Development of a correction coefficient for radiographic evaluation of the alveolar bone crest: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differences in cusp height on radiographs, establishing proportional relationships between cusp and alveolar bone crest (ABC) measurements. The goal of this study was to develop a correction coefficient by considering this proportion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one artificial teeth, molars and premolars, and bovine ribs were used. Interproximal radiographs were taken with the aid of a positioner. The vertical angles used were: 0°, + 5°, and + 10°, and processed using three spatial resolutions measured in line pairs per mm (lp/mm): 20, 25 and 40. The Perio filter was applied to each image, in addition to the original one. Combinations of angle, resolution, and filter were made. Eighteen images were analyzed by three specialists, resulting in 252 measurements for each evaluator, totaling 756 measurements. RESULTS: The overall variability of the measurements can be explained mainly by the variation in tooth anatomy. The 0° 25 lp/mm Perio filter method was the closest one to the actual clinical scenario for both cusps and ABC. The correction factor managed to explain 71.45% of the errors. CONCLUSIONS: The variation in vertical angulation interferes with cusp and ABC measurements, and the angulation at 0º and spatial resolution of 25 lp/mm showed better results. The use of correction coefficients allowed approaching actual measurement values. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: More accurate ABC height measurements are essential even in radiographic exams that do not meet the standard of excellence because the need to repeat radiographic exams is then eliminated.

Impact of CBCT acquisition protocols and artifact reduction filters on diagnosing vertical root fractures.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of acquisition protocols and artifact reduction filters in cone beam computed tomography on diagnosing vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 480 tomographic images acquired from two J. Morita scanners (0.125- and 0.08-mm voxel sizes protocols), with application of a blooming artifact reduction filter. Three evaluators assessed these images for root fractures using a 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy between filters and protocols was determined using generalized linear models with binomial distribution for the outcome, considering protocol, filter, and dental status. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were also estimated for the filters and protocols. RESULTS: The 0.08-mm voxel size protocol demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of accurate diagnosis compared to the 0.125-mm protocol (p = .001). No statistically significant differences (p ≥ .087) were observed for filter application, interaction between protocol and filter, or dental status. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were respectively: .93, .87, 1.00 (protocol 1); .99, .99, .99 (protocol 2); .98, .96, .99 (no filter); .95, .90, 1.00 (with filter). CONCLUSION: The new findings found for the two J Morita scanners used in our study were that images acquired using the voxel size of 0.08 mm showed an improvement in the diagnosis of root fractures and the filters in these devices have no relevance significant for the diagnosis.

Airway volume analysis: is there a correlation between two and three-dimensions?

Objectives: No consensus exists on the assessment of airway in CBCT scans. Two-dimensional measures remain the standard in the cephalometric analysis. This research aimed to evaluate linear and area measurements in two-dimensional views from specific airway regions of interest and compare these to the correspondent volume in CBCT exams. Materials and Methods: 250-selected CBCT scans were retrospectively analyzed. A trained and calibrated examiner performed the linear, area and volume measurements in specific sites for nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx compartments. Dolphin Software was used for the analysis. The correlations were performed using Pearson coefficient. Results: The highest positive correlations were observed in the nasopharynx and oropharynx sagittal areas and the most constricted area in the oropharynx. Nasopharynx linear measures and nasopharynx coronal area did not present correlation with whole volume. Two-dimensional measurements in the soft palate (width and sagittal area) showed very low positive correlations. Although nasal cavity presented highest volume means, changes in oropharynx contributed more to variations in total volume, compared with the other two sections. Conclusion: Airway sagittal areas, as well as the most constricted axial area in oropharynx remains a useful guide to correlate with airway volume in two-dimensional images.

