Histologic Features of External Cervical Resorption Affecting Impacted Maxillary Canines: A Report of 2 Cases.

Reports on the histopathologic features of external cervical resorption (ECR) in unerupted teeth are scarce. This article reports on 2 maxillary impacted canines from different patients that showed ECR lesions and were surgically removed and histologically evaluated. Case 1 showed symptoms associated with oral communication of the dental follicle and pulpal exposure. Radiographs and cone-beam computed tomographic imaging showed that resorption affected a large part of the root and the crown. Case 2 was asymptomatic, and the resorption cavity was restricted to the tooth crown. Both teeth were extracted and subjected to histologic processing and analysis. In case number 1, the coronal pulp was necrotic and infected, showing areas of exposure to the resorption channels. The apical pulp was vital and uninflamed. The pulp space was surrounded by a continuous pericanalar resorption-resistant sheet. Part of the resorbed area of dentin was occupied by inflamed granulation tissue. More apically, a network of trabecular bone was present in the resorbed area. In case number 2, the pulp around the resorbed area was uninflamed and vital. A large fraction of the lost dentin was replaced by trabecular bone, closely adapted to the irregularly resorbed dentin surface, and no inflammatory cells. Our findings indicate that impacted teeth with ECR may remain asymptomatic until associated with infection. Histologic features of resorption in impacted teeth were similar to those in erupted teeth. In the case associated with infection, the resorbed area was occupied by inflamed tissue and newly formed bone. In the case with no infection, the resorption area was filled with bone undergoing a remodeling process.

The impact of Anatomic Features of Asymptomatic Third Molars on the Pathologies of Adjacent Second Molars: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to comprehensively examine how the anatomic characteristics of asymptomatic third molars (As-M3s) affect distal pathologies of adjacent second molars (Ad-M2s). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with at least 1 quadrant having intact As-M3s and first and second molars were enrolled. Distal pathologies of Ad-M2s, including caries, pocket depth of 4 mm or more (PD4+), and alveolar bone loss of 3 mm or more (ABL3+), were analysed based on As-M3 status (absent/impacted/nonimpacted). Especially within nonimpacted M3s (N-M3s), the effects of regions (maxillary vs mandibular) and dental intervals (narrow vs wide) on Ad-M2 pathologies were further compared. RESULTS: A total of 248 patients with their 805 quadrants were finally included in this cross-sectional study. The impacted and nonimpacted As-M3s elevated the risk of any distal pathology (caries, PD4+, or ABL3+) of Ad-M2s vs M3 absence with odds ratios (ORs) of 8.33 and 3.27, respectively. Within N-M3s, mandibular regions increased the odds of PD4+ (OR, 1.96); wide dental intervals increased the odds of ABL3+ (OR, 3.01). However, maxillary regions and narrow dental intervals contributed to more severe bone loss in Ad-M2s with ABL3+. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of As-M3 is a risk factor for Ad-M2 pathologies irrespective of impaction status. Within N-M3s, Ad-M2 pathologies are significantly influenced by anatomic characteristics such as regions and dental intervals.

Insights into the aetiologies of hypercementosis: A systematic review and a scoring system.

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to better define hypercementosis, investigate its described potential aetiologies, and determine whether there are different patterns of cementum apposition and if they are a function of their supposed aetiology. DESIGN: A literature review was undertaken using the Medline, DOSS, Scopus and Cochrane Library electronic databases. Two co-authors selected the published works independently, extracted the data in accordance with the PRISMA statement. RESULTS: Among 546 articles, 75 articles were finally selected. Eight different supposed aetiologies were identified: (1) intensive masticatory effort, (2) systemic disease, (3) carious lesion and apical periodontitis, (4) impaction, (5) periodontal disease, (6) concrescence, (7) super-eruption, and (8) drugs. Some of these aetiologies can be combined in the same tooth. Hypercementosis manifestations are various in nature and extent with different patterns that may be aetiology-specific. To improve the description and associated consistency in the characterisation of hypercementosis, in this review but also in future studies, we propose a new qualitative scoring system to quickly characterise hypercementosis and determine its most relevant aetiology. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrates that hypercementosis is a complex and not yet well-defined condition. Some forms of apposition are specific to a given aetiology. The hypercementosis characterisation may contribute to document the oral condition and/or the individuals masticatory activity.

