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This study was performed to determine how senior students rate the importance of each competency of their performance and collect information on the self-perceived confidence levels pertaining to each competency. An anonymous survey was conducted on senior students of 6 consecutive years between 2012 and 2017. Students were asked to rate the importance of each competency and their self-confidences using a 5-point scale. Application of appropriate interpersonal and communication skills was ranked as the most important competency whereas developing a catastrophe preparedness plan for dental practice was ranked as having the lowest importance. Areas reported as weaker should be a warning sign for educators to develop strategies for better delivery and implementation of competencies and students' performance.

Sinus tracts are paths of drainage for abscesses and can occur both intraorally and extraorally It is a fact that sinus tracts can heal with proper endodontic therapy. However, there are those types that are persistent and will not respond to any treatment. In these perplexing cases, it may be necessary to elevate a surgical flap to unveil the real etiologic factor. In this article, a case is presented in which 2 persistent and nonhealing sinus tracts were observed around the maxillary left incisor area of a 53-year-old female patient. A difficult cast post-and-core removal had been accomplished to the compromised tooth 1 year previously. A surgical flap had to be reflected, and the cause of the persistent inflammation was determined to be 2 separate root perforations. The granulation tissue was removed, the perforations were sealed with mineral trioxide aggregate, and bone graft was packed in the resorptive bone areas. The symptoms subsided by the time of the 2-week recall. No complaints were noted from the patient during the 4-month follow-up period. This case is a good example that demonstrates the possible complications of post preparation and the necessity of explorative surgery for unveiling the etiologic factor of persistent sinus tract formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this study was to determine and classify the major reasons for extraction of teeth with full crowns belonging to patients admitted to a university clinic within a specific time frame. Methods. Two hundred and eight extracted teeth with full crown belonging to 75 patients were included. Apart from demographic information, reasons for presenting to the hospital, the major reason for extraction, the type of the crown (single crown, bridge abutment, abutment for removable prosthesis), presence of posts, age of restorations, presence of an endodontic treatment and quality were recorded. Comparable data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. Results. Forty-three (57.3%) of the patients were females, whereas 32 (42.7%) were males with an average age of 63.21 ± 13.56. A statistically significant relationship was determined between age groups and rate of extractions, with the lowest extractions detected in the 35-44 years age group and the highest in the 55-64 years age group ( p = 0.001). Tooth mobility was the predominant reason for patients' initial presentation (52.9%). The most encountered reason for extraction was periodontal reasons with a prevalence of 59.1%, followed by caries (26.9%) and periapical lesions (12%); 35.6% of extracted teeth had endodontic treatment. Sixty teeth (81.1%) had incomplete root fillings. There was a significant relationship between extractions and incomplete root fillings ( p = 0.001). Conclusion. Studies comprising other faculty clinics as well as general practices will be complementary in making more generalized statements regarding the etiology of extractions of crowned teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the general incidence of post-operative pain and flare-ups in patients who were endodontically treated by two endodontics specialists using rotary instruments (Hero 642, Micro Mega, France) with the same treatment protocol. Methods. Records of 382 teeth belonging to 268 patients treated by two endodontics specialists during a 6-month period were kept and evaluated. Post-operative pain between treatment visits was categorized using a pre-established scoring system. Ninety-five patients were males, whereas 173 were females. Results. Pulpal necrosis without periapicalpathosiswas determined as the most common indication for endodontic treatment (21.7%) followed by irreversible pulpitis and re-treatment without periapical lesions (18.3%, 18.3%, respectively). The general prevalence of post-operative pain and flare-ups was determined as 8.1%, whereas cases that could be classified as real flare-ups which were severe and required an unscheduled visit (scores 2 and 3) comprised 3.4% of the cases. No statistically significant correlation was determined between gender and post-operative pain and flare-up ( p = 0.05). There was a significant correlation between number of appointments and the presence of pain and flare-ups. Teeth undergoing multiple visits had a higher risk of developing post-operative pain and flare-ups compared to those with single appointments with a statistical significance ( p = 0.03). Conclusions. Teeth with pre-operative pain were more prone to developingpost-operative pain and discomfort with a statistically significant difference ( p = 0.02). While no significant correlation was determined between tooth vitality and pain and flare-ups ( p = 0.5), a statistically significant relationship existed between the presence of a periapicalpathosisand post-operative pain and flare-ups. Cases with a periapical lesion had a higher risk of developingpain and flare-upscompared to those with no periapical involvement ( p = 0.0001). Future studies may focus on the influence of rotary instrumentation systems in more specific groups of cases. Meanwhile; microbiological as well as psychological aspects