Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aim: The objective of this study was to measure and compare the tissue absorbed dose in thyroid gland, salivary glands, eye and skin in maxillofacial imaging with panoramic, conventional linear tomography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and computed tomography (CT).
Materials and Methods: Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were implanted in 14 sites of RANDO phantom to measure average tissue absorbed dose in thyroid gland, parotid glands, submandibular glands, sublingual gland, lenses and buccal skin. The Promax (PLANMECA, Helsinki, Finland) unit was selected for Panoramic, conventional linear tomography and cone beam computed tomography examinations and spiral Hispeed/Fxi (General Electric,USA) was selected for CT examination. The average tissue absorbed doses were used for the calculation of the equivalent and effective doses in each organ.
Results: The average absorbed dose for Panoramic ranged from 0.038 mGY (Buccal skin) to 0.308 mGY (submandibular gland), linear tomography ranged from 0.048 mGY (Lens) to 0.510 mGY (submandibular gland),CBCT ranged from 0.322 mGY (thyroid glad) to 1.144 mGY (Parotid gland) and in CT ranged from 2.495 mGY (sublingual gland) to 3.424 mGY (submandibular gland). Total effective dose in CBCT is 5 times greater than Panoramic and 4 times greater than linear tomography, and in CT, 30 and 22 times greater than Panoramic and linear tomography, respectively. Total effective dose in CT is 6 times greater than CBCT.
Conclusion: For obtaining 3-dimensional (3D) information in maxillofacial region, CBCT delivers the lower dose than CT, and should be preferred over a medical CT imaging. Furthermore, during maxillofacial imaging, salivary glands receive the highest dose of radiation.

Background and Aim: Impaction of maxillary cuspids is the most common after third molars with 1% to 3% prevalence. Localization of these impacted teeth may affect orthodontic or surgical treatment plan. Therefore, different techniques have been introduced to localize impacted canines. The present study was conducted to compare the accuracy of panoramic, tube shift and panoramic plus palpation in determination of the position of maxillary impacted canine.
Materials and Methods: 47 patients (20 females, 27 males) with the age of more than 12 years (mean age of 25.4 years old) whom referred to Dental School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with at least one impacted maxillary canine included. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist localized impacted canine first by using panoramic then tube shift technique blindly. After that, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon localized the canine by panoramic and palpation of the area before surgery. Data obtained from radiologist and surgeon were compared with true location of canine after surgery. Statistical analysis was done using sensitivity and specificity.
Results: Among total 47 impacted maxillary canines, 11 cases (23.4%) showed buccal impactions and 36 cases (76.6%) palatal impactions. Sensitivity (ability of technique to localize palatal impaction) of all of the techniques were same (100%) but specificity (ability of technique to localize buccal impaction) of tube shift (100%) was more than two others (0%).
Conclusion: The tube shift technique was the most accurate technique to localize maxillary unerupted canines compared to the others. Due to the ability of panoramic and panoramic with palpation in prediction of palatal canine impactions and failure of these techniques to predict buccal impactions, both methods are not suitable in localization of impacted maxillary canines and they must be used as adjunctive techniques.

Background and Aims: The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of polyethylene fibers and veneering composites in fiber-reinforced resin systems on the opacity (contrast ratio).

Materials and Methods: The specimens were divided into four groups. Two groups were used as the control groups, with no reinforcement. The fibers of polyethylene (Fibre-Braid) with special basement composites were used as the reinforced framework materials. Filtek Z250 and GRADIA (shade A2) were used as veneering materials. The total thickness of samples was 3 mm with 13 mm diameter. Specimens were prepared in disk shaped metal mold. The composite materials were light-cured according to their manufacturers' instructions. The contrast ratio (CR) of each specimen was determined on black and white backgrounds using reflection spectrophotometer. Reflectance was measured at intervals of 10 nm between 400 nm and 750 nm. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test.

Results: When contrast ratio were compared among the different types of materials statistically significant differences were observed in both veneering composites (P<0.05). The Z250 resin composite had the lowest CR. It was shown that CR tended to decrease as the wavelength of incident light increased from 400 nm to 750 nm. On the other hand, the most differences in CR between groups were found in longer wavelengths.

Conclusion: It was found that polyethylene fibers reduced the amount of the translucency in FRC samples. The results of this study indicate that light reflectance characteristics, including the wavelength dependence, play an important role for the CR of a fiber-reinforced composite.