The radiological and histological investigation of the dental follicle of asymptomatic impacted mandibular third molars.

OBJECTIVES: The indication for removal of asymptomatic fully impacted third molars is still controversial. In this study, radiological and histological investigation of the dental follicle of asymptomatic impacted mandibular third molars was performed, aiming to provide a reference for clinical prophylactic extraction of these teeth. METHODS: Patients with impacted mandibular third molars were included and the maximum width of the dental follicle around the crown was measured in horizontal, sagittal and coronal sections by cone beam computed tomography. The dental follicles were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, analysed by a pathologist and classified as normal, inflammatory or cystic. A Chi-squared test was used to analyse the association of the incidence of inflammation and cysts with the clinical variables of the impacted mandibular third molars. RESULTS: Thirty-seven samples were normal dental follicles; 52 samples showed inflammatory infiltration with an incidence of 57.14%; 2 samples with a maximum dental follicle width of 2-3 mm were diagnosed as odontogenic cysts, and the incidence was 2.20%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of inflammatory and cystic dental follicles between males and females, or between different age groups (P > 0.05). With an increase of the maximum width of the dental follicle, there was a rise in the incidence and degree of infiltration of chronic nonspecific inflammation. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic impacted mandibular third molars tend to be extracted, especially for teeth with a 2-3 mm maximum width of the dental follicle on radiological examination.

Alternate management of an anterior maxillary dentigerous cyst in a paediatric patient.

The purpose of this article is to show alternate management of an anterior maxillary dentigerous cyst in a paediatric patient. An 8-year-old male child reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery with the chief complaint of swelling in the upper left side of the face for 2 months. Based on the clinical and radiological findings of cystic cavity along with impacted tooth, lesion was diagnosed as dentigerous cyst and surgical enucleation was planned under general anaesthesia. Dentigerous cysts mostly occur in the mandible and are prevalent between the second to fourth decades of life. The incidence of this cyst in children is less. We present here a case report of a paediatric patient with a rare occurrence of a large cyst in the maxillary anterior region, and the treatment outcome by surgical enucleation and preservation of the permanent tooth bud are discussed. The line of treatment for dentigerous cyst is enucleation and extraction of involved tooth. We recommend the alternative treatment option, which involves enucleation of cyst, and consider the conservation of the affected tooth bud in the view of making its eruption viable in future.

Relationship between Presence of Third Molars and Prevalence of Periodontal Pathology of Adjacent Second Molars: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the mean prevalence of periodontal pathology of adjacent second molars (A-M2s) to third molars (M3s) and identify related confounding factors. METHODS: Studies published before August 2020 were systematically searched in the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. We included cross-sectional studies that evaluated the periodontal pathology of A-M2s based on clinical or radiographic examinations at the molar level. Studies employing similar periodontal parameters were pooled. Clinical attachment loss ≥ 3 mm, alveolar bone loss ≥ 3 mm or ≥ 20% root length were defined as early periodontal defects, and at least one site with probing depth ≥ 5 mm was considered as deep periodontal pockets around A-M2s in the data synthesis. RESULTS: Nine studies (14,749 M3s) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. On average, 19% of A-M2s showed distal early periodontal defects with the presence of M3s (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 9%-35%). Subgroup analyses suggested the prevalence was 32% (95% CI 16%-54%) in the mandible, and the prevalence was higher with nonimpacted M3s (25%, 95% CI 12%-47%) than with impacted M3s (19%, 95% CI 10%-35%). Additionally, the pooled prevalence for deep periodontal pockets around A-M2s was 52% (95% CI 39%-64%). Subgroup analyses suggested the prevalence was higher in the mandible (62%, 95% CI 45%-76%) than in the maxilla (43%, 95% CI 31%-56%), and for nonimpacted M3s the prevalence reached 50% (95% CI 36%-64%). CONCLUSION: The presence of M3s, especially mandibular and nonimpacted M3s, negatively affects the periodontal status of A-M2s.

