Journal of Dental Medicine

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Statement of Problem: Giant cell granuloma (G.C.G) is a reactive lesion which affects the jaws and oral mucosa of gingiva.This lesion is classified to central and peripheral ones. The histopathologic aspects of central and peripheral G.C.G is the same. The central lesions are aggressive and cause osseous destruction. The peripheral G.C.G produces ulcerative swellings similar to pyogenic granuloma or peripheral ossifying fibroma. Since the peripheral and central G.C.G are common lesions, the awareness of dentists of different aspect of G.C.G is very important.

Purpose: The aim of this study was a statistical evaluation of variables such as age, gender and location of peripheral and central G.C.G in oral and maxillofacial pathology department of Dental Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, case series one. The medical records of oral and maxillofacial pathology department of Dental Faculty of Tehran University of Medical Sciences was assessed in two steps: In the first stage, the medical records of patients with pathologic report of peripheral and central G.C.G were selected and reviewed. In the next step, the informations such as age, gender and location of peripheral and central G.C.G were registered in data forms. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software.

Results: The results showed that the age range in peripheral and central G.C.G were 2- 90 and 4-70 years, respectively. The peak incidence of peripheral and central G.C.G was in the third and second decades, respectively. The peripheral G.C.G was more common in men (52.70%) than women (47.30%). This finding in central G.C.G was 37.19% for men and 62.88% for women. 57.06% of peripheral G.C.G cases were in mandible and 42.94% in maxilla. The occurrence of central G.C.G was 67.07% in mandible and 32.93 % in maxilla.

Conclusion: Based on this study, the peripheral lesions were more frequent in men, third decade and mandible and the central lesions in women, second decade and mandible.

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Statement of Problem: Computed tomography (CT) has proved to be the most precise method to evaluate the quantity of jaw bones.In recent years, patient dose which is much more greater in CT than conventional methods has attracted more attention, and has brought the idea of using the conventional method in more accurate ways or applying new methods with lower doses.

Purpose:radiovisiography for presurgical evaluation of endosseous implants.

Materials and Methods: measured with the two aforementioned techniques. To determine the magnification factor, an acrylic stent with spherical lead markers with known diameter, has been used. Then in intra-operative phase, this distance was measured directly on the patient’s jawbone. To assess the significance of differences from radiography results and the gold standard the binomial distribution was used.

Results:significant and there was no significant difference between RVG and visual method.

Conclusion:to conventional tomography. 

Radiography is the main tool for presurgical assessment of endosseous implants.The goal of this study was the assessment of the accuracy of conventional tomography andDistance between alveolar margin and superior border of mental foramen wasFindings showed that the differences between conventional omography and visual methods wereThis study revealed that the radiovisiography method showed more precise results in comparison

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Statement of Problem: The quantity of remaining unreacted double bonds may be a significant factor pertaining to the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of restorative resins. Insufficient polymerisation within the hybrid layer may cause significant differences in the quality of this layer, and act as a reservoir for monomer release thus increasing cytotoxic potential.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the degree of conversion of three generations of 3M dentin bonding agents and an experimental dentin bonding agent

Materials and Methods: The quantity was determined from the transmission IR-spectrum of the materials before and after polymerization. ScotchBond MP plus adhesive, SingleBond, Prompt L-Pop, and an experimental dentin bonding were used to measure degree of conversion. Six repetitions of each bonding were investigated. Time of light curing was 120s. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-whitney test were used to compare groups with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: The results showed a significant difference between groups (P<0.01). A trend of increasing in Singlebond conversion obtained in comparison with ScotchBond MP plus adhesive, Prompt L-Pop and experimental dentin bonding. The degree of conversion was not statistically significant among the other dentin bondings. No significant difference was found between conversion of the experimental dentin bonding and ScotchBond MP plus adhesive (P=1.00) with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Conclusion: Dentin bonding technology continues to evolve toward simpler systems. However, Prompt L-Pop as a self-etching adhesive does not show the trend of increasing the degree of conversion. However, the performance of these simpler systems must be further investigated.