Background and Aims: The main purpose of orthodontic treatment is normal positioning of teeth in three dimensional plans, including the mesiodistal inclination. In this study, mesiodistal axial inclination of posterior teeth in skeletal class II was evaluated and compared with that of posterior teeth in skeletal class I.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight panoramic radiographs for subjects between 12 to 24 years old with skeletal class I and 78 panoramic radiographs for subjects between 12 to 19 years old with skeletal class II were selected. All of the subjects were in permanent dentition with no tooth missing, no tooth extraction, no impacted tooth, and no crowding in posterior teeth. Two reference lines were established over each radiograph: the upper one passing through the most inferior point of right and left orbits lower one passing through the right and left mental foramina. After that, the long axis of teeth was traced (the image of root canal in single-rooted teeth, mean image of buccal and palatal canals in upper premolars, mean image of mesial and distal canals in lower molars, and the image of palatal canal in upper molars.). The mean values for two skelotodental classes were analyzed using T-test.

Results: The results showed that there was significant difference between (P<0.05) mesiodistal axial inclination of teeth 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, and 27 in upper jaw in skeletal class II compared with that of the same teeth in skeletal class I, which was more mesially in skeletal class II. Mesiodistal axial inclination of teeth 36, 46, and 47 in lower jaw was more mesially in class II compared with that of the same teeth in class I. For other teeth there were no significant differences between two skeletodental classes (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The mesiodistal axial inclination of upper molars and second premolars and lower molars in class II was more mesially compared with that of the same teeth in class I.

Background and Aims: Radiographic examination prior to implant placement is often complemented with tomography for location of vital anatomic structures and evaluation of bone volume. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Photostimulable Phosphor Plate system with that of conventional film-screen in mandibular pre-implant linear tomography

Materials and Methods: In this test evaluation study, tomograms of 2 dry human mandibles were taken using the both film-screen and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate. 10 sites were selected in each mandible and marked with gutta-percha. Distance of superior border to the mandibular canal and the total height and width of mandible were measured on the tomograms and also on the mandibles after sectioning. The radiographic values were compared with real ones.

Results: After correction of tomographic values by the magnification factor of the unit, the mean of absolute differences with reality in linear tomography using film-screen and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate for height of mandible were 0.59mm (SD=0.54) and 0.65mm (SD=0.72), respectively. The mean of absolute differences with reality in linear tomography using film-screen and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate for width of mandible were 0.34mm (SD=0.33) and 0.31mm (SD=0.33), respectively. In localization of the mandibular canal, the mean of absolute differences with reality were 0.54mm (SD=0.30 ) and 0.52mm (SD=0.56) for linear tomography using film-screen and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate, respectively. In linear tomography using film-screen, 100% of measurements for localization of the canal, 80% of height and 95% of width were with in ± 1mm error limits. In linear tomography using Photostimulable Phosphor Plate, 75% of measurements for localization of the canal, 75% of height and 95% of width were within ± 1mm error limits. There was no significant difference between linear tomography using film-screen and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate in localizing the mandibular canal and height and width estimation (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The accuracy of linear tomography using film-screen and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate in height and width estimation and localization of the canal is within acceptable limits.

Background and Aims: Intrabony periodontal defects are one of the important problems in periodontal diseases. Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with synthetic materials such as Cerasorb has been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Cerasorb with autogenous bone graft (A.B.G) as a gold standard in treatment of two to three wall periodontal defects.
Materials and Methods: In this interventional or randomized clinical trial study, 24 two to three wall intrabony defects were selected in a double blind manner. Defects were randomly (with tossing a coin) divided into two groups (test and control). Defects in test group were treated with flap surgery and Cerasorb. In control group, defects were treated with flap surgery and autogenous bone graft. At baseline and 3-month, 6-month and one-year follow up evaluations clinical and radiographic assessments were performed. Data were statistically analyzed using the paired t test, Wilcoxon and Mann-whiteny. The level of significance was set at P<0.05.
Result: At the 3-month, 6-month and one-year visits, the parameters of probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), bone level (distance between CEJ and alveolar crest), and bone density were not significantly difference in test and control groups (P>0.05). However, in each group there was significant difference in 4 parameters before and after surgery (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Treatment with Cerasorb compared to A.B.G produced the same results of improvement in two to three-wall intrabony defects. So the use of Cerasorb can be suggested for treatment of intrabony periodontal defects.

