Accurate knowledge and identification of anatomical landmarks on radiographic imaging are essential when preparing for any invasive procedure. The mental foramen has been the subject of many publications because of its significance as the origin point of the mental nerve and its proximity to the lower premolar area. The aim of this study was to assess the horizontal location of the mental foramen (MF) in the samples collected from the Faculty of Dental Medicine at Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This included comparing genders, ages, and bilateral symmetry. In addition, the study aimed to assess inter-rater reliability in locating the mental foramen on a digital panoramic radiograph (OPG). A total of 334 digital panoramic radiographs were chosen for retrospective analysis from a total of 2,199 images taken from the Umm Al-Qura University, Faculty of Dental Medicine, teaching hospital database. The locations were scored independently by four examiners. The area was divided into six zones, determined by drawing straight lines along the long axis of the premolars and contact areas. A scoring index of 1–6 was utilized to describe the location in relation to the premolars. Analysis was carried out using chi-square and descriptive statistics. The inter-rater reliability was calculated using Fleiss’ Kappa to determine observer agreement. The ages of the patients ranged from 13 to 76 years, with a mean of 29.66. There was no significant difference related to gender, but there was a significant difference related to age. The most frequent location was zone 4, 47.6% on the left side and 51.5% on the right, followed by zone 5, 18.6% on the left side and 16.2% on the right, and zone 3, 15.3% on both the right and the left side. The location was symmetrical in 64.7% of the cases and asymmetrical in 35.3%. The inter-rater reliability among the examiners was fair. The findings of this study indicate that the MF’s location was more closely related to the mandibular second premolar than the first premolar. Furthermore, bilateral symmetry was found in 65% of the sample. There was no statistical significance observed in differences between the genders. Both newly graduated and experienced dentists could identify the location of the MF from the radiograph using the MF’s location in relation to the six zones.

Objective: To analyze the radiological characteristics of impacted teeth in the population of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2199 digital panoramic radiograph (OPG) scans collected from the database of the dental teaching hospital at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, KSA. Out of these, 1503 OPGs (749 males and 754 females) met the inclusion criteria, which required clear OPGs with high quality and good visibility of anatomic structures. The study included patients of both genders, aged between 13 and 70, with complete root formation of impacted teeth. Results: The analysis of 1,503 patients’ radiographs revealed that 27.70% had impacted third molars, with mandibular molars being more commonly affected than maxillary molars. Additionally, other impacted teeth were observed, including maxillary canines, second premolars, second molars, and supernumerary teeth. Male patients had a slightly higher prevalence of impaction. The majority of impacted third molars were found in the age group of 18-30. The angulation and depth of impacted teeth differed between maxillary and mandibular arches. Most impacted mandibular third molars had a class I relation with the ramus. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into impacted teeth in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It highlights a significant occurrence of impacted third molars, as well as other teeth. These findings contribute to a better understanding of impacted teeth and provide important support for dental professionals in their efforts to improve patient outcomes.

Rationale: The term cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) refers to a bony fibro-osseous lesion, in which fibrous tissue and cementum-like tissue replace normal bone. There are three types of COD: periapical, focal and florid. The condition is usually asymptomatic and treatment is unnecessary; however, a secondary infection could occur, which requires treatment. Patient Concern: A 58-year-old female patient presented with symptoms in the mandibular posterior region of the right jaw for six months. Diagnosis: Infected florid COD (FCOD). Treatment: A pre-operative antibiotic, followed by extraction of non-restorable teeth, debridement of the infected tissue and necrotic bone removal. Outcome: The patient was followed for one year, during which all previously reported signs and symptoms were resolved. Take-away Lessons: Early lesion detection is essential. Treatment depends on the presence or absence of clinical and radiographic manifestations. The current case was treated surgically to minimise complications.

Mandibular crowding is the most common type of dental crowding among adolescents. To investigate the relationship between the angulation pattern of impacted mandibular third molars and the severity of mandibular anterior crowding. A total of 69 participants with impacted mandibular third molars were included in the study, and their records were analysed. There was no significant association between impacted mandibular third molars’ angulation pattern and mandibular anterior crowding severity, as well as no correlation between gender and either impacted mandibular third molars’ angulation pattern or mandibular anterior crowding severity. Our findings suggest that the angulation pattern of impacted mandibular third molars is not a significant contributing factor to the severity of mandibular anterior crowding. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these results.

Video-based educational tools are becoming more commonly used among medical professionals to deliver instructions to patients. However, no studies have assessed patients’ compliance with and understanding of post-operative instructions provided in the form of a video after tooth extraction. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two post-extraction instruction delivery methods (conventional versus video-based instructions) on patients’ understanding of and compliance with post-operative care following dental extraction. This randomized controlled trial assessed patients who had undergone dental extraction at the dental teaching hospital at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the conventional group (n = 68) received written instructions, and the interventional video group (n = 58) was provided with instructions delivered in a video. Patient compliance and understanding of post-operative instructions after extraction were assessed via a questionnaire after two days. The questionnaire comprised three parts: the first part collected demographic data, the second part evaluated the patient’s understanding of the post-operative instructions and the third part measured the patient’s compliance with the post-operative instructions via close-ended questions. The collected data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. This study involved 126 patients randomly divided into two groups: the conventional group (n = 68) and the video group (n = 58). The analysis of the questionnaires revealed no significant difference between the groups in terms of patient adherence to the post-extraction instructions. Post-operative instruction videos are as effective as the conventional method in helping patients understand post-operative instructions after extraction. This randomized controlled trial was registered at the ISRCTN registry with the study registration number ISRCTN11048490.