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The purpose of this article was reviewing the literature related to the mutual effects of endodontics and orthodontics on each other providing documented information that can be used by dentists in clinical practice. The effect of orthodontic treatment on the dental pulp and its role in root resorption, the influence of previous trauma to the tooth and endodontic treatment in orthodontic tooth movements and root resorption, recommendations regarding endodontic treatment during orthodontic tooth movement and the role of the orthodontic forces in provision and outcome of endodontic treatment are being discussed. The effect of the orthodontic tooth movement on the pulp is focused primarily on the neurovascular system which can cause degenerative and/or inflammatory responses in the dental pulp. Although, most of these changes are considered reversible, it seems that teeth with complete apical foramen and teeth subjected to previous insults, such as trauma, caries, restorations and periodontal diseases are more susceptible to pulpal irreversible changes. Teeth with root canal treatment that are well cleaned shaped, and three- dimensionally obturated, exhibit less propensity to apical root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement. This outcome depends on the absence of microleakage for bacterial ingress. A traumatized tooth can be moved orthodontically with minimal risk of resorption, provided that the pulp has not been severely injured (infection or necrosis). If there is evidence of pulpal demise, appropriate endodontic treatment is necessary prior to orthodontic treatment .If a previously traumatized tooth exhibits resorption, there is a greater chance that orthodontic tooth movement will enhance the resorptive process. If a tooth has been severely traumatized (intrusion, avulsion) there would be a greater incidence of resorption with tooth movement. It is recommended that teeth requiring root canal treatment during orthodontic movement be initially cleaned and shaped followed by the interim placement of calcium hydroxide. Final canal obturation with gutta-percha should be accomplished upon the completion of orthodontic treatment. Endodontically treated teeth can be moved orthodontically similar to teeth with vital pulps. In case of endodontic procedures like apexification, there may be no need to delay the orthodontic treatment.

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Statement of Problem: Visual loss after traumatic injuries of the maxillofacial area is one of the worst complications of these injuries and if remains untreated will affect seriously the future life of patient.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of blindness associated with midfacial fractures in Kerman Bahonar Hospital from 1996-2002.

Material and Methods: This descriptive study was done retrospectively on 207 patients with midface maxillofacial trauma admitted to Kerman Bahonar Hospital from 1996 to 2002.

Results: The frequency of unilateral blindness associated with midfacial trauma was 5.3 percent. The main etiologic factor was motor vehicle accidents (81.8%) and the most common area of fracture site of midface associated with blindness was Lefort III, Lefort II and NOE (Naso- Orbito- Ethmoidal) fractures.

Conclusion: The evaluated frequency of blindness after midfacial injuries in this study was similar to previous studies. The etiologic factors were different from those of developed countries and similar to developing ones.

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Statement of Problem: Today, cross infection control is an integral part of dentistry and many dental health care workers no longer question its necessity. All dental equipments and instruments could be potentially considered as a source of infection.

Purpose: The aim of this study was the evaluation of aerobic contaminations of four disposable materials used in routine dental practice.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, random sampling was performed and tryptone soy broth transfer culture medium was used. After 24 hours of incubation, samples were transferred to specific culture media. (Mckangy, Chocolate agar and Blood agar). Cultured bacteria were stained and studied using gram staining method. The study was carried out in a 17 weeks period.

Results: All suction tips were infected with Bacillus cereus bacterium. Two cases of cotton roll samples showed contamination with Bacillus cereus, 2 cases with gram positive, coagulase negative cocci, 1 case with Streptococcus viridians and one case with Enterobacter class A. One case of anesthetic cartridges was contaminated with Staphylococcus epidermidis and two cases with Streptococcus viridians. Two cases of gutta-percha samples were contaminated with Bacillus cereus.

Conclusion: Based of the findings of this study, the highest level of contamination was observed in saliva ejector tips. Contamination with Bacillus cereus was seen more frequently.