Diagnostic accuracy of conventional and digital radiography for detecting misfit between the tooth and restoration in metal-restored teeth.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although the postprocessing of digital images with enhancement filters could lead to the presence of artifacts and result in false-positive diagnoses, no study has analyzed whether the use of digital radiographs and/or postprocessing of digital images interferes with the diagnosis of marginal adaptation in metal-restored teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional and digital radiographic images with and without filters for detecting a misfit between the tooth and restoration in metal-restored teeth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty teeth with mesial-occlusal-distal inlays and 40 with complete crowns (each with a perfect fit, 20 with a 0.2-mm gap and 20 with a 0.4-mm gap) were imaged with conventional film and digital phosphor plate systems. Digital radiographs were exported as original images and with edge enhancement (high and low), inversion, and pseudo-3-dimensional filters. Four examiners assessed the presence of gaps by using a categorical scale (fit, misfit, cannot decide). Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy were calculated for each variable. In addition, time spent scoring the images was recorded. A multivariate logistic regression was performed with accuracy as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Of the images, 6.2% received the score "cannot decide," most of them with a high edge enhancement filter and in the crown group. A tendency for higher sensitivity (range 0.67-0.83), specificity (range 0.81-0.92), and accuracy (range 0.73-0.86) values was found in conventional and digital original images. Results of a logistic regression found that restoration type, gap size, and high enhancement and inversion filters had a statistically significant impact on accuracy (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Original nonfiltered images should be used to assess teeth with metal restorations. High enhancement filters and image inversion should be avoided, especially when metal crowns are present.

The interference of digital radiographic image acquisition and processing protocols in the diagnosis of incipient enamel carious lesions.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the diagnosis of proximal carious lesions through different parameters of execution and visualization of the images. Material and Methods: Proximal carious lesions were artificially induced in human teeth three different times (10, 20, and 30 hours) by in vitro demineralization. The teeth were radiographed with the Dürr digital system using three exposure times (0.10, 0.16, and 0.20s) and three different resolutions in the scanning of the phosphor plates (20-, 25- and 40-line pairs). After acquiring the images, they were submitted to VistaScan Fine, Caries 1, and Caries 2 software filters. Three radiologists analyzed the images in JPEG format. Results: The Pearson's chi-square test showed an association between longer demineralization time and the presence of injury according to the professional's classification. There was no statistically significant association among the other parameters, exposure time, resolution, and use of filters and the presence of a lesion. All parameters showed a greater sensitivity than specificity. The exposure time of 0.2s showed better accuracy, the resolutions 25 and 40lp showed equal results and better than 20lp and the Fine filter obtained better values than the Caries 1 and 2 filters. Conclusions: Despite the variation of parameters, exposure time, resolution, and use of filters, there were no statistically significant differences. For better diagnostic accuracy, it is recommended to use 0.2s of exposure time and a Fine filter, and scan the phosphor plates with 25lp. Key words:Orbital fracture, Etiology, Orbital trauma, Road traffic accidents, Trauma.

Detection of vertical root fractures by conventional radiographic examination and cone beam computed tomography - an in vitro analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the ability of conventional radiographic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations to detect vertical root fractures (VRF) in teeth with or without root canal treatment and metallic posts. Furthermore, the influence of using different voxel sizes from CBCT images was assessed. METHODOLOGY: Sixty single-rooted human teeth were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. Twenty teeth were endodontically prepared and obturated with gutta-percha, twenty had a metallic postcemented after the filling, and twenty had no preparation. The teeth from the experimental group were fractured. All teeth were radiographed with three different horizontal angles, and after, CBCT images were acquired following three protocols in which the variation was the voxel resolution (0.4, 0.3, and 0.2 mm). Three calibrated examiners assessed the images. RESULTS: Chi-squared test showed no statistical difference among the images in detecting VRFs. The results of the diagnostic performance tests presented similar ability to detect VRFs when conventional radiographic examination was compared with 0.2 and 0.3-voxel CBCTs scans, in roots without endodontic treatment and metallic post. Moreover, specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy findings were similar for both 0.2 and 0.3-voxel resolution scans for teeth that are not root filled. However, it was observed that in teeth with root canal treatment and a post, the accuracy was higher when 0.2-mm voxel resolution was used. CONCLUSION: The radiographic examination with horizontal angle variation should be encouraged as the first complementary approach to assess the presence of VRFs. If conventional imaging is not capable to provide adequate information, CBCT can be indicated if a root fracture is strongly suspected. The root condition should then guide the voxel resolution choice, selecting 0.3-voxel for not root filled teeth and 0.2-voxel for teeth with filling and/or a post.

