The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using the digital Orthopantomography (OPG). A retrospective radiographic study was performed in which digital OPGs of 1189 subjects, ages ranging between 7 and 65 years were reviewed, and 1104 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Statistical analysis was performed. The OPGs were reviewed for congenitally missing teeth, impactions, ectopic eruption, supernumerary teeth, odontomas, dilacerations, taurodontism, dens in dente, gemination and fusion. OPGs of 1104 patients with mean age 35.32 ± 16.63 were included. The total prevalence of developmental anomalies in this study was 36.3% (401/1104). Male and female subjects with anomalies were 133 (33.2%) and 268 (66.8%) respectively. The prevalence of dilacerated teeth 300 (30.2%), congenitally missing teeth was 246 (24.7%), supernumerary teeth 18 (1.8%), talon cusp and taurodontism were seen in one patient each 1 (0.1%). Of these, a total of 15 (1.5%) anomalies were noted in pediatric patients. Dilaceration was the most prevalent anomaly (30.2%) in the studied sample followed by congenitally missing teeth (23.4%). Talon cusp, concrescence/fusion, and taurodontism were the least prevalent anomalies.

Objectives.To evaluate crosslink densities of two bulk fill composite resins and determine if the used Food Simulating Organic Solvent (FSOS) affected them.Methods.Forty specimens were prepared from SureFill and SonicFill bulk fill composite resins, 20 each. All specimens were stored dry for 24 h. Each group was divided into 2 subgroups: stored in ethanol (E) 75% or in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) 100% for 24 h. Crosslink density was evaluated by calculating the difference between the Vickers hardness numbers of the specimens stored dry and after their storage in FSOS. The data were statistically analyzed usingt-test.Results.The means of crosslink density in E and MEK were 6.99% and 9.44% for SureFill and 10.54% and 11.92% for SonicFill, respectively.t-test displayed significant differences between crosslink densities of SureFill and SonicFill: (P<0.0001) in E and (P=0.02) in MEK and between crosslink densities of SureFill in E and MEK (P=0.02).Conclusions.Crosslink density of bulk fill composite resin can be evaluated using E or MEK. SureFill has higher crosslink density than SonicFill in both E and MEK.

Objectives: To evaluate the dimensions of submandibular fossa concavity and its spatial relationship to the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) in the mandibular first- and second-molar regions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included CBCT scans from 126 patients (252 hemimandibles), with four measurement points evaluated per side (1008 points). Concavity occurrence, maximum depth, the position of the deepest concavity point relative to the IAC, and the distances from the alveolar crest to the upper and lower limits of the concavity were assessed. Linear mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations were used to account for repeated measurements within patients. Results: Concavity was identified at 636 of 1008 measurement points (63.1%), including 247 of 504 first-molar points (49.0%) and 389 of 504 second-molar points (77.2%). Maximum concavity depth was significantly greater in the second-molar region (β for first versus second molar = −0.386 mm; 95% CI: −0.559 to −0.213; p < 0.0001), whereas gender was not significantly associated with depth (p = 0.4281). The deepest concavity point was most frequently located parallel to the IAC (477/636; 75.0%). The crest-to-upper-limit distance varied significantly across measurement intervals (p < 0.0001) and was shorter in females (p = 0.0014). No statistically significant predictors were identified for the crest-to-lower-limit distance. Conclusions: Submandibular fossa concavity was frequently observed in the evaluated posterior mandibular measurement points, particularly in the second-molar region. Maximum concavity depth differed significantly by tooth region but not by gender. These anatomical findings highlight the relevance of evaluating the lingual mandibular contour and its relationship to the IAC during preoperative implant assessment.

Objectives: Accurate image registration is essential for successful digital dental implant planning. Surface-based registration, commonly used in clinical software, is sensitive to cone-beam CT (CBCT) artifacts and relies on manual landmark selection, potentially reducing accuracy. Marker-based registration offers improved precision but is underused due to its technical complexity and time demands. The purpose of this ex-vivo study was to evaluate the accuracy of a novel marker-based registration method using limited-view CBCT reconstructions derived from 2 orthogonal projection images and to compare it with a conventional surface-based registration method. Methods: An ex-vivo model consisting of a maxillary arch with removable 3D-printed teeth and a radiographic guide containing radiographic markers was used to simulate 5 metal artifact conditions. Full-view CBCT scans were acquired for each condition. For the conventional method, 3 examiners independently performed dual-scan registrations using user-defined surface landmarks on full CBCT reconstructions. For the proposed method, examiners selected orthogonal projection images where markers were clearly visible and limited-view reconstructions were generated to identify marker centroids. Registration error was measured as the point-to-point distance between corresponding surface reference points, standardized to a common frame of reference. Inter-rater reliability was also assessed. Results: Both methods maintained consistent performance across all artifact conditions. The proposed method demonstrated greater accuracy, with lower point-to-point registration errors and less spatial variation. Inter-rater reliability was excellent for the proposed method and good for the conventional approach. Conclusion: The proposed marker-based registration method using orthogonal projection images and limited-view CBCT reconstructions showed higher accuracy than conventional surface-based registration under controlled ex-vivo conditions. Although the workflow currently requires additional examiner input, it may improve precision in dual-scan protocols for implant planning. Future clinical studies and software developments are required to support clinical implementation.