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Statement of Problem: Root canal cleaning and elimination of the source of infection are the most important basis and the main requirements for successful root treatment since the main cause of failure in root treatment is the permeation of bacteria or their products into the periapical tissues. Nowadays, the newly designed and prcsented instruments for canal instrumentation can improve root treatment.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the decrease in the number of intracanal Enterococcus-faecalis (Ef) among three mechanical instrumentation methods: manual (K-type) and rotary (Race, Profile).

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 30 single rooted teeth were selected. Three cases were considered as negative and three cases as posetive controls and 24 remainder cases were divided into three experimental groups. All root canals were inoculated by Ef and samples were taken from all canals to prepare microbial cultures. The three instrumentation procedures were: - Crown- down technique with K-type manual system file - Crown- down technique with Profile rotary system - Crown- down technique wiht Race rotary system After instrumentation, microbial cultures were taken from root canals and the reduction rate of bacteria were evaluated and compared using one way ANOVA test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: There was no significant difference among the three instrumentation procedures regarding bacterial elimination.

Conclusion: According to the finding of this study, K-type manual file, Profile and Race rotary systems, all can be used in canal instrumentaion. However, since manual files are more accessible and require less equipment compared with rotary systems, and since the ability of all of these methods is identical regarding bacterial elimination, manual files can be used in straight canal instead of rotary systems.

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Statement of Problem: One of the greatest problems in metal –ceramic restorations is debonding of porcelain from dental alloys. Production of dental alloys by Iranian companies necessitates the evaluation of physical and handling properties of these products.

Purpose: In this study the bond strength between porcelain and two types of base metal alloys, Supercast (with beryllium) and Minalux (without beryllium) was investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 10 cylindric bars from each base metal alloy were prepared. The bars were degassed and porcelain was applied around them in a disc form (8 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness). The bond strength of porcelain to metal bars was tested with the shear strength test by Instron. Data were analyzed with student t-test and P<0.05 was considered as the limit of significance.

Results: The mean failure load was 71.58±6.4 KgF for Supercast and 67.34±5.48 for Minalux alloy. The bond strength of Supercast and Minalux were 55.85±4.99 MPa and 52.54±4.27 MPa respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P0.001).

Conclusions: This study showed that nickel-chromium-beryllium alloy (Supercast) produced significantly better ceramometal bonding than nickel chromium alloy without beryllium (Minalux).

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Statement of Problem: Blood contamination is a common problem in dentistry that can decrease bond strength dramatically which may be affected by methods of decontamination as well.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the influence of blood contamination on shear bond strength of composite and compomer to dentin using Prompt L-Pop as an adhesive system. Also, to assess the effectiveness of different surface treatments on the bond strength.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 120 molar teeth were sectioned to provide flat occlusal dentinal surfaces. Specimens were embedded in acrylic resin with the flat surface exposed. The dentinal expose surfaces were polished to 600 grit. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups of twelve specimens (F1–F5) for compomer material and five other groups (Z1- Z5) for composite resin. After application of Promt L-Pop to dentinal surfaces of specimens, the surfaces in all groups, except for F1 and Z1, (as controls) were contaminated with human blood and then one of the following surface treatments was applied. Groups F2 and Z2 without any treatment, groups F3 and Z3 rinsing with water, groups F4 and Z4 rinsing with water and reapplication of adhesive, groups F5 and Z5 rinsing with NaOCl and using Prompt L-Pop again. Restorative materials were applied to treated surfaces using plastic molds. After thermocycling, shear bond strengths, mode of failures and morphology of dentin-material interfaces were evaluated. The data were statistically analyzed using Factorial analysis of Variance, One-Way ANOVA, Duncan, T-student and Chi-Square tests with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: Compomer showed statistically significant higher bond strength in comparison to composite (P<0.001). Duncan test showed significant differences between all compomer groups, except between groups F4 and F5, and between all composite groups except for groups Z1 and Z4 and for groups Z2 and Z3.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, shear bond strength of compomer material was significantly higher than composite. Blood contamination reduced bond strength, but rinsing contaminated dentin with water or NaOCl and reusing Prompt L-Pop increased bond strength in both materials.

