Challenges of a two-phase orthodontic treatment of a mandibular lateral incisor-canine transposition and a maxillary palatally displaced canine: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The management of eruption disturbances in orthodontics may be challenging and requires a careful diagnosis and treatment planning. This case report discusses the challenges of a two-phase orthodontic treatment of a patient presenting with a dental eruption pattern anomaly. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 10-year-old boy was presented with no complaints for a routine orthodontic evaluation during mixed dentition. PRIMARY DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with a skeletal Class I malocclusion with unilateral posterior crossbite, incomplete mandibular lateral incisor-canine transposition and a unilateral maxillary ectopic canine. INTERVENTIONS: Phase 1 started with rapid maxillary expansion to correct maxillary constriction and the ectopic eruption of the right maxillary canine. In the mandibular arch, phase 1 included the extraction of the left primary lateral incisor and canine, alignment of the left permanent lateral incisor and orthodontic traction of the left permanent canine. The duration of phase 1 was 14 months. Phase 2 involved a comprehensive course of orthodontic treatment and started when the patient was aged 13 years. This phase lasted 18 months. RESULTS: An adequate dental occlusion was obtained, and the treatment results were stable after an 18-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this case, the early diagnosis of the dental anomalies was valuable as it allowed an early intervention to be undertaken, which resulted in overall treatment simplification and potentially minimised the adverse effects. This case report reinforces the importance of a careful follow-up during mixed dentition.

Accuracy of artificial intelligence for tooth extraction decision-making in orthodontics: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) for orthodontic tooth extraction decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, LIVIVO, Computers & Applied Science, ACM Digital Library, Compendex, and gray literature (OpenGrey, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were electronically searched. Three independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted and analyzed the data. Risk of bias, methodological quality, and certainty of evidence were assessed by QUADAS-2, checklist for AI research, and GRADE, respectively. RESULTS: The search identified 1810 studies. After 2 phases of selection, six studies were included, showing an unclear risk of bias of patient selection. Two studies showed a high risk of bias in the index test, while two others presented an unclear risk of bias in the diagnostic test. Data were pooled in a random model and yielded an accuracy value of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.75-0.96) for all studies, 0.89 (95% CI = 0.70-1.00) for multilayer perceptron, and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.73-0.98) for back propagation models. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the multilayer perceptron model yielded 0.84 (95% CI = 0.58-1.00), 0.89 (95% CI = 0.74-0.98), and 0.92 (95% CI = 0.72-1.00) scores, respectively. Sagittal discrepancy, upper crowding, and protrusion showed the highest ranks weighted in the models. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic tooth extraction decision-making using AI presented promising accuracy but should be considered with caution due to the very low certainty of evidence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AI models for tooth extraction decision in orthodontics cannot yet be considered a substitute for a final human decision.

Efficacy of two low-level laser therapy protocols following lower third molar surgery - a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to test two low-level laser therapy protocols by evaluating pain control, swelling and trismus in the postoperative period of lower third molar surgeries. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Patients presenting two symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars were included. One side was randomly assigned for LLLT applied immediately after surgery (T1) and then after 24 (T2) and 48 hours (T3) (Protocol A). The other side received LLLT applied immediately after surgery and placebo after 24 and 48 hours (Protocol B). LLLT was given by intraoral application (660nm, 5 J/cm2, 10 s, 20 mW, 4 points) followed by extraoral application (789 nm, 30 J/cm2, 20 s, 60 mW, 8 points). The placebo application was similar to that of the experimental side but with laser simulation. The primary outcomes were pain control, swelling and trismus intensity at T1, T2, T3 and 7 days after surgery (T4). Data were analyzedbyANOVArepeated measures and Wilcoxon test (p<.05). The final sample consisted of 21 patients (42 teeth). There were no statistical differences for pain level between protocols A and B over time (p= .909), although the amount of analgesic medication was lower with protocol A at T2 (p=.022). There were no differences in swelling (p=.958) or trismus (p=.837) between the protocols used over time. Both protocols performed similarly for pain control, swelling and trismus. Therefore, for practical reasons, a single laser application in the immediate postoperative period could be indicated for the management of postoperative discomfort in lower third molar surgery.

