Objective: To determine the number, shape and diameter of minor apical foramina, the distance between apical foramina and anatomical apex and the frequency of accessory foramina in a Turkish population. Materials and methods: Eight hundred permanent maxillary and mandibular teeth were collected. The roots were stained with methylene blue and the apices were examined with a stereomicroscope (×40) and transferred to a computer to perform the measurements using Adobe Photoshop software. Results: The incidence of one apical foramen was highest in distobuccal roots of the maxillary first molars and was lowest in the maxillary first premolars with single roots. The distance of deviation in all the teeth was between 0.271–0.519 mm. The frequency of accessory foramina was between 30–70% for the various tooth types. Conclusions: The results of this in vitro study indicate that the morphology of apical foramina in this Turkish population may present highly complex anatomical variations.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, morphological types, and distribution patterns of palatoradicular grooves (PRGs) in maxillary anterior teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a Turkish population. CBCT images of 1553 patients from the radiology archive of Ordu University Faculty of Dentistry (2021–2022) were reviewed. A total of 920 patients (4012 teeth) met the inclusion criteria. The presence, type, and localization of PRGs were assessed. Groove types were classified as Type 1, 2, 3A, or 3B; localization was recorded as mesial, distal, or midpalatal. Bilateral and unilateral occurrences were also analyzed. Statistical analysis involved chi-square tests, Tukey’s HSD, and Cohen’s kappa for intra-observer reliability. PRGs were detected in 23.6% of patients and 10.42% of teeth. Lateral incisors were most affected (87.56%). Type 1 grooves were most common (71.53%), with midpalatal localization being most frequent (54.07%). Bilateral grooves were significantly more prevalent than unilateral ones (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between groove type and tooth type or between gender and bilaterality. This study revealed a high prevalence of PRGs, especially in maxillary lateral incisors, with a significant tendency toward bilateral and midpalatal presentation. CBCT proved essential for detecting palatoradicular grooves, aiding diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: The bonding ability of intraradicular posts is important for successful restoration. Lasers have been used for this purpose. Both for post space conditioning and irrigation activation with lasers are interesting choices. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the bond strength of fiber posts created via different irrigation and laser etching protocols on post spaces and different sealers. Methods: Ninety-six mandibular premolar teeth were randomly assigned to two main groups. GuttaFlow Bioseal and MTA Fillapex root canal sealers were used for obturation. Different irrigation and laser etching protocols for post spaces were used to perform subgroup procedures. One main group was filled with GuttaFlow Bioseal, and the other was filled with MTA Fillapex. The main groups were then subdivided according to the irrigation and laser etching protocols on the post spaces. The fiber posts were cemented and then transversally sectioned. Push-out tests were performed. The push-out strength values were subjected to statistical analysis. Levene’s homogeneity test was used to examine normally distributed variables. The group results were analyzed via two-way ANOVA to evaluate the effects of sealer type, post space preparation, irrigation system and their interactions. Results: The impacts of various post space conditions on the bond strength were not observed. (p > .05). However, a significant difference was reported between the two different sealers (p < .05). Conclusions: Post space conditioning procedures did not significantly affect the bond strength values. However, sealer alteration affected the bond strength values.