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Background and Aim: With the introduction of porcelain veneers to fulfill patients’ esthetic needs, question raises about the ability of the veneers to cover the substructure discoloration. It seems that using shade modifiers under the porcelain veneers can neutralize the discoloration. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of shade modifiers in correcting tooth discoloration, when used with resin cements under porcelain veneers.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 porcelain discs with two thicknesses of 0.7 mm and 2 mm (30 porcelain of each thickness) were made from ceramco porcelain powder. 40 of them were in A2 shade and 20 were made by the mixture of A2 shade porcelain powder and porcelain stain to represent tooth discoloration. Then all the laminate discs (0.7 mm) were cemented over the 2 mm thick discs to make groups of 10 samples as followed: 1- The first group: laminate discs + resin cement + 2mm thick discs with A2 shade. 2- The second group: laminate discs + resin cement + 2mm thick discolored discs. 3- The third group: laminate discs+ resin cement+ shade modifier+ 2mm thick discolored discs. The color of 30 specimens was measured by spectrophotometer in 2 conditions. 1- To include the specular reflection (SCI). 2- To exclude specular reflection (SCE). In each condition the specimens were measured on both a white background (W) and a black one (B). The mean color differences (E) of each specimen in the second and third group with the specimens of the first group were calculated. Data were analyzed using Paired sample t-test and P<0.05 of significance.

Results: Color measurements showed that in SCIW condition L was significantly different among the three groups except the first and the third. In SCEW condition all the parameters showed significant differences. In SCIB condition, E was not significantly different between the second and the third groups. Hue (h) parameter wasn’t different between groups one and three neither was chroma (c) among the three groups. In SCEB condition, E was not statistically different between groups two and three.

Conclusion: Considering the statistical results, shade modifier couldn’t completely match the color of the specimens in the third group with the first one. But, the lower E for the third group comparing to the second one means that shade modifier was successful in reducing the effect of substructure discoloration.

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Background and Aim: Although the need for "adequate" amount of keratinized tissue (KT) for periodontal health is questionable, the mucogingival junction (MGJ) often serves as a measurement landmark in periodontal evaluations. Limited information is available on the reproducibility of KT width (KTW) assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess reproducibility of 3 different methods to identify MGJ location.

Materials and Methods: In this test evaluation study, fourteen patients contributed with 40 teeth. At the midbuccal aspect of each tooth, KTW was assessed by 2 independent examiners after MGJ identification by the visual (VM), functional (FM), and visual with histochemical staining (HM) method. Data analysis was based on intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and paired t test.

Results: The results of this study exhibits no significant differences in keratinized tissue width assessment in visual and histochemical methods , but a significant difference in functional method is found. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility has been shown to be substantially consistent when different methods of mucogingival junction determination are used to measure in order to determining corono apical dimension of the gingival.

Conclusion: Finally the results of this study indicate that all three methods for detecting MGJ location are accurate and reproducible, but if we need more accuracy and reproducibility, the histochemical method is recommended.

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Background and Aim: The goal of endodontics is to seal the root canal system from the orifice to apical constriction completely and tridimensionally.Hence perforations during root canal therapy, because of caries or resorptions must be sealed and obturated with ideal materials. The aim of this study was to histologically compare two kinds of mineral trioxide aggregate Root MTA and Pro Root MTA for furcal perforation repair in developed teeth in dog.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty teeth consisting of second, third and fourth mandibular premolars of five German shepherd dogs were selected. Twenty-four teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups (6 teeth each). One pair of Root MTA and Pro Root MTA groups studied in one month and the other in three months intervals. Positive and negative control groups was each contained three teeth. In positive control group, perforations were not treated and negative control group contained intact teeth. In experimental groups perforations repaired after one week exposure to oral cavity with Root MTA or Pro Root MTA. After time intervals animals were subjected to vital perfusion and 6 m histologic sections were prepared. Inflammation and hard tissue formation were ranked by Cox criteria. Data were analysed using Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square statistical tests with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: There was statistically significant lower inflammation and higher hard tissue formation in three months Root MTA and Pro Root MTA groups compared to one month interval (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in inflammation and hard tissue formation between Root MTA and Pro Root MTA in each intervals (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate is an adequate material for furcal perforation repair in dog’s teeth. Root MTA could be a good substitute for Pro Root MTA considering the lower cost and similar characteristics.

