This study assessed the relationship between mucosal thickness (MT) of the maxillary sinus and periodontal bone loss (PBL) and periapical condition of related teeth. We also aimed to identify the association between root apices and the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In this study, CBCT images of 205 patients with 410 maxillary sinuses were examined, retrospectively. A total of 582 maxillary molars and 587 premolars were observed. The relationship of each root with maxillary sinus and apical lesions of these roots were classified, PBL was examined and the situations of adjacent teeth were estimated. The effect of these conditions on sinus mucosal thickness (MT) was evaluated. There was a significant correlation between MT of maxillary sinus and both PBL and age (r = 0.52, p=0.000 and r = 0.111, p= 0.002, respectively). The frequency of MT increased as the severity of apical lesion enlarged. A positive correlation was found between MT and degree of PBL and periapical lesions. To reveal the association between MT and pulpoperiapical condition bivariate correlation was done and a significant relationship between the pulpoperiapical condition and MT was found (r = 0.17, p=0.000). This retrospective study showed that MT of the maxillary sinus was common among patients with PBL and MT was significantly associated with PBL and apical lesions. The relationship of maxillary sinus to adjacent teeth had also positive correlation with MT. CBCT imaging enabled better evaluation of maxillary sinus, posterior teeth and surrounding structures compared to other imaging tools.

This pilot study was planned to analyze masticatory activation in bruxism patients with and without attrition by ultrasonographic evaluation of mandibular adductor muscles.Sixty bruxism patients (g...

AAbstract Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most extensive inflammatory arthritis causing permanent deformities in the joint. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is a substantial factor in the pathogenesis of RA. This study aimed to examine the salivary oxidant-antioxidant status of RA and control groups and to compare these biomarkers by correlating them with disease activity, acute phase reactants, and clinical findings. Age and gender-matched 60 participants including 30 patients with RA and 30 control (50 females, 10 males; mean age: 42.62 ± 10.89 years) were evaluated. RA disease activity and severity were evaluated by the Disease Activity Score 28-C reactive protein (DAS 28-CRP). Rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) positivity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), CRP, tender and swollen joint counts, and medical treatment regimens of the patients (glucocorticoids, conventional or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) were recorded. In the radiographic examination, dental findings and bone alterations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were recorded and compared for both groups. Saliva samples were obtained for analysis of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), arylesterase (ARE), oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. The data analysis was conducted by independent sample t-test and chi-square test. Condylar erosion was the most common radiographic change in TMJ of RA patients. Osteophyte formation was a prominent finding in the control group. Lower TAS and higher OSI levels were found in RA patients compared with controls (p = 0.013; p = 0.029, respectively). The effect of DAS 28-CRP score on the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in RA patients was not significant. Oxidative stress causes tissue damage in response to excessive mechanical loading, which in turn promotes TMD. However, disease activity has not a prominent impact on the salivary oxidative stress status of RA patients.