age of the child. How to cite this article: Balaraman C, Asokan S, Pollachi Ramakrishnan GP, et al. Mandibular Intercanine Width at Three Stages of Mixed Dentition in Children at Namakkal District: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):737-741.

Morphological diversity of saber-tooth upper canines and its functional implications.

Elongated upper canine teeth, commonly known as saber-teeth, have evolved three times within the sub-order Feliformia. The species that wielded them flourished throughout the Cenozoic and have historically been separated into two morphological groups: the dirk-tooths with longer, flatter canines, and the scimitar-tooths with shorter, serrated teeth. However, quantitative morphological analysis has not been conducted on these teeth to determine the true amount of diversity within the group, and how the upper canine morphology of extant feliforms compared to their extinct relatives has also not been explored. Using Geometric Morphometric analysis, it is shown that saber-tooth upper canine morphology is exceptionally diverse, with no extant clade having all its members occupy the same morphospace based on tooth length and curvature. Instead, a neutral basal morphospace is observed for all groups and diversification from this basal position is seen as species become more derived. A distinct and consistent scimitar tooth morphology is also not observed within the morphospace. When compared with extant taxa, several saber-tooth species are seen to be morphologically similar to extant feliforms, several of which exhibit novel dietary strategies in comparison to the obligate carnivore felids. Biomechanical analyses of different actual and theoretical tooth shapes demonstrate that saber-teeth upper canines further represent a functional compromise between sharpness, curvature, and length on the one hand, and robustness and material investment on the other.

Outcome of Permanent Canine Teeth Following Extraction of Linguoverted Deciduous Mandibular Canine Teeth in 28 Dogs.

Linguoverted mandibular canine teeth (LMC) are a common cause of class 1 malocclusion, which may result in a traumatic occlusion. When deciduous LMC are diagnosed, extraction is commonly performed to alleviate traumatic occlusion. This retrospective study was designed to observe the outcome of the permanent dentition in dogs with a class 1 malocclusion receiving treatment for deciduous LMC. Medical records from a veterinary dental referral hospital were used to identify patients that underwent extraction of deciduous LMC's prior to the eruption of the permanent mandibular canine teeth. The permanent occlusion was then evaluated once the permanent mandibular canine teeth were erupting. Of the 28 dogs identified and treated for deciduous LMC's, 78.6% (22/28) had a normal permanent occlusion. The 6 patients identified with permanent LMC's were all diagnosed when the patients were between 20 and 29 weeks of age. Of these 6 patients, 5 received gingivectomy and gingivoplasty treatment to correct the permanent LMC. Treatment was declined by the pet owner of the sixth patient. Overall, the majority of dogs in this study with a class 1 malocclusion and deciduous LMC's treated with extractions prior to the eruption of the permanent mandibular canine teeth had a normal permanent occlusion.

Evaluation of Root Dilaceration in Permanent Anterior and Canine Teeth in the Southern Subpopulation of Iran Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Statement of the Problem: Developmental anomalies such as dilacerations can affect the eruption pattern of permanent anterior teeth. They are characterized by a curvature in the crown and roots of the teeth relative to their normal axis. This anomaly can cause some complexities in routine dental treatments such as root canal treatment, orthodontics, and surgery. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of dilaceration in maxillary and mandibular anterior and canine teeth in Shiraz, Iran using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Method: In this retrospective study, a total of 1537 encompassed 400 CBCT images collected from 4 private radiology clinics in Shiraz were assessed. Each tooth was radiographically examined in order to diagnose root dilacerations considering their location (apical, middle, coronal), position in the jaw (maxillary or mandibular), direction (mesial, distal buccal and palatal/lingual), and severity of dilaceration (mild, moderate, and severe). The obtained data were analyzed by Chi-square statistical test and Fisher's exact test. Results: In this study, out of 1537 studied teeth, 5.98% had dilaceration. The maxillary and mandibular canine teeth (9.8% and 9.7%, respectively) were significantly the most common teeth involved in this anomaly (p< 0.001). The distal direction with mild severity in the apical third of the root was also the most common result obtained from this study (p<0.001). In addition, there was no statistically significant relationship between gender and type of jaw regarding the prevalence of dilaceration in the studied dental groups (p=0.670 and p=0.231, respectively). Conclusion: In the current research, it was demonstrated through CBCT records that the prevalence of dilaceration in maxillary and mandibular anterior and canine teeth is relatively uncommon. The most prevalent dilaceration was found to be distal direction with mild severity in the apical third of the root.

