Interest in dentistry in early months of the COVID-19 global pandemic: A Google Trends approach.

BACKGROUND: In early the COVID-19 pandemic, routine dental treatments have been delayed due to the risk of disease transmission. This delay may lead public to search for information on the Internet for a solution. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the public interest in dentistry in the early months of the COVID-19 global pandemic in the selected countries. METHODS: The daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases were recorded for China, South Korea, Italy, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. For these countries, Internet search interest of the keyword 'dentistry', 'coronavirus', 'COVID-19', 'SARS-CoV-2' and 'pandemic' in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic was evaluated by using Google Trends data. RESULTS: In most countries included the public Internet search interest in 'dentistry+coronavirus+COVID-19+SARS-CoV-2+pandemic' peaked prior to the peak of new COVID-19 cases. While a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the number of new cases and Google Trends data in China, South Korea, Italy and Germany, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed in Turkey. CONCLUSION: The peak public interest in dentistry has been prior to the peak of COVID-19 new cases in most countries. The use of Internet data can provide useful information about pandemics and many other diseases.

Evaluation of the frequency of third molar agenesis according to different age groups.

PURPOSE: Third molars (M3s) are the most common congenitally missing teeth. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of M3 agenesis in two different age groups. METHODS: This study examined the panoramic radiographic images of 1036 patients. Two groups, each consisting of 518 patients, were arranged based on age ranges. The patients aged 12 to 19 years were in the first group and those 20 years and older were in the second group. The frequency of M3 agenesis was examined in both age groups. The distribution of M3 agenesis by sex and jaw was also recorded, along with the number of M3s affected by agenesis. Chi-square tests were used to examine the relationships between categorical variables. RESULTS: M3 agenesis was observed in 29.3% and 20.5% in the first and second groups, respectively; the difference was statistically significant (P < .01). It was more common in female (27.3%) than in male patients (21.4%), and in the maxilla (11.2%) than in the mandible (5.8%), and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). It was mostly observed forthemaxilla right M3 (18) (30.9%) and in the single quadrant of the jaws (9.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of M3 agenesis was more common in patients aged 12 to 19 years than in those aged 20 years and older. Additionally, M3 agenesis was more common in females and in the maxilla.

Comparison of Panoramic Radiography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for the Detection of Tonsilloliths.

OBJECTIVE: A tonsillolith is a concretion of the tonsillar crypt. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare panoramic radiography (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the detection of tonsilloliths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT images of 527 patients with maxillofacial volume were evaluated retrospectively. Of these, 175 patients (81 females, 94 males; mean age 51.05 years) had unilateral or bilateral tonsilloliths. In total, 151 of them (67 females, 84 males; mean age, 51.03 years) had PR images performed in the same period and were included in the study. The PR images were examined to ascertain whether known tonsilloliths (from CBCT images) could be detected. The location (unilateral; left or right and bilateral), size, and number of the tonsilloliths were examined on both CBCT and PR images. Descriptive analysis, Spearman's rho correlation coefficient, and χ2 tests were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The detection rate of tonsillolith was 33.2% on CBCT images. Only 51.4% of the tonsilloliths detected on CBCT were evaluated by PR; the correlation between CBCT and PR was found to be significant (Spearman's r = 0.399, p = 0.000). PR was not adequate to detect tonsilloliths 1 mm or smaller in size. All the calcifications larger than 5 mm were detected on PR images. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that more than half of the tonsilloliths observed in CBCT were also detected in PR. Tonsilloliths larger than 2 mm were more likely to be detected on PR images.

