According to INTERPOL, the comparison of antemortem and postmortem dental identifiers is a scientifically reliable approach for human identification. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of corresponding INTERPOL coded dental identifiers in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and panoramic radiographs (PR).The sample consisted of 100 CBCT scans and 100 PR taken the same day from the same patients (35 males and 65 females). Randomly and independently, forty-one INTERPOL coded dental identifiers were searched in each image. Wilcoxon test compared the prevalence of codes in CBCT scans and PR, Chi-square tested the dependence between codes and teeth; and multiple correspondence analyses (MCA) explored the association between codes and teeth in color maps for CBCT scans and PR. No statistically significant differences between the prevalence of identifiers in CBCT scans and PR were detected (p=0.693). In CBCT scans and PR, dependence between teeth and codes was detected (p<0.05). In the study sample, the strongest associations were found between the codes unerupted (UNE), partially erupted (ERU) and impacted (IMV) and third molars, both in CBCT scans and PR. INTERPOL coded dental identifiers registered on CBCT scans and PR can be exchanged during human identification.

Background. Knowing the radiologic anatomy of the mandibular canal is essential to perform optimal anesthetic techniques in dentistry, especially in endodontic and surgical procedures. Bifid mandibular canals figure as anatomic variations that may hamper dental anesthesia and lead to surgical accidents.Objective. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of patients under dental treatment.Material and methods. The sample consisted of 700 patients (448 females and 252 males) under dental treatment. CBCT images taken from each patient for dental treatment purposes were analyzed retrospectively in order to search for bifid mandibular canals. The detected bifid mandibular canals were classified according to their morphological arrangement and the prevalence of this anatomic variation was tested for association with patients’ sex using Pearson’s Chi-square test (2).Results. The prevalence rate of bifid mandibular canals reached 2% (n=14). Mandibular canals with an additional bifurcation towards the anterior region of the mandibular ramus were the most prevalent (100%). Lack of statistical association was observed between the occurrence of bifid mandibular canals and patients’ sex ( p >0.05).Conclusion. Despite uncommon, bifid mandibular canals may occur. Dentists must be aware of this anatomic variation to perform safely and optimally in the clinical routine.

Objectives: To investigate prevalence of carotid artery calcifications via digital panoramic radiographs of patients who underwent dental treatment. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 12.687 patients who underwent dental treatment at a federal university, were collected (male, n = 5.169, 40.7%; female, n = 7.518, 59.3%). Patients were aged 2-87 years (mean age, 34 years). Radiographs were obtained using a digital device. Two trained examiners analyzed the images with an imaging software package. Radiopaque images in the C3 and C4 cervical vertebrae region were searched for. Statistical outcomes were analyzed based on their association with sex and age. Results: The prevalence rate of carotid artery calcifications was 1.8% (n = 227). We identified unilateral (n = 140, 61.67%) and bilateral (n = 87, 38.33%) calcifications. Prevalence and sex (130 females, 97 males) were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). We observed calcifications predominantly in patients aged 50-60 years (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Awareness by physicians and dentists of the possible presence of carotid artery calcifications on digital panoramic radiographs is necessary. To optimize the risk management of vascular diseases, asymptomatic patients in their fifties or sixties must receive additional attention because panoramic radiographs may lead to diagnosis.

To investigate the drug addicts profile and associated factors in two southern Brazilian population. Material and methods: Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and oral conditions were collected from 398 males admitted in two rehab hospitals, using a structured questionnaire and oral examination. Results: The mean age of the participants was 35 (± 9.6). The majority were white (63.6%), single (75.9%), employed (61.3%), had low schooling (68.6%) and received more than one Brazilian minimum wage (57.7%). The mean number of untreated decayed teeth was 4.6 (± 4.0), missing teeth, 4.3 (± 5.5) and filled teeth, 2.5 (± 3.1). The mean DMFT score was 11.4 (± 6.8). The most prevalent drugs consumed were tobacco (83.2%) followed by crack (81.2%) and alcohol (72.9%). Conclusion: The sociodemographic profile showed a population of young adults predominantly white, with low schooling, employed with reasonable income, and multi-drug users. Occurrence of decayed teeth and tooth loss was prevalent among them, reflecting on a precarious oral health.