Amaro Ilídio Vespasiano Silva

Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Mandibular Molars in a Brazilian Population by Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography: An In Vivo Study

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze and characterize root canal morphology of mandibular molars of the Brazilian population by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS Patients who required CBCT radiographic examinations as part of their routine examination, diagnosis, and treatment planning were enrolled in the study. A total of 460 healthy, untreated, fully developed mandibular first and second molars were included (234 first molars and 226 second molars). The following observations were recorded: (1) number of roots and their morphology, (2) number of canals per root, (3) C-shaped canals, and (4) primary variations in the morphology of the root canal systems. RESULTS First molars showed a higher prevalence of 2 canals in the mesial root and 1 in the distal root with 2 separate roots (74%). In the mandibular second molars, the presence of 2 separate roots with 2 canals in the mesial root and 1 canal in the distal root represented 54% of the total. In 32% of the cases, 2 separate roots with 1 canal each in the mesial and distal roots were presented. The incidence of C-shaped canals was 1.7% of first molars and 3.5% of second molars. CONCLUSIONS A higher prevalence of 2 separate roots with 2 canals in the mesial root and 1 canal in the distal root was observed in mandibular first and second molars (74% and 54%, respectively). Also, a lower incidence of C-shaped canals and 3-rooted teeth was observed in a Brazilian population. CBCT is a clinically useful tool for endodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation of Root Canal Configuration of Maxillary Molars in a Brazilian Population Using Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Imaging: An In Vivo Study

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze and characterize root canal morphology of maxillary molars of the Brazilian population using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging. METHODS Patients referred for a CBCT radiographic examination for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning were enrolled in the study. A total of 620 healthy, untreated, fully developed maxillary first and second molars were included (314 first molars and 306 second molars). The following observations were recorded: (1) number of roots and their morphology, (2) number of canals per root, (3) fused roots, and (4) primary variations in the morphology of the root canal systems. RESULTS First and second molars showed a higher prevalence of 3 separate roots, mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal, with 1 canal in each root (52.87% and 45.09%, respectively). Two canals in the mesiobuccal roots represented 42.63% of teeth, whereas mesiobuccal roots of second molars presented 2 canals in 34.32%. The most common anatomic variation in the maxillary first molar was related to the root canal configuration of the mesiobuccal root, whereas the root canal system of the maxillary second molar teeth showed more anatomic variables. CONCLUSIONS Mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molar teeth had more variation in their canal system than the distobuccal or palatal roots. The root canal configuration of the maxillary second molars was more variable than the first molars in a Brazilian population. CBCT imaging is a clinically useful tool for endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Efficacy of lead foil for reducing doses in the head and neck: a simulation study using digital intraoral systems

OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of lead foils in reducing the radiation dose received by different anatomical sites of the head and neck during periapical intraoral examinations performed with digital systems. METHODS Images were acquired through four different manners: phosphor plate (PSP; VistaScan(®) system; Dürr Dental GmbH, Bissingen, Germany) alone, PSP plus lead foil, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS; DIGORA(®) Toto, Soredex(®), Tuusula, Finland) alone and CMOS plus lead foil. Radiation dose was measured after a full-mouth periapical series (14 radiographs) using the long-cone paralleling technique. Lithium fluoride (LiF 100) thermoluminescent dosemeters were placed in an anthropomorphic phantom at points corresponding to the tongue, thyroid, crystalline lenses, parotid glands and maxillary sinuses. RESULTS Dosemeter readings demonstrated the efficacy of the addition of lead foil in the intraoral digital X-ray systems provided in reducing organ doses in the selected structures, approximately 32% in the PSP system and 59% in the CMOS system. CONCLUSIONS The use of lead foils associated with digital X-ray sensors is an effective alternative for the protection of different anatomical sites of the head and neck during full-mouth periapical series acquisition.

Use of digital panoramic radiography to detect cervical calcifications in obese individuals

1 Department of Oral Diagnostic, School of Dentista (FEAD); Belo Horizonte MG Brazil 2Department of Dental Clinics, School of Dentista; Pontifical Catholic University, Belo Horizonte Minas Gerais Brazil 3 Department of Endocrinology and metabolism; Medicine School, IPEMED, Belo Horizonte MG Brazil 4 Department of Surgery, Medicine School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais; Belo Horizonte MG Brazil 5 Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry; Pontifical Catholic University; Belo Horizonte MG Brazil