Effectiveness of alternative methods for toothbrush disinfection: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative methods for toothbrush disinfection. METHODS: Two-hundred eighty toothbrushes were included in the study. The toothbrushes were divided into 7 groups and were contaminated by standardized suspensions of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The following disinfectants were tested: 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 100% and 50% white vinegar, microwave (MW) oven, ultraviolet (UV) sanitizer, and mouth rinse-containing propolis (MCP). Data were analyzed with Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's tests. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between different methods and control group for all tested bacteria. There were statistically significant differences between all test groups for all microorganisms. MW was the most effective for L. rhamnosus and 100% white vinegar was the most effective method for S. mutans and S. aureus. NaOCl was the most effective for E. coli. CONCLUSION: This study showed that 100% white vinegar was considered to be effective for tested microorganisms. Similarly, 1% NaOCl is cost-effective, easily accessible, and comparatively effective for toothbrush disinfection. Because these agents are nontoxic, cost-effective and easily accessible, they may be appropriate for household use.

Panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography findings in preoperative examination of impacted mandibular third molars.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiographic examination of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTM) is essential to prevent inferior alveolar nerve injury during extraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital panoramic radiography (DPR) findings in preoperative examination of IMTM. METHODS: This retrospective study included 298 teeth in 191 individuals. The relationship between the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and the IMTM (buccal, lingual, interradicular or inferior), the position of the IMTM with respect to the IAC (contact, no contact), the morphologic shape of the mandible in the IMTM region (round, lingual extended, lingual concave), the type of IMTM (vertical, horizontal or angular) and the number of roots of the IMTM were evaluated on CBCT images. DPR images were evaluated for the number of roots of the IMTM and for the most common radiographic findings indicating a relationship between the IAC and the IMTM (darkening of the roots, diversion of the IAC, narrowing of the IAC and interruption of the white line). Data were statistically analyzed with Cramer V coefficient, Kappa statistic, chi-square and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in number of roots detected on DPR versus CBCT images. There was a significant association between the type of IMTM and the morphologic shape of the mandible on CBCT images. Darkening of the roots and interruption of the white line on DPR images were significantly associated with the presence of contact between the IMTM and the IAC on CBCT images. CONCLUSIONS: Panoramic radiography is inadequate, whereas CBCT is useful to detect multiple roots of IMTM. When darkening of the roots and interruption of the white line are observed on panoramic images, there is increased likelihood of contact between the IMTM and the IAC. CBCT is required in these cases.

Oral impacts on daily performance in Turkish adults attending a dental school.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) in Turkish adults attending a dental school by using Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) inventory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 1324 patients. A modified questionnaire including sociodemographic information, questions about OHRQOL and OIDP inventory was prepared. The questions consisted of reasons and frequency for dental attendance, self-reported oral health status of the participants and number of natural teeth was recorded. RESULTS: The rates of participants experienced at least one OIDP impact was 65.2% and eating was the most affected item (41.6%). There was statistically significant difference between number of missing teeth-self reported oral health status, number of missing teeth-sociodemographic factors for the participants who reported at least one OIDP impact. CONCLUSION: This study showed that OHRQOL of Turkish adults attending a dental school is affected several factors including sociodemographic factors, regular dental visit and number of missing teeth similarly other societies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: OIDP inventory assesses impacts of oral health conditions that affect daily activities of an individual and is commonly used as OHRQOL indicator. Also, it is important self-report information of patients about changing their oral conditions and affecting daily life for the clinicians. There is insufficient data for OIDP inventory of Turkish dental patients. OHRQOL of Turkish adults was evaluated by using OIDP inventory in this study. The scale was found as a valid and reliable instrument for Turkish dental patients and was determined the relationships between this scale and several parameters.