Background and Aims: It is important to use intracanal medicaments in teeth with necrotic pulp. Calcium hydroxide is the intracanal medicament of choice in such cases. Also, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a suitable root canal filling material because of its favorable characteristics. MTA can be used in some cases where calcium hydroxide is used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Ca++ and OH ˉ diffusion through root dentin using calcium hydroxide paste and two different brands of MTA as root canal filling materials.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the root canals of 52 single-rooted teeth were instrumented and shaped. External defects were created on the middle one-third of the root surface. 17% EDTA and 5% NaOCl were used to remove the smear layer. All surfaces except the external defects were sealed and the teeth were placed in normal saline. Ten teeth were selected as the control group. Forty-two remaining teeth were divided into three groups of 14 teeth each (A,B, and C groups). ProRoot MTA was placed in group A. Angelus MTA was placed in group B and Calcium hydroxide paste was placed in group C. After sealing the coronal access, all specimens were placed in normal saline solution. Ca++ concentration and pH were determined after 24 hours, 48 hours and one week in all groups. The data were analyzed with Repeated Measure ANOVA and Pair T- tests.
Results: Ca++ release and pH in group C was significantly higher than those in groups A and B in all time periods (P<0.001). The difference between groups A and B was not significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that in necrotic cases with lesion which MTA is indicated (open apex and perforation), calcium hydroxide might be better used as an intracanal dressing before using MTA as a permanent filling material.

Background and Aims: Accurate bone measurements are essential for determining the optimal size and length of proposed implants. The radiologist should be aware of the head position effects on image dimensions in each imaging technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mandibular plane angle on image dimensions in linear tomography.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, the vertical dimensions of linear tomograms taken from 3 dry mandibles in different posteroantenior or mediolateral tilts were compared with actual condition. In order to evaluate the effects of head position in linear tomography, 16 series of images while mandibular plane angle was tilted with 5, 10, 15 and 20 degrees in anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral angulations as well as a series of standard images without any tilt in mandibular position were taken. Vertical distances between the alveolar crest and the superior border of the inferior alveolar canal were measured in posterior mandible and the vertical distances between the alveolar crest and inferior rim were measured in anterior mandible in 12 sites of tomograms. Each bone was then sectioned through the places marked with a radiopaque object. The radiographic values were compared with the real conditions. Repeat measure ANOVA was used to analyze the data.
Results: The findings of this study showed that there was significant statistical difference between standard position and 15º posteroanterior tilt (P<0.001). Also there was significant statistical difference between standard position and 10º lateral tilt (P<0.008), 15º tilt (P<0.001), and 20º upward tilt (P<0.001). In standard mandibular position with no tilt, the mean exact error was the same in all regions (0.22±0.19 mm) except the premolar region which the mean exact error was calculated as 0.44±0.19 mm. The most mean exact error among various postroanterior tilts was seen in 20º lower tilt in the canine region (1±0.88 mm) and for various mediolateral tilts the most exact error was seen in the canine region in 20º upper tilt (2.9±2 mm).
Conclusion: The mean exact errors in various regions and various 5º to 20º posteroanterior and mediolateral mandibular tilts were in the range of acceptable values (≤1 mm) except for the canine region. However, this effect is more considerable in mediolateral tilt compared with posteroanterior tilt, posterior region compared with anterior region, and upper tilt compared with lower tilt.

Background and Aims: Conventional radiological equipments in our country are going to be converted to digital system using computed radiology (CR) technology. If we know the accuracy of digital panoramic radiography for detection of small defects in tooth, it will be useful in cases with difficulty for taking the intraoral radiographs. The aim of this study was to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of digital panoramic radiography for detection of proximal caries compared with the bitewing radiography.
Materials and Methods: One-hundred patients who had been ordered for taking both bitewing and panoramic radiography were included in this study. Panoramic and then bitewing radiographs were observed by a maxillofacial radiologist and interproximal caries were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of digital panoramic radiography (CI=95%) was calculated compared with the bitewing radiography as a gold standard.
Results: This study showed that the values for sensitivity and specificity were 62.7% (CI 95%=57.7%-67.5%) and 91.0% (CI 95%=89.2%-92.5%), respectively.
Conclusion: Sensitivity of digital panoramic is less than bitewing radiography even with processing before printing. Therefore, bitewing radiography is superior for detection of inter proximal caries.