O objetivo deste estudo foi testar dois protocolos de terapia com laser de baixa intensidade (LBI) para controle da dor, edema e trismo no período pós-operatório de cirurgias de terceiro molar inferior. Neste estudo randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado, de boca dividida foram incluídos pacientes que apresentavam os terceiros molares inferiores simetricamente. Um lado foi aleatoriamente designado para receber LBI aplicada imediatamente após a cirurgia (T1) e após 24 (T2) e 48 (T3) horas (Protocolo A). O lado oposto recebeu LBI imediatamente após a cirurgia e placebo após 24 e 48 horas (Protocolo B). A aplicação de LBI foi realizada intraoralmente (660nm, 5 J/cm2, 10 s, 20 mW, 4 pontos), seguida pela aplicação extraoral (789 nm, 30 J/cm2, 20 s, 60 mW, 8 pontos). O efeito do placebo foi similar ao experimental. Os desfechos primários eram dor, edema e intensidade do trismo nos tempos T1, T2, T3 e 7 após a cirurgia (T4). Os dados foram analisadosporANOVA e teste deWilcoxon (p<.05). A amostra final consistiu de 21 pacientes (43 dentes). Não houve diferença estatística para o nível de dor entre os protocolos A e B ao longo do tempo (p=.909), embora a quantidade de medicação analgésica tenha sido menor com o protocolo A em T2 (p= .022). Não houve diferença para edema (p=.958) ou trismo (p=.837) entre os protocolos ao longo do tempo. Em conclusão, a aplicação de LBI imediatamente após a cirurgia e após 24 e 48 horas (Protocolo A) apresenta melhor resultado para controle da dor. Ambos os protocolos foram similares para dor, edema e trismo. Portanto, por razões de praticidade, uma aplicação única de laser imediatamente após a cirurgia pode estar indicada para o manejo do desconforto pós-operatório em cirurgias de terceiros molares inferiores.

Efficacy of two low-level laser therapy protocols following lower third molar surgery - a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial / Eficácia de dois protocolos de terapia a laser de baixa intensidade após cirurgia de terceiros molares inferiores - ensaio clínico duplo-cego, randomizado

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to test two low-level laser therapy protocols by evaluating pain control, swelling and trismus in the postoperative period of lower third molar surgeries. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Patients presenting two symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars were included. One side was randomly assigned for LLLT applied immediately after surgery (T1) and then after 24 (T2) and 48 hours (T3) (Protocol A). The other side received LLLT applied immediately after surgery and placebo after 24 and 48 hours (Protocol B). LLLT was given by intraoral application (660nm, 5 J/cm2, 10 s, 20 mW, 4 points) followed by extraoral application (789 nm, 30 J/cm2, 20 s, 60 mW, 8 points). The placebo application was similar to that of the experimental side but with laser simulation. The primary outcomes were pain control, swelling and trismus intensity at T1, T2, T3 and 7 days after surgery (T4). Data were analyzed by ANOVA repeated measures and Wilcoxon test (p<.05). The final sample consisted of 21 patients (42 teeth). There were no statistical differences for pain level between protocols A and B over time (p= .909), although the amount of analgesic medication was lower with protocol A at T2 (p=.022). There were no differences in swelling (p=.958) or trismus (p=.837) between the protocols used over time. Both protocols performed similarly for pain control, swelling and trismus. Therefore, for practical reasons, a single laser application in the immediate postoperative period could be indicated for the management of postoperative discomfort in lower third molar surgery.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi testar dois protocolos de terapia com laser de baixa intensidade (LBI) para controle da dor, edema e trismo no período pós-operatório de cirurgias de terceiro molar inferior. Neste estudo randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado, de boca dividida foram incluídos pacientes que apresentavam os terceiros molares inferiores simetricamente. Um lado foi aleatoriamente designado para receber LBI aplicada imediatamente após a cirurgia (T1) e após 24 (T2) e 48 (T3) horas (Protocolo A). O lado oposto recebeu LBI imediatamente após a cirurgia e placebo após 24 e 48 horas (Protocolo B). A aplicação de LBI foi realizada intraoralmente (660nm, 5 J/cm2, 10 s, 20 mW, 4 pontos), seguida pela aplicação extraoral (789 nm, 30 J/cm2, 20 s, 60 mW, 8 pontos). O efeito do placebo foi similar ao experimental. Os desfechos primários eram dor, edema e intensidade do trismo nos tempos T1, T2, T3 e 7 após a cirurgia (T4). Os dados foram analisados por ANOVA e teste de Wilcoxon (p<.05). A amostra final consistiu de 21 pacientes (43 dentes). Não houve diferença estatística para o nível de dor entre os protocolos A e B ao longo do tempo (p=.909), embora a quantidade de medicação analgésica tenha sido menor com o protocolo A em T2 (p= .022). Não houve diferença para edema (p=.958) ou trismo (p=.837) entre os protocolos ao longo do tempo. Em conclusão, a aplicação de LBI imediatamente após a cirurgia e após 24 e 48 horas (Protocolo A) apresenta melhor resultado para controle da dor. Ambos os protocolos foram similares para dor, edema e trismo. Portanto, por razões de praticidade, uma aplicação única de laser imediatamente após a cirurgia pode estar indicada para o manejo do desconforto pós-operatório em cirurgias de terceiros molares inferiores.

