Posts Tagged ‘root canals’

Periodontitis and Endodontic Treatment

Prevalence of apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment in a Kosovar adult population
Blerim Kamberi , Veton Hoxha , Miranda Stavileci , Edmond Dragusha , Astrit Kuci and Lumnije Kqiku

BMC Oral Health 2011, 11:32doi:10.1186/1472-6831-11-32

Published: 29 November 2011
Abstract (provisional)

Background
Despite numerous studies on the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in diverse geographical populations, there are currently no data on the prevalence of these conditions in populations of adults native to Kosovo. Therefore, little is known about how widespread these conditions are, and whether there is any correlation between root canal treatment and AP. The purpose of our research was to address this anomaly by investigating AP and endodontic treatment in an adult Kosovar population based on radiographic examination.

Methods
The sample used for this study consisted of randomly selected individuals referred to the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo in the years 2006-2007. Orthopantomographs of 193 patients were evaluated. The periapical status of all teeth (with the exception of third molars) was examined according to Orstavik’s Periapical Index. The quality of the root canal filling was rated as ‘adequate’ or ‘inadequate’ based on whether all canals were filled, the depth of fill relative to the radiographic apex and the quality of compaction (absence/presence of voids). Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratios.

Results
Out of 4131 examined teeth, the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment was 12.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Of 95 endodontically-treated teeth, 46.3% were associated with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age. The prevalence in subjects aged over 60 years old (20.2%) was higher than in other age groups. A statistically significant difference was found for the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth associated with AP in the 40-49 year age group (P

Conclusions
The prevalence of AP and the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth with AP in this Kosovar population are higher than those found in other countries. Inadequate root canal fillings were associated with an increased prevalence of AP.

See a qualified endodontist after any emergency dental treatment.

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Dental Crowns

One of the most common dental emergencies is a broken or cracked tooth. The most common result is the need for a dental crown.

The average person can exert 150 to 200 pounds of muscular force with their teeth. That’s a lot of pressure on a small object. It’s not difficult to understand, then, that when a tooth goes bad and a cap, or crown, is placed on top of it, ensuring that cap can handle the work load is no small task.

Fortunately, the science of capping teeth is a well-developed technique. Applying a crown to a tooth is accomplished today using state-of-the art compounds that act as tooth replacement material, and advanced bonding agents that make it stay in place under great pressure for years on end. In fact, the average crown lasts five to 15 years.

A crown, then is a protective topping for a tooth that is cracked, damaged, decayed, or misshapen through disease or circumstance. A crown can sometimes be used for cosmetic purposes, to cover a badly stained tooth that can’t be whitened on the surface.

Crowns come in a variety of materials: metals, porcelain, ceramics, and resins. Metals and porcelain are probably the most commonly used. A metal grown, often made of gold, are used frequently for inner, back teeth that don’t show to the public, while white porcelain crows are preferred for a natural look on front teeth.

Getting a crown is usually a two-part process. On the first visit, the dentist will prepare your tooth, first fixing the damage, and then shaping the remaining tooth to prepare it for hosting the crown. On the second visit, the crown will be fitted and cemented in place.

In between the first visit and the second, most people will receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is ready.

Most crowns, once bonded in place, have life spans of many years, although an improperly set or placed crowns have been known to “pop off” when people least expect it. If this happens to you, make sure you recover and save the crown if you can! Most dentists will charge you full price to replace the crown if you lose it — and a porcelain crown can cost around $800.

Another kind of crown is called an “onlay” or sometimes “¾ crown.” In this case, the covering doesn’t cover 100% of the tooth, but rather about ¾ of the tooth. Your dentist may opt for this if he or she deems that a full crown is unnecessary. There are also 7/8 crowns.

In the case of a dental implant, the crown becomes, in effect the entire tooth itself, a virtual false tooth. An implant is when the dentist drills a titanium post directly into the jawbone. An abutment is attached to this post, and the crown is attached to the abutment.

A tooth that has been crowned still needs the same kind of dental hygiene care as an uncovered tooth. Even when a tooth is 100% covered by a crown, it still is subject to the same stresses that can decay or damage any tooth.

Dental science continues to explore new materials for crowns. Today “all ceramic” crowns which also incorporate glass are on the cutting edge of effective and attractive crown materials for teeth.

Root Canal