Reasons for Requesting Ultrasonography: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate (i) the reasons for requesting ultrasonography (USG) in a dentistry faculty and (ii) the scanning regions, the type of probe used, and the use of Doppler USG. METHODS: USG request forms of patients who applied to our radiology clinic for USG were analyzed retrospectively. According to the clinical information of the patients in the request forms, the reasons for requesting USG were divided into four groups: soft tissue swelling, soft tissue calcification, lymph node, and other examinations. Data were statistically compared between sex (female and male) and age groups (≤40-years-old and ˃40-years-old). RESULTS: The USG request forms of 50 patients were obtained. The mean patient age was 45.06±14.50 years. Twenty-six patients were female (52%), while twenty-four patients were male (48%). Soft tissue swelling, soft tissue calcification, lymph node, and other examinations were noted as the reasons for requesting USG in 42%, 26%, 18%, and 14% of the patients, respectively. The most scanned regions were the submandibular (56%), parotid (16%), and cheek (10%) regions. Extraoral probe was used more frequently than intraoral probe (78% vs. 22%). Doppler USG was used in most patients (98%). A statistically significant difference was found between age groups and calcification examination (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The reasons for requesting USG were mostly soft tissue swelling, soft tissue calcification, and lymph node examinations. The most commonly scanned region and used type of probe were the submandibular region and extraoral probe, respectively. Doppler USG was used in most patients.

Evaluation of oral manifestations and head and neck lymphadenopathy in newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of head and neck lymphadenopathy (LAP) and intraoral findings (non-dental/dental) in patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia (AL). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight (52.8%) females and 25 (47.2%) males in a total of 53 patients with newly diagnosed AL with a mean age of 46 years were included in the study. Personal information, the type of AL (AML [acute myelogenous leukemia]/ALL [acute lymphocytic leukemia]), and hematological findings (anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia) were obtained from medical records. One of two calibrated oral diagnosis and maxillofacial radiology specialists performed extraoral (head and neck LAPs) and intraoral (non-dental and dental) clinical examinations. The Chi-square (χ2 ) test was used to evaluate categorical variables. RESULTS: LAP was observed in 22.6% and intraoral findings in 30.2% of the patients. LAP was most commonly observed in the neck and none in the parotid glands. The most intraoral findings were gingival/mucosal bleeding and oral petechiae/ecchymosis. While there was no statistical difference between AML and ALL patients in terms of LAP (p > .05), intraoral findings were observed more in patients with AML (p < .05). Only two (3.8%) patients had dental findings. With a slight difference, intraoral findings were more with thrombocytopenia and LAP with neutropenia. CONCLUSION: In AL, especially non-dental intraoral findings are common. The fact that dentists working in the oral cavity are often the first specialists to encounter the oral manifestations of AL imposes an important role in early diagnosis and treatment.

Hypochlorous acid and white vinegar: Artifact-free COVID-19 disinfection options for photostimulable storage phosphor plates.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the artifacts on intraoral photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plate images caused by 3 different disinfectants that are effective against pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. STUDY DESIGN: Nine new PSP plates, to be wiped with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in group A, alcohol in group B, and white vinegar in group C, were distributed in 3 groups. Twelve images of each PSP plate with increasing numbers of wipes were examined for artifacts. The comparisons were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc tests. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen kappa statistic. RESULTS: Artifacts were observed only on group B images. In terms of artifact scores, the difference between group A and group C was not statistically significant (P > .05), whereas group B artifact scores were significantly higher than group A and group C (P < .05). Intraobserver reliability was perfect (ICC and kappa of 1.0) and interobserver reliability was considered excellent (ICC = 0.985) or almost perfect (kappa = 0.956). CONCLUSIONS: HOCl and white vinegar can be alternative disinfection options for PSP plates tested in this study. Unlike alcohol, they did not produce artifacts. Additional research evaluating their effects on image quality is needed to determine if they are appropriate for disinfection.

Dental Anomalies in Consanguineous Marriage: A Clinical-Radiological Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate nonsyndromic developmental dental anomalies (DDAs) in individuals born from consanguineous and nonconsanguineous marriages and the possible effects of these marriages on self-reported systemic diseases. METHODS: The study comprised a total of 880 patients aged 16 years or older who applied to our clinic for various dental problems. Based on detailed anamnesis, the patients were divided into 2 groups: individuals born from consanguineous (study group, n = 445) and nonconsanguineous (control group, n = 435) marriages. The parents' consanguinity type was also recorded, as well as the presence of any self-reported systemic diseases. The number, size, erupted, and morphological DDA types were investigated with both clinical and radiological examinations. All data from the 2 groups were recorded, and a statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between the consanguineous marriage and the size (microdontia), and morphological (dilaceration and taurodontism) DDA types. Additionally, a significant relationship was found between consanguineous marriage and self-reported systemic disease but not between the parents' consanguinity type and systemic disease. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that consanguineous marriage affects DDAs.