of flare-ups are topics that warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographically the periapical status and technical standard of root canal therapies performed by a group of undergraduate dental students in Turkey two years following completion of the treatments. A random sample of 264 patients who received root canal treatment from undergraduate students at the Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry in 2009 were recalled after two years. The study sample consisted of 319 root-filled teeth in 158 dental patients (females=97, males=61) who presented to the student clinics during that time frame. For each root-filled tooth, two periapical radiographs were examined to identify the periapical status, one showing pre-treatment and the other showing post-treatment status. The quality of endodontic treatment was examined according to the distance between the end of root filling and radiographic apex and the density of the obturation according to presence of voids within the root filling material. This examination found that 54.2 percent of roots had fillings of acceptable length, while 37.3 percent were short, 7.8 percent were overfilled, and 0.6 percent was unfilled; 2.5 percent of the teeth were observed with broken root canal instruments. After two years, PAI scores of teeth with acceptable length of root canal filling (0-2 mm from the radiographic apex) were found to be lower than those of the overfilling and short filling cases (>2mm) (p<0.01). Moreover, voids were detected in the root canal fillings of 52.7 percent of endodontically treated teeth. The PAI scores of root fillings with inadequate density were significantly higher than adequate ones (p<0.01). Although endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students do not appear to be unqualified compared to those performed by general practitioners, more emphasis must be placed on the technical quality of endodontic treatment to obtain better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate radiographically the periapical status and technical standard of root canal therapies performed by a group of undergraduate dental students in Turkey two years following completion of the treatments. A random sample of 264 patients who received root canal treatment from undergraduate students at the Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry in 2009 were recalled after two years. The study sample consisted of 319 root-filled teeth in 158 dental patients (females=97, males=61) who presented to the student clinics during that time frame. For each root-filled tooth, two periapical ra-diographs were examined to identify the periapical status, one showing pre-treatment and the other showing post-treatment status. The quality of endodontic treatment was examined according to the distance between the end of root filling and radiographic apex and the density of the obturation according to presence of voids within the root filling material. This examination found that 54.2 percent of roots had fillings of acceptable length, while 37.3 percent were short, 7.8 percent were overfilled, and 0.6 percent was unfilled; 2.5 percent of the teeth were observed with broken root canal instruments. After two years, PAI scores of teeth with ac-ceptable length of root canal filling (0-2 mm from the radiographic apex) were found to be lower than those of the overfilling and short filling cases (>2mm) (p<0.01 ). Moreover, voids were detected in the root canal fillings of 52.7 percent of endodontically treated teeth. The PAI scores of root fillings with inadequate density were significantly higher than adequate ones (p<0.01). Al-though endodontic treatments performed by undergraduate students do not appear to be unqualified compared to those performed by general practitioners, more emphasis must be placed on the technical quality of endodontic treatment to obtain better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the general attitude of senior dental students towards rubber dam use, specifically focusing on endodontic practices prior to starting to serve community. Questionnaires were distributed to senior year students of a private school and a state school in Istanbul. Questions were asked about areas where the students used rubber dam, its advantages and difficulties, and whether they agreed or disagreed with some aspects of the rubber dam. The private school students rated isolation whereas those of the state school selected prevention of aspiration which the top advantage rubber dam provides. Students of the state school agreed with the opinion that isolation cannot be achieved without rubber dam and it extended the procedure with a significantly higher ratio compared to the private school. Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the perceptions of dental students on rubber dam needs to be improved and strategies should be developed so that this valuable adjunct will comprise one of the indispensable elements of dental care.

Intraradicular posts are useful adjuncts in the restoration of endodontically treated teeth. These systems have undergone a significant evolution in recent years, and fiber-reinforced systems have started to be incorporated into routine clinical care more frequently. Despite the high number of laboratory studies pertaining to the characteristics of fiber posts, clinical studies evaluating their general success rates are rather limited. Since clinical investigations are reliable means to achieve information about the general behavior pattern of materials or techniques, assessment of this data will be beneficial to have a better understanding of fiber-reinforced intraradicular post systems. The purpose of this paper was to make a summary of clinical studies regarding various fiber posts. A PubMed search was conducted and articles dating back to 1990 were retrieved. The paper provides an overview of clinical studies on fiber posts specifically in the last decade as well as commentary analysis.