Pathologic conditions associated with impacted third molars: A retrospective study of panoramic radiographs in a Southern Brazilian population.

Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of developmental and acquired pathologic conditions associated with impacted third molars (3Ms) in a Southern Brazilian population and evaluated whether demographic and tooth characteristics were correlated with the presence of bone or tooth lesions. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs were assessed for developmental (bone-related) or acquired (tooth-related) pathoses associated with impacted upper or lower 3Ms. Data on tooth positioning, tooth development, and patient demographics were collected. A trained, calibrated postgraduate student evaluated all images. Binary and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between outcomes and the demographic and radiographic variables. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 5% (P<0.05). Results: The sample comprised panoramic radiographs from 2054 patients, predominantly female (59.2%), with a mean age of 27.2 ± 11.5 years. Overall, 4066 impacted 3Ms were evaluated, revealing 471 (11.6%) developmental and 710 (17.5%) acquired pathoses. Among the developmental pathoses, 460 (95.2%) were indicative of dentigerous cysts. Male sex, lower 3M location, vertical or distoangular positioning, and incomplete root formation were associated with an elevated likelihood of developmental pathology. Lower tooth position, complete root formation, and partial eruption were linked to an increased probability of an acquired pathology in the third or second molar. Conclusion: The prevalence of pathologic conditions associated with impacted 3Ms was low. Male sex, lower 3M placement, horizontal or distoangular positioning, and incomplete root formation were associated with developmental pathoses, while lower tooth position, complete root formation, and partial eruption were related to acquired pathoses.

A simple radiographic approach to maxillary pathologies.

This article describes an intraoral radiographic technique for identifying lesions located on the buccal surfaces of the maxillary alveolar process. An intraoral film is placed behind the maxillary tuberosity and the X-ray beam exposes the film perpendicularly, running laterally to the buccal surface of the cortical bone. As a result, any external alteration can be seen clearly, with no superimposed maxillary teeth or osseous tissues.

The Impact of Cone-beam Computed Tomography on Diagnostic Thinking, Treatment Option, and Confidence in Dental Trauma Cases: A Before and After Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify whether cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging affects endodontists' diagnostic thinking, treatment option, and confidence in dental trauma cases. METHODS: Twelve endodontists reviewed 15 dental trauma cases with clinical histories and periapical radiography (PR) and answered questions regarding their diagnostic thinking and treatment decisions and their confidence in both. One month later, the same participants reviewed the same cases and answered similar questionnaires with the aid of CBCT imaging. A statistical analysis of their responses was conducted. RESULTS: Differences were observed in diagnostic thinking when using PR or CBCT imaging (P < .05), and the use of PR was associated with a higher number of "unsure" answers to questions about diagnoses. After reviewing periapical radiographic images, the approach most frequently endorsed was "don't start conventional endodontic treatment and order CBCT," whereas the most common decision made after analyzing the CBCT images was "start conventional endodontic treatment." Clinical interventions were proposed more often when participants evaluated the clinical case using CBCT imaging than when using PR (P < .05). The participants' degree of confidence in their diagnostic thinking was not different after analysis using PR or CBCT imaging (P > .05). However, there was a difference between PR and CBCT imaging in participants' confidence in their treatment decisions (P < .05). Participants who initially indicated a lack of confidence in their diagnosis or treatment option gained confidence when CBCT images were available. However, the inverse behavior was also observed for participants who were initially confident on the basis of PR (P < .05). Participants who decided to start treatment after CBCT analysis were less confident than when using PR (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In dental trauma cases, CBCT imaging influenced participants' diagnostic thinking and choice of treatment modality and affected their confidence in the decision-making process.