The diagnostic value of orthopantomograms in detecting resorption of lateral incisors associated with ectopic canines: a CBCT study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the diagnostic value of orthopantomograms (OPG) in the identification of root resorption of lateral incisors, secondary to an impacted canine, as confirmed by a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: South Wales secondary care setting: Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport and Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny. METHODS: A total of 40 consecutive patients with impacted canines between January 2018 and December 2019 were selected. For each patient, one consultant orthodontist examined the OPG in isolation to detect the presence and extent of resorption of lateral incisors. The CBCT report was then studied to confirm the presence and extent of pathology. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 19 maxillary right canines, 18 maxillary left canines, one mandibular right canine and two mandibular left canines were examined. Impactions were more prevalent in the maxilla (92.5%) with higher predilection towards female patients (65%). There was higher prevalence of root resorption in the maxillary right quadrant (57.1%), in concordance with other studies. OPGs were found to have a sensitivity of 81.0% and a specificity of 10.5%, with an accuracy value of 47.5%. Positive and negative predictive values were found to be 50.0% and 33.3%, respectively. The extent of root resorption was incorrectly estimated from the OPG in 84% of cases. Correct estimation occurred in 16% of cases, with overestimation and underestimation occurring in equal proportion (42%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the limitations of plain film radiographs and the merits of using CBCT in the accurate diagnosis of resorption of lateral incisors with an associated impacted canine. It also gives an indication into the location prevalence of resorption in a small cohort of patients. This preliminary study establishes the basis for future, larger-scale studies where outcomes can be generalisable at a population level.

The surgical-orthodontic management of combined impacted maxillary second and third molars.

BACKGROUND: A correlation between impacted maxillary third molars on the eruption potential of the maxillary second molar has been identified. There is little published evidence available in the literature regarding a treatment modality for this presentation. AIMS  : The aim of this case series is to propose a joint surgical and orthodontic approach for the management of such cases. METHOD  : A retrospective search of all patients treated for impacted second and third maxillary molars from 2014 to 2020 revealed 24 cases. Surgical planning was facilitated with the use of a CBCT to help orientate the teeth in 3-D and assess any associated pathology to nearby structures. Twenty-three cases were treated via surgical removal of the impacted third molar and subsequently monitored for spontaneous maxillary second molar eruption. CONCLUSION:  All treated cases showed complete or partial spontaneous eruption followed by orthodontic repositioning if required.

Rare clear cell odontogenic carcinoma associated with impacted tooth in a young patient: case report and literature review.

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor. It is characterized by showing, on histopathological examination, clusters of vacuolated and clear tumor cells with epithelial differentiation surrounded by fibrocollagenous stroma and fibroblasts. The present study presents a rare clinical case of mandibular CCOC associated with an impacted tooth in a 26-year-old woman surgically treated with mandibulectomy and reconstruction with iliac crest bone graft. The patient has been followed up for 22 months without signs of recurrence. A search for case report/case series was carried out in the PUBMED database, as well as in the references of relevant previously published literature reviews. Ninety-six publications were identified, totaling 136 distinct cases reported. Female sex was the most affected (63.1%) with 63.3% of cases occurring in patients in the fifth, sixth, or seventh decades of life. The mandible was more affected than the maxilla (74.2%). Association of CCOC with impacted teeth was found in 2.4% of cases, thus rendering it a rare occurrence. The present case report corroborates the results of the survey regarding sex and anatomical location of the tumor; however, it contradicts the findings regarding age predilection. The case described is the fourth known occurrence of tooth impaction associated with the tumor and the first in a female. In conclusion, CCOC should be considered, as well as other malignancies, as a possible diagnosis of maxillary or mandibular intraosseous lesions even in unusual circumstances such as in association with impacted teeth and in young patients.

Pattern of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction in Nonsyndromic 17760 Patients: A Retrospective Study among Saudi Population in Central Region, Saudi Arabia.