Development of formulae for dental age estimation using digital radiographs in the Mongolian population.

This study aimed to examine the applicability of the pulp/tooth ratio (PTR) method for age estimation in Mongolian populations using panoramic radiographs and derive new regression formulae. Moreover, we aimed to assess the accuracy of these formulae in other subjects from the Mongolian population and compare them with the other formulae derived from different Asian populations. The total sample size of the study was 381. The formulae were derived from the examination of panoramic radiographs of 271 individuals aged 15-62 years. Following Cameriere's method, PTR was calculated for the upper and lower canine teeth. Linear regression analyses were performed between the actual age and that obtained from upper-lower canine PTR and established formulae for age estimation. To verify the formulae, two types of test samples were collected: 73 panoramic radiographs and 37 periapical radiographs. The estimated age was calculated using our new formulae and three other formulae derived from Asian populations. The correlation coefficient between the actual age and that obtained by PTR was significantly negative for both canines. According to our new regression formulae, the differences between the estimated age and actual age showed a bell-shaped curve distribution in both test groups. While using the other formulae derived from the Asian population, the distribution patterns obtained were significantly different in the Mongolian population. This study was the first to examine the relationship between actual age and PTR in Mongolian population, and these results advance the field of forensic science in Mongolia.

Assessment of root canal anatomy of maxillary and mandibular canine teeth: a cone-beam computed tomography study / Evaluación de la anatomía del canal radicular de caninos maxilares y mandibulares: un estudio de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico

Abstract To investigate the root canal anatomy of permanent maxillary and mandibular canines in a Turkish subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospective CBCT data of 300 patients admitted to our clinic between 2016 and 2018 were screened and evaluated. A total of 235 patients, 100 males and 135 females, aged 14-76 years (mean age 37.27±13.40) were included in this study. A total of 191 (44,8%) maxillary canine teeth and 235 (55,2%) mandibular canine teeth were examined. The number of roots and root canal morphology according to Vertucci's classification, the presence of accessory canals, and the position of the apical foramen of the root were analyzed. The effect of gender and age on the incidence of root canal morphology was also investigated. The majority of the teeth had a Type I canal configuration in both maxillary canines (100%) and mandibular canines (92,8%). In the mandibular canines the other canal patterns found were Type III (6,8%), and Type II (0,4%). Apical foramen was centrally positioned in the majority of the teeth, 70,2% and 66,8% in maxillary and mandibular canines, respectively. The occurrence of two roots in mandibular canines was 3,8% and the root canal separation was found 53,8% and 46,2% in the middle and cervical third of the root, respectively. No significant statistical difference was observed effect of gender and age on the incidence of the root canal morphology and the position of the apical foramen. Due to the diverse morphology and the potential presence of a second canal for canine teeth among the Turkish subpopulation, dentists should perform endodontic treatments with greater care. CBCT is an accurate tool for the morphological assessment of the root canals.

Resumen Investigar la anatomía del conducto radicular de los caninos maxilares y mandibulares permanentes en una subpoblación turca utilizando la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT). Se examinaron y evaluaron los datos CBCT retrospectivos de 300 pacientes ingresados en nuestra clínica entre 2016 y 2018. Un total de 235 pacientes, 100 hombres y 135 mujeres, de entre 14 y 76 años (edad media de 37,27±13,40) fueron incluidos en este estudio. Se examinaron un total de 191 (44,8%) dientes caninos maxilares y 235 (55,2%) dientes caninos mandibulares. Se analizó el número de raíces y la morfología del conducto radicular según la clasificación de Vertucci, la presencia de conductos accesorios y la posición del foramen apical de la raíz. También se investigó el efecto del sexo y la edad en la incidencia de la morfología del conducto radicular. La mayoría de los dientes tenían una configuración de conductos de tipo I tanto en los caninos maxilares (100%) como en los caninos mandibulares (92,8%). En los caninos mandibulares los otros patrones de conductos encontrados fueron el Tipo III (6,8%) y el Tipo II (0,4%). El foramen apical estaba situado en posición central en la mayoría de los dientes, 70,2% y 66,8% en los caninos maxilares y mandibulares, respectivamente. La ocurrencia de dos raíces en los caninos mandibulares es del 3,8% y la separación del conducto radicular se encontró en el tercio medio y cervical de la raíz en el 53,8% y el 46,2%, respectivamente. No se observó ninguna diferencia estadística significativa en el efecto del sexo y la edad sobre la incidencia de la morfología del conducto radicular y la posición del foramen apical. Debido a la diversa morfología y a la posible presencia de un segundo conducto en los dientes caninos entre la subpoblación turca, los odontólogos deberían realizar los tratamientos endodónticos con mayor cuidado. La CBCT es una herramienta precisa para la evaluación morfológica de los conductos radiculares.

