Study of root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in an indian population

AIM: The purpose of this study was to describe the external and internal anatomy of the mandibular premolars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 extracted human permanent mandibular first and second premolars teeth were collected. The length of the tooth from the cusp tip to root apex was measured with the help of Vernier calliper. In case of curved roots, ligature wire was adapted to the root and then straightened and measured. Each tooth was examined for the number of roots, curvature of root, presence of root canal invagination. India ink was injected into the pulp chamber through the access opening with a no.27 gauge needle mounted on a disposable syringe. The ink was then drawn through the root canal system by applying negative pressure to the apical end of tooth with the use of central suction system. RESULTS: The average (mean) length of mandibular first premolar was 22.25 mm. Average (mean) length of mandibular second premolar was 21.90 mm. Mandibular first premolar had a ribbon shaped root canal orifice in 35% of teeth. Mandibular second premolar had a ribbon shaped of root canal orifice in 44% teeth. Mesial invagination of the root was found in 18% of first and 8% second mandibular premolar teeth. 78% had a Type I canal pattern with Type II, Type IV, Type V, Type VI and Type VII canals being identified in 1%, 2%, 13%, 2% and 1% of the teeth respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Complex root canal anatomy frequently found with mandibular premolars among which more common with mandibular first premolars in Indian population

A stereomicroscopic in-vitro study to investigate the root canal morphology of mandibular third molars using clearing technique

AIM: To analyse the root canal morphology of mandibular third molars using clearing technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety permanent extracted mandibular third molar teeth were collected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Teeth were then decalcified and were made transparent Methylene Blue Dye was injected to color the pulp space. These teeth were then observed under sterio Microscope and root canal systems were identified according to Vertucci's Classification. RESULTS: The most common anatomical morphology found was having two roots. Overall type I Vertucci’s configuration was the most common pattern of canals. Other canal patterns that were found included type II, III, IV and V. In this study no canal of type VI, VII or VIII were found. CONCLUSION: The morphological variations in root patterns and canal configuration of mandibular third molar should be given consideration for successful endodontic treatment

Attitude among dental practioners towards use of rotary instruments and hand instruments for root canal treatment: a comparative study

Aim: The purpose of present study is to assess the attitude of general dental practioners towards use rotary instruments and hand instruments for root canal treatment.Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in the private clinics in Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh. A total of 400 clinics were visited and face to face interview schedule was conducted. Questionnaire consists of demographic details of dental professionals. Information regarding the years of experience, OPD details and number of root canal treatment done per week by dental professionals was obtained. Use of rotary and hand instruments by dental professionals was inquired. Years of experience with Rotary instruments, procedural problems with rotary instruments faced by dental professionals and reasons for not using the rotary instruments if any was also recorded.Results: 102 (33%) of the total study samples were using rotary instruments for root canal treatment and 100 (32%) using both rotary and hand instruments for root canal treatment. Dentists who are using rotary instruments are facing the procedural problem of file breakage {70 (36%)}. And those dental professionals using hand instruments are facing the problem of ledge formation {82(40%)}.Conclusions: The main procedural failure of the rotary instruments in root canal treatment, faced by dental professionals was file breakage and with hand instrument is ledge formation. Lack of expertise is the main reason which restricts dental professionals from using rotary instruments

Flexion test in the coronal plane deformities of knee

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A little information is available in the orthopaedic literature on the clinical bedside assessment of the coronal plane deformities of the knee. We aim to explain the ‘knee flexion test’ to make it useful for the clinicians and the students learning the art of orthopaedics. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe the principle, pre-requisites, fallacy, and modification of the ‘knee flexion test’ along with the illustrative case description that had genu valgum deformity of the left knee of tibial origin. CONCLUSION: The ‘knee flexion test’ should be a part of clinical bedside assessment of the coronal plane deformities of the knee