Relation between Condyle Horizontal Angle and Intercondylar Angle with Disc Displacement in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: An MRI Evaluation.

Background: Internal derangement (ID) is the most common cause of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and extensively affects the articular disc function. The anterior disc displacement is among the most important findings in ID. Knowledge about the etiology of this condition is imperative, and the role of structural parameters in the development of TMDs has not been well evaluated. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between condylar angulation and intercondylar angle with anterior disc displacement in patients with TMD using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: This case-control study evaluated 31 temporomandibular joints with internal derangement and 57 normal joints. The data retrieved from MRI included disc position in the open mouth (normal, anterior disc displacement with a reduction (DDWR) and without reduction (DDWOR), and posterior displacement (PD)), horizontal condylar angle categorized as normal (10 to 30° angle) and abnormal (<10° and >30°), and intercondylar angle. Chi-square test, T-test, and Fisher's exact were done to assess the relationship between horizontal condylar angle and intercondylar angle in patients with TMDs with DDWR and DDWOR compared with the control group. Results: Patients with DDWR and DDWOR had higher odds of abnormal horizontal condylar angle, particularly >30° angle, which was a significant correlation (odds ratio of 0.19 and 8.3, respectively). The intercondylar angle in the patients with disc displacement was significantly smaller compared to the control group. Conclusion: Disc displacement was correlated with abnormal horizontal angle (particularly < 30) and smaller intercondylar angle compared with the control group.

Federated vs Local vs Central Deep Learning of Tooth Segmentation on Panoramic Radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: Federated Learning (FL) enables collaborative training of artificial intelligence (AI) models from multiple data sources without directly sharing data. Due to the large amount of sensitive data in dentistry, FL may be particularly relevant for oral and dental research and applications. This study, for the first time, employed FL for a dental task, automated tooth segmentation on panoramic radiographs. METHODS: We employed a dataset of 4,177 panoramic radiographs collected from nine different centers (n = 143 to n = 1881 per center) across the globe and used FL to train a machine learning model for tooth segmentation. FL performance was compared against Local Learning (LL), i.e., training models on isolated data from each center (assuming data sharing not to be an option). Further, the performance gap to Central Learning (CL), i.e., training on centrally pooled data (based on data sharing agreements) was quantified. Generalizability of models was evaluated on a pooled test dataset from all centers. RESULTS: For 8 out of 9 centers, FL outperformed LL with statistical significance (p<0.05); only the center providing the largest amount of data FL did not have such an advantage. For generalizability, FL outperformed LL across all centers. CL surpassed both FL and LL for performance and generalizability. CONCLUSION: If data pooling (for CL) is not feasible, FL is shown to be a useful alternative to train performant and, more importantly, generalizable deep learning models in dentistry, where data protection barriers are high. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study proves the validity and utility of FL in the field of dentistry, which encourages researchers to adopt this method to improve the generalizability of dental AI models and ease their transition to the clinical environment.

Deep learning for tooth identification and enumeration in panoramic radiographs.

Background: Dentists begin the diagnosis by identifying and enumerating teeth. Panoramic radiographs are widely used for tooth identification due to their large field of view and low exposure dose. The automatic numbering of teeth in panoramic radiographs can assist clinicians in avoiding errors. Deep learning has emerged as a promising tool for automating tasks. Our goal is to evaluate the accuracy of a two-step deep learning method for tooth identification and enumeration in panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, 1007 panoramic radiographs were labeled by three experienced dentists. It involved drawing bounding boxes in two distinct ways: one for teeth and one for quadrants. All images were preprocessed using the contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization method. First, panoramic images were allocated to a quadrant detection model, and the outputs of this model were provided to the tooth numbering models. A faster region-based convolutional neural network model was used in each step. Results: Average precision (AP) was calculated in different intersection-over-union thresholds. The AP50 of quadrant detection and tooth enumeration was 100% and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: We have obtained promising results with a high level of AP using our two-step deep learning framework for automatic tooth enumeration on panoramic radiographs. Further research should be conducted on diverse datasets and real-life situations.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite with leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin for bone regeneration in sheep model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/hydroxyapatite (MWCNT/HA) granules with or without leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) on bone regeneration in cancellous bone of sheep model. METHODS: Totally, 32 cylindrical holes were drilled in female sheep (n = 4) in the distal epiphysis and proximal metaphysis of right and left humerus and femur. The defects were randomly filled with (1) MWCNT/HA, (2) MWCNT/HA mixed with L-PRF, (3) L-PRF, and (4) left empty as control. After 8 weeks, defects were evaluated and compared radiographically using multi-slice computed tomographic (CT) scan and cone beam CT scans, histologically and histomorphometrically. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no significant inflammation (> 10%) or foreign body reaction around the granules. The new lamellar bone was regenerated around the MWCNT/HA nanocomposite granules. Addition of L-PRF to MWCNT/HA demonstrated significantly improvement of new bone formation, about 27.40 ± 1.08%, in comparison with the L-PRF alone, about (12.16 ± 1.46%) (P < 0.01). Also, the rate of new bone formation was significantly greater with the use of MWCNT/HA granules (24.59 ± 1.54%) compared to the control (10.36 ± 1.17%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Consequently, both biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of MWCNT/HA nanocomposite were demonstrated in the preclinical sheep model, and the use of L-PRF in combination with MWCNT/HA nanocomposite can improve bone regeneration.

