Nonsurgical retreatment involves removing mechanical barriers such as gutta-percha to achieve proper cleaning and disinfection. The complexity of the anatomy of molar tooth gives challenge in retreatment procedure. Thus, this study evaluates the amount of residual gutta-percha after retreatment with rotary files (Reciproc Blue®) from each maxillary first molar canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the time required to accomplish it. Nine freshly extracted maxillary molars were instrumented and obturated. Preoperative CBCT was taken, and retreatment was done using Reciproc Blue®. CBCT was taken post retreatment, and the residual volume percentage of gutta-percha from each canal was calculated. The total retreatment time was recorded, and the data were statistically analyzed. The result shows no statistically significant difference in the amount of residual filling material in mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal canal for maxillary first molar and total time used for retreatment with Reciproc Blue® system.
One of the roles expected of dental personnel is to promote dental seeking behaviour to the public. It is to ensure that adults maintain an optimum number of teeth for overall health and quality of life by enabling them to eat, speak and socialise without pain, discomfort or embarrassment. The objective of this study was to determine the reasons for seeking dental care and the factors that influence this decision among adult patients. This was a retrospective study of clinical records among patients of 18 years old and above who attended Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Dental Polyclinic, an academic dental centre, for the first time from January 2015 to December 2016. Socio-demographic data on age, gender and occupation as well as the reason for the visit were retrieved from the clinical records. Analysis of data was conducted using SPSS software version 21.0 and the pvalue was set at p
Introduction: A few studies investigated the numerous potential endodontic uses of CBCT, including the
examination of root canal morphology and presumed that CBCT was effective for the initial identification of
such morphology; moreover CBCT is a reliable method for the detection of the MB2 canal when compared
with the gold standard of physical sectioning of the specimen. The aim of this study was to identify the root
and canal morphology of the maxillary first molars among Malaysians analysed by cone-beam computed
tomography (CBCT) images.
Materials and Methods: Maxillary first (n = 421) molars from Malaysian patients
(n = 241) of Malay, Chinese and Indians inceptions were examined by two Endodontists using in vivo CBCT
methods. The number and configuration of roots, the number of root canals, and the canal configuration
according to Vertucci’s classification were determined.
Results: Single roots were not found in maxillary
first molars. The incidence of fused roots was 1.995% in the first molars between mesiobuccal and
distobuccal roots. In (421) 3-rooted maxillary first molars, additional canals were found in 45.6% of the
mesiobuccal (MB) roots and 0% of the distobuccal (DB) roots. Bilateral symmetry of the MB roots was found
in 82.36% of the first molar. Only one tooth was found to have pulp stone inside the pulp chamber.
Conclusions: The root and canal configuration of a Malaysian population showed different features from
those of other populations. CBCT scans can enhance the understanding of root canal anatomy, with the
potential of improving the outcome of endodontic treatment.
The effect of surgical removal of impacted third molars on the periodontal
parameters of adjacent second molar revealed inconsistent results. Some authors suggested
improvement of periodontal parameters distal to second molar, whilst others demonstrated loss of
attachment and reduction of alveolar bone height. This study was conducted to evaluate the
alveolar bone height (ABH) and periodontal status of second molar after the surgery. (Copied from article).
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of dental plaque removal and to determine factors that could influence its efficacy when using the non-dominant hand. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was per- formed on a group of dental students. Dominant hands were determined using Edinburg Handedness Inventory ques- tionnaire, and the dental plaque scores were examined using Quigley-Hein (Turesky) index. All of the participants were examined twice for dental plaque index scores. Data obtained was analyzed using a paired t-test and an inde- pendent t-test. Factors which influenced the dental plaque removal were listed and categorized accordingly. Results: A total of 62 dental undergraduates participated in the study. A high percentage of them, (71%, n = 44) were found to be right-handed. There was a significant increase in the dental plaque score for the left-handed participants, from baseline (use of the dominant hand) to follow-up appointment (after brushing their teeth with non-dominant hands) (p< 0.01). A significant change was found between the right- and left-handed participants in the first quadrant of the buccal side (p
Tooth restoration is a common, routine procedure among dentists but still has its own difficulties especially for posterior teeth. As it is a straightforward procedure, some dentists are not aware of the difficulties that may contribute in reducing the longevity of the filling. The aim of the study is to determine the difficulties encountered during and after placement of restorative materials in deep cavities. Materials and methods:Standardized questionnaires were divided randomly among general private dental practitioners in Kuala Lumpur. Chi-square test was used to determine any significant factors associated with difficulties of material placement. Results:This study showed that the most frequent difficulties encountered among practitioners were to obtain good moisture control (39.0%). No significant association was found between obtaining good moisture control and year of clinical experience (p= 0.286) and also place of graduation with the manipulation of the materials (p= 0.542). Conclusion:Dental practitioners claimed that it was difficult to obtain good moisture control in placement of posterior restoration. Thus, it is an obligation of dental practitioners to practice proper isolation and good manipulation of materials on posterior restoration.
Dentist-related factors are one of the major influences on the material selection for
restoration of carious and non-carious tooth surface loss. There were conflicting results regarding
the impact of dentists' gender and age or length of clinical experience on restorative material
selection for posterior dentition. The aims of this study were to determine the influence of gender
and clinical experience on posterior restorative material selection among private dental
practitioner in Malaysia. (Copied from article).