Effect of enveloping and disinfection methods on artefact formation on enveloped PSP plate images.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the artefacts caused by different disinfection and protection methods that can be used for infection control of photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates. METHODS: The plates that were enveloped with single or double envelopes were sprayed with an alcohol-containing solution or wiped with an alcohol-containing tissue. Four PSP groups with two plates in each group were formed (A = wiping single envelope, B = wiping double envelopes, C = spraying onto single envelope, and D = spraying onto double envelopes). Any artefacts (1 = no artefact, 2 = presence of artefact less than 0.5 cm wide, and 3 = presence of artefact larger than 0.5 cm wide) on the 12 acquired images were evaluated. RESULTS: Artefacts (score-3) occurred on the images of Group C-2 PSP plate after the 3rd exposure. According to the Kruskal-Wallis test the difference between the artefact score of the four methods was found significant. Post-hoc comparisons showed the Group C artefact scores were higher than the others and the difference was significant. The total time of enveloping and disinfection processes for groups was; A = 6.30 min, B = 7.58 min, C = 5.48 min, and D = 7.14 min. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the number of envelopes, wiping with a tissue was less likely to cause artefacts, while spraying was reliable only when double envelopes were used. However, using a tissue and double envelopes, which are less risky in terms of artefact, causes time loss, difficulty in manipulation, environmental pollution and high cost.

Idiopathic coronal resorption in impacted permanent teeth and its relationship with age: radiologic study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between idiopathic coronal resorption and age in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3405 digital panoramic radiographs present in the archive of the radiology department belonging to 1584 males and 1821 females aged 25 and over were assessed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The patients' age, gender, number of impacted teeth, number and position of teeth with idiopathic coronal resorption and the extent of coronal resorption were recorded on standard forms. RESULTS: A thousand and nine impacted teeth were observed in 622 patients (304 males and 318 females) with a mean age of 36,92 (±10,85). Idiopathic coronal resorption was present in 26 of the 622 patients with a frequency of 4.2%. One patient had two teeth with idiopathic coronal resorption; resulting in as 27 teeth and a frequency of 2.7% according to tooth number. There were 13 (50%) females and 13 (50%) males having idiopathic coronal resorption. There was no significant difference between genders. The presence of idiopathic coronal resorption increased with advanced age (v: 0,193, p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the extent of the coronal resorption and age. CONCLUSION: The presence of idiopathic coronal resorption increases with advancing age. Idiopathic coronal resorption is detected incidentally during radiographic examination. Thus, dentists should consider this situation and should perform periodically radiographic examination of impacted teeth.

Public awareness level of oral cancer in a group of dental patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of public awareness and knowledge about early signs and risk factors of oral cancer among a group of dental patients in Turkey. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study included 1022 participants. Sociodemographic information of patients was obtained. A questionnaire about awareness and knowledge of oral cancer and early signs and risk factors related to the disease was completed by two examiners. Data were statistically analyzed with descriptive analyses, crosstabs and chi-square tests. RESULTS: In total 60.7% of participants had never heard of oral cancer. While 79.2% of the participants were unaware of the early signs related to oral cancer, 29.9% of them were unaware of risk factors of the disease. There were no statistically significant differences between age, gender, and education levels for awareness of risk factors. Statistically significant differences were found between age and gender and no statistically significant difference was found between education levels for awareness of early signs. CONCLUSION: This study showed that public awareness and knowledge about oral cancer were insufficient in Turkey. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There is an important need to inform the public about oral cancer, its risk factors, and early signs of the disease. Media campaigns can be useful to raise oral cancer awareness.