Success of Occlusal Aperture Access for Endodontic Therapy of Canine Teeth in Dogs.

The objective of this study was to determine the success of the natural crowns of endodontically treated canine teeth in pet dogs, instrumented and obturated using rotary driven non-taper nickel titanium files, through an occlusal access preparation, without the placement of a prosthetic cast metal crown. A search of medical records at a private veterinary dental referral practice was conducted to identify pet dogs having had endodontic treatment of one or more canine teeth over an eleven-year period (2007-2018). Follow up, performed by the same veterinary dental specialist, included a complete oral health assessment under general anesthesia and included intraoral radiography thereby allowing close visual examination of the crown and restoration as well as assessing endodontic success. Time to follow up was between two and nine years after treatment with a mean of 4.5 years. Analysis revealed that 29/29 (100%) of the treated crowns maintained their stability and did not require extraction. 5/29 (17.2%) of the treated teeth had an enamel fracture requiring additional treatment to the crown after the initial treatment; 1/29 (3.4%) had additional abrasion but did not require treatment and 23/29 (79.3%) were found to have sustained no additional damage. This study supports endodontic treatment without the placement of a prosthetic crown in canine teeth in pet dogs when an occlusal access site is used as described in this paper. Further study is required on the increased risk of fracture of the remaining unaltered canine teeth.

Evaluation of Postoperative Pain and Discomfort in Patients Undergoing Surgical Exposure of Impacted Maxillary Canines.

Objectives: The purpose of the retrospective study was to evaluate pain and discomfort related to surgical exposure according to initial localization of impacted maxillary canines. Material and Methods: Pre-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data and discomfort evaluation questionnaire of 25 patients (17 female, 8 male), treated with combined surgical-orthodontic approach was analysed. The questions included: level of discomfort during surgery (0 to 10), level of pain (0 to 10) in the evening, one, two days and a week after surgery. CBCT analysis consisted of evaluation of impacted maxillary canines mesiodistal inclination, horizontal, vertical dislocation from alveolar process edge, labiopalatal localization and length of eruption path. To carry out research objectives a Spearman and interclass correlation coefficients, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen's kappa coefficient were used. Level of significance was 0.05. Results: Average level of discomfort during the procedure was 2.8 (SD 2.3). Pain level the evening after the surgery was the highest - 3.3 (SD 2.1) and decreased over the week. Pain level differed significantly between different days (P < 0.001). Neither labial or palatal location nor the unilateral or bilateral impaction had effect on the level of pain (P > 0.05). The results showed that pain during different stages of measuring as well as level of discomfort during surgical exposure did not differ statistically significantly depending on severity of impaction (P > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant relation between the discomfort and the location of the impacted canine. Patient's gender or age did not have an impact on discomfort and pain.

Assessment of Extractions of Deciduous Mandibular Canine Teeth to Correct Linguoversion Malocclusion in 17 Dogs.

A search of medical records at the Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Gaithersburg, MD was conducted to identify patients who received extractions of deciduous mandibular canine teeth to treat linguoversion. Patients were included if they were less than 5.5 months of age and had a diagnosis of deciduous class 2 or bilateral class 1 malocclusions. Treatment was considered a success if normocclusion of the permanent dentition was achieved at follow up evaluation. Seventeen patients represented 13 different breeds. No significant correlation was seen between age of treatment (mean age 3.34 months) or sex (11 males, 6 females). Six patients had class 1 malocclusions (35.29%) and eleven patients had class 2 malocclusion (64.71%). Of the six dogs treated for class 1 malocclusions, two had traumatic palatal contact and four had only minor soft tissue contact. Eleven cases of class 2 malocclusion were treated and of these there was one mild, six moderate, and four severe cases of mandibular distocclusion. All cases treated for class 1 malocclusions had a successful outcome resulting in permanent normocclusion (100%), while class 2 malocclusions had success in three of eleven cases (27.27%). The outcomes based on occlusion type were determined to be significant (p = 0.009). All participants had immediate relief of soft tissue trauma and no significant side effects of treatment were recorded. The results show that extractions of deciduous linguoverted mandibular canine teeth (LMC) can immediately improve traumatic impingement and may be a factor in providing a comfortable and functional adult occlusion. Further investigation with a larger sample size would be warranted.