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Background and Aim: Proper shaping and cleaning of the root canal system is one of the most important aspects of endodontic treatment. To estimate the canal length before instrumentation in endodontic treatment, traditionally, conventional radiographic techniques and recently Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) are applied. The application of computer technology to radiography has allowed less exposure time, image acquisition, manipulation, storage, retrieval, and transmission to remote sites in a digital format, elimination of wet processing and considerable reduction in the time lapse between image acquisition and display. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of DDR versus conventional radiography in estimating endodontic file lengths of curved canals in first mandibular molars.

Materials and Methods: In this test evaluation study, fourty extracted human first mandibular molars with root curvature were selected.Samples were divided into two groups: With root curvature less than 25 and more than 25. Samples were mounted in plaster blocks and canal lengths were estimated by using DDR and conventional radiographs. Regression analysis and correlation coefficient were used to calculate statistical differences between the groups with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: Conventional radiography was more precise in canals with less than 25 degrees curvature (P=0.160). While, DDR was more precise for canals with curvature more than 25 degrees (P=0.605). However, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The image quality of DDR system has improved to the point that it can now be used for estimating canal lengths, even for curved canals, with accuracy comparable to that of conventional radiography.

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Background and Aim: A strong causal relationship exists between cigarette smoking and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma, so oral screening using exfoliative cytology has been recommended to facilitate the early diagnosis of cellular alterations in oral mucosa and silver staining (AgNOR technique) has been proven to be of value in the detection of incipient cellular alterations. The purpose of this study was to compare the argyrophilic nucleolar regions (AgNORs) count of cells collected from normal mucosa of cigarette smokers with that obtained from non- smokers.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, cytologic smears of normal tongue, buccal mucosa and floor of the mouth from 19 smokers and 19 non- smokers were stained for AgNORs. The AgNORs count was established on 100 cells. The count value of groups were compared and analyzed using the Levens, Paired T, Student and Factorial tests. Using P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: The AgNORs were round and had a clustered distribution in both groups. The mean AgNORs count was statistically higher in cells of smokers than non- smokers (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between smears from the floor of the mouth and other anatomical sites in both groups. In this study, no correlation was found between AgNORs count and gender.

Conclusion: Analysis of AgNORs suggests that there might be a correlation between the smoking habit and an increased rate of cellular proliferation in the oral mucosal cells.

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Background and Aim: Along with higher usage of dental local anesthesia with risks to people health together with their positive role, the important goal of dentistry, patients’ health, has been stressed repeatedly nowadays. This study was conducted to compare O2 saturation, respiratory rate and heart rate of patients following injection of anesthetic containing vasoconstrictor (lidocaine 2%) and without vasoconstrictor (Mepivacaine).

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 32 healthy humans (16 females and 16 males) with 25-50 years age range and no history of drug usage. Cases were classified into two matched groups. O2 saturation, heart and respiratory rate were recorded before extraction of a mandibular posterior tooth. In the first group, 3.6 ml lidocaine 2% with 1:80,000 epinephrine and in the second group Mepivacaine 3% was injected, using inferior alveolar dental nerve block with aspiration. Variables were measured and recorded. Tooth extraction was performed and the mentioned variables were recorded again. Data were analyzed with SPSS software using t and Paired t-test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: After injection of lidocaine, the heart rate was increased (12.25±1.75 bpm), and the time to reach the maximum rate was 64.75±11.26 seconds. After extraction of tooth, heart rate in both groups was increased not considering the type of injection.

Conclusion: The study showed that the injection of lidocaine (containing epinephrine) in patients without contraindication has no risk. Also, possible increase in heart rate is not risky and is not associated with O2 saturation decrease and respiratory interruption.