Background and Aims: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) produces high-quality data about diagnosis and periodontal treatment. To date, there is not enough research regarding periodontal bone measurement using CBCT. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of CBCT in measuring periodontal defects to that of intraoral radiography and probing methods.
Materials and Methods: Two-hundred and eighteen artificial osseous defects (buccal and lingual infrabony, interproximal, horizontal, crater, dehiscence and fenestration defects) were created on 13 mandibles of dry skulls. The mandibles were put into a plexiglass box full of water to simulate soft tissue. CBCT images, radiographic images taken with parallel technique and direct measurements using a WHO periodontal probe were recorded and compared to a standard reference (digital caliper). Inter and intra observe consistencies were assessed using Intra class correlation coefficient and pearson correlation.
Results: Inter and intra observer consistencies were high for CBCT and probing methods (ICC- Intra class correlation coefficient>88%), but moderate for intraoral radiography (ICC-Intra class correlation coefficient > 54%). There were not any significant differences between observers for all techniques (P>0/05). According to paired T-test analysis, mean difference for CBCT technique (0.01 mm) was lower than that for probing (0.04 mm) and radiography (0.62 mm). CBCT was able to measure all kinds of lesions, but radiography could not measure defects in the buccal and lingual sites.
Conclusion: All three modalities are useful for identifying periodontal defects. Compared to probing and radiography, the CBCT technique has the most accuracy in measuring periodontal defects.

Background and Aims: Radiographic examination is a necessary step in diagnosis of horizontal root fracture. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of single radiograph for detection of horizontal root fracture.

Materials and Methods: In this analytical-descriptive study, 30 human freshly extracted teeth were used. Using a hammer and clamp, the teeth were divided into two sections accidentally and then sections were attached together by cyanoacrylate glue. Two radiographs were taken with and without a piece of human mandibular bone. Afterward, radiographs were analyzed by three expert dentists using a slide show device.

Results: The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of single radiograph for detection of horizontal root fracture without bone was 100%, but in radiographs of teeth with bone was 82.7% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, in most cases, the horizontal root fractures can be detected by a single periapical radiograph.

Background and Aims: Working length determination and remaining this length is of great importance in root canal therapy. Recently, electronic apex locators are being used to determine working length and decrease the number of radiographs. The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity of Root ZX and Novapex electronic apex locators with radiography in a clinical study.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 73 single-canalled teeth of the patients referred to the endodontic department of the Yazd Dental School were evaluated. The access cavity was prepared and working length of the root canals were measured by using the apex locators: Root ZX and Novapex. The file was placed in the root canal and a periapical radiograph was taken using parallel technique. The working lengths obtained by apex locators were recorded and compared with those of radiographs. The data were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient, Wilcoxon test and paired t-test.

Results: The exact measurement without any fault was 46.6% for Root ZX and 20.5% for Novapex compared to radiography. In the range of 0.5 mm fault, the results were 91.8% for Root ZX and 64.4% for Novapex compared to radiographic measurements. The difference between the average of the measured lengths by Root ZX and radiography was not significant (P=0.17). On the other hand, the results showed significant difference between the average of the measured lengths by Novapex and radiography (P=0.017). The difference between two apex locators was not significant (P=0.061).

Conclusion: Root ZX and Novapex with high accuracy are useful for determining working length of the root canals in pregnant patients with special anatomic conditions and patients with muscle disharmony. Therefore, the use of these apex locators combined with radiography is recommended in root canal treatment.

Background and Aims: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral mucosal inflammatory disease. The frequency of RAS is as much as 20% in the general population. The cause of RAS is not yet fully understood. Antioxidant is a material which has ability to preserve molecules from damage and also can delay the start of it. The aim of this study was to compare saliva level of total antioxidant status (TAS) in RAS patients with that of normal subjects.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 25 patients with aphthous stomatitis were considered as the case group and 25 healthy subjects as control group. The case and control groups were matched by sex and age. Total antioxidant status (TAS) saliva levels were measured in two groups by spectrophotometer. The data were analyzed with independent sample t-test.

Results: The mean and standard deviation of TAS in case group was 1.64±0.64 µmol/L and in control group was 1.49±0.3 µmol/L. There was not significant difference between case and control groups (P=0.464).

Conclusion: Results of this study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between RAS patients and healthy subjects in saliva antioxidant status levels.