Analysis of Dentistry YouTube Videos Related To COVID-19.

This study aimed to analyze the videos available on YouTube related to dentistry and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), as there is no such analysis in the existing literature. The terms "dental" and "COVID-19" were searched on YouTube on May 9, 2020. The top 116 English-language videos with at least 300 views were analyzed by two observers. Data was saved for each video, including target audience, source, country of origin, content, number of views, time watched, average views, duration, like/dislike ratio, and usefulness. Total video information and quality index (VIQI) scores were calculated, consisting of flow, information, accuracy, quality, and precision indices. Non-parametric tests were used for analysis. The analyzed videos were viewed 375,000 times and totaled 20 h of content. Most videos were uploaded by dentists (45.7%), originated from the United States (79.3%), and contained information targeted towards patients (48.3%). Nearly half of the videos (47.4%) were moderately useful. For the usefulness of the videos, statistically significant differences were found for all indices as well as total VIQI scores. A comparison of the indices according to the relevance of the videos showed statistically significant differences in the videos' information and precision indices and total VIQI scores. The results of this study showed that dentistry YouTube videos related to COVID-19 had high view numbers; however, the videos were generally moderate in quality and usefulness.

Turkish adaptation and implementation of the modified infection control questionnaire in intraoral digital imaging.

PURPOSE: There are very few studies evaluating the knowledge of dentists about infection precautions in oral radiology. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the modified form of a developed questionnaire and to apply this questionnaire to Turkish dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire was applied to a sample of 250 dentists for the scale development [200 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and 50 for control] and 173 dentists for the implementation of the scale. The scale was applied to 200 dentists and construct validity was examined with CFA. For model fit; chi square to df ratio, RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation), TLI (Tucker-Lewis Index), CFI (Comparative Fit Index), GFI (goodness of fit index), AGFI (adjusted goodness of fit index) and NFI (normed fit index) were obtained. Also, reliability analysis was applied and itemtotal correlations and Cronbach's alpha values were given. Adapted scale scores using a different sample of 173 dentists were compared according to demographic characteristics. RESULTS: CFA showed good fit statistics (X2/df=1.511, RMSEA=0.057, TLI=0.942, CFI=0.953, GFI=0.926, AGFI=0.900, NFI=0.928) for the scale. Item-total correlations were over 0.30 and Cronbach's alpha was calculated as 0.877. In addition, experienced dentists had higher scores in the dimension of personal hygiene (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the modified infection control questionnaire in oral radiology showed adequate psychometric properties. This indicated that it could be a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of infection control in oral radiology among Turkish dentists.

Knowledge, behavior, and awareness of neonatologists and anesthesiologists about oral complications of intubation and protection methods.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess awareness of anesthesiologists and neonatologists about oral complications occurring during and after the orotracheal intubation (OTI) in premature infants and their knowledge and behavior regarding protection methods from these complications in clinical practice. METHODS: This study included 94 neonatologists and 137 anesthesiologist. The final version of the questionnaire included 15 items in three main parts: (i) personal information; (ii) awareness about oral complications occurring during and after the OTI in premature infants; (iii) knowledge and behavior regarding protection methods from these complications in clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 95.7% of neonatologists and 83.2% of anesthesiologists were aware of oral complications related to OTI. The most common complications the anesthesiologists encountered were oral, laryngeal, or pharyngeal region injuries (60.7%) and palatal groove (52.2%) for the neonatologists. The most preferred method for stabilization of the orotracheal intubation tube (OTT) was bonding to the perioral region with an adhesive tape (98.3%). The primary determining factor in the choice of OTT stabilization method was the ease of use (28.2%). A total of 23.8% of the participants were aware of the palatal stabilization device (PSD), whereas only 1.3% used it in their routine and 57.1% of them believed it can prevent complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that neonatologists were more aware of the OTI-related oral complications than anesthesiologists. The knowledge of the participants regarding prevention of these complications is insufficient. Study participants believe in the efficacy of PSD but do not use it in clinical practice for a number of reasons.

