Association between gubernacular canals characteristics and teeth eruption status: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

Background: There have been few studies that have evaluated the imaging characteristics of the gubernacular canal. Additionally, it is important to understand the role of this structure and its relationship with tooth erupt. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between gubernacular canal features and teeth eruption status on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 CBCT images were obtained from patients referred to a maxillofacial radiology clinic in Babol, northern Iran, in 2021. Eruption status (normal, delayed, and impacted) and the presence of the gubernacular canal were recorded. If the gubernacular canal was detected, its opening site in the alveolar crest (buccal, lingual, and central) and its attachment site to the dental follicle (usual, unusual) were further assessed. Results: Gubernacular canal was observed in 133 (88.7%) of the total 150 CBCT images. Also, 41 cases (27.3%) had impacted teeth. The detection rate of the gubernacular canal in the normal, delayed, and impacted eruption of teeth was 92.1% (n=93), 75.0% (n=6), and 82.9% (n=34), respectively (p=0.135). Opening the gubernacular canal in the alveolar crest was not associated with teeth eruption status. Also, unusual attachment sites of the gubernacular canal to dental follicles were mostly seen in abnormal eruptions. Conclusions: According to the findings, observing the presence of the gubernacular canal on CBCT may not help anticipate teeth eruption problems. Key words:Gubernacular canal, Cone-beam computed tomography, Tooth eruption.

Performance of artificial intelligence using cone-beam computed tomography for segmentation of oral and maxillofacial structures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: There are different values reported about the performance of artificial intelligence using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for segmentation of oral and maxillofacial structures. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide an overall estimate to resolve the given conflicts. Material and Methods: A literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus through 31 October 2022, to identify studies evaluating artificial intelligence systems using oral and maxillofacial CBCT images for automatic segmentation of anatomical landmarks. The surveys had to report the outcome according to dice coefficient (DICE) or dice similarity coefficient (DSC) index. The estimates were presented as percent and 95% confidence interval (CI). I-squared index was used to assess the heterogeneity between the surveys. Results: A total of 24 eligible studies were finally enrolled. The overall pooled DICE/DSC value for artificial intelligence was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.95; I-squared=93.6%, p<0.001). Tooth and mandible were evaluated more than other anatomical regions (five studies for each one). The lowest and highest DICE/DSC scores for the artificial intelligence related to inferior alveolar nerve (0.55 [95% CI: 0.47-0.63]) and pharyngeal airway and sinonasal cavity (0.98 [95% CI: 0.98-1.00]). Conclusions: The findings revealed excellent performance for the artificial intelligence regarding the segmentation task of oral and maxillofacial CBCT images. Key words:Artificial intelligence, cone-beam computed tomography, segmentation performance, dentistry.

Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Wound Healing and Pain Reduction After Gingivectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Complete healing of a gingivectomy wound usually takes between one and two months. To speed up this process, different topical medications have been reported. In addition, there are different studies assessing the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in terms of wound healing and pain relief subsequent to gingivectomy, yielding inconsistent outcomes. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the existing evidence in the literature to resolve the given conflicts. Methods: We searched for the studies published from inception to 1 April 2023 in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases without language limitation by the use of appropriate keywords. We included randomized or non-randomized clinical trial studies that appraised the efficacy of LLLT in pain reduction and wound healing in adult patients who underwent gingivectomy. We pooled the continuous data concerning the pain visual analogue scale and the healing index extracted from the individual studies to provide a standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using a random-effects model. Results: Out of 188 sources initially captured from the database search, six studies were ultimately included. Regarding wound healing, the LLLT group exhibited a significantly higher mean value of the healing index compared to the control group on days 3 (SMD, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.47) and 7 (SMD, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.57) post-surgery. Also, significant differences were noted in the postoperative pain reduction between the two groups on days 3 (SMD, -2.00; 95% CI, -2.48 to -1.51) and 7 (SMD, -2.44; 95% CI, -4.66 to -0.22) post-surgery. Conclusion: According to the present systematic review, LLLT could potentially be an efficient adjunctive treatment after gingivectomy for wound healing acceleration and patient pain alleviation.

Diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence using cone-beam computed tomography imaging of the oral and maxillofacial region: A scoping review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review and meta-analysis to provide overall estimates of the recall and precision of artificial intelligence for detection and segmentation using oral and maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Materials and Methods: A literature search was done in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus through October 31, 2022 to identify studies that reported the recall and precision values of artificial intelligence systems using oral and maxillofacial CBCT images for the automatic detection or segmentation of anatomical landmarks or pathological lesions. Recall (sensitivity) indicates the percentage of certain structures that are correctly detected. Precision (positive predictive value) indicates the percentage of accurately identified structures out of all detected structures. The performance values were extracted and pooled, and the estimates were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, 12 eligible studies were finally included. The overall pooled recall for artificial intelligence was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.87-0.94). In a subgroup analysis, the pooled recall was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77-0.94) for detection and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87-0.96) for segmentation. The overall pooled precision for artificial intelligence was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-0.95). A subgroup analysis showed that the pooled precision value was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.77-0.96) for detection and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89-0.97) for segmentation. Conclusion: Excellent performance was found for artificial intelligence using oral and maxillofacial CBCT images.

Comparison of accuracy cone-beam computed tomography and digital bitewing radiography for detection of recurrent caries under various restorative materials: in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate diagnostic accuracy of two different CBCT scan modes and digital bitewing radiography for detection of recurrent caries under five different restorative materials, and determine the relationship between the types of restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 200 caries-free upper and lower premolars and molars were selected. A standard deep Class II cavities was created in the middle of the mesial surface of all teeth. In 100 teeth of the experimental and control groups, secondary caries was artificially demineralized. All teeth were filled with five types of restorative material including two types of conventional composite resins, flow composite resin, glass ionomer and amalgam. The teeth were imaged with high resolution (HIRes) and standard CBCT scan modes and digital bitewing. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity and areas under the ROC curve were calculated and verified through SPSS. RESULTS: CBCT technique was the best option in diagnosing recurrent caries. The diagnostic accuracy and specificity of HIRes CBCT scan mode was significantly higher than standard mode (P = 0.031) and bitewing (P = 0.029) for detection of recurrent caries, especially under composite group. There were no significant differences in accuracy value of bitewing and standard CBCT scan mode. CONCLUSION: CBCT showed higher accuracy and specificity on the detection of recurrent caries which was more accurate than bitewing radiography. The HIRes CBCT scan mode achieved the highest accuracy and performed the best in recurrent caries detection.

Accuracy of artificial intelligence in the detection and segmentation of oral and maxillofacial structures using cone-beam computed tomography images: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to resolve the conflicts on the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence systems in detecting and segmenting oral and maxillofacial structures using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and methods: We performed a literature search of the Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases for reports published from their inception to 31 October 2022. We included studies that explored the accuracy of artificial intelligence in the automatic detection or segmentation of oral and maxillofacial anatomical landmarks or lesions using CBCT images. The extracted data were pooled, and the estimates were presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, 19 eligible studies were identified. As per the analysis, the overall pooled diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91-0.94). This rate was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.89-0.96) for anatomical landmarks based on 7 studies and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90-0.94) for lesions according to 12 reports. Moreover, the pooled accuracy of detection and segmentation tasks for artificial intelligence was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91-0.94) and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85-0.95) based on 14 and 5 surveys, respectively. Conclusions: Excellent accuracy was observed for the detection and segmentation objectives of artificial intelligence using oral and maxillofacial CBCT images. These systems have the potential to streamline oral and dental healthcare services.

Complications of patients with hematologic malignancies in a selected Iranian population.