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Background and Aim: Preserving canal curvature during different phases of canal preparation is an important point. In Endodontic therapy all efforts are made to prepare canal in a way that final canal follows the primary canal curvature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of root canal preparation performed by students at Endodontic Department of Dental School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, classic method of step- back technique was investigated for preserving canal curvature in mesial roots of first mandibular molars and mesiobuccal roots of first maxillary molars between years 2000 and 2004. A randomly selected sample of 400 dental patient records was investigated by 4 observers (Endodontic department professors), searching for procedural errors. A clear explanation sheet of curvature preservation and procedural errors such as ledge formation, apical foramen transportation, zipping and stripping and a questionnaire were prepared for observers. The observers went through reliability test and kappa value for agreement between every two observers. The results were above 0.8. Data were analyzed by EPI6 statistical computer program, using Chi-Square and Fisher exact test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: This study consisted of 152 first maxillary molars and 248 first mandibular molars. The prevalence of curvature preservation in mesial root of first mandibular molars and mesiobuccal root of first maxillary molars were 38.5% and 47.6% respectively. Procedural errors detected consisted of 33% ledge formation, 26.1% apical foramen transportation, 1.8% zipping and 4.1% stripping for mesial root of the first mandibular molars. The results for the first maxillary molars were 27%, 19%, 3.2% and 3.2% respectively.

Conclusion: The study results revealed the efficacy of endodontic education and the proficiency of junior and senior students in preparing curved posterior root canals. The results obtained in this retrospective study are comparable to prospective studies.

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Background and Aim: Compared to the information about educational responsibilities, there is not much information about the research skills and activities of the academics in dental schools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the research performance of the academic staff of the dental schools and their educational needs to promote their research skills.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done by mailing a questionnaire to all of the members of Iran dental faculties. The questionnaires contained personal information like age, sex, place of employment, educational records, and additional questions like the workshops previously attended, and interests to attend certain workshops. To evaluate the research performance of the academic staff, the number of accomplished researches, the articles published in known national and international journals, their skills in using internet, and the number of attended workshops about research methodology were included in the questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were gathered and evaluated by descriptive statistics.

Results: From the questionnaires gathered, 436 were eligible to be included in the study, which formed 58% of the academic staff of dental schools. The results showed that 7.4% of the staff had more than 10 researches conducted, 15% had 5-10, 49.9% had less than 5, and 27.7 had no researches done. Considering the articles published in known national journals, 28.2% had no papers, 51.8% had 1-5 papers, and 20% had more than 5 papers. Regarding the number of articles published in known international journals, 77.5% had no papers, and 20.2% had 1-3, and 2.3% and more than 3 papers. The "preliminary research methods" workshop had the highest percent of participation (71.6%), and "Stata acquaintance" workshop had the least (0.7%). The participants were mainly interested to participate in three workshops, "English scientific writing" (26.3%), "principles of scientific writing" (17.5%), and preparing research proposals" (16.2%), respectively.

Conclusion: We concluded that the research skills and performance of the academic staff, though improved in the recent years, is still unsatisfying. In order to promote it, it is recommended to organize workshops about "research methodology", "scientific writing" and "preparing of proposals"

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Background and Aim: Infection control is an integral part of dentistry and dental impressions are considered an important issue in cross contamination. The aim of this study was to investigate the dimensional stability of two irreversible hydrocolloid materials, Alginoplast and Iralgin after disinfection with 5.2% sodium hypochlorite, used with immersion and spraying methods.

Material and Methods: In this experimental study, impressions were made of a master mandibular arch (Typodont) containing three stainless steel inserts on the occlucal surface of both mandibular first molars and in the lingual surface of the mandibular central incisors, which served as reference marks for making measurements. Two types of irreversible hydrocolloid (Iralgin and Alginoplast) were tested. 5.2% sodium hypochlorite was used in two methods of spraying and immersion to disinfect the samples. The control group was not disinfected. Casts were made of type III gypsum. Stone casts were measured with a Nikon profile projector.Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Witney test were used for statistical analysis using p<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: Casts prepared from Alginoplast disinfected by spraying method, were 0.38 % larger in anteroposterior and 0.06% smaller in cross arch dimensions, whereas those prepared from Alginoplast immersed in hypochlorite were 0.47% larger in anteroposterior and 0.11% smaller in cross arch dimensions. Casts made from Iralgin were smaller after both methods of disinfecting, (0.01% smaller in anteroposterior and 0.001% smaller in cross-arch dimensions after spraying and 0.04% smaller in anteroposterior and 0.03% smaller in cross-arch dimensions after immersing in sodium hypochlorite).