Impact of dentists and equipment in the performing dental imaging examinations: a longitudinal analysis.

In this study, we aimed to identify factors associated with performing dental imaging examinations in public health services. Brazilian data at the municipal level (n = 5,564) in two time periods, P0 (2005-2007) and P1 (2014-2016), were collated from health information systems. The increase in the municipal rates of intraoral and extraoral radiographic imaging procedures was the outcome. Changes in the use of clinical procedures and the rates of dentists and equipment were the main predictors. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (OR). Approximately 35.3% of the Brazilian municipalities increased the dental radiography equipment rate, 9.9% increased the fan-beam computed tomography (CT) equipment rate, and 5.9% increased the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment rate. In addition, 31.8% increased the periapical/interproximal radiography rate, 10.5% increased the CT rate, and 4.4% increased the MRI rate. Increases in the dental radiography, CT, and MRI rates were associated with higher chances of periapical/interproximal images (OR = 1.90, p < 0.01), face and neck images (OR =1 5.3, p < 0.01), and MR images (OR = 18.1, p < 0.01), respectively. Municipalities that increased the rates of endodontists increased the rates of periapical/interproximal (OR = 2.50, p < 0.01) and occlusal (OR = 1.60, p < 0.01) imaging procedures, and those that increased the rates of radiologists also increased the rates of occlusal (OR = 2.00, p < 0.01) and panoramic (OR = 1.70, p < 0.01) imaging procedures. The implementation of a secondary dental care center, Centro de Especialidades Odontológicas (CEO) was associated with an increase in the chances of performing periapical/interproximal and panoramic radiographic procedures in 1.5 and occlusal radiographic examinations in 2.0. The rates of dentists, equipment, specialized dental centers, and specific dental procedures were associated with the increased use of imaging procedures in dentistry in the Brazilian public health system.

Can CBCT change the level of confidence of oral maxillofacial surgeons in mandibular third molar management?

This study analyzed the impact of CBCT on the level of confidence in diagnostic and treatment thinking in mandibular lower molar (M3M) clinical management. Thirty cases for which panoramic radiographs and CBTC images were available were selected and classified according to radiologic signs indicating the proximity of the M3M to the mandibular canal (interruption of the radiopaque borders of the canal of the mandibular canal wall, darkening of the roots, and diversion or narrowing of the canal, n = 10 for each classification). Twelve oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) contributed to this study by answering two questionnaires. The first questionnaire contained a clinical description of the case and a panoramic radiograph. After 30 days, a second questionnaire with the same clinical illustrations and tomographic multiplanar reconstruction images was administered. Both questionnaires asked specialists to rate diagnostic confidence, the surgical complexity, chosen treatment, and surgical confidence. In approximately 40% of answers, CBCT images had a positive impact on ratings of diagnostic confidence and treatment thinking confidence, and in 24.4%, they increased the surgical complexity score. There was no change in the treatment plan following the use of CBCT, but the CBCT examination was a determining factor for diagnosis and treatment planning in 72.8% of the answers CBCT improved the confidence level in diagnostic and treatment thinking of the M3M management while also increasing the perceived level of surgical complexity. The findings of this study support the need to consider using CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning for M3Ms with radiographic signs such as darkening of the roots, interruption of the radiopaque borders of the mandibular canal, or deviation of the mandibular canal and narrowing of the roots.

