In modern dentistry, radiographic imaging is crucial for examining the connection between the maxillary sinus floor and the root apices of the maxillary posterior teeth, particularly when the periapical region is affected by pathology that could result in infectious, inflammatory, or traumatic changes in the maxillary sinus. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of periapical pathologies in the maxillary posterior teeth and their relationship with maxillary sinus mucosal thickening by using cone-beam computed tomography scans. This retrospective study was conducted on 420 digitized CBCT images which were scanned in sagittal, axial, and coronal views. Out of 420 total images, 223 (53.1%) were of males and 197 (44.9%) were of females. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. A total of 2936 posterior maxillary teeth were tested for periapical pathology (PP), 1477 on the right side and 1459 on the left side. In terms of gender, there was no significant relationship between PP in maxillary posterior teeth on both sides and mucosal thickness of the maxillary sinus (p > 0.05). A significant relationship was found between PP in maxillary posterior teeth on both sides and maxillary sinus mucosal thickening (p < 0.05). This study concluded that the prevalence of periapical pathology in the maxillary posterior teeth was significantly associated with a rise in the incidence of maxillary sinus mucosal thickening. Moreover, the primary causative factor for the pathophysiology of the odontogenic maxillary sinus was the periapical pathology in both maxillary first molars.

Presurgical infant orthopaedics (PSIO) appliances are used in the management of cleft lip and palate. Frequently, among all PSIO appliances utilized is presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliance. In this review, we looked for the application of the NAM appliance, its efficacy, and biomechanics. A comprehensive search strategy was performed in two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) for articles using NAM in the treatment plan of patients with cleft lip and palate. Six articles were included in this study with one randomized control trial, two retrospective, and three case reports studies. The studies reveal the NAM is efficient as a presurgical modality treatment for complete cleft lip and palate with multiple benefits, including reducing surgical scars and alveolar gap, used as feeding plate, improve nasal contour, and decreased the number of rectifying surgical procedure.

Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate posterior maxillary alveolar bone dimensions and to compare these dimensions in males and females. Materials and Methods The sample consisted of 102 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images for 62 male patients (mean age 29.92 ± 9.04 years) and 40 female patients (mean age 29.70 ± 9.54 years). Four distances and three densities were measured; a multivariate analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney's U test were applied to compare the differences between sexes. Results For the first maxillary molar, there were significant differences between males and females in terms of coronal width (13.95 ± 1.31 and 13.22 ± 1.159 mm, respectively) and middle width (14.28 ± 1.43 and 13.57 ± 1.478 mm, respectively). However, no significant difference was found regarding height (7.93 ± 3.8 mm for both) or apical width (14.68 ± 2 mm for both). Regarding the second maxillary molar, significant differences between males and females were found in terms of coronal width (14.66 ± 1.63 and 13.54 ± 1.512 mm, respectively), middle width (14.35 ± 1.825 and 13.25 ± 1.52 mm, respectively), and height (7.29 ± 3.00 and 8.66 ± 3.16 mm, respectively), whereas the gender dimorphism regarding apical width had borderline significance (14.09 ± 1.731 mm; p = 0.048). No significant differences were found regarding density. Conclusion The minimum average alveolar bone height for the second maxillary molar region was 7.29 ± 30 mm with significant gender dimorphism. Therefore, CBCT scans should be recommended prior to immediate implant placement.

Hamartomas and choristomas are malformations that often manifest at birth, usually seen as a discrete, localized mass or as multiple masses that resemble a neoplasm, but not a true neoplasm with the exception in choristomas that the cells and tissues are not normally found at that location. Clear etiology and pathogenesis are not found. In addition, the distinguishing features of these masses are not certain. It is essential to differentiate between hamartomas, choristomas, and other oral cavity masses in order to provide proper management. In this study, a new perspective is provided for hamartomas and choristomas of the oral cavity.

Objective To evaluate and compare the root canal morphology of mandibular premolars in Saudi and Sudanese subpopulations and between males and females within each group using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was done between May 2022 and July 2023. Six hundred premolars from Saudi and Sudanese subpopulations were evaluated using CBCT for their number of roots, type of root canal configuration based on Vertucci's classification, and average canal length measured from the buccal cusp tip to the root end. Statistical Analysis Statistical comparisons were made between males and females within each subpopulation and the two subpopulations using the chi-square test for root number and type of root canal configuration and an independent sample t-test for the canal length. Results Most mandibular premolars in both subpopulations had a single root, with type I root canal configuration. However, Sudanese showed various canal configurations (I, II, III, IV, and V) compared with Saudis, which was statistically significant in the first canal of the first mandibular premolar (p < 0.05). Also, there were statistically significant differences in canal length between Saudi males and females (p < 0.05) and between Saudis and Sudanese (p < 0.05) in the first and second premolars. Conclusion Although most mandibular premolars in Saudi and Sudanese subpopulations exhibited a single root and type I canal configuration, variations exist between and within the groups, highlighting ethnic and gender differences and emphasizing the need for dentists' attention.

The median maxillary labial frenum (MMLF) is an anatomical structure composed of mucous membrane and connective tissue within the oral cavity. It serves as a key component of the septo‐premaxillary traction system, extending from the nasal septum to the mucosal aspect of the lip and from the midline of the lip anteriorly to the median interincisal suture. The frenum exhibits dynamic and variable morphology, with its shape, size, and position changing throughout various stages of growth and development. A 20‐year‐old Saudi male presented to the King Faisal University Dental Complex Clinics. The patient′s medical, dental, and family histories were unremarkable, with no syndromic conditions reported among family members. Both extraoral and intraoral examinations were within normal limits, except for the presence of a simple triple labial frenum. Direct visual inspection was performed to evaluate the frenum′s form, size, and point of attachment. Blanching or tension was assessed by gently drawing the upper lip outward and upward. The simple triple frenum type of MMLF is a rare anatomical variation, with a reported prevalence ranging from 1.0% to 1.57%. The frenum is classified as pathogenic when associated with midline diastema, gingival recession, loss of papilla, interdental bone loss, reduced lip mobility, difficulty with oral hygiene, and malalignment of teeth. Pathogenic frena may also present with a flattened papilla closely attached to the gingival margin, insufficiently attached gingiva, and a shallow vestibule. Emphasizing frenum assessment during oral examinations is essential to prevent misdiagnosis of normal anatomical variations as pathological findings. Accurate identification supports appropriate intervention and effective treatment planning.