Prevalence of Bruxism in Brazilian Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The prevalence of bruxism in children varies considerably. The purpose of this study was to synthesize evidence of the prevalence of bruxism in Brazilian children and consider how proportions differ between genders, assessment approaches, and geographical regions. Methods: A search was conducted using five databases and in gray literature. Two independent investigators selected the studies and extracted data. The risk of bias was assessed via the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for studies on prevalence. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: Twenty-two cross-sectional studies were included after a two-step selection. Overall, 13,076 children from all regions of the country were assessed. The risk of bias ranged from high to low. Data were pooled in a random-effect model and resulted in an overall prevalence of sleep and awake bruxism of 25.8 percent (95 percent confidence interval [95% CI] equals 22.2 to 29.4; I2 equals 96 percent; prediction interval equals 0.07 to 0.44) and 20.1 percent (95% CI equals 18.0 to 22.3; I2 equals 30 percent; prediction interval equals 0.18 to 0.22), respectively. Subgroup and sensibility analysis showed distribution similarity between genders (P=0.96), assessment approaches (P=0.88), and geographical regions (P=0.44). Conclusions: "Possible" and "probable" sleep bruxism affects one in four Brazilian children, and there is evidence with a low level of certainty that its prevalence does not vary between genders, assessment approaches, or geographical regions. The distribution of bruxism is still an unknown subject and presumably occurs because of individual rather than regional or collective factors.

Complications in intraoral versus external approach for surgical treatment of Eagle syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The surgical treatment of Eagle syndrome involves an intra- or extraoral approach. This systematic review set out to consolidate current knowledge on the prevalence of complications associated with intraoral and external approaches. METHODS: Seven main electronic and two gray literature databases were searched. Studies were blindly selected by two reviewers based on pre-defined eligibility criteria. Studies evaluating any type of complication in the treatment of Eagle syndrome were considered eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for studies reporting prevalence data, case reports, and case series. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Software version 3.0 - Biostat, Englewood, NJ, USA) was used to perform all meta-analyses. RESULTS: Out of 1728 articles found on all databases, 36 were included for qualitative analysis. Twenty were included for quantitative analysis and meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: In this study, the highest rate of complications was found in the intraoral approach.

Prevalence of mandibular asymmetry in different skeletal sagittal patterns.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the prevalence of mandibular asymmetry in skeletal sagittal malocclusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, LIVIVO and gray literature (OpenGrey, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were electronically searched. Two independent investigators selected the eligible studies, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence (GRADE). One reviewer independently extracted the data and the second reviewer checked this information. Any disagreement between the reviewers in each phase was resolved by discussion between them and/or involved a third reviewer for final decision. RESULTS: Electronic search identified 5,132 studies, and 5 observational studies were included. Risk of bias was low in two studies, moderate in one, and high in two. The studies showed high heterogeneity. Mandibular asymmetry ranged from 17.43% to 72.95% in overall samples. Horizontal chin deviation showed a prevalence of 17.66% to 55.6% asymmetry in Class I malocclusions, and 68.98% in vertical asymmetry index. In Class II patients, prevalence of mandibular asymmetry varied from 10% to 25.5% in horizontal chin deviation, and 71.7% in vertical asymmetry index. The Class III sample showed a prevalence of mandibular asymmetry ranging from 22.93% to 78% in horizontal chin deviation and 80.4% in vertical asymmetry index. Patients seeking orthodontic or orthognathic surgery treatment showed greater prevalence of mandibular asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal Class III malocclusion showed the greatest prevalence of mandibular asymmetry. Mandibular vertical asymmetry showed a marked prevalence in all malocclusions. However, conclusions should be interpreted with caution due to use of convenience samples and low-quality study outcomes.

