The use of third molars as a developmental marker is appropriate, especially when comparing the obtained standard deviation with other skeletal age calculation techniques.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to document the prevalence of hypodontia in the permanent dentition among a group of Turkish sample who sought orthodontic treatment and to compare present results with the specific findings of other populations. The occurrence was evaluated in relation to gender, specific missing teeth, the location and pattern of distribution in the maxillary and mandibular arches and right and left sides.Materials And MethodsOrthodontic files of 2413 patients (1557 females-mean age: 17.78±5.41 years old and 856 males-mean age:17.02±5.47 years old) which included orthopantomograms, study models, and anamnestic data were examined for evidence of hypodontia.ResultsThe prevalence of hypodontia was 7.54% (8.09% for female and 6.54% for male). Hypodontia was found considerably more frequently in the maxilla than in the mandible. Similarity in the distribution of missing teeth between the right and left sides was detected. The most frequently missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors, followed by the mandibular and maxillary second premolars. The majority of patients had one or two teeth missing, but seldom three or more.ConclusionsPresent data for hypodontia were within the wide range reported in the literature. The findings of patients with hypodontia involving the anterior teeth and others missing more than two teeth in the same quadrant were an indication of a great need for orthodontic treatment. By early detection of missing teeth, alternative treatment modalities can be planned and performed with a multidisciplinary team approach.

Objectives: The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of pulp stones in a Turkish population. Any possible associations between pulp stones and gender, tooth type and dental arch were also evaluated. Study Design: Four hundred and sixty nine patients’ bitewing radiographs which were reached through the patient database of Erciyes University Dentistry School, Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology were examined. Of these 469 subjects whose mean age was 24( ± 10.7), 302 were females and 167 were males. A total of 6,926 teeth were examined during this study. Pulp stones were recorded as present or absent and any relations with gender, tooth type and dental arch were noted. Results: Pulp stones were identified in 270 (57.6 %) of the subjects and in 1,038 (15 %) of the teeth examined. Their presence were seldom found in the premolars (9.07%) but was much higher in the molars (90.92 %). Pulp stone occurrence was significantly more common in the first molars than in the second molars, and in the first premolars than in the second premolars in each dental arch. Their occurrence was higher in the maxilla than in the mandible for each tooth type. No difference between the two genders could be identified. Conclusion: Pulp stones are not only incidental radiographic findings of the pulp tissue but may also be an indicator of some serious underlying disease. On the other hand, they may provide useful information to predict about the susceptibility of patients for other dystrophic soft tissue calcifications such as urinary calculi and calcified atheromas. However, further study on this issue is needed. Key words: Prevalence, pulp stone, Turkish population.

It has been shown that NPC has a lot of anatomical variations with regard to its dimensions as well as its morphological appearance. Therefore, identification of the anatomical structure of this region with two- and three-dimensional imaging techniques maybe thought to be important in facilitating surgical management and preventing possible complications.

Objective:The aim of the present study is to assess the root and root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolars in a Turkish population by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods:In this study, CBCT images of 2134 premolars (987 maxillary, 1147 mandibular) were obtained from 404 patients. Details of gender, age, number of roots and canals, and canal configuration in each root were recorded. The canal configuration was classified and evaluated according to Vertucci's criteria.Results:The majority of maxillary premolars had two separate roots; although, three roots were identified in 1% of maxillary first premolars. However, most of the mandibular premolars had a single root. The two canals (69.9%) and type I (62.6%) and type II (34.1%) configuration for upper first premolar, one canal (82.1%) and type I (77.6%) canal configuration for second premolar was the most prevalent root canal frequency. The most prevalent root canal frequency was the one canal (96.2%) and type I (94.2%) and type V (3.2%) configuration for mandibular first premolar, one canal (98.9%) and type I (98.9%) canal configuration for second premolar. There was no difference in the root canal configurations and the numbers of canals between the left and the right side of both females and males (P > 0.05).Conclusions:Recognition of morphology and anatomy of the root canal system is one of the most important factors for successful endodontic treatment. Preoperative CBCT examination allows determination of root canal configuration of premolar teeth and helps clinicians in root canal treatment.