Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aim: Bleaching products as chemical materials can exert side effects on soft and hard tissues and existing restorative materials with oxidizing mechanism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 15% and 35% carbamide peroxide gels as home and in-office bleaching agents respectively, on microhardness and surface topography of composite resin.

Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a total of 75 disc shaped specimens were prepared from Z100  composite resin (3M) and randomly divided into three groups with following treatment designs: group 1, 37⁰C distilled water, group 2, 15% carbamide peroxide, 6 hours/day for 3 weeks, group 3, 35% carbamide peroxide 30 minutes/week for 3 weeks. The microhardness (Vickers hardness) of samples was measured using Shimadzu set on three different points of each sample. 8 samples of each group were selected randomly to be assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for probable changes in surface topography. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Duncan tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: 15% carbamide peroxide group had the maximum amount of microhardness (84.59±1.87) and 35% carbamide peroxide group had the minimum (76. 14±1.77). Only the difference between home bleaching and control group was not statistically significant (P=0.24). The SEM assessing revealed no changes in surface topography.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, in-office bleaching may decrease the microhardness of composite resin.

Background and Aim: Chin cup is an orthopedic appliance for treating growing skeletally Cl III patients. The amount of chin forward movement in addition to morphologic changes in bony structure, determines the final profile of treated patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of morphologic changes of symphysis after chin cup therapy in skeletally Cl III patients.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, twenty eight cephalometries before and after chin cup therapy of 14 skeletally Cl III patients were analyzed. Landmarks introduced by Ricketts were determined to evaluate the symphysis and describe its relation to mandible. َAlso four additional measurements regarding the symphysis individually were evaluated and analyzed. Data were analyzed by paired t and pearson tests with P<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: The results showed that the height of symphysis increased after treatment (P=0.02), but its depth decreased (P=0.04). The sysmphysis turned down and back.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that in Cl III malocclusions with a prognathic mandible, chin cup therapy creates changes in the horizontal dimension of symphysis morphology, which improves the Cl III profile. If the patient isn't a vertical grower, vertical changes of symphysis would be desirable. In addition, changes in the vertical dimension of the mandible (body and ramus) could be observed as a backward and downward rotation.

Background and Aim: An important criterion for success assessment of implant-supported prostheses is marginal fit. Vertical and horizontal discrepancy can result in loosening of the prosthetic screw, crestal bone resorption, peri-implantitis and loss of osseointegration. Despite careful attention to waxing, investing, and casting, marginal discrepancies are inevitable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the marginal gap and overhang in three casting methods with two different alloys in ITI implants.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental in vitro study 48 analog abutments were randomly divided into six groups as follows: 1) burn out cap + BegoStar, 2) impression cap + BegoStar, 3) conventional wax up + BegoStar, 4) burn out cap + Verabond2, 5) impression cap + Verabond2, 6) conventional wax up + Verabond2. Waxing was done in 0.7 mm thickness verified by a digital gauge and a putty index was made for all groups. Reamer was used for correction of the finish line after casting in all groups. Castings were seated on analog abutments and embedded in acrylic resin. Specimens were sectioned by isomet instrument and polished and cleaned by ultrasonic cleaner for 10 min. The marginal gap and overextended margins of castings were examined under a  Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) (X200). The mean gap and margin overextension were calculated for each group. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis and Bonferroni post-hoc test with p<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: No significant difference in gap size was observed among the three casting methods with two alloys (P=0.056). The marginal gap was not different in the studied casting methods (P=0.092). Gold alloy crowns showed lower marginal gaps compared to base metal alloy crowns (P<0.001). No significant difference in overhang size was observed among casting methods with two alloys (P=0.093). Base metal alloy crowns showed less overhang compared to gold alloy crowns (P<0.001). There was a significant correlation between overhang and use of impression cap in base metal alloys (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, vertical discrepancy of frameworks made with gold alloy were less than those made with base metal alloy. Base metal alloy demonstrated less overhang. Conventional wax up or using burn out caps produced less horizontal discrepancy.