Correlation between the upper airway volume and the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, nasal septum deviation, and concha bullosa in different types of malocclusion: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The upper airway volume is among the factors that affect orthodontic treatment plans. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), as an accurate diagnostic modality, can help assess anatomical structures associated with the upper airway volume. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to use CBCT to determine if there are differences in the upper airway volume between different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, considering the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, nasal septum deviation (NSD), and concha bullosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From among 105 initial CBCT samples retrieved from the archive of a private radiology clinic in Tehran, Iran, 90 CBCT scans of 27 males and 63 females aged 17-65 years were considered in the study according to the inclusion criteria. The upper airway volume was assessed with regard to Angle's classification (using the A point-nasion-B point angle (ANB)), the vertical skeletal dimension (using the sella-nasion plane to mandibular plane angle (SN-MP)), the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, NSD, and concha bullosa, using CBCT and the NNT ® software. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Levene's test and the t test were used to analyze the data with the SPSS Statistics for Windows software, v. 17.0. RESULTS: The upper airway volume was significantly smaller in long-face cases (p = 0.037). There was no significant correlation between the upper airway volume and Angle's classification, the hyoid bone position, palatal depth, NSD, and concha bullosa. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical skeletal dimension was the only parameter that was related to the upper airway volume. The results of this study can be considered while preparing orthodontic treatment plans.

Can gray values derived from CT and cone beam CT estimate new bone formation? An in vivo study.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to investigate whether Hounsfield unit derived from computed tomography (HU/CT) and gray value derived from cone beam computed tomography (GV/CBCT) can predict the amount of new bone formation (NBF) in the defects after bone reconstruction surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty calvaria defects created in 5 rabbits and grafted with both radiolucent (RL, n = 15) and radiopaque (RO, n = 15) bone substitute materials were evaluated, 8 weeks postoperatively. The defects were scanned by multislice computed tomography (Somatom®, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) and CBCT (NewTom VG®, Qualitative Radiology, Verona, Italy). MSCT and CBCT scans were matched to select the exact region of interest (ROI, diameter = 5 mm and height = 1 mm). HU/CT and GV/CBCT of each ROI were obtained. Mean amount of NBF in whole of the defects was measured using serial histomorphometric assessment. We investigated the correlation between HU/CT and GV/CBCT, HU/CT and NBF, and GV/CBCT and NBF generally, and separately among the RL or RO grafted defects, by linear generalized estimating equation modeling. Receiver operation characteristic analysis was performed to check the accuracy of HU/CT and GV/CBCT in diagnosing more than 10% NBF in the samples. RESULTS: There were linear correlations between HU/CT and GV/CBCT, HU/CT and NBF, and GV/CBCT and NBF. CONCLUSION: According to the results, both HU/CT and GV/CBCT can be considered as fairly good predictors for assessment of the amount of NBF following bone reconstruction surgeries.

An In vitro Comparison of Apically Extruded Debris Using Reciproc, ProTaper Universal, Neolix and Hyflex in Curved Canals.

INTRODUCTION: As a consequence of root canal preparation, dentinal chips, irrigants and pulp remnants are extruded into preradicular space. This phenomenon may lead to post endodontic flare-ups. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of extruded debris with four endodontic NiTi engine-driven systems. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty mesiobuccal roots of maxillary molars with 15-30˚ curvature were divided randomly into four groups (n=15). Each group was instrumented up to apical size of 25 using Reciproc, ProTaper Universal, Neolix and Hyflex. Bidistilled water was used as irrigant and extruded debris was collected in pre-weighted Eppendorf tubes. Tubes were stored in incubator for drying the debris. Extruded debris were weighted in electronic microbalance with accuracy of 0.0001 g. The raw data was analyzed with one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. Level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The debris extrusion with Reciproc files was significantly higher than the other groups (P<0.05). Hyflex significantly extruded less debris than other files (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between ProTaper Universal and Neolix regarding the amount of extruded debris (P=0.98). CONCLUSION: All systems extruded debris during the instrumentation. Reciproc system significantly extruded more debris. Caution should be taken when interpreting the results of this study and applying it to the real clinical situation.