Orthodontists' criteria for prescribing cone-beam computed tomography-a multi-country survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe and compare CBCT imaging prescription in clinical practice among orthodontists from five countries in Europe and America. Additionally, it investigated factors associated with the prescribing and the use of guidelines for CBCT imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using an online questionnaire sent to all registered orthodontists in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Romania, and the United States of America (USA). The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and Poisson regression. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 1284 participants. CBCT was prescribed by 84.4% of the participants for selected cases (84.9%), mainly for impacted teeth (92.4%), presurgical planning (54.1%), and root resorption (51.9%). High cost was most frequently the limiting factor for CBCT prescription (55.4%). Only 45.2% of those who were using CBCT imaging reported adhering to guidelines. CBCT imaging prescription was associated with the orthodontists' countries (p < .009, except for Belgium, p = .068), while the use of guidelines was associated with the respondents' country and additional training on CBCT imaging (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists refer patients for CBCT for selected indications (impacted teeth, root resorption, presurgical planning, dentofacial deformities, as suggested by the international guidelines, and also for upper airway and temporomandibular joint evaluation). Many do not adhere to specific guidelines. There are substantial variations between the countries about the orthodontists' referral for CBCT and guideline usage, irrespective of gender. CBCT prescription may be limited by financial barriers, adhering to specific guidelines and prior CBCT training. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CBCT prescription among orthodontists must be based on prescription criteria and current guidelines. It is advised to improve CBCT education and training to enhance CBCT selection, referral, analysis, and interpretation in orthodontic practice.

Automatic Segmentation of Mandibular Ramus and Condyles.

In order to diagnose TMJ pathologies, we developed and tested a novel algorithm, MandSeg, that combines image processing and machine learning approaches for automatically segmenting the mandibular condyles and ramus. A deep neural network based on the U-Net architecture was trained for this task, using 109 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The ground truth label maps were manually segmented by clinicians. The U-Net takes 2D slices extracted from the 3D volumetric images. All the 3D scans were cropped depending on their size in order to keep only the mandibular region of interest. The same anatomic cropping region was used for every scan in the dataset. The scans were acquired at different centers with different resolutions. Therefore, we resized all scans to 512×512 in the pre-processing step where we also performed contrast adjustment as the original scans had low contrast. After the pre-processing, around 350 slices were extracted from each scan, and used to train the U-Net model. For the cross-validation, the dataset was divided into 10 folds. The training was performed with 60 epochs, a batch size of 8 and a learning rate of 2×10-5. The average performance of the models on the test set presented 0.95 ± 0.05 AUC, 0.93 ± 0.06 sensitivity, 0.9998 ± 0.0001 specificity, 0.9996 ± 0.0003 accuracy, and 0.91 ± 0.03 F1 score. This study findings suggest that fast and efficient CBCT image segmentation of the mandibular condyles and ramus from different clinical data sets and centers can be analyzed effectively. Future studies can now extract radiomic and imaging features as potentially relevant objective diagnostic criteria for TMJ pathologies, such as osteoarthritis (OA). The proposed segmentation will allow large datasets to be analyzed more efficiently for disease classification.

Is Zirconia Better Than Titanium Abutments for Soft Tissue Color? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Spectrophotometric Evaluation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of zirconia and titanium as abutment materials on peri-implant soft tissue color. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The searched electronic databases included MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and LIVIVO. Two types of studies were included: randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) that compared zirconia (Zr) and titanium (Ti) abutments. The outcomes measured were as follows: implant crown esthetic index, visual analog scale, esthetic index, gingiva discoloration index-spectrophotometry, papilla index, recession index, and pink esthetic score. Two reviewers selected the records, assessed quality, and extracted data of included studies independently. RESULTS: A total of 323 patients enrolled in 13 studies were included in this analysis with 11 RCTs and 2 CCTs. Due to the wide variety of methodologies used, meta-analysis was only possible for RCTs that performed spectrophotometric analysis. The use of zirconia or titanium for implant abutments does not seem to be the principal factor for influencing peri-implant soft tissue color. The meta-analysis showed no difference between zirconia and titanium abutments. CONCLUSION: This study does not support any better advantage of the use of zirconia in comparison to the use of titanium related to peri-implant tissue color.