Background and Aim: Nowadays, esthetic dentistry has become an important part of modern dentistry. Bleaching is considered as a conservative, safe and effective way for treatment of discolored teeth. Although bleaching is commonly used on anterior teeth, the bleaching gel may come into contact with patient's former amalgam restorations and result in corrosive effects, dissolution of amalgam phases and increasing release of mercury. Mercury released from dental amalgam during mouthguard bleaching can be absorbed and increase the total mercury body burden. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of mercury released from Iranian and foreign brands of amalgams with spherical and admixed particles, polished and unpolished, after 16%carbamide peroxide gel application.

Materials and Methods: This experimental in vitro study was performed on 256 Iranian and foreign amalgam samples with spherical and admixed particles. The provided samples were put in distilled water and classified according to the type of amalgam, shape of particles and quality of surface polishing. The test samples were placed in Nite White 16% carbamid peroxide gel and control samples were put in phosphate buffer (Ph=6.5) for 14 and 28 hours. The amount of released mercury was calculated using AVA-440 Mercury Analysis System (Thermo Jarrell Ash model SH/229) with cold-vapor atomic absorption. Data were analyzed using t-test, four way and three way ANOVA tests with P<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: 16% Nite White carbamide peroxide gel caused a significant increase in amount of mercury released from amalgams in all groups (P<0.05). Mercury release from Iranian amalgam was higher than that from the foreign brands (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in mercury released from spherical and admixed amalgams (P>0.05). The amount of mercury released from Iranian and foreign amalgams was time dependent (P<0.05). Furthermore, the amount of mercury released from unpolished amalgams was higher than polished ones (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The present study indicated that exposure of amalgam to 16% Nite White carbamide peroxide  gel causes a significant increase in mercury release from the amalgam which is significantly influenced by the brand, exposure time, and surface polishing.

Background and Aim: Sealing the root canal system is of great importance in endodontic treatment especially in infected teeth. Several materials have been introduced for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sealing ability of MTA as an orthograde root filling material and compare it with laterally condensed gutta-percha with sealer.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six extracted human maxillary central and canine teeth were used in this experimental study. After preparation and surface disinfection with 1% NaOCl solution, the crowns of the teeth were cut at cemento-enamel junction.Roots were randomly divided into four groups: two experimental groups  of 15 roots each (gutta-percha with AH26 sealer and MTA) and two control groups of 3 roots each (positive and negative). After root canal preparation and filling, the sealing ability of each technique was assessed by immersion in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. Then the teeth were cleared and the extent of dye penetration was measured with a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed by T-test with P<0.05 as the level of significance.

Results: The results showed that the mean microleakage was 1.1mm (SD=2.1) in the gutta percha group and 3.4mm (SD= 2.1) in the MTA group.This difference was statistically significant (P=0.013).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, canal obturation with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer may provide a better apical seal compared with MTA. However, further studies on microbial leakage are needed for more precise evaluation of the sealing ability of MTA.

Background and Aim: Accurate bone measurements are essential to determine the optimal size and length of dental implants. The magnification factor of radiographic images may vary with the imaging technique used. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of linear tomography and panoramic radiography in vertical measurements, as well as the accuracy of linear tomography in mandibular width estimation.

Materials and Methods: In this test evaluation study, the vertical distances between the crest and the superior border of the inferior alveolar canal, marked with a metal ball, was measured by linear tomography and panoramic radiography in 23 sites of four dry mandible bones. Also the mandibular width was measured at the same sites. Then, the bones were sectioned through the marked spots and the radiographic measurements were compared with actual values.