Background: Hematologic malignancies in childhood and their treatments can cause dental anomalies and jaw bone abnormalities; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of these disorders in children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all children diagnosed with hematologic malignancies that referred to in Amirkola Children's Hospital from 2011 to 2018. All of children underwent clinical evaluation in a Dental Radiology Clinic and panoramic imaging was performed. The radiographs were examined for dental anomalies and jaw bone abnormalities. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis using chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The study population consisted of 32 children and 9.46% of these patients showed intraoral signs in clinical evaluations. Panoramic radiographs indicated dental anomalies in 12 (63.9%) and jaw bone abnormalities in 17 (89.4%) patients. The most common dental anomaly and bone abnormality were taurodontism and changes in lamina dura, respectively. By measuring the mandibular cortical index (MCI), it was revealed that 13 had osteopenia, in which 4 of them had severe osteopenia (osteoporosis). The statistical analysis demonstrated that there was a significant difference between the incidence of osteoporosis and changes in lamina dura with the gender (p<0.05). Conclusion: Due to early onset of osteopenia and osteoporosis and the presence of dental and bone abnormalities in half of study population, early assessment of their clinical and radiographic condition can be helpful in the prevention and the early treatment of their oral complications.

Diagnostic performance of cone-beam computed tomography for apical periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the performance of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in apical periodontitis (AP) prediction. This was done to address the contradictory results reported in the existing literature on this topic. Material and methods: We searched the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases for literature published from inception to 30 June 2023 without language restriction using appropriate keywords. We included studies that reported the diagnostic accuracy values of CBCT in AP detection among humans by comparing AP diagnosis with a control group without lesions. We pooled the diagnostic accuracy values using a random effects model and presented the estimates as percentage and 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity between the surveys was explored by I2 statistic. Results: Out of 301 citations initially identified, a total of 8 eligible studies were finally included. According to the analyses, the overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) estimated for CBCT were 94.6% (95% CI: 90.2-97.1; I2 = 55.9%, p = 0.026), 91.2% (95% CI: 81.7-96.0; I2 = 81.6%, p < 0.001), 93.0% (95% CI: 87.4-96.2; I2 = 56.5%, p = 0.024), and 92.3% (95% CI: 82.3-96.8; I2 = 86.4%, p < 0.001), respectively. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of digital radiography were 61.0% (95% CI: 38.3-79.8; I2 = 94.4%, p < 0.001), 97.3% (95% CI: 85.6-99.5; I2 = 86.7%, p < 0.001), 98.3% (95% CI: 92.0-99.6; I2 = 74.4%, p = 0.002), and 41.6% (95% CI: 28.0-56.6; I2 = 89.5%, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: CBCT imaging has excellent diagnostic accuracy in AP prediction. Also, CBCT has better discriminant test performance for AP than digital radiography.

Complications of patients with thalassemia major and intermedia in a selected Iranian population.

Background: Due to anemia in thalassemia major (TM) and thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients, bone changes occur, especially in the broad bones like jaw and skull, which are the main sites of hematopoiesis. Therefore, the dentist should be aware of the disease to prevent complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiographic findings of the jaw and teeth in TM and TI patients and to compare the two groups. Methods: 50 TM patients and 50 TI patients in Amirkola Thalassemia Center, whose thalassemia were definitively diagnosed by a hematologist, were selected as the study group and the control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. In patients` panoramic radiographs, dental anomalies (microdontia, root shortening etc.) and bone disorders (bone marrow hyperplasia, maxillary sinus invisibility etc.) were assessed. A p<0.05 was considered. Results: Dental anomalies were (42.84%) in TI patients and (23.46%) in the control group, the difference was significant. Dental anomalies in TM patients were (38.76%) and in the control group (23.46%) and a significant difference was observed (p<0.001). Bone disorders were (47.94%) in TI patients and in the control group (32.64%). Bone disorders in TM patients were (44.88%) and in the control group was (32.64%) that showed a significant difference. Conclusion: This study showed that in thalassemia patients, bone and dental disorders frequency were higher than healthy individuals. Bone disorders were also more common than dental anomalies. Dental and bone disorders were more common in TI.

Prevalence and anatomical variations of maxillary sinus septa: A cone-beam computed tomography analysis.