Radiographic predictors of maxillary canine impaction in mixed and early permanent dentition - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and the interception of potential impaction is the most desirable approach for management of impacted canines. Several radiographic predictors have been previously proposed to predict canine impaction. Hence the aim of this systematic review was to identify the most effective radiographic predictors of maxillary canine impaction. SEARCH METHOD: The following databases were searched: PubMed via Medline, Science Direct, LILACS, Cochrane library and Ovid MEDLINE. All comparative studies including observational and interventional studies that compare a canine impacted group versus a control group were included. The primary outcome assessed were the radiographic predictors used for diagnosis of maxillary canine impaction. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were included in this systematic review. The most commonly used parameters are sector classification, angle formed by the long axis of the canine and the midline, angle formed by the long axis of the canine and the lateral incisor, angle formed by the long axis of the canine and the occlusal plane, and perpendicular distance between the canine cusp tip to the occlusal plane and to the midline. Meta-analysis indicated that the angle formed by the long axis of the canine and the midline with a value of 19.9° and above (95% CI of 6.68 to 33.15), the angle formed by the long axis of the canine and the lateral incisor with a value of 20.01° and above (95% CI of 7.52 to 32.51) favoured canine impaction. CONCLUSIONS: With eleven of the thirteen articles showing a low risk of bias/good quality, it can be concluded that canine impactions can be predicted using various linear and angular parameters measured on different radiographs (orthopantomograms, lateral cephalograms, postero-anterior cephalograms and cone-beam computed tomography). However, further three-dimensional studies are required to accurately predict and diagnose canine impactions. REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Reg no: CRD42020200518).

Caracterización morfológica de caninos en premolares, un caso de anodoncia parcial de caninos maxilares / Morphological characterization of canine teeth done in first bicuspid, a maxillary canine partial anodontia case report

En este informe de caso clínico se muestra el tratamiento exitoso de un paciente con anodoncia parcial de órganos dentales 13 y 23 debido a que fueron extraídos por presentar impactación y mal pronóstico de tracción. En este artículo se presenta un paciente masculino de 29 años clase I esquelética con un perfil convexo, maloclusión de clase III, overjet disminuido, ausencia de guías funcionales, discrepancia oseodentaria positiva en arcada superior y negativa en arcada inferior. El tratamiento se realizó con extracciones de los órganos dentales 34 y 44 para nivelar las discrepancias óseo dentarias interarcadas, se llevó a cabo mediante un cierre de espacios recíproco por medio de cadenas elásticas para ambas arcadas, con lo que se logró crear un overjet y overbite adecuados. La creación de las guías caninas funcionales se consiguió mediante el cambio de morfología de los órganos dentales 14 y 24, los cuales fueron llevados a la posición de los caninos ausentes. El tiempo total de tratamiento para este paciente fue de 24 meses. Se realizaron ameloplastias positivas, la aplicación de agregados de resina para mejorar la funcionalidad y proveer salud articular. Se sugiere que ante casos de anodoncia de caninos en la arcada superior, un tratamiento favorable se puede llevar a cabo mediante el cierre de espacios, la caracterización morfológica de los caninos ausentes mediante ameloplastias positivas en premolares (AU)

This case report shows the successful treatment of a patient with partial anodontia of dental organs 13 and 23 because they have been extracted due to present impactation and poor traction prognosis. This article presents a 29-year-old male class I skeletal patient with convex profile, class III malocclusion, overjet reduction, absence of functional guidance, positive bone-teeth discrepancy in the upper arch and negative in the lower arch. The treatment was carried out with the extractions of the dental organs 34 and 44 for correcting oral dental discrepancies between upper and lower arches; it was done using reciprocal closing of spaces by using elastic chains for both arches in order to achieve a suitable overjet and overbite. The creation of the canine guides was achieved by changing the morphology of the dental organs 14 and 24, which were taken to the position of the absent canines. The total treatment timing for this patient was 24 months. Positive ameloplasties were performed by application of resin aggregates to improve functionality and provide joint health. A favorable treatment for these kinds of cases of canine anodontics in the upper arch is carried out by closing spaces and the morphological characterization of the absent canines by positive in-premolar ameloplasties (AU)

Evaluation of canine teeth crown reduction technique in macaques.