The objective of this study was to study the incidence of type of impaction of mandibular third molars based on the classifications of Pell and Gregory and Winter, which included angulation of the tooth and level of the occlusal surface of the third molar with respect to the second molar, respectively, in a sample of Saudi population in central region. In this retrospective study, orthopantomograms (OPGs) of 17760 patients were examined, who were reported by the Dental University Hospital (DUH) at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between the years 2016 and 2020. Out of 17760 radiographs, 2187 (12.31%) patients presented with at least one impacted third molar. Out of which, 1337 (7.52%) patients had bilateral impaction and 850 (4.78%) patients had unilateral impaction (p < 0.001). No gender predominance was noted in the impaction status (p > 0.05). In bilateral impaction, 671 were male (50.2%) and 666 were female (49.8%). Among unilateral impaction, 394 (46.4%) were male and 456 (53.6%) were female. Mesioangular angulation was the most common pattern of impaction (65%) followed by vertical angulation in both bilateral and unilateral impactions. Level A impaction was found to be highest in both bilateral and unilateral impactions which are 48.02% and 54.0%, respectively (p < 0.05). Our study highlights mesioangular impaction and level "A" as the most frequently encountered angulation and level of impaction in impacted teeth. This study result provides us useful data regarding the radiographic status of mandibular third molars in the population of Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of Vitamin D (25OHD), Bone Alkaline Phosphatase (BALP), Serum Calcium, Serum Phosphorus, Ionized Calcium in Patients with Mandibular Third Molar Impaction. An Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of vitamin D (25OHD) and other bone biomarkers in patients with third molar impaction (TMI). Thirty males and 30 females with unilateral or bilateral impacted mandibular third molar, and 15 males and 15 females as a control group (CG) were recruited. Rx-OPT was used to evaluate dental position and Pederson index to measure the difficulty of the intervention. Bone biomarkers were measured through blood venous sample in TMI group and CG. Mann-Whitney test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, linear regression model were used to compare the different parameters in the two groups. 25OHD showed lower values in TMI group than in CG (p < 0.05) with values significantly lower in bilateral impaction (p < 0.05). Pearson's coefficient for 25OHD presented a negative correlation with the Pederson index (ρ = -0.75). Bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) showed significantly lower dosage in TMI group than CG (p = 0.02), Pearson's coefficient for BALP presented a negative correlation with the Pederson index. Serum calcium, serum phosphorus, ionized calcium levels in TMI and CG groups were similar and Mann-Whitney test did not significantly differ between TMI and CG. TMI could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency and of low BALP levels that should be investigated.

Pathologies associated with the mandibular third molar impaction.

To evaluate the associations of impaction patterns of mandibular third molars (M3Ms) with pathologies caused by them. In this study, 262 patients with 432 impacted M3Ms who referred in Shanghai Xuhui District Center were reviewed. The pathologies include pericoronitis, mandibular second molar (M2M) caries, and M2M distal periodontal pathology. The impaction patterns of M3Ms and the pathologies were examined, while the M2M outcomes after surgeries were evaluated. A χ2 test was used to analyze the data, with a p value of <0.05 being considered statistically significant. Pericoronitis was the major symptom in all patients, whereas the propensities of M2M distal caries and periodontal pathologies increased in older patients. Soft tissue impacted and vertically angulated teeth were more associated with pericoronitis (p < 0.05); mesio-angular impacted teeth in less deep positions had greater risks of M2Ms distal caries (p < 0.05); mesio-angular and horizontal impacted teeth in relative deep positions were more likely to cause M2Ms distal periodontal pathologies (p < 0.05). Extractions of soft tissue impacted teeth in vertical angulations should be considered, while removals of mesially and horizontally angulated or bony impacted teeth could be delayed.

Developmental Odontogenic Lesions Associated with the Crown of an Impacted Tooth: A Guide to the Distinct Histologic Features Required for Classification.

Odontogenic cysts are categorized as inflammatory and developmental. Of the developmental odontogenic cysts, the dentigerous cyst is the most common and by definition is attached to the cervical region of an unerupted tooth. The cyst envelops the crown forming a sac. However, there are other developmental cysts, and rarely, odontogenic tumors, that can have a similar clinical and radiographic presentation as dentigerous cyst, including odontogenic keratocyst, orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst and ameloblastoma, unicystic type. Understanding the key histologic differences of these cysts will aid the pathologist to correctly diagnose these lesions, ensuring appropriate clinical management.