The evaluation of perceived sources of stress and stress levels among Turkish dental students.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify sources of stress and to evaluate stress levels among Turkish dental students and also to investigate the role of year of study and gender on perceived stressors. METHODS: This study included 308 dental students. Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to collect data. Also, some factors considered to be effective on stress levels of dental students were questioned. Data were statistically analysed with Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The most stress provoking factors were fear of failing the year, completion of clinical requirements and amount of assigned work. Statistically significant differences were found between years of study and gender for many stressors. There was statistically significant difference between years of study and gender for mean DES scores but no statistically significant differences were found between years of study for mean BDI, STAI scores. There was statistically significant difference between genders for STAI-1. Choice rank of dental school has affected stress levels of dental students. CONCLUSION: This study showed that perceived sources of stress of clinical students were very similar and stress levels of these students were lower than preclinical students, also gender was effective on stressors and stress levels.

Clinic and radiographical evaluation of non-syndromic hypodontia and hyperdontia in permanent dentition.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographical characteristics of non-syndromic hypodontia and hyperdontia in the permanent dentition. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 139 patients. Clinical and radiographical examinations were carried out by two examiners. Number and localization of missing or supernumerary teeth, and pathologies associated with the teeth, were recorded. Other teeth in the mouth were also examined for the presence of additional dental anomalies. RESULTS: A total of 256 congenitally missing teeth were observed in 102 patients, and 73 supernumerary teeth were observed in 37 patients. The rate of missing teeth was much higher in females (67.6 %) than males (32.4 %) and in the maxilla (64.5 %) than mandible (35.5 %). The rate of supernumerary teeth was slightly higher in males (59.5 %) than females (40.5 %) and in maxilla (53.4 %) than mandible (46.6 %). The most common hypodontia type was mild to moderate hypodontia (62.7 %) and the most observed hyperdontia was a single supernumerary tooth (54.1 %). Microdontia, talon cusp, taurodontic molars were observed in 18.6 % of patients with hypodontia; and microdontia and dilacerated molars were observed in 8.1 % of patients with hyperdontia. CONCLUSIONS: Although missing and supernumerary teeth are asymptomatic in most cases, they may lead to malocclusions, aesthetic, functional and psychological problems.

Talon cusp: a case series.

Talon cusp is an uncommon dental developmental anomaly that typically appears as an accessory cusp-like structure projecting from the cingulum to the cutting edge in primary or permanent anterior teeth. This article presents 11 cases of talon cusp in seven patients. Three patients had unilateral talon cusps, one of which affected a permanent maxillary central incisor and included an unusual concurrent combination of dental anomalies; the other two affected permanent maxillary lateral incisors. The remaining eight talon cusps were observed bilaterally, with six affecting the permanent maxillary lateral incisors and the other two affecting the permanent maxillary canines.

Localization of mental and mandibular foramens on the conventional and digital panoramic images.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of conventional and digital panoramic images for localization of mental and mandibular foramens. Six dry edentulous human mandibles were used in the study. Conventional and digital panoramic images were obtained and the vertical and horizontal measurements were performed for localization of mental and mandibular foramens on the images. The correlations between radiographic (conventional and digital) and direct measurements were compared. A measurement error between the radiographic and direct measurements was determined at the level of 1 mm. The measurement errors were generally less in conventional panoramic radiography than digital one. There was statistically strong positive correlation between direct and radiographic measurements. Statistically significant difference was found between radiographic and direct measurements for bone height of mandible in ramus region. According to the results of this study, diagnostic performance of conventional and digital panoramic images seems to be equal for the localization of mental and mandibular foramens. The vertical radiographic measurements are generally reliable and correlated with direct measurements in mandible for conventional and digital panoramic radiography, but the evaluation of bone height in ramus region may not be sufficiently reliable.