Aim: The aim of this study was to compare four different working length determination techniques. Materials and methods: Fifty extracted single-canaled anterior teeth were decoronated. The root canals' working lengths were repetitively determined in five groups (n = 50 each) using regular radiographic film (group 1), digital radiographic image (group 2), cone-beam computed tomographic image (group 3), electronic apex locator (group 4) and direct measurement (group 5, control) by subtracting 0.5 mm from the length of # 15 k-file visible at the apical foramen. The collected data was statistically analyzed using both analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) comparisons at P value less than or equal to 0.05. Results: The one-way analysis of variance indicated a difference between the data of study groups (P = 0.011). The LSD comparisons revealed a longer working length (LSD, P ≤ 0.05) in groups 1 and 2 than groups 3 and 5 (control). On the other hand, No difference (LSD, P > 0.05) was detected between the working length in groups 3 and 4 in comparison with group 5 (control). Conclusion: The electronic apex locator and the cone-beam computed tomography are more accurate techniques to determine root canal's working length than the normal and the 2D digital radiographs.

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Ultrasound has been used for many years in periodontics to remove tartar, debride root surfaces, and to degranulate periodontal defects. In the last two decades, dental surgical techniques have developed rapidly. Piezosurgery is a novel surgical approach which was originally developed for the atraumatic cutting of bone by way of ultrasonic vibrations and as an alternative to the mechanical and electrical instruments that are used in conventional surgery. It is based on the basic principles of 'piezoelectricity' discovered by Pierre Curie and Jacquesin 19^th century. Over the past two decades, piezoelectric devices have emerged as an innovative tool in the field of dentistry. There has been extensive research on indications of piezosurgery in the field of periodontology and implantology.

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The intent of this review is to highlight the hazards and risks associated with prosthodontic practice and briefly discusses their diagnosis in routine practice with the intention to enhance awareness, and take preventive measures to reduce the risks among professionals.

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Recurrence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a known complication. Studies have contributed to the various treatment options in recurrent ankylosis. The causes of reankylosis of TMJ, to our experience is due to inadequate gap arthroplasty, insufficient interpositional material, adhesion and elongation of the coronoid process. It has been reported in the literature that the incidence varies with choice of treatment modality, severity of ankylosis, site (unilateral/bilateral), and the surgeons skill. The patient's compliance to the post-treatment physiotherapy is the main reason for reankylosis. Here, we present a case of left TMJ reankylosis in a 22-year-old female, previously treated by interpositional gap arthroplasty using temporalis muscle, and had developed recurrence after ˜ 1 year of treatment, then it was successfully treated with gap arthroplasty using fascia lata as interpositional material.

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Introduction: Statins have been used as prospective agents in the management of some bone diseases as osteoporosis. Reviews of medical studies have shown increased bone mass in patients on long-term treatment with statins. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate histologically and immunohistochemically effects of ingestion of atorvastatin on the cortical plates of alveolar bone of white albino rats in normal intact periodontium. Materials and methods: Fifteen males of adult albino rats at the age 6–8 weeks, weighting 150–200 g were used in the study. They were divided into two main groups, control group and two experimental groups. Rats in experimental group I received 20 mg/kg body weight atorvastatin by gastric tube for 6 weeks. Experimental group II rats, received 40 mg/kg body weight atorvastatin for the same period. Specimens were fixed using formal saline solution, demineralized using EDTA solution then processed to be stained using hematoxylin and eosin stain for general histological examination and osteopontin for immunohistochemical study. Results: Histological results revealed increased alveolar bone turnover in both experimental groups. In experimental group I, osteoclasts appeared in their Howships' lacunae resorbing old bone and reversal lines were found to separate between the newly formed bone and the old bone. In experimental group II, filling cones of the newly formed bone were clearly detected. Immunohistochemical results showed positive immunoreactive cement lines to osteopontin in both experimental groups. Experimental group II appeared with weak positive immunoreactions in the matrix of the newly formed bone. Conclusion: It has been concluded that atorvastatin increased alveolar bone remodeling in dose dependent manner. The effect was clearly detected in the cortical plates of the alveolar bone in the form of cutting cones lined by osteoclasts and filling cones with central capillaries.

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Endodontically treated teeth are considered to be more susceptible to fracture than vital teeth, therefore various obturation materials and methods have been used to reinforce them and decrease the incidence of vertical root fractures. The aim of this study was to compare root fracture resistance after filling either with smartseal system (PropointPT cone and Smart-paste Bio sealer) or with gutta-percha in combination with either MTA Fillapex or AH Plus sealers. Sixty single-canal extracted teeth were selected. The crowns were removed and the roots were prepared with ProTaper rotary system to size F4, roots were divided into four groups according to obturation system (n = 15). Group 1: smartseal system, specimens were filled with a bioceramic sealer (Smart-paste Bio), and F4 PropointPT. Group 2: were filled with MTA Fillapex and F4 gutta-percha single cone. Group 3: were filled with AH Plus sealer and F4 gutta-percha single cone. In group 4, the roots were neither shaped nor filled and served as negative control. All specimens were tested in a universal testing machine as the force at the time of fracture was recorded in Newtons. Data were analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance. Roots in the negative control group and smartseal group showed significantly higher values (380.7 ± 59 N) and (347.2 ± 56 N) respectively. There was no significant difference between the MTA Fillapex/gutta-percha and AH Plus/gutta-percha groups (227.4 ± 43 N) and (254.4 ± 55 N), respectively. It can be concluded that the smartseal system did improve the fracture resistance of the endodontically treated roots more than MTA Fillapex/gutta-percha or AH Plus/gutta-percha combinations.

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Aim and objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three different techniques on treating induced incipient enamel demineralized lesions using digital subtraction radiography (DSR). Materials and methods: Fifteen human sound premolars were used in this study. White spot lesions (WSLs) were established on the buccal, palatal, or lingual surfaces of the samples. Samples were then randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 10). Samples in group A were treated with ACT anticavity fluoride mouthrinse, those of group B were treated with MI paste Plus cream, while those of group C were treated with ICON resin infiltrant. All groups were exposed to a pH cycling, for 30 days excluding weekends where samples were stored in distilled water, during which the treatment regimen was applied. All groups were then exposed to a secondary demineralization attack. Standardized periapical radiographs were taken at four times interval; before any treatment which is considered as the baseline, after WSL creation, after material application, and lastly, after the second demineralization attack. DSR was used for the assessment of WSLs progression. Results: Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's and paired t-tests (P < 0.05). Comparing the three methods of treatment; DSR evaluation showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the three groups, where group B had the best effect on decreasing the WSLs. Also, a significant difference was found among the three groups after the secondary demineralization attack, where group A was found to be the most resistant group. Results: ACT mouthrinse, MI paste Plus, and ICON resin infiltrant are effective materials in treating the incipient lesions and in resisting caries recurrence.

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Objective: The objective of this study was to compare between the effects of two medicaments [trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)] on the remaining pulp tissue of the young permanent teeth after pulpotomy. Materials and methods: The present study comprised 30 premolars. Pulpotomy procedure was performed. The radicular pulp was capped with MTA in premolar in one side and with TCA in those of the other side. Premolars were reviewed after successive periods (1 week, 1, and 3 months). Teeth were extracted after examination periods. Sections was then stained by standard hematoxylin and eosin stain. Results and conclusion: Bridge formation was seen in TCA group after 3 months which is a desirable finding in pulpotomy procedures, whereas MTA is superior to TCA in treating pulps in human teeth.

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