Association of Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Health with Third Molar Pericoronitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Pericoronitis is a painful inflammatory condition commonly associated with third molar teeth. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between oral hygiene and periodontal health status and the presence of pericoronitis in semi-impacted third molar teeth. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 54 patients having at least one mandibular vertically semi-impacted third molar tooth with or without pericoronitis were consecutively enrolled. Subjects with pericoronitis and subjects with healthy third molars were selected according to symptoms in the gingiva overlying semi-impacted third molar teeth. Periodontal health status and oral hygiene were evaluated with the measures of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and total number of sites with a probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm. The clinical data collected in this study was analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test using SPSS 20.0 package program. RESULTS: The PI scores were found to be significantly higher in patients with pericoronitis (p < 0.05). Although the GI scores and PD scores were higher in patients with pericoronitis, the difference did not reach statistical significance when compared with those in healthy subjects (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings obtained in this study suggest that the amount of dental plaque was positively associated with third molar pericoronitis. Gingival and periodontal health conditions were similar between patients with and without pericoronitis. Improving oral hygiene and controlling dental plaque may help prevent third molar pericoronitis.

Multiple calcifying hyperplastic dental follicles: a major diagnostic consideration in multiple pericoronal lesions - report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Pericoronal radiolucent lesions are a common radiographic finding, but it is rare that they occur in multiple forms. Multiple calcifying hyperplastic dental follicles (MCHDF) are entities with few cases described to date; nevertheless, they appear to have a very particular phenotypic pattern. CASES PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 10-year-old male was evaluated radiographically, revealing four impacted canines, each accompanied by unilocular pericoronal radiolucency. Case 2: A 16-year-old male was planning orthodontic treatment; following his radiological evaluation all third molars were found to be accompanied with pericoronal radiolucencies. Enucleation, and third molar removal along with the pericoronal tissue were the respective treatments. Microscopically, in both cases, the specimens shown odontogenic epithelium, and type I and II calcifications in the hyperplastic follicles, all these characteristics were consistent with MCHDF. CONCLUSION: Although MCHDF are a rare entity, they must be considered in the differential diagnosis of multiple pericoronal lesions. Under the light of the current evidence, the histological findings may be relatively heterogeneous, but their integration with both the clinical data, which are apparently particular, and with the radiographic characteristics, can lead to a definitive diagnosis.

Root changes in buccal versus palatal maxillary impacted canines of adults: A longitudinal and retrospective 3-dimensional study before and after orthodontic traction.

OBJECTIVE: Maxillary impacted canines (MIC) could suffer root changes after canine traction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 3-dimensional root changes in buccal versus palatal MIC after orthodontic traction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal and retrospective study included pre-treatment and after traction cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCTs) of 30 subjects with unilateral/bilateral MIC. A total of 43 MIC were divided into 2 groups: buccal (n=17) or palatal (n=26). Root changes in length and area after orthodontic traction were measured at sagittal, coronal and axial sections. Intergroup comparison was carried out by t or U Mann-Whitney tests, depending on normality. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of all predictor variables on root changes (P<0.05). RESULTS: Significant difference between groups was found for root area changes in the upper limit of the cervical third at axial section that showed greater appositional values for the palatal impacted canine group (-1.18mm2) and resorptive values for the buccal impacted canine group (0.62mm2) (P=0.024). Position of impaction palatal influenced the increase of root area in the coronal section and in the upper limit of the cervical third at axial section. Age directly influenced the decrease of total length and root area in sagittal and coronal sections, respectively. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic traction of MIC produced an important appositional root change in the palatal impaction group in the axial root area of the upper limit of the cervical third. Impaction position and age influenced the increase and decrease of root area and length of some specific radicular regions.

Inter-premolar width changes related to the orthodontic traction of maxillary impacted canines in adolescents and young adults: A retrospective CBCT study.

OBJECTIVE: Maxillary canine impaction is directly associated with a narrow maxillary arch, mainly in the inter-premolar widths. This study compared the transverse changes at the level of maxillary premolars after traction of maxillary impacted canines (MICs) in adolescents and young adults through three main goals: to compare unilateral versus bilateral cases, to compare buccally versus palatally MIC cases, and to compare the affected versus non-affected side exclusively in the unilateral group. METHODS: This before and after CBCT study involved 45 MIC orthodontically tractioned until the occlusal plane with a standardized protocol. The sample was classified regarding the impaction type (unilateral versus bilateral), impaction location (palatal versus buccal) and the affected versus unaffected sides in the unilateral cases. MIC characteristics as impaction sector, height, and complexity of the traction, as well as α and ß angles, canine root length and area were measured. Moreover, cephalometric characteristics were also evaluated. Mann-Whitney U or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and multiple regressions were applied (α=0.05). RESULTS: Maxillary inter-premolar widths (first or second) expanded approximately 3mm after traction of unilateral or bilateral MIC (P>0.05). Changes in hemi-arch widths between palatal (1.67mm) versus buccal (1.90mm) MIC were similar (P>0.05). In unilateral impaction, the transversal changes on the affected side were 2mm versus almost 1mm observed in the unaffected side (P<0.05). Finally, the multiple linear regressions were identified to the ANB angle, the impaction sectors and the distance from middle raphe to the cusp tip of MIC as influential variables. CONCLUSION: The maxillary inter-premolar widths increase after traction of MIC without differences between type or location of impaction. In addition, the transverse change in the affected side in unilateral MIC is greater than the unaffected side resolving the earlier transverse asymmetry.