This study evaluated the radiopacity of 3 repair materials, Biodentine, MM-MTA, and MTA Angelus. Standardized cylindrical rings were prepared. Samples of Biodentine MM-MTA and MTA Angelus were prepared (n = 10 in each group), filled into the rings, and preserved at 37°C until setting. A 1 mm thick dentin slice was used as control. All set specimens were removed and radiographed along with the dentine slice and a graduated aluminium step wedge. Digital images were transferred to the computer using a software. The radiographic densities of the specimens were determined, and the values were converted into millimetres of aluminium (mm Al). One-way ANOVA was used for intergroup comparison, whereas Tukey HSD test was used for detecting the group with the difference. The mean radiopacities of Biodentine, MTA Angelus, and MM-MTA were 2.8 ± 0.48, 4.72 ± 0.45, and 5.18 ± 0.51 mm Al, respectively. The radiopacity of Biodentine was significantly lower compared to other materials (P = 0.001), whereas no significant difference was noted between MTA Angelus and MM-MTA (P = 0.109). All materials had significantly higher radiopacities compared to dentine. The relatively lower radiopacity of Biodentine can be improved to achieve more reliable results in procedures such as retrograde fillings.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of two different types of laser and aqueous ozone in human root canals infected by Enterococcus faecalis., Background Data: Many techniques have been developed to find an alternative to sodium hypochlorite as a disinfection agent for infected root canals. However, no study has evaluated the exactly the same antimicrobial agent with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)., Methods: Eighty mandibular premolar teeth with single roots and canals were selected. Following root canal preparation and irrigation, sterilization was performed in an autoclave. E. faecalis was incubated in the root canals and kept at 37°C for 24 h. The teeth contaminated with E. faecalis were divided into one negative control group (NaOCl) and three experimental groups; (Er:YAG laser, KTP laser, and aqueous ozone groups)(n=20). A disinfection procedure was performed for 3 min in order to standardize all groups. After this procedure, the microbial colonies were counted., Results: The results indicated that whereas the NaOCl group exhibited the highest antibacterial effect among all groups, the aqueous ozone showed the highest antibacterial effect among the experimental groups. Whereas a statistically significant difference was noted between the aqueous ozone and laser groups (p<0.05), the difference between the Er:YAG and KTP lasers was not statistically significant (p>0.05)., Conclusions: The results showed that when aqueous ozone was applied with the aim of disinfecting the root canals, it exhibited a higher antibacterial effect than the KTP and Er:YAG lasers. However, the antibacterial effect of the aqueous ozone was insufficient when compared with NaOCl.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the microleakage of Resilon + Epiphany, EndoRez, Activ GP, and conventional AH Plus + gutta-percha technique using the glucose filtration model., Study Design: One hundred twenty maxillary incisors were divided into 5 experimental and 2 control groups. After root canal shaping, the experimental groups were filled with AH Plus + gutta-percha (lateral compaction), Resilon + Epiphany (lateral compaction), AH Plus + Protaper's proprietory cone, EndoRez + sealer, or Activ GP + sealer). The specimens were mounted on a glucose model and samples were taken for 3 weeks for leakage measurement., Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the leakage of all groups at the 3 testing periods (P > .05)., Conclusion: The filling materials with the monoblock concept do not seem to be superior to the conventional AH Plus + gutta-percha system regarding microleakage., (Copyright 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

This article reports the endodontic and surgical management and 12-month follow-up of a maxillary lateral incisor diagnosed as type III dens invaginatus. A 21-year-old male patient presented to our clinics with complaints of pain and swelling in the right maxillary region. Intraoral and radiographical examination disclosed the presence of a peg-shaped maxillary right lateral incisor diagnosed as type III dens invaginatus. Root canal treatment combined with periapical surgery was initiated. After the completion of root canal treatment for both maxillary right central and lateral incisors, periapical surgery was scheduled. During the surgery, periapical granulation tissue was curreted and bovine-derived hydroxil apatite (Unilab-Surgibone, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada) covered with collagen membrane (Unilab-Surgibone) was placed in the resorptive areas. ProRoot MTA (Dentsply, Tulsa, OK) was placed as a root end filling material. Postoperative 12-month follow-up revaled a satisfactory healing process.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated maxillary central incisors restored with quartz fiber posts, composite cores, and crowns when different types of ferrule designs were incorporated., Methods and Materials: Sixty maxillary incisors were divided into six groups: Group 1 (control): teeth with root canal treatments having a full crown prosthesis; Group 2: teeth with a 2 mm circumferential ferrule; Group 3: teeth with a 2 mm ferrule only in the vestibular region; Group 4: teeth with a 2 mm ferrule only in the palatal region; Group 5: teeth with a 2 mm ferrule in the vestibular and palatal region, having cavities in both proximal areas; and Group 6: teeth with no ferrule. The teeth in the experimental groups were restored with quartz fiber posts-composite cores and full metallic crowns. All experimental teeth were subjected to an increasing compressive force with a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, until fracture occurred., Results: The median fracture values of groups were as follows: Group 1: 574.4 N, Group 2: 472.4 N, Group 3: 474.3 N, Group 4: 480.7 N, Group 5: 463.1 N, and Group 6: 297.9 N. A statistically significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 6 (p< 0.01)., Conclusion: It was concluded different ferrule designs did not have any influence on the fracture resistance of teeth with fiber posts. The results of this study indicate fiber posts can safely be used for their reinforcing properties. Furthermore, there is no significant change in the resistance of teeth with fiber posts regardless of which ferrule design is incorporated. The property of these types of posts is an additional advantage in clinical practice.