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Introduction: Bacterial challenge in periodontal diseases activates both local and systemic immune responses of a macroorganism by increasing multiple proinflammatory factors that can be discovered in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and in saliva. We tested the hypothesis that IL-1&beta; concentration in GCF and saliva correlates with periodontal health and diseases.&nbsp; Materials and methods: The study included 62 people (mean age 36&plusmn;14 yrs), divided into three groups &ndash; patients with periodontitis (24 people), patients with gingivitis (19 people) and periodontally healthy people (19 people). Saliva and GCF samples were taken from all participants and the levels of IL-1&beta; in all samples were determined by ELISA. Results: IL-1&beta; concentrations in GCF of healthy individuals were significantly lower than the IL-1&beta; concentration in GCF of patients with gingivitis (p=0.009) and with periodontitis (p<0.0001). The IL-1&beta; concentrations in the saliva of healthy individuals were significantly lower than the IL-1&beta; concentrations in the saliva of pa-tients with gingivitis (p=0.002) and patients with periodontitis (p=0.025). Conclusions: Based on the obtained results, IL-1&beta; concentrations in GCF and saliva may be proposed as additional diagnostic criteria of inflammation in periodontal tissues, both at initial diagnosis and at diagnosis of recurrence of periodontitis, but further studies are needed to verify them as markers of periodontal diseases.

We present a rare case of three-rooted left permanent maxillary first premolar (MFP) coexisting with bilateral four-rooted permanent mandibular second molars (MSM). These variants were found incidentally on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. At best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting these rare tooth root variants in one patient. Although this condition is uncommon the radiologists and clinicians should be aware because of its importance for the successful root canal treatment, future tooth extraction, apicectomy and other procedures. This report adds a new knowledge about tooth roots variants and illustrates the possibility of their coexistence in one patient.

The mental foramen (MF) is a very important anatomic structure for local anesthetic, implant placement, periapical and orthognathic surgery. Its variations have to be recognized in order to prevent further complications. We are reporting two very rare cases of patients with unilateral absence of MF. The patients were examined with CBCT and one of them had sensory disturbances appeared immediately after implant installation in the region the missing right MF. In cases when the mandibular canal and mental foramen are not clearly visible on plain X-rays in order to see them and to avoid injury of the neurovascular bundle CBCT is a method of choice.

This paper presents the experience in providing training on radiation physics and radiation protection for students in the Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Medical University in Sofia. A 15-hours module on Radiation Physics and Radiation Protection was integrated into the course on Medical Imaging, with the final aim to increase the understanding of dental students in how to obtain good diagnostic images at minimum exposure to patient and medical staff. The students' knowledge is assessed using a test of 20 multiple-choice questions, and 70% correct answers are required for the student to be allowed to continue with the next medical imaging modules. The five years' experience demonstrated that when well designed and integrated into the basic curriculum on medical imaging, the radiation protection training creates interest in the subject and increases the awareness of dental students. The introduction of a similar course in all dental schools is highly recommended.