Bucco alveolar bone thickness of mandibular impacted third molars with different inclinations: a CBCT study.

PURPOSE: To compare the buccal alveolar bone thickness of mesioangulated mandibular impacted third molars (MITM) with buccal versus lingual inclination using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 69 individuals (39 women and 30 men) who presented a total of 101 mesioangulated MITM according to the Winter classification and in B position according to the Pell and Gregory classification. The average age was 22.99 ± 3.94 years. The superior, medial and inferior alveolar thickness regarding buccal (n = 44) or lingual (n = 57) mandibular third molar inclination were measured. T test or Mann-Whitney U test and finally, a multiple linear regression were applied (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The buccal alveolar bone thickness of mesioangulated mandibular impacted third molars was significantly greater in the group with lingual inclination compared to the group with buccal inclination, in the superior region (6.21 ± 3.27 vs. 4.85 ± 3.06; p = 0.036). The lingual inclination significantly influenced the buccal alveolar bone thickness in the middle region (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The mesioangulated MITM in B position with lingual inclination have a greater thickness of the superior and medial buccal alveolar bone than the MITM with buccal inclination. These results should be considered during MITM diagnosis and surgical planning.

Incidental findings in patients who underwent cone beam computed tomography for implant treatment planning.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the type, frequency, and location of incidental findings in the maxillofacial region in patients undergoing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for implant treatment.[5]. METHODS: In this study, 300 patients who underwent CBCT imaging for implant treatment planning were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated in four different categories, namely, maxillary sinus pathologies, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) findings, dentoalveolar findings, and soft-tissue calcifications. In maxillary sinus pathologies, we categorized patients by mucosal thickening, polypoidal lesion, air-liquid level, total opacification, oroantral fistula, periapical lesion related with maxillary sinus, antrolith, hypoplasia, and foreign body presence. In the TMJ findings category, we evaluated patients for erosion, osteophyte, sclerosis, flattening, and bifid condyle. For dentoalveolar findings, we looked for the residual root and impacted tooth. In soft-tissue calcifications, we examined patients for tonsillolith, sialolith, lymph node calcification, styloid ligament calcification, carotid artery calcifications, and osteoma cutis. RESULTS: Mucosal thickening was mostly seen in maxillary sinus pathology. One hundred and forty-eight (49.3%) of the patients had at least one TMJ incidental finding. We detected at least one impacted tooth in 17 (5.7%) patients' maxilla and 14 (4.7%) patients' mandibles. The most frequently seen calcification was styloid ligament calcification. There was no statistically significant relationship between the age groups and incidental findings (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral radiologists should be aware of incidental findings and evaluate the possibilities of underlying diseases in a comprehensive way, and if there is a concern about the finding, they should refer the patient to the relevant specialist.

Sella turcica and craniofacial morphology in patients with palatally displaced canines: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the sella and craniofacial morphological features in growing patients with palatally displaced canines compared to controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two subjects with palatally displaced canines were retrospectively selected and compared to 22 controls matched for age and gender. Lateral cephalograms were collected and sagittal and vertical cephalometric variables were measured, together with sella interclinoid distance, sella depth, and sella diameter. The independent samples T-test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare all the variables between the two groups. A Pearson correlation was computed for the craniofacial and sella variables that differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the groups. RESULTS: Patients with palatally displaced canines showed a smaller interclinoid distance and a greater SNA angle than control subjects. The interclinoid distance and the SNA angle were negatively correlated (-0.52, p = 0.017) in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Growing patients with palatally displaced canines had smaller sella interclinoid distances and a greater SNA angle than control subjects.