The diagnostic accuracy of single digital periapical radiography was significantly better than single film periapical radiography. The inclusion of two additional horizontal (parallax) angulated periapical radiograph images (mesial and distal horizontal angulations) significantly improved detection of apical periodontitis.

No abstract

The aims of this in vitro study were to investigate metal contamination and short-term stability of two types of household bleach and a specially-formulated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for endodontic use. The first part of the study was to compare traces of metal elements (Cu, Fe and Ni) between the two types of household bleach (Clorox and Milton) and a specially-formulated NaOCl (CanalProTM 3% NaOCl, Coltene, Whaledent)) using UV spectrophotometer. The second part of the study was to compare the available chlorine and pH of these different NaOCl formulations at different temperatures. Chemical stability of the NaOCl was assessed by measuring the amount of free available chlorine (FAC) using the iodometric titration assay at the temperature of 15, 30, 45, and 60 °C. The pH of the solutions was measured using calibrated pH meter. The results showed that Milton contained significantly higher concentration of Cu, Fe and Ni compared with the other formulations (P < 0.001). Concentrations of Fe detected in Clorox and CanalPro were higher than in the control, distilled water (P < 0.05). In all NaOCl samples, the concentration of available chlorine increased with temperature. Concomitantly, there was a significant decrease in pH with increasing temperature (P < 0.001) with all the NaOCl formulations. In conclusion, traces of metal remnants could be observed in all the NaOCl formulations, especially in Milton. Heating the NaOCl increases the FAC and decreases its pH.

No abstract

This study aimed to determine the incidence and contributing factors to pulpal and periapical disease in crowned vital teeth. Seventy-three pairs of healthy teeth were included and divided into two groups; 'crowned' and 'untreated' groups. The crowned group was prepared for full coverage crown and no treatment was carried out on the untreated group. Both groups were subjected to clinical and radiographic examination to detect endodontic signs and symptoms pre-operatively and one-week after crown cementation. Electric pulp test was also subjected to both groups, pre-operatively, after tooth preparation and before crown cementation. The incidence of pulpal and periapical disease was 6.8% and 1.4%, respectively, after tooth preparation. Factors associated with pulpal and periapical disease were exposed pulp during tooth preparation and pre-operative bone level <35%. Despite the low incidence, the occurrence of pulpal and periapical disease within a short period is noteworthy.This was a prospective matched cohort involving patients from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan