Aim: The present report describes and discusses root canal variations in the internal morphology of maxillary molars.Background: Dental internal anatomy is directly related to all the technical stages of the endodontic treatment. Even though, in some situations a typical anatomical characteristics can be faced, and the professional should be able to identify them.

Association between periodontal disease, aterosclerosis and thickness of the intimate-medium carotid layerAssociação entre doença periodontal, aterosclerose e espessura da camada carotídea íntima-média

Background: In recent years, the use of panoramic radiography (PR) has been proposed as a reliable method for early diagnosis of calcified carotid artery atheroma (CCAA). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of images suggestive of CCAA, observed in digital PRs from users of a Brazilian military organization, and investigate the presence of cardiovascular risk factors. Material and methods: The study analyzed a total of 2.015 digital PRs, taken for dental diagnostic purposes between January and September 2019 from patients of both genders and older than 18 years. Data were analyzed regarding prevalence of CCAA and cardiovascular risk factors using the Chi-square test at the significance level of 5%. Patients with a suggestive diagnosis of CCAA were contacted by telephone and invited to further evaluation. Results: Of 2.015 patients, 105 (6.06%; 46 women, 25 men) had CCAA detected on digital images. Of the 71 patients who agreed to further evaluation, 64.8%  were women, 54.9% were 60 years or older, 38%  military service, 45.1% overweight, 64.3% blood pressure alterations, 23.9% diabetics, 11.3% cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, 5.6% history of COVID-19, 12% cholesterol ≥ 240mg/dL, 26.5 % triglycerides ≥ 200mg/dL and 51% glycaemia ≥ 100mg/dL. For all variables analyzed there was statistically significant differences (p0.05), except for glycaemia (p=889). Conclusion: The presence of risk factors for stroke was meaningful in the population with CCAA, indicating the relevant role of the dentist in the early diagnosis.