Validation and comparison of volume measurements using 1 multidetector computed tomography and 5 cone-beam computed tomography protocols: An in vitro study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare volume measurements obtained using 2 image software packages on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images acquired from 1 multidetector computed tomography and 5 cone-beam computed tomography devices, using different protocols for physical volume measurements. Materials and Methods: Four pieces of bovine leg were prepared. Marrow was removed from 3 pieces, leaving cortical bone exposed. The resulting space of 1 piece was filled with water, another was filled with propylene glycol, and the third was left unfilled. The marrow in the fourth sample was left fully intact. Volume measurements were obtained after importing DICOM images into the Dolphin Imaging 11.95 and ITK-SNAP software programs. Data were analyzed using 3-way analysis of variance with a generalized linear model to determine the effects of voxel size, software, and content on percentage mean volume differences between tomographic protocols. A significance level of 0.05 was used. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficients for intraobserver and interobserver reliability were, respectively, 0.915 and 0.764 for the Dolphin software and 0.894 and 0.766 for the ITK-SNAP software. Three sources of statistically significant variation were identified: the interaction between software and content (P=0.001), the main effect of content (P=0.014), and the main effect of software (P=0.001). Voxel size was not associated with statistically significant differences in volume measurements. Conclusion: Both content and software influenced the accuracy of volume measurements, especially when the content had gray values similar to those of the adjacent tissues.

Exploring digital filters for internal root resorption: how can we improve the diagnosis of small lesions?

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of enhancement filters in detecting small simulated internal root resorptions (IRR). METHODS:: Forty-two extracted human teeth were sectioned, connected, and stored in a dry human jaw and X-rayed with photostimulable phosphor plates (PSPs), composing the control group (CG). In the middle-third of the root canals, IRR lesions were simulated using Da Silveira protocol. Later, the specimens were X-rayed to create the test group (TG). All images acquired were exported with seven enhancement filters plus the original image. Three examiners used a five-point Likert scale to evaluate the images regarding the presence/absence of IRR. Diagnostic efficacy was assessed from sensitivity and specificity results. Comparison among filters was performed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS:: Moderate values of Kappa interexaminer (0.403-0.620) and high values of Kappa intraexaminer (0.757-0.915) were observed. The best performance occurred in the CG (p < 0.05). Original images presented the greatest sensitivity and area under the ROC curve (0.595-0.750), while the Endo filter presented the greatest specificity (0.952). Inversion and Pseudo-3D images produced the greatest doubt in the diagnosis, significant for CG with the Pseudo-3D filter (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:: The Original and 'Endo' filters should be chosen as it offers greater diagnostic ability and allows more confidence during the evaluation.

Radiographic evaluation of alveolar bone height in the primary dentition: a retrospective follow-up study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective follow-up study was to verify the distance between the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest (ABC) in bitewing radiographs. METHODS: Radiographs were digitized and divided into groups by: age, proximal crown surface status (sound→sound and unsound→unsound), tooth, and timing of radiograph. The CEJ-ABC distances were measured on the distal surface of the first primary molar and/or the mesial surface of the second lower primary molar, using the Image Tool software. RESULTS: The results revealed interactions between the following variables: timing of radiograph-age, age-tooth, timing of radiograph - proximal crown surface status and age- proximal crown surface status. It has been detected that CEJ-ABC distances have significantly increased with time, particularly in terms of assessment of primary lower first molars. However, this increase is greater in unsound when compared to sound surfaces. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that an increase in the CEJ-ABC distance is directly associated with aging in a normal periodontium in the primary dentition and that the presence of unsound surfaces can be a risk indicator for the development of alveolar bone loss.

[Dental imaging procedures in the Unified Health System and the expansion of secondary care: series between 2000-2016]. / Procedimentos de imagem em Odontologia no Sistema Único de Saúde e a expansão da atenção secundária: série entre 2000-2016.

The scope of this paper was to analyze the time series of dental procedures performed between 2000 and 2016 in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). The data were obtained from the Outpatient Information System of the SUS (SIA-SUS). The influence of the 2004 National Oral Health Policy of Ordinance No. 600/2006 (which instituted the financing of Dental Specialty Centers - CEOs), and Ordinance No. 1,234/2013 (Financial incentive for the Program for Enhancement of Quality and Access - PMAQ-CEO) were analyzed. Descriptive analyses of the initial and final years of the time series were presented, assessing trends and seasonality in seven types of imaging procedures. The time series of rates of periapical/bitewing radiographic exams revealed a trend of moderate increase and was the only area in which the impact of the financial implementation policy of the CEOs was observed, though not of the PMAQ-CEO. Extraoral imaging exams, such as panoramic radiography, facial CT/TMJ and TMJ MRI revealed a strong upward trend, despite the very low rates. The conclusion reached is that between 2000 and 2016, the policy of expansion of secondary care increased the use of periapical/bitewing imaging exams.

O objetivo foi analisar a série temporal de procedimentos de imagem em Odontologia realizados entre os anos de 2000 e 2016 no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informações Ambulatoriais (SIA-SUS). Foram analisadas a influência da Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal de 2004, da Portaria nº 600/2006 (institui o financiamento dos Centros de Especialidades Odontológicas - CEOs) e Portaria nº 1.234/2013 (Incentivo financeiro do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade - PMAQ-CEO). Apresentou-se análises descritivas dos anos inicial e final da série temporal, avaliando tendências e sazonalidade em sete tipos de procedimentos. A série temporal das taxas de exames radiográficos periapicais/interproximais demonstrou tendência de aumento moderado e foi a única em que se observou o impacto da política de implementação financeira dos CEOs, mas não do PMAQ-CEO. Os exames extraorais como: radiografia panorâmica, Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) da face/Articulação Temporomandibular (ATM) e Ressonância Magnética (RM) da ATM possuem forte tendência de aumento apesar das taxas serem muito baixas. Conclui-se que entre os anos 2000 e 2016, a política de expansão da atenção secundária, aumentou o uso de exames de imagem periapical/interproximal.

Benefits of using a photostimulable phosphor plate protective device.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and test a protective device (PD) to increase the resistance of photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plate to compressive load, and assess the resulting image quality. METHODS: Two prototypes, polyvinylchloride sheets of 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm each, were developed for PSP plate size 2. The resistance to compressive load was tested using eight new PSPs divided into four test groups: (1) PSP, (2) PSP and paperboard protector, (3) PSP and 0.3 mm PD, and (4) PSP and 0.7 mm PD. The resulting images were analyzed by three oral radiologists, based on the consensus for image artifacts. Additionally, the objective image quality test was performed with four new PSPs, using an 8-step wedge aluminum scale. The mean gray values and standard deviation were measured in a total of 240 images, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: Artifacts were seen in the PSP control group starting at 40 n, and at 150 n, 175 n and 300 n in 0.3 mm PD, paperboard protector and 0.7 mm PD, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference among groups, there were differences between exposure times (0.06-0.25 s, 0.06-0.40 s, and 0.10-0.40 s). Scanning resolution of 20 lp/mm showed higher mean gray value than 25 and 40 lp/mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The developed PDs improved the PSP resistance to compressive forces, with low interference on the pixel gray values, regardless of exposure time and spatial resolution. Nevertheless, the 0.7 mm PD could withstand the maximum compressive load.

Association between internal carotid artery calcifications detected as incidental findings and clinical characteristics associated with atherosclerosis: A dental volumetric tomography study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presence of calcifications in the internal carotid artery (ICA) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to verify the association of these findings with sex, age, dental condition, and risk factors associated with vascular disorders. METHODS: The CBCT scans used in this study were obtained from the database of a private dental clinic requested for the planning of rehabilitation with dental implants. The selection criteria were patients aged 40 years and above. Out of a pool of 1176 CBCT examinations, a total of 284 scans of adult patients were evaluated by two blinded observers. Data were collected from patients' medical records. RESULTS: ICA calcifications were present in 63.0% of the examinations. Most calcifications were in the intracranial pathway (166). Despite being present in a smaller number 57 (C1), extracranial calcifications were more severe. Spearman's ρ coefficients (rS) indicated that the number of missing teeth was directly associated with the presence of calcifications (p = 0.042) and severity (p = 0.020). The age variable also had a direct relationship with the presence of calcifications (p ≤ 0.0001), increasing its frequency and severity over the years. In addition, hypertension (p = 0.036) and use of antihypertensive drugs (p = 0.015) were directly associated. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high occurrence of ICA calcifications in CBCT as incidental findings in adult patients, and it is directly associated with age, number of missing teeth and hypertension.