Background and Aims: Apical root resorption is an adverse side effect of fixed orthodontic treatment which cannot be repaired. The aim of this study was to use panoramic radiographs to compare the root resorption before and after the orthodontic treatment with standard edgewise .018 appliance.

Materials and Methods: The before and after treatment panoramic views of sixty-three patients needed fixed orthodontic treatment included 1520 teeth were categorized into 3 Grades (G0: without resorption, G1: mild resorption with blunt roots or ≤ 1/4 of root length, G2: moderate to severe resorption or > 1/4 to 1/2 of root length. Relationship between root resorption and sex and treatment duration was analyzed with Mann-whitney and  Spearman's correlation coefficient, respectively.

Results: The findings showed that 345 teeth were categorized as Grade 1.  Grade 2 of root resorption was not found in this study. The highest amount of root resorption was recorded for the mandibular lateral incisor. In both gender, the root resorption of the mandible was more than that of the maxilla. The males showed significantly higher rate of resorption than the females (P<0.05). Root resorption was not significantly related to the treatment duration and the side of the jaws (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The mandible and male patients showed higher amount of root resorption. In addition, root resorption was not related to the treatment duration and the side of the jaws.

Background and Aims: Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases with the various incidence rates in different populations. A number of bacteria are considered as the major etiologic agents of periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of periodontopathogen bacteria in patients using both PCR and culture techniques.
Materials and Methods: In this study, one-hundred patients (including 62 females and 38 males with an average age of 49±11.5 years) with adult periodontitis referred to periodontics department of School of Dentistry/Tehran University of Medical Sciences were investigated. The samples were taken and sent immediately to the laboratory for culture and molecular evaluation. The PCR was performed using specific primers and the statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS statistic software and McNemar test.
Results: The results demonstrated that the total detection rate in culture method was 64%. The rate of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) was 28% which was significantly higher than that of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) (6%) and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) (3%). 27% of cases showed mixed bacterial growth. 65% of patients were positive using molecular method. The rate of Aa (30%) was significantly higher than that of Pg (7%) and Pi (5%). The mixed PCR positive rate containing of Aa, Pg and Pi was (23%).
Conclusion: In this study, it was found that most of the bacteria isolated using culture and molecular methods were Aa, Pg and Pi, respectively. Although the detection frequencies of both techniques were similar, the specificity, sensitivity and bacterial detection speed of the PCR technique is obviously higher. Therefore, the use of molecular techniques is strongly recommended. However, both techniques seem to be suitable for microbiological diagnostics.

Background and Aims: The Panoramic radiography is one of the routine techniques in implant imaging. Although there are some limitations with this technique, panoramic radiography is radiographic choice for basic evaluation for implant treatment. Many studies have been designed to determine magnification in panoramic images but most of them were performed on dry skulls or radiographic phantoms. In recent studies CT or CBCT are used as gold standard. The aim of this study was to determine vertical magnification of panoramic images using renovated CT sections in anterior and posterior regions of both jaws.

Materials and Methods: 30 panoramic radiographs (Planmeca EC or CC Proline) were selected from patients of implant department and Particular anatomic landmarks were selected in those images. Vertical dimensions of these landmarks were measured in both panoramic and renovated cross sectional CT images by a digital caliper and vertical magnification was calculated as the ratio of image dimensions to the real dimensions.

Results: The mean vertical magnification of panoramic radiographs in anterior and posterior maxillae were 1.22±0.02 and 1.16±0.02, respectively. The mean vertical magnification of panoramic radiograph in anterior and posterior mandible were 1.20±0.02 and 1.13±0.02, respectively. The differences between magnification in mandible and maxillae were significant (P<0.001). The differences between magnification in anterior and posterior regions of both jaws were not significant (P=0.11).

Conclusion: Vertical magnification of panoramic images (Planmeca EC or CC Proline) in different regions in both jaws were between 1.13 to 1.22.

Background and Aims: Discoloration of resin composites is considered to be the major factor in esthetic restoration failures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of resin composites after rebonding with two different adhesive materials.

Materials and Methods: Forty five composite disc samples were divided into three groups (n=15). The surface of specimens was finished by polishing disc and rubber. In group 1, any additional phase was not performed. In group 2, composite discs were etched by %37 orthophosphoric acid, then Margin- bond was used for rebonding. In group 3, the etching procedure was in the same manner used for group 2, but Permaseal was used after etching. After the first phase of spectrophotometric measurement, the specimens were dipped in coffee mix for 3 weeks for aging the specimens. Then the second phase of spectrophotometric evaluation was performed. Collected data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA test followed by Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered as the level of significance.