Factors associated with the morphology of the mandibular symphysis and soft tissue chin.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (I) assess the morphology of the symphysis and soft tissue chin associated with sex, age and sagittal/vertical skeletal patterns, and (II) identify the individual and combined contributions of these variables to different portions of the symphysis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 195 lateral cephalometric radiographs from untreated adults. Alveolar, basal, and soft tissue of the symphysis were measured by an X/Y cranial base coordinate system, and divided in accordance to four predictor variables: sex, age, and sagittal/vertical skeletal patterns. Parametric tests were conducted for comparison and correlation purposes, while multiple regression analysis was performed to explore combined interactions. RESULTS: Alveolar inclination is related to sagittal and vertical patterns, and both explained 71.4% of the variations. Alveolar thickness is weakly predicted and poorly influenced by age. Symphysis height was 10% higher in males, and associated with a vertical skeletal pattern and sex, and both explained 43.6% of variations. Basal symphyseal shows an individual thickness, is larger in males, and vertically short-positioned with age. Soft tissue chin is not necessarily related to the size of the underling skeletal pattern, and enlarges with age, even in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: The symphysis and surrounding tissues are influenced by sex, age, and sagittal and vertical patterns, acting differently on the alveolar, basal and soft tissue portions. Sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns are the strongest association on alveolar symphysis inclination, whereas sex and age acts on the vertical symphysis position and soft tissues thickness.

Prevalence of cleft lip and palate and associated factors in Brazil's Midwest: a single-center study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and associated factors in patients treated at a referral service in Brazil's Midwest. Data were obtained from medical records on file between 2010 and 2017 for this epidemiologic and associational study. A descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic and clinical data was carried out, after which the data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance. A total of 1,696 medical records were eligible. The requests for rehabilitation were mainly for children in the early years of life, and were mostly for patients from low-income families in the state of Goiás. CL/P was more prevalent in its most severe morphological representation (cleft lip and palate), and the most frequently affected side was the left. Syndromic cleft was present in 4.1% of the cases, and the Pierre Robin sequence and Apert syndrome appeared more frequently. Adjusted multivariate Poisson regression showed an association between cleft palate and the presence of syndromes, since the prevalence was 2.33 times higher in this case than that of no syndrome. Cleft lip and palate were associated with males, whereas cleft palate was associated with females. This study highlights the importance of collecting and analyzing epidemiological data, managing health service planning, and allocating funds to assist cleft patients.

Impact of orthognathic surgery on the prevalence of dehiscence in Class II and Class III surgical-orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to evaluate and compare the presence of bone dehiscence before and after orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 90 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 45 patients were evaluated. Class II (n = 23) and Class III (n = 22) orthodontic patients who were being prepared for orthognathic surgery were measured. CBCT scans were obtained about 30 days prior to (T0) and 6 months after (T1) double jaw orthognathic surgery. The distance between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest was assessed at the buccal and lingual surfaces of all teeth, on both sides and arches, except for the second premolars and the second and third molars. A total of 1332 sites were measured for Class II (644) and Class III (688) patients. The software used was OsiriX (version 3.3 32-bit). Data were compared with Wilcoxon and McNemar tests at the 5% level. RESULTS: Bone dehiscence before surgery was present in 26% and 15% of the Class II and III groups, respectively. The presence of dehiscence increased to 31% in the Class II and 20% in the Class III patients after surgery (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dehiscence increased slightly in Class II and Class III surgical-orthodontic patients after orthognathic surgery. Temporary vascular supply reduction and oral hygiene difficulties may explain these results; however, more studies are needed.