Results: The vertical magnification factor in tomograms and panoramic radiographs was 1.79 (SD=0.17) and 1.69 (SD=0.23), respectively. The horizontal magnification of tomograms was 1.47 (SD=0.17). A significant correlation was found between the linear tomographic and actual values, regarding vertical dimensions (p<0.001, r=0.968) and width (p<0.001, r=0.813). The correlation was significant but lower in panoramic radiographs (p<0.001, r=0.795). Applying the magnification values suggested by the manufacturer, the mean difference of vertical measurements between the tomographic sections was 2.5 mm (SD=3.4) but 3.8 mm (SD=1.65) in panoramic radiographs. The mean of absolute difference in mandibular width between the tomographic sections and reality was 0.3mm (SD=1.13). In the linear tomograms, 4.3% of vertical and 56.5% of the width measurements were in the ±1mm error limit. Only 4.3% of the vertical measurements were within this range in the panthomographs. The linear regression equation between the actual values and those obtained by radiography in vertical dimensions showed that 87.5% of tomograms and 51.8% of panoramics were located in the ±1 mm error limit.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the linear tomography is more accurate than panoramic radiography in mandibular height estimation. The accuracy of linear tomography in width estimation is within acceptable limits.

Background and Aim: Contaminated dental handpieces have the potential to transfer infection to patients. New generation of autoclavable turbines have to some extent overcome the problem however, in clinic sometimes it is necessary to use chemical to disinfect handpieces. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial effect of some routinely used disinfectant solutions on dental contaminated handpieces.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 35 turbines were sterilized. The turbines' heads were inserted into microbial suspension containing staphylococcus, pseudomonas and candida and then exposed to the disinfectant solutions. Inoculations into culture medium were made at different intervals. All medium was incubated for 24 hours at 37^oC followed by spectrophotometer inspection for detection of microbial growth. Serial dilutions of disinfectant agents were used to determine the highest dilution in which there was no microbial growth. Kruskal wallis test was used for statistical analysis and p<0.05 was considered as the level significance.

Results: Ethanol had antimicrobial effect on all of the tested microorganisms at dilution of 1:4. Betadine at dilution of 1:64 caused inhibition of all of the microbes except pseudomonas. Micro 10 had antimicrobial effect up to dilution of 1:256 but could not inhibit microbial growth at higher dilution. Sodium hypochlorite inhibited growth of the three microoganisms up to dilution of 1:1024.

Conclusion: Based of on the results of this study sodium hypochlorite was found to be the most effective antimicrobial agent among those used in this study, inhibiting microbial growth at the highest dilution.

Background and Aim: Digital subtraction Radiography (DSR) is a method of accurate assessing condylar head changes. several studies have been carried out in applying DSR in dentistry, however there is a few number of studies in efficacy of DSR method in assesment of condylar head changes, The aim of this study was to compare panoramic radiography and DSR detecting simulated lesions of the mandibular condyl.

Materials and Methods: this was a process reaserch study, in which two dry human skulls with no obvious temporomandibular joint pathology were used. Osteophytic lesions were simulated using three sizes of bone chips that were placed on the medial portion of anterior and superolateral aspects of the condyle. Osteolytic lesions were simulated making 1 and 2 mm holes using round burr in the central portion of anterior aspect and Lateral pole of the condyle. Panoramic radiographs were prepared with and without the lesions in place. These paired radiographs were digitized and digital- subtraction images of the original panoramic images were obtained. Eight observers evaluated 155 images of each modality for the presence or absence and the type of simulated lesions of the mandibular condyle. Sensitivity, specificity, reliability and measure of agreement were analyzed using kappa test and crossed tables and qualitative variables were assess by chi-square and fisher's Exact test.

Results: Specificity of panoramic and DSR methods were 15.4% and 66.7% respectively. Sensitivity of panoramic and DSR methods were 61.1% and 80.6% for osteophytic lesions and 37.5% and 83.3% for Osteolytic lesions. The percentage of correct decisions made in DSR method was significantly more than conventional panoramic method (82.6% vs 41.9%) (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study digital subtraction technique was significantly more accurate than the panoramic radiographs in detection of simulated lesions of the mandibular condyle.

Background and Aim: According to controversies in the prevalence of hypersensitivity to dental local anesthetic drugs and patients who claim hypersensitivity to these drugs, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypersensitivity to dental amide local anesthetic drugs in patients referred to Tehran Allergy Clinic in 2005-2007.

Materials and Methods: In this Study (Review of existing data), records of 130 patients who were referred to "Tehran allergy Clinic" (2005-2007) were studied.