BACKGROUND: The reduction of canine teeth in adult males in whom permanent canine teeth eruption occurs should be considered due to the safety of humans or other monkeys. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications of canine teeth reduction in macaques. Case presentation: Canine teeth reductions were performed in 8 rhesus and 2 cynomolgus macaques. Complications related to canine teeth reduction were evaluated at one to three week intervals during the experimental period by gross examination, CBC, and monitoring of appetite. One monkey showed a fistula due to periapical abscess and neutrophilia more than 2 years after canine teeth reduction, and extraction of the diseased canine tooth was performed; the other 9 monkeys showed no complications during the observation period. This report shows the effectiveness of canine teeth reduction with few complications. CONCLUSION: Canine teeth reduction in male macaques is an acceptable procedure for reducing the severity of injury to humans or other monkeys.

Summary of combined orthodontic and implant treatment in the patients with the congenital absence of maxillary lateral incisors / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To summarize the treatment options for congenital maxillary lateral incisor agenesis (MLIA).@*Methods @#Review the literature, summarize the current treatment options and advantages and disadvantages of various methods of MLIA, and analyze cases. @*Results @#When a patient′s occlusion and other conditions are suitable for space closure and canine substitution, closure of the gap is the recommended method, as it has good aesthetic results and leads to good periodontal health. However, when closure cannot be performed, a dental implant has a strong advantage compared with other restoration methods. When planning implants for MLIA patients, doctors should carefully select the correct surgery time and take care with the implant position to obtain good results.@* Conclusion@#In the choice of a treatment plan for MLIA, we need to use the concept of multidisciplinary combined treatment to obtain a more satisfactory treatment effect with regard to aesthetics and function.

Is there a relationship between maxillary canine impaction and ocular asymmetry.

INTRODUCTION: Impacted maxillary canines may be in close proximity with related structures, such as the nasal cavity, orbital cavity, and maxillary sinus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of unilateral maxillary canine impaction on ocular asymmetry. The null hypotheses were as follows: (1) there is no difference in the ocular location between the subjects with impacted canines and the control group; (2) there is no difference in the ocular location between the two sides of subjects with impacted canine. METHODS: A total of 50 subjects with unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines were selected as the study group, and 49 subjects without any impacted teeth were selected as controls. Ocular asymmetry was evaluated on standardized frontal photographs of the subjects in both groups, and the results were statistically compared. RESULTS: Unilateral impaction of maxillary canines did not have a statistically significant effect on the vertical ocular location, nor did maxillary canine impaction affect the horizontal ocular location on either side of the face within the impacted canine group. There was a statistically significant difference in the horizontal ocular location between the impacted canine group and the control group. Gender differences did not have an effect on the ocular location in either of the study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both hypotheses were accepted. A relationship between the impacted maxillary canine and ocular asymmetry could not be demonstrated.

Assessment of Temporary Crown Extensions to Correct Linguoverted Mandibular Canine Teeth in 72 Client-Owned Dogs (2012-2016).

A search of the medical and dental records at Evidensia Lørenskog Dyreklinikk, in Lørenskog, Norway, was conducted to identify dogs that received temporary crown extensions (TCEs) to correct linguoverted mandibular canine (LMC) teeth over a 54-month investigation period (2012-2016). Criteria for inclusion into the study were the presence of complete medical and dental records, pre- and postoperative clinical photographs and intraoral radiographs of the affected canine teeth, adequate information pertaining to the procedures performed, and at least 1 follow-up >3 months after appliance removal. Seventy-two dogs with LMC teeth were treated with TCE. Thirty-nine breeds were represented in this study. Mean age at the time of appliance installation was 6.4 (range, 4.7-13.4 months [median, 5.9 months] months). Fifty-three (73.6%) dogs presented with class I malocclusion, 14 (19.5%) dogs with class II malocclusion, and 5 (6.9%) dogs with class III malocclusion. Twenty-five (34.7%) dogs were considered to have mild, 32 (44.4%) dogs to have moderate, and 15 (20.8%) dogs to have severe mandibular canine malocclusion. The TCE was combined with other treatment modalities (active orthodontics, extraction of nonstrategic teeth, gingivectomy, and inclined bite plane and ball therapy) to correct mandibular canine tooth malocclusions in 19 (26.4%) dogs. Fractured or detached crown extensions were seen in 9 (12.5%) dogs. Soft tissue ulceration or inflammation was seen in 7 (9.7%) dogs. The mandibular canine teeth occlusion resolved completely with self-retaining, functional, nontraumatic occlusion in 56 (77.8%) dogs. Fifteen dogs (20.8%) resolved with functional, nontraumatic occlusion, but the mandibular canine teeth were too short to be perfectly self-retained, thus left with 1- to 2-mm crown extensions for permanent retention. In 1 (1.4%) dog, both mandibular canine teeth relapsed almost back to original position. The results show that TCE is a viable treatment option to correct LMC teeth in young dogs.

