Ahmed HA, Abu-bakr NH, Yahia NA, Ibrahim YE.Root and canal morphology of permanent mandibular molars in a Sudanese population. International Endodontic Journal, 40, 766-771, 2007. Aim To investigate variations in the root canal systems of first and second permanent mandibular molar teeth in a Sudanese population using a clearing technique. Methodology Two hundred extracted first and second permanent mandibular molars from three cities in the state of Khartoum were studied. Access cavities were prepared and pulp tissue was removed by immersion in 5% sodium hypochlorite under ultrasonication; Indian ink was then injected into the root canal systems assisted by a vacuum applied apically. The teeth were rendered clear by demineralization and immersion in methyl salicylate before evaluation. The following observations were made (i) number of roots and their morphology; (ii) number of root canals per tooth; (iii) number of root canals per root and (iv) root canal configuration. Results Overall 59% of mandibular first molars had four canals with 3% having a third distolingual root. Seventy-eight per cent of second mandibular molars had two separate flat roots, whilst 10% were C-shaped. The most common canal system configurations were type IV (73%) and type II (14%). Inter-canal communications were more common in the mesial roots. The prevalence of inter-canal communications was 65% in first molars and 49% in second molars. Conclusions In this sample of Sudanese teeth, 59% of the mandibular first permanent molars had four root canals whilst 10% of the mandibular second molars had C-shaped roots/canals.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various media on the color stability of compomer and to compare these results to those of other materials that could be used in similar clinical circumstances. Materials and Methods:In this test, six materials (shade A2) were used: four compomers (Dyract, Compoglass F, Xeno, F2000), one composite resin (Clearfil AP-X), and one resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji I1 LC). There were four test solutions: one alcoholic (whiskey), two low pH soft drinks (Coca Cola, orange juice), and deionized water as a control. A plastic ring mold (9-mm diameter x 1-mm height) was used to prepare 120 disk specimens. For 60 days, the test specimens were immersed in the various media daily for 3 hours then transferred to the deionized water. Color was measured by CIE L* a* b* relative to CIE source against a white background, using a colorimeter. Color change (AE*) was calculated as AE*= Color changes (AE*) were recorded after 1,7,30, and 60 days. Results:The results indicated that compomer and resin-modified glass ionomer were susceptible to discoloration in various solutions over an extended period of time. Composite resin showed minimal perceptible color change. Specimens immersed in whiskey showed a significantly high perceptible color change ( p < .0001). Water caused no perceptible color changes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCECompomer and resin-modified glass ionomer materials are susceptible to discoloration by various media.

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BackgroundWe aimed to assess the oral health status and risk factors for dental caries and periodontal disease among Sudanese adults resident in Khartoum State. To date, this information was not available to health policy planners in Sudan.MethodsA descriptive population-based survey of Sudanese adults aged ≥ 16 years was conducted. After stratified sampling, 1,888 adult patients from public dental hospitals and dental health centres scattered across Khartoum State, including different ethnic groups present in Sudan, were examined in 2009-10. Data were collected using patient interviews and clinical examinations. Dental status was recorded using the DMFT index, community periodontal index (CPI), and a validated tooth wear index.ResultsCaries prevalence was high, with 87.7% of teeth examined having untreated decay. Periodontal disease increased in extent and severity with age. For 25.8% of adults, tooth wear was mild; 8.7% had moderate and 1% severe toothwear. Multivariate analysis revealed that decay was less prevalent in older age groups but more prevalent in southern tribes and frequent problem based attenders; western tribes and people with dry mouths who presented with less than18 sound, untreated natural teeth (SUNT). Older age groups were more likely to present with tooth wear; increasing age and gender were associated with having periodontal pocketing ≥ 4 mm.ConclusionsThe prevalence of untreated caries and periodontal disease was high in this population. There appear to be some barriers to restorative dental care, with frequent use of dental extractions to treat caries and limited use of restorative dentistry. Implementation of population-based strategies tailored to the circumstances of Sudanese population is important to improve oral health status in Sudan.

In this sample of Sudanese teeth, 59% of the mandibular first permanent molars had four root canals whilst 10% of the mandibular second molars had C-shaped roots/canals.