Results: The average age of patients was 29.5±18.8 years. 34% of cases showed positive skin reactions to at least one of the tested Lidocain concentrations and 10% of cases showed positive skin reactions to at least one of the tested Prilocain concentrations. There was a statistically significant difference in hypersensitivity to Lidocain 0.01 and 0.001 (p=0.017) and also between Lidocain 0.001 and 0.0001 (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between other tested drug concentrations (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Many patients with history of hypersensitivity, show positive reaction to local dental anesthetic drugs. Prilocain hypersensitivity reactions are less than Lidocain. So application of Prilocain accompanies with less risk but its application should not be considered completely safe.

Background and Aim: Today, one of the most important environmental issues is dental solid wastes which are of great importance because of the presence of hazardous, toxic and pathogen agents. In this survey, solid waste produced in Hamedan general dental offices is evaluated.

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, from 104 general dental offices in Hamedan , 10 offices were selected in simple random way. From each offices, 3 sample at the end of successive working day (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday) were analyzed. Samples were manually sorted into different 74 components and measured by means of laboratory scale. Then, measured components were classified in the basis of characteristic and hazardous potential as well as material type.

Results: Total annual waste produced in general dental offices in Hamadan is 14662.67 Kg (9315.45>95.0% Confidence Interval>20009.88). Production percentages of infectious, domestic type, chemical and pharmaceutical and toxic wastes were 51.93, 38.16, 9.47, 0.44 respectively. Main components of produced dental waste were 14 components that consist of more than 80 percents of total dental solid waste. So, waste reduction, separation and recycling plans in the offices must be concentrated on these main components.

Conclusion: In order to dental waste proper management, it is suggested that in addition to educate dentists for waste reduction, separation and recycling in the offices, each section of dental waste(toxic,chemical and pharmaceutical, infectious and domestic type wastes) separately and according to related criteria should be managed.

Background and Aim: A considerable percentage of failure in Endodontic treatments in maxillary molars is attributed to undiscovered second mesiobuccal canal (MB₂).There are different methods for discovering and accessing to this canal. The purpose of this ex vivo study was to compare the detection ability of three methods (direct look, fiberoptic loup and surgical microscope) to find MB₂ after troughing with ultrasonic.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, we selected 90 extracted maxillary molars (45 first and 45 second molars) in which after access cavity preparation MB₂ canal was not discovered by direct vision and endodontic explorer. They were divided into 3 groups (n=30). The dentinal shelf between mesiobuccal and palatal canals was eliminated by an endodontic ultrasonic tip (troughing). After that, first group was searched by direct vision, second group by a loup and fiberoptic light and third group by dental operating microscope. Data were analyzed, specificity and sensitivity were calculated.

Results: The results showed that 21%, 61%, and 92% of MB₂ canals after troughing was found by direct vision, fiberoptic loup, and surgical microscope, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, surgical microscope and loup with fiberoptic are preferred methods for discovering MB₂ canal. Troughing with ultrasonic can help find MB₂ canal in all methods.

Background and Aim: School health workers have an important role in education and prevention of common oral and dental diseases. An organized program can be helpful in training and shaping the proper behavior. This study has evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practice of schools health workers in Tabriz about oral and dental health in 2007-2008.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed in primary schools in Tabriz. Questionnaires were sent to the schools that had health workers. Levels of the knowledge, attitude and practice of the health workers who had answered this questionnaire were evaluated. SPSS software and independent T-Test and Paired- Sample T-Test were used for analyzing the results.
Results: Fifty eight out of 64 school health workers were women. Mean age of school health workers was 45 years. Forty four of school health workers had passed special course about oral health and dental health. 49 of them had passed special educational course the mean of acquired knowledge score was 6.77 out of 10 and women's scores were significantly higher. Also women had more work experience than men. The mean of acquired attitude and practice scores were 7.42 and 7.14 out of 10, respectively.
Conclusion: Findings show that performing of the educational courses during work and experience has an effective role in the scales of the health workers. Progress in this situation can be achieved by retraining programs and accessible pamphlets.