Prevalence and location of the posterior superior alveolar artery using cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Insufficient knowledge of the anatomy of the maxillary sinuses prior to sinus graft surgery may lead to perioperative or postoperative complications. This study sought to characterize the position of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) within the maxillary sinuses using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 patients with edentulous posterior maxillae, including 138 females and 162 males with an age range of 33-86 years, who presented to a radiology clinic between 2013 and 2015 were enrolled in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The distance from the inferior border of the PSAA to the alveolar crest according to the residual ridge classification by Lekholm and Zarb, the distance from the PSAA to the nasal septum and zygomatic arch, and the diameter and position of the PSAA were all assessed on patients' CBCT scans. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and the t-test. RESULTS: The PSAA was detected on the CBCT scans of 87% of the patients; it was located beneath the sinus membrane in 47% of cases and was intraosseous in 47% of cases. The diameter of the artery was between 1 and 2 mm in most patients (72%). The mean diameter of the artery was 1.29±0.39 mm, and the mean distances from the PSAA to the zygomatic arch, nasal septum, and alveolar crest were 22.59±4.89 mm, 26.51±3.52 mm, and 16.7±3.96 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The likelihood of detecting the PSAA on CBCT scans is high; its location is intraosseous or beneath the sinus membrane in most patients. Determining the exact location of the PSAA on CBCT scans preoperatively can help prevent it from being damaged during surgery.

Facial Growth Patterns and Insertion Sites of Miniscrew Implants.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the associations between the craniofacial growth pattern with interradicular distances (IRDs), cortical widths (CWs), and jaw heights (JHs). Also, we mapped safe zones for miniscrew implantation. METHODS: Cone-beam computerized tomography data pertaining to 60 Class-I patients were divided into 3 growth groups: normal, horizontal, and vertical. IRDs and CWs were measured for bimaxillary canines to second molars, on buccal and lingual sides, at 3 transverse planes (1, 3, and 5 mm apically to the alveolar crest). JHs were measured in both jaws, between canines and second molars. The role of growth patterns and other variables were analyzed; also, safe zones were mapped with statistical substantiation. RESULTS: IRDs were greater in the mandible, males, at points more distant from the ridge crest, and on the lingual side. Cortexes were thicker in the horizontal growth pattern, mandible, males, older patients, and lingual sides. JHs were greater in vertical growth pattern, mandible, and males. CONCLUSIONS: The cortex might be thicker in patients with a horizontal growth pattern. The height might be greater in vertical growth pattern. IRDs might not be affected by growth pattern.

An in vitro comparison of diagnostic accuracy of cone beam computed tomography and phosphor storage plate to detect simulated occlusal secondary caries under amalgam restoration.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with phosphor storage plate (PSP) in detection of simulated occlusal secondary caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro descriptive-comparative study, a total of 80 slots of class I cavities were prepared on 80 extracted human premolars. Then, 40 teeth were randomly selected out of this sample and artificial carious lesions were created on these teeth by a round diamond bur no. 1/2. All 80 teeth were restored with amalgam fillings and radiographs were taken, both with PSP system and CBCT. All images were evaluated by three calibrated observers. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two systems. SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was adopted for statistical analysis. The difference between Az value of bitewing and CBCT methods were compared by pairwise comparison method. The inter- and intra-operator agreement was assessed by kappa analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The mean Az value for bitewings and CBCT was 0.903 and 0.994, respectively. Significant differences were found between PSP and CBCT (P = 0.010). The kappa value for inter-observer agreement was 0.68 and 0.76 for PSP and CBCT, respectively. The kappa value for intra-observer agreement was 0.698 (observer 1, P = 0.000), 0.766 (observer 2, P = 0.000) and 0.716 (observer 3, P = 0.000) in PSP method, and 0.816 (observer 1, P = 0.000), 0.653 (observer 2, P = 0.000) and 0.744 (observer 3, P = 0.000) in CBCT method. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study, with a limited number of samples, showed that the New Tom VGI Flex CBCT system was more accurate than the PSP in detecting the simulated small secondary occlusal caries under amalgam restoration.

