No abstract

Background: Age estimation is important in the fields of dentistry and Demirjian's method is used generally. Many different methods have been used to date and none of them meet the standards as Demirjian's method since 1973. However, this method may not be valid in some populations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the modified Demirjian's method on Turkish children and young adults. Methods:The scoring table of Demirjian has been modified to Turkish children -young adults and new dental maturity score were obtained. In addition, the effect of gender on the crown and root formation were assessed using the MannWhitney-u test and the table was created with divided into ages. The dental maturity of 848 healthy children and young adults (445 females 403 males) aged between 10 and 19 years were studied with dental panoramic tomograms. Two raters evaluated the right third mandibular molar according to development stages of Modified Demirjian's. Results:The crown and root formation were statistically significant in the 17.0-17.9 age group between females and males (P = 006). Descriptive analysis showed that F stage is the shortest period. Modified Demirjian method is adapted to the Turkish population. Conclusion:It is demonstrated that age estimation in Turkish children and young adults will be performed easier with Modified Demirjian method adapted to the Turkish population.

Purpose: Dental implantology has become one of the most used treatment modalities in dentistry. The inferior alveolar nerve can be damaged during implant surgery. There are several treatment methods can be used for alveolar nerve injury and one of them is Low-Level Laser Treatment (LLLT). In present study, the effectiveness of Nd: YAG LLLT was evaluated following implant surgery. Methods:Four patients who have long-term sensory loss following implant placement in mandible were planned to treat with LLLT. Patients had numbness in their lip, chin and gingival areas and they had undergone implant surgery at least 8 months ago. The patients underwent LLLT with a Nd: YAG laser. Neurosensory tests (2-point discrimination test, visual analog scale) were applied to the patients before and after the laser treatment. Results:There was no statistical differences in 2 point discrimination test although there were some increased values. The VAS analysis indicated improvement in the quality of life. Conclusion:LLLT seemed to have positive effects on the reduction of long-term sensory nerve deficit following dental implant applications. Further studies are needed including LLLT to evaluate the postoperative neurosensorial complications of dental implant applications.