Directions of mandibular canal displacement in ameloblastoma: A computed tomography mirrored-method analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate mandibular canal displacement in patients with ameloblastoma using a 3-dimensional mirrored-model analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of computed tomographic scans of patients with ameloblastoma (n=10) and healthy controls (n=20). The amount of mandibular canal asymmetry was recorded as a continuous variable, while the buccolingual (yaw) and supero-inferior (pitch) directions of displacement were classified as categorical variables. The t-test for independent samples and the Fisher exact test were used to compare groups in terms of differences between sides and the presence of asymmetric inclinations, respectively (P<0.05). RESULTS: The length of the mandibular canal was similar on both sides in both groups. The ameloblastoma group presented more lateral (2.40±4.16 mm) and inferior (-1.97±1.92 mm) positions of the mental foramen, and a more buccal (1.09±2.75 mm) position of the middle canal point on the lesion side. Displacement of the mandibular canal tended to be found in the anterior region in patients with ameloblastoma, occurring toward the buccal and inferior directions in 60% and 70% of ameloblastoma patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mandibular canal displacement due to ameloblastoma could be detected by this superimposed mirrored method, and displacement was more prevalent toward the inferior and buccal directions. This displacement affected the mental foramen position, but did not lead to a change in the length of the mandibular canal. The control group presented no mandibular canal displacement.

Influence of CBCT metal artifact reduction on vertical radicular fracture detection.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool in a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) device on the diagnosis of vertical root fractures (VRFs) in teeth with different root filling materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five extracted human premolars were classified into three subgroups; 1) no filling; 2) gutta-percha; and 3) metallic post. CBCT images were acquired using an Orthopantomograph 300 unit with and without a MAR tool. Subsequently, the same teeth were fractured, and new CBCT scans were obtained with and without MAR. Two oral radiologists evaluated the images regarding the presence or absence of VRF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and diagnostic tests were performed. RESULTS: The overall area under the curve values were 0.695 for CBCT with MAR and 0.789 for CBCT without MAR. The MAR tool negatively influenced the overall diagnosis of VRFs in all tested subgroups, with lower accuracy (0.45-0.72), sensitivity (0.6-0.67), and specificity (0.23-0.8) than were found for the images without MAR. In the latter group, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were 0.68-0.77, 0.67-083, and 0.53-087, respectively. However, no significant difference was found between images with and without MAR for the no filling and gutta-percha subgroups (P>0.05). In the metallic post subgroup, CBCT showed a significant difference according to MAR use (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The OP 300 MAR tool negatively influenced the detection of VRFs in teeth with no root canal filling, gutta-percha, or metallic posts. Teeth with metallic posts suffered the most from the negative impact of MAR.

Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography, clinical and surgical analysis for detection of maxillary molar furcation.

The aim of this study was to compare the performance of conebeam computed tomography (CBCT), clinical and surgical probing in assessing maxillary molar furcation involvement (FI). Furcation defects (n= 120) were assessed through CBCT, clinical and intra-surgical evaluation (ISE). Furcation Involvement, vertical and horizontal bone loss were assessed through clinical probing, CBCT and probing during ISE. Three trained radiologists evaluated CBCT images and intra- and interobserver agreement were calculated by Kappa test and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare clinical probing, ISE and CBCT. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated to detect FI. Clinical findings showed 28 sites with Degree I, 25 sites with Degree II, and 8 sites with Degree III. Good intra- (k=1.00) and interobserver agreement (k=0.773) were observed. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement for horizontal bone loss were moderate, k=0.485 and k=0.549, respectively. Intra-surgical findings showed Degree I at 21 sites, and Degree II and Degree III FI at fifteen sites each. Clinical evaluation showed 75% agreement with ISE and 78% with CBCT. Accuracy for clinical detection of FI was 75%, while for CBCT evaluation ranged from 72.5% to 77.5%, considering the 3 observers. Significant differences were found at distal sites using CBCT (p<0.05). Clinical evaluation and CBCT showed similar results for the presence or absence of FI. Concerning horizontal and vertical bone loss, CBCT was not considered a precise examination method for incipient bone defects.