Canal transportation and centering ability of twisted file and reciproc: a cone-beam computed tomography assessment.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the canal transportation and centering ability of Twisted File (TF) to that of Reciproc system. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty noncalcified roots with mature apices, minimum length of 19 mm and an apical curvature of 15-30 degrees (according to Schneider's method), from freshly extracted mandibular and maxillary teeth, were selected for this study. Samples were randomly divided into two groups (n=20) and canal preparation with either TF or Reciproc was performed according to manufacturers' instruction. Pre- and post-instrumentation cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were captured and the extent of canal transportation and centering ability of the files were calculated, using the NNT Viewer software and Photoshop CS5, at levels of 3, 4, and 5 mm from the apex. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the statistical significance between the two groups. RESULTS: One fracture occurred in the TF group. TF produced more transportation than Reciproc in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions; however, the difference between the two systems were not statistically significant except for the TF group at 5-mm distance from the working length, where the difference was significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both file systems were able keep the original curvature of the canal and thus can be considered safe for clinical application.

Effect of titanium and stainless steel posts in detection of vertical root fractures using NewTom VG cone beam computed tomography system.

PURPOSE: Vertical root fracture (VRF) is a common complication in endodontically treated teeth. Considering the poor prognosis of VRF, a reliable and valid detection method is necessary. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been reported to be a reliable tool for the detection of VRF; however, the presence of metallic intracanal posts can decrease the diagnostic values of CBCT systems. This study evaluated and compared the effects of intracanal stainless steel or titanium posts on the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VRF detection using a NewTom VG CBCT system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty extracted single-rooted teeth were selected and sectioned at the cemento-enamel junction. The roots were divided into two groups of 40. Root fracture was induced in the test group by using an Instron machine, while the control group was kept intact. Roots were randomly embedded in acrylic blocks and radiographed with the NewTom VG, both with titanium and stainless steel posts and also without posts. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values were calculated as compared to the gold standard. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VRF diagnosis were significantly lower in teeth with stainless steel and titanium posts than in those without posts. Interobserver agreement was the highest in teeth without posts, followed by stainless steel posts, and then titanium posts. CONCLUSION: Intracanal posts significantly decreased the VRF diagnostic values of CBCT. The stainless steel posts decreased the diagnostic values more than the titanium posts.

Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Assessment of Canal Centering Ability and Transportation after Preparation with Twisted File and Bio RaCe Instrumentation.

OBJECTIVE: Use of rotary Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) instruments for endodontic preparation has introduced a new era in endodontic practice, but this issue has undergone dramatic modifications in order to achieve improved shaping abilities. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has made it possible to accurately evaluate geometrical changes following canal preparation. This study was carried out to compare canal centering ability and transportation of Twisted File and BioRaCe rotary systems by means of cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty root canals from freshly extracted mandibular and maxillary teeth were selected. Teeth were mounted and scanned before and after preparation by CBCT at different apical levels. Specimens were divided into 2 groups of 15. In the first group Twisted File and in the second, BioRaCe was used for canal preparation. Canal transportation and centering ability after preparation were assessed by NNT Viewer and Photoshop CS4 software. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: All samples showed deviations from the original axes of the canals. No significant differences were detected between the two rotary NiTi instruments for canal centering ability in all sections. Regarding canal transportation however, a significant difference was seen in the BioRaCe group at 7.5mm from the apex. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this in vitro study, Twisted File and BioRaCe rotary NiTi files retained original canal geometry.

Temperature Increase during Different Post Space Preparation Systems: An In Vitro Study.

UNLABELLED:   INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate external root surface temperature rise during post space preparation using LA Axxess bur, Beefill pack System, and Peeso Reamer drill. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distal canals of forty-five extracted human permanent mandibular first molars were instrumented in crown-apical manner and obturated with lateral condensation technique. Teeth were then randomly divided into three groups according to post space preparation technique including: group 1. LA Axxess bur (Sybronendo Co., CA, USA), group 2 Beefill pack System (VD W Co., Munich, Germany) and group 3 Peeso Reamer drill (Mani Co., Tochigi-ken, Japan). Temperature was measured by means of digital thermometer MT-405 (Comercio Co., Sao Paulo, Brazil) which was installed on the root surfaces. Data was collected and submitted to one-way ANOVA and Post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Root surface temperatures were found to be significantly higher (7.3±2.7 vs. 4.3±2.1 and 4±2.4,) in samples of Beefill pack System compared with the two other groups (P<0.02). CONCLUSION: Using Beefill pack System during post space preparation may be potentially hazardous for periodontal tissues.