Piezopuncture-Assisted Canine Distalization in Orthodontic Patients: Two Case Reports.

With the increasing number of young adults seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile esthetics or oral function, the time spent wearing brackets is one of the biggest challenges for these patients. Various surgical techniques have been developed over the years to accelerate tooth movement and reduce the total treatment time. A newly introduced, minimally invasive procedure namely piezopuncture, which uses a piezosurgical tool to create multiple cortical punctures through the gingiva, is presented in this report of two extraction cases.

The Influence of Force Direction on the Fracture Pattern and Fracture Resistance of Canine Teeth in Dogs.

Biomechanical studies of the elongated canine tooth of animals are few, and thus our understanding of mechanical and physical properties of animal teeth is limited. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of force direction on fracture resistance and fracture pattern of canine teeth in an ex vivo dog cadaver model. Forty-five extracted canine teeth from laboratory beagle dogs were standardized by hard tissue volume and randomly distributed among 3 force direction groups. The teeth were secured within a universal testing machine and a load was applied at different directions based on testing group. The maximum force to fracture and the fracture pattern classification were recorded for each tooth. After correcting for hard tissue cross-sectional area in a multivariate analysis, no significant difference in the amount of force required for fracture was apparent between the different force direction groups. However, the influence of force direction on fracture pattern was significant. The results of this study may allow the clinician to educate clients on possible causal force directions in clinically fractured teeth and, thus, help prevent any contributing behavior in the future.

Long-term results of secondary alveolar bone grafting using a technique to harvest pure calvarial cancellous bone: Evaluation based on plain radiography and computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: We introduce a method to extract the maximum amount of cancellous bone from the calvarium and analyze the outcomes using plain radiography and computed tomography. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent secondary alveolar bone grafts using a maximal harvesting technique for calvarial cancellous bone. Bone survival was determined based on Enemark's grading system using plain radiographs. Alveolar thickness and height were analyzed by computed tomography and compared with radiographic measurements. RESULTS: Our study enrolled 27 patients, 22 unilateral and 5 bilateral, for a total of 32 alveolar clefts. The mean age at surgery was 9.04 ± 0.41 years (range: 6-12 years). Donor sites were successfully recovered without complications, such as hematomas, seromas, infections, or tears in the dura mater. The mean follow-up duration for obtaining plain radiographs was 6.90 ± 0.61 years (range: 2.0-18.50 years). The mean follow-up duration for computed tomography was 6.51 ± 0.99 years (range: 2.0-14.83 years). A canine tooth erupted in 30 cases. Success (Enemark's grades I or II) was achieved in 26 cases. Alveolar height was strongly correlated with the Enemark scale results (γ = 0.878, p < 0.001), but alveolar thickness was not correlated (γ = 0.4575, p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: Our cancellous bone harvesting technique resulted in successful graft survival without serious complications, including dural or brain injuries. Although the ilium is widely accepted as the optimal donor site for secondary alveolar bone grafting, the calvarium could be an alternative donor site that results in equivalent outcomes.

Infant oral mutilation in East Africa - therapeutic and ritual grounds.

This paper reviews the practice and ritual traditions of infant oral mutilation, drawing on a literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar, historical reports, relevant textbooks, NGO materials and personal observations of the authors.

The Influence of Axial Grooves on Dislodgment Resistance of Prosthetic Metal Crowns in Canine Teeth of Dogs.

The reported failure rate for full veneer crowns of canine teeth of dogs is suboptimal, particularly in teeth with naturally poor retentive features, such as those with low height/diameter (H/D) ratios or high convergence angles (CAs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the application of axial grooves in an effort to develop a crown preparation design that enhances the retention of full veneer crowns in dogs. Crown dislodgment testing was performed on cast alloy dies of canine teeth with unfavorable retention features (low H/D and high CA) prepared with (n = 14) and without axial grooves (n = 15) to evaluate the force required to dislodge a cemented full veneer crown. The crown/die units were secured within a universal testing machine and a load was applied at the 45° oblique direction from distal to mesial to replicate the vector encountered during biting-pulling action. The maximum force required to cause crown dislodgment was recorded for each crown. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in force required for crown dislodgment when axial grooves were included in the crown preparation design ( P < .001). Crown retention is improved in canine teeth with otherwise poor retention features when axial grooves are made in the labial and palatal/lingual walls during crown preparation.