Conclusion: Alginoplast and Iralgin impressions can be immersed or sprayed for disinfection without compromising the accuracy needed for diagnostic and opposing casts, as well as removable partial denture construction.

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Background and Aim: External apical root resorption is a common iatrogenic consequence of orthodontic treatment. Much controversy exists in the literature about changes in root lengths at post treatment periods. Although many practitioners believe that resorption becomes stable after active treatment, quantitative data are scarce. The purpose of this study was to determine quantitative changes in root lengths of maxillary incisors during fixed orthodontic post treatment period, and to assess if it is influenced by gender and factors related to active treatment.

Materials and Methods: This was a case cross over study, performed on 80 patients (52 females and 28 males) aged between 13 and 22 years. At debonding stage and beginning of retention phase of fixed orthodontic treatment, Hawley type retainer was fabricated for maxillary arch. Periapical radiographs of maxillary incisors using standard parallel technique were obtained immediately after debonding, and 3 and 7 months later. Crown and root lengths of maxillary incisors were measured using computer program. Changes in root lengths were calculated considering correction factors. Also associations between some factors and the change in root lengths during post treatment periods were assessed. These included gender, type of treatment plan (non extraction/extraction), technique (standard edgewise/straight-wire edgewise) and duration of active treatment (less than 2 years/2 years and more). T-test and 4-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis with P0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: No significant relation was found between apical root resorption of maxillary central incisors and time elapsed after treatment. Significant relation was observed between apical root resorption of maxillary lateral incisors and the length of post treatment period. No significant relation was found between root length changes of maxillary incisors during post treatment period and gender, type of treatment plan, technique, and the length of active treatment period (P 0.05).

Conclusion: Considering the general process of root length reduction in maxillary lateral incisors during post treatment period, establishment of preventive measures is emphasized.

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Background and Aim: Determining correct working length in root canal therapy is of great importance in successful treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two electronic apex locators of fourth generation, Raypex4 and Apit7, in determining working length in vivo.

Materials and Methods: In this test evaluation study performed at Dental School of Tehran University, a total of 32 single canal vital teeth planned for extraction because of orthodontic and prosthetic reasons were selected. Working length determination by each of the two electronic apex locators was performed by two different dentists. These measurements were compared with direct visual measurement after tooth extraction. The dentists working with devices and the endodontist who determined the working length of the extracted teeth as well as the statistician, all were blind regarding the results. The data were compared using binominal distribution test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance.

Results: The accuracy of actual length determination of Raypex4 was 68.8% in the limit of ± 0.5 and 83.3% in the limit of ±1. From the actual length measurements, 75.1% were within the tolerance of +0.5 to-1. The accuracy of the working length determination by Raypex4 was 68.8% within the tolerance of ± 0.5 and 84.3% within the tolerance of ± 1. Taking the tolerance of + 0.5 to -1 mm into account, the accuracy of the instrument was about 78.8%. The accuracy of actual length determination of Apit7 was 65.7% in the limit of ±0.5 and 78.3% in the limit of ±1. Compared to the visual length determination, 78.8% of the actual length measurements were within the tolerance of +0.5 to-1. The accuracy of the working length determination was 62.6% within the tolerance of ±0.5 and 81.3% within the tolerance of ±1. Taking the tolerance of + 0.5 to -1 mm into account, the accuracy of the instrument was about 75.1%.

Conclusion: Raypex4 and Apit7 had similar accuracy in determining the actual length. However, they still can not replace the routine methods of actual length determination.