Results: The mean total color difference (∆E) observed in groups 1 to 3 were 1.4±0.34, 5.24±1.51, and 7.44±1.34, respectively. Statistical significant differences were shown between the groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Rebonding with adhesive materials used in this study did not increase the color stability of composite restorations.

Background and Aims: Skeletal class III malocclusions are considered as one of the most complex and difficult orthodontic problems to diagnose and treat. Facial appearance and occlusion problems make the patients to seek treatment as soon as possible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of early treatment with facemask compared to the patients who had no treatment.

Materials and Methods: For this retrospective study, 38 growing patients (mean age, 8.5 years old) with class III dentoskeletal malocclusion were divided into 2 groups. 23 patients were treated with facemask and 15 patients who did not receive any treatment were assigned as control group. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and after treatment and dentoskeletal changes were estimated. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results: The results revealed statistically significant forward displacement of maxillary bone and upper incisors (P<0.001), and downward-backward rotation of mandible in facemask group (P<0.001). Increased lower facial height was seen in both treatment and untreated groups. However, in untreated group some measurements revealed forward displacement of maxillary complex as well.

Conclusion: It seems that in class III patients treating with facemask is a better choice than ChinCap and decision making for early treatment in class III patients should be considered seriously. Moreover, specific attention to the type of patient’s skeletal discrepancy is necessary. In class III patients, facemask might be a better option than other appliances.

  Background and Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tissue responses to octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and calcium hydroxide (CH) used as direct pulp capping (DPC) materials in cat teeth.

  Materials and Methods: 72 premolar teeth of 9 cats were selected and divided into 3 groups (Two experimental and one control group). After the cats had been anesthetized, the pulp were exposed and capped directly with OCP, CH or no capping material as control group. The cavities of all three groups were filled with Glass ionomer cement (GI). Histological evaluations were performed at two, four and eight weeks after pulp capping. After tissue preparation procedures, paraffin blocks were prepared. After preparation and staining of the sections, the relevant variables were measured by optical microscope. The results were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests ( α =0.05).

  Results: Two weeks after pulp capping, all specimens in three groups showed mild to sever inflammation. The formation of hard tissue (dentinal bridge) at in the exposed areas of the experimental groups was more noticeable for calcium hydroxide than that of octacalcium phosphate group. These differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). At four weeks, hard tissues were observed in both groups which were more evident for the CH group and there were statistically significant difference between two experimental groups (p<0.003). At eight weeks, continuous hard tissues were observed in both groups and there were no statistically significant difference between them (P>0.05), but hard tissues continuity were better for in the OCP than that of the CH.

  Conclusion: It seems that the formation of hard tissue in CH because of its porosities had a worse percentage in sealing of the pulp than the OCP .

  Background and Aims: Successful root canal therapy requires knowledge of tooth anatomy and root canal morphology. For permanent mandibular premolars, great variety in size, shape and number of roots and root fusion expression has been reported in the literature. There is a wide variety of methods used in studies for evaluating the root canal morphology. One of these methods is Cone-beam Computed tomography (CBCT) that reduces the limitations of two-dimensional X-ray imaging, with less exposure in comparison with other 3D radiographies. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the differences in the root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular premolars in an Iranian population by means of CBCT images.

  Materials and Methods: We searched a database of CBCT scans and evaluated 400 (20-60 years old) patients who met the inclusion criteria and teeth in this images (CBCT) were evaluated in three dimensions (Axial, Coronal and Sagital). Tooth length, number of roots, number of canals, canal type, root curvature and the effect of gender on any of the items mentioned were evaluated. Data were analyzed using T-test.

  Results: The average length of the first premolar of mandibular was 22.27 mm and second premolar was 22.28 mm. 98.4% of the first premolar and 98.2% of the second premolar were single root., and 87.3% and 93.1% were single channel. The incidence of number of canals based on vertochy divisions were:type 1: 90.7% and 90.8%, type 0: 2.2% and 2.8%, type 4: 3.3% and 3.1%, type 6: 1.4% and 2.1% and type 3: 2.5% and 1.5% respectively. In any case, there was no significant difference between males and females (P<0.001).

  Conclusion: Results indicate that dentists can obtain valuable information about the anatomy and morphology of the root canals using CBCT.