Abstract: Background: The aim is to evaluate the tensile bond strength of two distinct luting cements, namely Zinc phosphate and Zinc polycarboxylate, employed in dental practices.

Material and methods: In the current investigation, one hundred freshly extracted maxillary first premolars were utilized. Each sample was thoroughly cleaned and stored in sterile saline for subsequent use. After the cavity preparation was completed, castings made from type IV dental stone were applied to every specimen. Wax patterns were employed during the casting procedure. Following this, the castings were subjected to polishing, devesting, and finalization. The specimens were divided into two research groups: Group A included zinc phosphate, while Group B contained zinc polycarboxylate. The mean tensile strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The results were analyzed with SPSS software and organized into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. A Student's t-test was performed to evaluate the significance of the results.

Results: The samples categorized as Group A and Group B demonstrated average tensile strengths of 5.65 MPa and 4.28 MPa, respectively. Statistical evaluation indicated notable differences in the average tensile strength when comparing Group A with Group B.

Conclusion: The findings indicated that the average tensile strength of Zinc phosphate cement significantly exceeds that of Zinc polycarboxylate cement.

Abstract: Background: The mandibular foramen (MF) is a key anatomical landmark on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus, transmitting the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Its precise localization is essential for procedures such as inferior alveolar nerve block, mandibular osteotomies and implant surgery. However, the MF demonstrates considerable morphometric variability across populations, influencing clinical success and risk of complications.Aim:To determine the morphometric characteristics of the mandibular foramen in dry human mandibles and to analyze its relationship with various anatomical landmarks, with a focus on its clinical implications for dental and maxillofacial procedures.

Material and Methods: A total of 60 dry human mandibles of unknown sex and age were examined, providing 120 sides for analysis. Only intact mandibles with preserved third molar sockets and undamaged rami were included. The shape of the MF was visually assessed and categorized as rounded or oval. Its size was measured using a sliding vernier caliper (0.1 mm accuracy), documenting antero-posterior and latero-lateral diameters. Distances from the midpoint of the MF to six anatomical landmarks—mandibular notch, base of mandible, anterior border, posterior border, retromolar trigone and third molar—were recorded bilaterally. Statistical analysis included frequency distribution, paired t-tests for side comparison, chi-square test for shape variation, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate predictors of MF size.

Results: The MF was predominantly oval (63.3%) with no side differences (p = 1.000). The mean antero-posterior diameter measured 2.63 ± 0.45 mm (right) and 2.53 ± 0.49 mm (left), while latero-lateral diameter measured 2.44 ± 0.49 mm (right) and 2.35 ± 0.53 mm (left), both showing significant side variations (p < 0.001). Significant differences were noted only in distances from the mandibular notch and third molar (p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant predictors of MF diameter (R² = 0.079; p = 0.610).

Conclusion: The mandibular foramen demonstrates predominantly oval morphology, minor dimensional asymmetry and largely symmetrical positional relationships. Its size cannot be reliably predicted from adjacent anatomical landmarks, underscoring the need for individualized anatomical assessment to improve precision in nerve blocks and surgical interventions.

Abstract: Background: The mandibular foramen (MF) is a key anatomical landmark on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus, transmitting the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Its precise localization is essential for procedures such as inferior alveolar nerve block, mandibular osteotomies and implant surgery. However, the MF demonstrates considerable morphometric variability across populations, influencing clinical success and risk of complications.Aim:To determine the morphometric characteristics of the mandibular foramen in dry human mandibles and to analyze its relationship with various anatomical landmarks, with a focus on its clinical implications for dental and maxillofacial procedures.

Material and Methods: A total of 60 dry human mandibles of unknown sex and age were examined, providing 120 sides for analysis. Only intact mandibles with preserved third molar sockets and undamaged rami were included. The shape of the MF was visually assessed and categorized as rounded or oval. Its size was measured using a sliding vernier caliper (0.1 mm accuracy), documenting antero-posterior and latero-lateral diameters. Distances from the midpoint of the MF to six anatomical landmarks—mandibular notch, base of mandible, anterior border, posterior border, retromolar trigone and third molar—were recorded bilaterally. Statistical analysis included frequency distribution, paired t-tests for side comparison, chi-square test for shape variation, and multiple regression analysis to evaluate predictors of MF size.

Results: The MF was predominantly oval (63.3%) with no side differences (p = 1.000). The mean antero-posterior diameter measured 2.63 ± 0.45 mm (right) and 2.53 ± 0.49 mm (left), while latero-lateral diameter measured 2.44 ± 0.49 mm (right) and 2.35 ± 0.53 mm (left), both showing significant side variations (p < 0.001). Significant differences were noted only in distances from the mandibular notch and third molar (p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed no significant predictors of MF diameter (R² = 0.079; p = 0.610).

Conclusion: The mandibular foramen demonstrates predominantly oval morphology, minor dimensional asymmetry and largely symmetrical positional relationships. Its size cannot be reliably predicted from adjacent anatomical landmarks, underscoring the need for individualized anatomical assessment to improve precision in nerve blocks and surgical interventions.