Background and Aim: Extracted teeth used in preclinic should be disinfected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of some disinfectants on microorganisms cultured from pulp chamber of extracted teeth.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 54 intact human teeth were collected. After access cavity preparation, 10 8 B. streothermophillus endospors were inoculated into pulp chamber. Then cavities were sealed with a temporary restorative material. Teeth were divided into 5 groups of 10 each. The teeth were then stored in these disinfectants: 5.25% hypochlorite sodium, 5% Microten, 5% Deconex, 2% Glutaraldehyd, and 10% Formalin for 48 hours. Two teeth were autoclaved as negative controls and two were stored in normal saline as positive controls. The teeth were then sectioned in cervical area and cultured in Trypticase Soy Broth. After three days turbidity in tubes was evaluated. Statistical analysis was done by Fisher's exact test.
Results: None of these solutions were able to prevent microorganism growth in all samples however, Formalin was better in six cases than that of other disinfectants. Differences between these five groups were not statistically significant (P=0.384).
Conclusion: Sterilization of the teeth with autoclave is the only absolute method for disinfecting the root canals of extracted teeth and disinfectants are not reliable for this purpose.

Background and Aim: Evaluation of shear bond strength and microleakage of bonding agents is important as these properties play main roles in adhesion of composite to dental tissues. Microleakage results in bacterial penetration into dentin tubules and enamel surfaces and causes sensitivity and recurrent caries followed by destruction of composite filling. Insufficient shear bond strength results in early failure of filling in low masticatory forces. The main goal of this study was to compare the microleakage and shear bond strength of an experimental adhesive and Scotchbond multi-purpose (MP) adhesive system.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, sixty extracted caries free human molar teeth were randomly assigned into 4 groups of 15 each for shear bond strength. Variables were bonding agents, enamel and dentin. Twenty teeth assigned into 2 groups of 10 each were used for valuation of the microleakage. Microleakage and shear bond strength were performed according to ISO TR 11405. All data were analyzed with parametric and non-parametric tests according to their normality distribution. Also, Weibull distribution performed on data.
Results: Data obtained from both microleakage and shear bond strength tests showed no significant difference between the experimental bonding and Scotchbond MP bonding (P>0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the microleakage of occlusal and gingival parts of both bondings (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Experimental adhesive bonding showed acceptable results regarding microleakage and shear bond strength. It may be concluded that the experimental dentin bonding had a comparable performance quality with that of commercial system.

Background and Aims: Insolubility has been stated as one of the important characteristics of the materials which are used as sealers in the endodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility of four endodontic sealers (ZOE, Dorifill, AH26 and Tubliseal).

Materials and Methods: Five specimens from each sealer with similar size were prepared. After first weighing, the samples were stored individually in bottles containing 50 ml of distilled water at 37ºC. After 7 days, the specimens weighed and changes in the weight of each sample recorded with a digital scale. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Post-hoc Tukey HSD tests.

Results: The results of this study indicated that Dorifill had the maximum solubility among all sealers with weight loss of 2.8%. Tubliseal and ZOE showed the weight loss of 1.4% and 2.3%, respectively. AH26 showed weight gain of 1.9% during 7 days. There were no significant differences in the mean weight changes between Dorifill, Tubliseal and ZOE groups (P>0.05). A significant difference was found between the mean weight changes of AH26 and that of the other groups (P=0.000).

Conclusion: From the results of this study, all tested sealers were in the standard limit of solubility, and thus, it could confirm this physical property of sealers for clinical applications.

Background and Aims: In this in-vitro study, the effect of multiple adhesive coating on the microshear bond strength of composite to dentin and surface microhardness of dentin after treatment with four adhesives (One Step Plus, One Step, Single Bond, Single Bond 2) were evaluated.

