The antimicrobial effects of root canal irrigation and medication

The role of microorganisms in the development and maintenance of pulpal and periapical inflammation have been well documented. The success of root canal treatment largely depends on the elimination of microbial contamination from the root canal system. Although mechanical instrumentation of root canals can reduce bacterial population, effective elimination of bacteria cannot be achieved without the use of antimicrobial root canal irrigation and medication. This review will discuss the antimicrobial effects of the known root canal irrigants and medicaments and explore future developments in the field. © 2007 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Limitations of Dental Panoramic Tomography in the anterior mandible

Dental Panoramic Tomography (DPT) is a widely used and valuable examination in dentistry. One area prone to artefacts and therefore misinterpretation is the anterior region of the mandible. This case study discusses a periapical radiolucency related to lower anterior teeth that is discovered to be a radiographic artefact. Possible causes of the artefact include a pronounced depression in the mental region of the mandible or superimposition of intervertebral spaces. Additional limitations of the DPT image include superimposition of radio-opaque structures, reduced image detail compared to intra-oral views and uneven magnification. These problems often make the DPT inappropriate for imaging the anterior mandible.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Panoramic radiography is often unsuitable for radiographic examination of the anterior mandible.