Joe Ben Itzhak

Relationship between Root Apices and the Mandibular Canal: A Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Comparison of 3 Populations

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the difference in the location of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in relation to the apices of mandibular molars in 3 different populations using cone‐beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging and to assess the proportion of teeth in close proximity (a distance of 1 mm or less) to the IAN. Methods: Random CBCT images (N = 1224, Israel = 408, South Korea = 416, and India = 400) were examined. The shortest distance to the mandibular canal was measured by imaging software. Results: The mean distance was 4.81 ± 2.15 mm. The mean distances for Israel, South Korea, and India were 4.60 ± 2.37 mm, 5.45 ± 2.13 mm, and 4.35 ± 1.76 mm, respectively. The distance in samples obtained from South Korea was significantly larger than the distance in samples obtained from Israel and India (P < .05). Samples from Israel exhibited close proximity in 6.6% of samples versus 3% in samples from India and 0.7% of samples from South Korea, a statistically significant difference (P < .05). Conclusions: Although variation in tooth morphology in different populations was widely researched, the variation in the location of the IAN in relation to tooth apices of different populations was not addressed in the literature. Our study reveals that a difference in the distance of the apices to the IAN exists between populations as well as a difference in the proportion of teeth in close proximity to the IAN.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Class 4 Invasive Cervical Resorption with Internal Approach: A Case Series

Abstract Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a type of external resorption that can involve the coronal, middle, and apical parts of the root in its advanced stages. The diagnosis and treatment of ICR depend on the extent of the resorption into the dentin. The treatment of advanced ICR is challenging, and these teeth have poor prognoses. This article describes 4 cases of class 4 ICR diagnosed by using cone‐beam computed tomography and treated with a minimally invasive internal approach with sodium hypochlorite irrigation and calcium hydroxide dressing. All cases were followed for at least 3 years.

C-shaped canals—prevalence and root canal configuration by cone beam computed tomography evaluation in first and second mandibular molars—a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesC-shaped root canal configuration is an unusual root canal morphology and one of the most often anatomical variations in root canal systems of second mandibular molars. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, symmetry and configuration of C-shaped canals in first and second mandibular molars in an Israeli population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and methodsOne thousand twenty Israel patients’ CBCT scans were screened and evaluated. First and second mandibular molars with C-shaped canals were identified. Prevalence configuration along the root and symmetry were analyzed, and new radicular groove classification was proposed.ResultsTotal of 1465 mandibular second molars and 1229 mandibular first molars were evaluated. The overall prevalence of C-shaped canals in first and second mandibular molars was 0.16 and 4.6%, respectively. No significant difference was found by gender or side of occurrence. The unilateral prevalence of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars was 55%. C-shaped canal configuration changed along the root in 63% of the cases.ConclusionsThe prevalence of C-shaped canals in first and second mandibular molars in the Israeli population is low in comparison to other subpopulations. Clinicians should be aware of the possible asymmetry, different configuration along the root, and the location of danger zone of this anatomic variation during clinical work.Clinical relevanceCBCT is an efficient three dimensional radiographic examination for evaluation of C-shape root canal configuration. CBCT may help the clinicians during clinical work for considering appropriate cleaning, shaping, and obturation technique according to the characteristic of C-shape root canal configuration.

Use of Cone-beam Computed Tomography during Retreatment of a 2-rooted Maxillary Central Incisor: Case Report of a Complex Diagnosis and Treatment

A double-rooted maxillary incisor is an extremely rare anatomic variation. Only a few case reports describe this abnormal anatomy. In recent decades, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging has become more common for endodontic purposes. This case report describes the retreatment of double-rooted maxillary central incisors using CBCT imaging. In 2012, a 20-year-old man was referred to our department because of asymptomatic periapical lesions in teeth #8, #9, and #10. During the evaluation of a periapical radiograph, a rare anatomic variation, in the form of an additional root of tooth #9, was detected, and it was impossible to decide about the source of the lesion between teeth #9 and #10. During retreatment, after gutta-percha removal, CBCT imaging was performed; this allowed proper treatment of the additional root and a final diagnosis of normal periapical tissue of tooth #10 with no treatment needed. The 18-month follow-up revealed a healing lesion in tooth #9 and normal periapical tissue in tooth #10. During the treatment of teeth with an anatomic variation, CBCT imaging can serve as an auxiliary tool for 3-dimensional evaluation that influences treatment steps and techniques. CBCT scanning can be very useful in assessing the actual location of a periapical lesion, which influences diagnosis and treatment planning.

External invasive resorption: Possible coexisting factors and demographic and clinical characteristics

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the coexisting factors for EIR and to characterise EIR clinically and demographically. All cases of EIR that were referred to the endodontic department between 2011 to 2016 and diagnosed by an endodontist were evaluated. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and evaluated. Thirty-eight cases of EIR diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 were included in the study. Seventy-one percent of EIR cases were misdiagnosed by general practitioners. The most affected teeth were the maxillary central incisors (29% of cases) and mandibular molars (26%). Sixty-eight percent of EIR cases were diagnosed in teeth with clinically normal pulp. Pulp necrosis was observed mainly in the advanced stages (class 3 and class 4) of EIR (75%) and in teeth with a history of trauma (63%). Histories of previous trauma and orthodontic treatment were reported in 29% and 23% of cases, respectively.

Successful orthograde treatment of dens invaginatus Type 3 with a main C-shaped canal based on cone-beam computed tomography evaluation

Dens invaginatus is a rare anatomic variation that is found primarily in maxillary lateral incisors. The management of dens invaginatus is challenging for clinicians; diagnosing the type of malformation, choosing the most appropriate treatment, and carrying out treatment are complicated by the intricate root system of these teeth. The following case report describes the diagnosis and treatment planning of dens invaginatus Type 3 after cone-beam computed tomography evaluation.