Materials and Methods: One hundred intact human molars were cut to obtain disks of dentin having 2 mm thickness. For the microshear bond test, sixty disks were randomly divided into four groups. In each group one type of adhesive was used. In one half of a disk two layers and in another half six layers of adhesive were applied. Cylinders with 1mm height was filled with a composite and light cured. The cross-head speed was 0.5 mm/min. Vickers microhardness was tested on forty dentin disks which divided into four groups and prepared in the same manner used for microshear bond test. Data were analyzed by Two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Results: The highest and lowest bond strength were recorded as 29.49 ± 5.74 MPa (One Step Plus 6 layers), and 21.23 ± 4.83 MPa (One Step Plus 2 layers), respectively. The results indicated that One Step Plus bond strength in 6 Layers was significantly higher than 2 layers. The highest and lowest dentin hardness values were
39.08 ± 8.34VHN (Single Bond 2 layers) and 28.53 ± 5.98 VHN (One Step Plus 6 layers). None of the adhesives exhibited significant difference in hardness with regards to the layers applied (P>0.05). Presence of filler in adhesives had no significant effect on bond strength (P=0.05) whereas caused significant decrease in the dentin microhardness (P<0.05). In addition, type of solvent had significant effect on the bond strength and bond strength was significantly higher in acetone-base adhesives (P<0.05). However, dentin microhardness was significantly higher in the ethanol-base adhesives (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Multiple adhesive coating had no influence on the microshear bond strength of composite to dentin and dentin surface microhardness. It was dependent on the type of adhesive used.

Background and Aims: Root canal obturation is of great importance in root canal treatment. Its purpose is to eliminate microleakage, re-entry and growth of micro-organisms in the root canal system. The aim of this study was to compare coronal salivary microleakage in obturated root canals using lateral compaction, single cone gutta-percha and System B vertical compaction methods.

Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro study, 80 single rooted, human extracted teeth were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (n=20) and 2 positive and negative control groups (n=10). The specimens in each experimental group were obturated by using cold lateral compaction, single cone obturation, or continuous wave of condensation (system B). After that, coronal saliva leakage was evaluated. Data were analyzed using Survival analysis and Log-rank test.

Results: The results showed that all the specimens in the positive control group showed evidences of leakage during the first 7 days of study. None of the specimens in negative control group showed leakage during the 30-days period of the experiment. Survival test and log-rank test showed that at the end of the 30 days, there was significantly less resistance to coronal salivary leakage in single cone method compared with lateral compaction (P=0.039) and continuous wave of condensation (P=0.019) groups. No significant difference was observed between lateral compaction and System B vertical continuous method (P=0.564).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, lateral compaction and system B groups showed higher resistance against the coronal leakage compared with single cone group.

Background and Aims: Lasers with different characteristics have been used to stimulate orthodontic tooth movements and to inhibit the pain during tooth movements. Considering the contradictory finding in this respect, the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) was evaluated on the pain during orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 12 patients were included with extracted upper first premolars and required canine retraction into extraction site. While in both sides canines were retracted by Niti coil spring, one side was exposed to GaAlAs laser (890nm). LLLT was done on the buccal and palatal mucosa by slow movement of probe. The patients were asked about their pain on both sides 2 days after beginning of retraction. Pain measurement was evaluated with VAS.

Results: Pain perception in LLLT side significantly decreased (P=0.007).

Conclusion: Based on the results, single irradiation of GaAlAs laser (12J energy per tooth) can decrease pain perception.

Background and Aims: The present study was designed for evaluation of bovine demineralized bone matrix (DBM) in healing process of bone defects and comparison of bovine DBM (xenograft) and human DBM (allograft) which is used clinically.

Materials and Methods: Seven male white New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. The incision was made directly over the midsagital suture of the parietal bone. Then 3 bicortical defects were created with trephine bur No.8 (8mm diameter). The defects were randomly filled with graft materials. One of the defects was left without any graft in all samples (as a control defect). The amount of bone formation was evaluated 3 months after surgery histopathologically. The data were analyzed using Friedman test, and when P-value was less than 0.05, the pair wise group comparison were performed by Wilcoxon (Boneferroni adjusted) test.

Results: Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between bovine DBM group with control group (P=0.03). Furthermore, human DBM group was significantly different from control group (P=0.02). However, the difference between bovine DBM group and human DBM group was not statistically significant (P=0.87).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed the satisfactory bone healing in rabbit parietal bone defects filled with bovine DBM. The amount of healing in these defects was similar to bone defects which were filled with human DBM that is used clinically.

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.