Can Cone-beam Computed Tomography Change Endodontists' Level of Confidence in Diagnosis and Treatment Planning? A Before and After Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the influence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on endodondists' level of confidence in their diagnosis of endodontic cases and their treatment plans. METHODS: Twenty clinical cases with periapical radiographs and small-volume CBCT scans were classified according to the American Association of Endodontists guidelines. Information was provided on patient clinical history, and both extraoral and intraoral examinations were simulated. Fifteen endodontists filled out 2 questionnaires. In the first (Q1), the clinical description and a periapical radiograph were presented, followed by the questions. Thirty days later, they answered a second questionnaire (Q2) containing the same clinical description and CBCT. Their confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning was analyzed before and after receiving the tomographic images. Responses were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, and the Wilcoxon test was used to investigate before and after levels of confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning. RESULTS: The CBCT images influenced confidence in diagnosis and treatment planning of endodontic cases classified as complex (Wilcoxon test; P ≤ .05). There was a substantial change in the treatment planned in both moderate and complex cases after CBCT. Case complexity did not affect the participants' decision to request complementary information through CBCT. CONCLUSIONS: In complex cases, CBCT increased endodontists' confidence to diagnose and plan treatment, when compared with periapical radiographs. Endodontists tended to recommend intervention when periapical images were supplemented with CBCT. CBCT proved to be an imaging method that influences endodontists' preoperative evaluation and treatment choice.

Two-Year Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial on the Progression of Proximal Carious Lesions on Primary Molars After Resin Infiltration.

Purpose: The purpose of this split-mouth, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to assess the progression of early proximal carious lesions on primary molars after resin infiltration. Methods: Twenty-eight children presenting two primary molars with proximal carious lesions detected radiographically (on the outer half of the enamel up to the outer one-third of dentin) were included. Baseline assessments consisted of standard digital bitewing radiographs, Visual Plaque Index (VPI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and visual examination of caries. Proximal lesions were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) resin infiltration (test) and (2) no infiltration (control). Reassessments were performed after two years. Lesion progression was considered when the radiographic score increased. Results: A significant difference in lesion progression was observed between test (54.1 percent) and control (79.2 percent) groups after two years (McNemar's test, P=0.03). Logistic regression for matched pairs showed that the test group had an 82 percent lower risk of caries progression (odds ratio equals 0.18, 95%CI 0.29 to 0.31). Conclusions: Infiltrating proximal lesions decreases radiographic caries progression in primary molars after a two-year follow-up period.

Diagnostic efficacy of different cone beam computed tomography scanning protocols in the detection of chemically simulated external root resorption.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of different high-resolution cone beam computed tomography protocols in the diagnosis of chemically simulated external root resorption (ERR). STUDY DESIGN: ERR was simulated in 3 sizes by using an acid decalcification protocol in the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of 30 single-rooted premolars. Four scans of each tooth were acquired with different voxel sizes: 0.080, 0.085, 0.120, and 0.133 mm. The images were analyzed by 2 blinded evaluators for the presence of ERR. The evaluation of diagnostic performance was based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the detection of ERR with regard to lesion sizes or the different root thirds. Areas under the ROC curve were 0.901, 0.892, 0.887, and 0.767 for voxel sizes of 0.080, 0.085, 0.120, and 0.133 mm, respectively. Voxel sizes of 0.080 and 0.085 mm presented significantly larger areas under the ROC curve compared with the voxel size of 0.133 mm. There were no statistically significant differences among the protocols with the use of voxel sizes of 0.080, 0.085, and 0.120 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam computed tomography examinations with higher-resolution protocols demonstrated better performance in the diagnosis of ERR. Further investigations using simulations that more closely resemble the actual ERR process are warranted.