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o desempenho da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), sondagem clínica e cirúrgica na avaliação do envolvimento da furca de molares superiores (EF). Defeitos de furca (n= 120) foram avaliados por meio de TCFC, avaliação clínica e intra-cirúrgica (IC). O envolvimento da furca, perda óssea vertical e horizontal foram avaliados através de sondagem clínica, TCFC e sondagem durante IC. Três radiologistas treinados avaliaram as imagens de TCFC e a concordância intra e interobservador foi calculada pelo teste Kappa e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Para comparação da sondagem clínica, IC e CBCT foram utilizados os testes de McNemar e Wilcoxon. A precisão, sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram calculados para a detecção de EF. Os achados clínicos mostraram 61 sítios com EF, sendo 28 Grau I, 25 locais de Grau II e 8 locais de Grau III. Observou-se boa concordância intra- (k = 1,00) e interobservador (k = 0,773). A concordância intraobservador e interobservador para perda óssea horizontal foi moderada, k = 0,485 e k = 0,549, respectivamente. Os achados intra-cirúrgicos mostraram EF grau I em 21 sítios e grau II e grau III em quinze sítios cada. A avaliação clínica mostrou 75% de concordância com IC e 78% com CBCT. A acurácia para detecção clínica de EF foi de 75%, enquanto para avaliação de CBCT variou de 72,5% a 77,5%, considerando os 3 observadores. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas em sítios distais em CBCT (p <0,05). A avaliação clínica e a TCFC mostraram resultados semelhantes para a presença ou ausência de EF. Em relação à perda óssea horizontal e vertical, a TCFC não foi considerada um exame preciso para defeitos ósseos incipientes.

Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography, clinical and surgical analysis for detection of maxillary molar furcation / Comparação da avaliação clínica, cirúrgica e por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na detecção de lesões de furca em molares superiores

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the performance of conebeam computed tomography (CBCT), clinical and surgical probing in assessing maxillary molar furcation involvement (FI). Furcation defects (n= 120) were assessed through CBCT, clinical and intra-surgical evaluation (ISE). Furcation Involvement, vertical and horizontal bone loss were assessed through clinical probing, CBCT and probing during ISE. Three trained radiologists evaluated CBCT images and intra- and interobserver agreement were calculated by Kappa test and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). McNemar and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare clinical probing, ISE and CBCT. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated to detect FI. Clinical findings showed 28 sites with Degree I, 25 sites with Degree II, and 8 sites with Degree III. Good intra- (k=1.00) and interobserver agreement (k=0.773) were observed. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement for horizontal bone loss were moderate, k=0.485 and k=0.549, respectively. Intra-surgical findings showed Degree I at 21 sites, and Degree II and Degree III FI at fifteen sites each. Clinical evaluation showed 75% agreement with ISE and 78% with CBCT. Accuracy for clinical detection of FI was 75%, while for CBCT evaluation ranged from 72.5% to 77.5%, considering the 3 observers. Significant differences were found at distal sites using CBCT (p<0.05). Clinical evaluation and CBCT showed similar results for the presence or absence of FI. Concerning horizontal and vertical bone loss, CBCT was not considered a precise examination method for incipient bone defects.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o desempenho da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC), sondagem clínica e cirúrgica na avaliação do envolvimento da furca de molares superiores (EF). Defeitos de furca (n= 120) foram avaliados por meio de TCFC, avaliação clínica e intra-cirúrgica (IC). O envolvimento da furca, perda óssea vertical e horizontal foram avaliados através de sondagem clínica, TCFC e sondagem durante IC. Três radiologistas treinados avaliaram as imagens de TCFC e a concordância intra e interobservador foi calculada pelo teste Kappa e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Para comparação da sondagem clínica, IC e CBCT foram utilizados os testes de McNemar e Wilcoxon. A precisão, sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram calculados para a detecção de EF. Os achados clínicos mostraram 61 sítios com EF, sendo 28 Grau I, 25 locais de Grau II e 8 locais de Grau III. Observou-se boa concordância intra- (k = 1,00) e interobservador (k = 0,773). A concordância intraobservador e interobservador para perda óssea horizontal foi moderada, k = 0,485 e k = 0,549, respectivamente. Os achados intra-cirúrgicos mostraram EF grau I em 21 sítios e grau II e grau III em quinze sítios cada. A avaliação clínica mostrou 75% de concordância com IC e 78% com CBCT. A acurácia para detecção clínica de EF foi de 75%, enquanto para avaliação de CBCT variou de 72,5% a 77,5%, considerando os 3 observadores. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas em sítios distais em CBCT (p<0,05). A avaliação clínica e a TCFC mostraram resultados semelhantes para a presença ou ausência de EF. Em relação à perda óssea horizontal e vertical, a TCFC não foi considerada um exame preciso para defeitos ósseos incipientes.

Factors associated with the morphology of the mandibular symphysis and soft tissue chin

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to (I) assess the morphology of the symphysis and soft tissue chin associated with sex, age and sagittal/vertical skeletal patterns, and (II) identify the individual and combined contributions of these variables to different portions of the symphysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 195 lateral cephalometric radiographs from untreated adults. Alveolar, basal, and soft tissue of the symphysis were measured by an X/Y cranial base coordinate system, and divided in accordance to four predictor variables: sex, age, and sagittal/vertical skeletal patterns. Parametric tests were conducted for comparison and correlation purposes, while multiple regression analysis was performed to explore combined interactions. Results: Alveolar inclination is related to sagittal and vertical patterns, and both explained 71.4% of the variations. Alveolar thickness is weakly predicted and poorly influenced by age. Symphysis height was 10% higher in males, and associated with a vertical skeletal pattern and sex, and both explained 43.6% of variations. Basal symphyseal shows an individual thickness, is larger in males, and vertically short-positioned with age. Soft tissue chin is not necessarily related to the size of the underling skeletal pattern, and enlarges with age, even in adulthood. Conclusions: The symphysis and surrounding tissues are influenced by sex, age, and sagittal and vertical patterns, acting differently on the alveolar, basal and soft tissue portions. Sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns are the strongest association on alveolar symphysis inclination, whereas sex and age acts on the vertical symphysis position and soft tissues thickness.

RESUMO Introdução: O presente estudo objetivou: 1) avaliar a morfologia da sínfise mandibular e dos tecidos tegumentares do mento, associada ao sexo, idade, padrões sagital e vertical; e 2) identificar as contribuições dessas variáveis, individualmente ou combinadas, às diferentes regiões da sínfise. Métodos: Este estudo transversal incluiu 195 radiografias cefalométricas laterais de adultos não tratados ortodonticamente. Os tecidos alveolar, basal e mole da sínfise foram medidos por um sistema de coordenadas x, y e z da base do crânio e divididos de acordo com quatro variáveis preditoras: sexo, idade e padrões esqueléticos sagitais e verticais. Testes paramétricos foram conduzidos para fins de comparação e correlação, enquanto a análise de regressão múltipla foi realizada para explorar as interações combinadas. Resultados: A inclinação alveolar está relacionada aos padrões sagitais e verticais, e ambos explicaram 71,4% das variações. A espessura alveolar é fracamente prevista e pouco influenciada pela idade. A altura da sínfise foi 10% maior no sexo masculino e esteve associada ao padrão esquelético vertical e ao sexo, sendo que ambos explicaram 43,6% das variações. A sínfise basal mostra espessura individual, é maior no sexo masculino e verticalmente curta com a idade. O tecido mole do mento não está necessariamente relacionado ao tamanho do padrão esquelético subjacente e aumenta com a idade, mesmo na idade adulta. Conclusões: A sínfise e os tecidos circundantes são influenciados pelo sexo, idade e padrões sagitais e verticais, que atuam de forma diferenciada nas porções alveolar, basal e de tecidos tegumentares. Os padrões esqueléticos sagitais e verticais são a associação mais forte na inclinação da sínfise alveolar, enquanto o sexo e a idade atuam na posição vertical da sínfise e na espessura dos tecidos tegumentares.

Prevalence of cleft lip and palate and associated factors in Brazil's Midwest: a single-center study

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and associated factors in patients treated at a referral service in Brazil's Midwest. Data were obtained from medical records on file between 2010 and 2017 for this epidemiologic and associational study. A descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic and clinical data was carried out, after which the data were analyzed using the chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance. A total of 1,696 medical records were eligible. The requests for rehabilitation were mainly for children in the early years of life, and were mostly for patients from low-income families in the state of Goiás. CL/P was more prevalent in its most severe morphological representation (cleft lip and palate), and the most frequently affected side was the left. Syndromic cleft was present in 4.1% of the cases, and the Pierre Robin sequence and Apert syndrome appeared more frequently. Adjusted multivariate Poisson regression showed an association between cleft palate and the presence of syndromes, since the prevalence was 2.33 times higher in this case than that of no syndrome. Cleft lip and palate were associated with males, whereas cleft palate was associated with females. This study highlights the importance of collecting and analyzing epidemiological data, managing health service planning, and allocating funds to assist cleft patients.