Background: Detailed understanding the anatomy and variations of maxillary sinus septa is necessary. We aimed to investigate prevalence and various anatomical variations of maxillary sinus septa using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, CBCT scans of 809 patients referred to a specialist dental and maxillofacial radiology clinic in Babol, northern Iran, during 2014-2020 were evaluated. Location, morphology, height, and direction of septa in different planes were recorded. Results: Sinus septa were observed in 37.9% (n=307) of the participants. There were 117 cases with septa only in left sinus, 83 cases with septa only in right sinus, and 107 cases with septa in both sinuses. Totally, 414 septa were seen in the subjects. Prevalence of partial septa was considerably higher than complete septa (77.5% versus 22.5%). Regarding septa location, middle area with a prevalence rate of 58.7% was found more prevalent than other sinus areas. The mean septum height on the left and right sinuses was 6.0±3.1 mm 5.7±3.9, respectively (p<0.001). Regarding left sinus, directions of vertical (63.8%), oblique (30.8%), and straight (63.8%) were the most prevalent compared with other directions in sagittal, frontal, and axial planes, respectively. In relation to right maxillary sinus, direction of vertical in sagittal and frontal planes (72.6% and 24.2%, respectively), and direction of straight in axial plane (58.4%) were the most prevalent directions compared with others in the same planes. Conclusions: Septa prevalence in maxillary sinus was relatively high, with various directions, locations, heights, and shapes. It is recommended to use CBCT for a careful evaluation of toothless area prior to surgeries on the sinus (especially sinus lift) in three plans, in order to take careful measures and prevent postoperative complications in case septa exist. Key words:Maxillary sinus septa, anatomical variation, cone-beam computed tomography, dental implant.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) findings of fungal sinusitis in post COVID-19 patient: A case report.

Background: Fungal infections of the paranasal sinus are increasingly recognized in both normal and immunocompromised individuals. It is necessary to distinguish invasive diseases from the non- invasive as the result and prognosis of sinus treatment different in each one. CBCT imaging could help us in this regard. In this case, we describe a fungal sinusitis according to Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) findings. Case presentation: We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus referred to our Maxillofacial Radiology Center in Babol, Iran. The patient has been discharged from the hospital recently after recovering from COVID-19 Considering the background systemic disease (diabetes) and clinical and radiological findings (extension of bone destruction), fungal sinusitis (invasive form) was listed top in the differential diagnosis list , as it is the most common condition in post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: CBCT images are very useful for diagnosing normal anatomy variations and sinus lesions especially bone lesions .In this case, its early diagnosis led to rapid recovery of the patient.

Correlation between Skeletal Maturation and Developmental Stages of Canines and Second Molars among Iranian Population.

Statement of the Problem: Growth assessment has become an important issue in many medical and dental fields. Determining the stages of dental development and skeletal maturation are essential methods in evaluation of growth phases. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the relationship between developmental stages of maxillary and mandibular canines and second molars by Nolla's method and skeletal maturation stages by cervical vertebral maturation. In addition, diagnostic performances of dental developmental stages were evaluated to identify growth phases. Materials and Method: In this descriptive-analytical study, 201 digital panoramic and lateral cephalometry of children referred to the Orthodontic Department of Babol Dental School (8 to 15 years) were examined. The stages of dental development were determined by Nolla's method, and the stages of skeletal development were determined by cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMs). Positive likelihood ratio (LHR+) was used to determine the diagnostic performances to identify growth phases. The Kendall's Tau-b correlation coefficient was used to measure the association between the CVM stages and dental calcification stages. In this study, p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The relationship between dental development and skeletal maturation in different teeth was significant (p ≤ 0.05). Kendall's Tau-b correlation coefficient between the stages of dental development and skeletal maturity in girls ranged from 0.578 - 0.634 and in boys ranged from 0.588 - 0.655. The right second molar in maxilla presented the highest correlation coefficient. The right and left second molars in maxilla and left second molar in mandible in stage 5 had the highest LHR+ to identify the pre-pubertal growth phase. Conclusion: Despite the high correlation coefficient between dental development and skeletal maturity, the LHR+ for determining growth stages in only a small number of teeth was more than 10.

Frequency of caries in triangular-shaped radiolucencies on periapical radiographs of maxillary deciduous second molars.

Background: Dentists might face various artifacts (such as triangular-shaped radiolucencies [TSRs]) during the assessment of radiographs and should be able to differentiate them from caries to avoid unnecessary treatments. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 109 maxillary second primary molars were evaluated in cooperative children aged 4-9 years, who had distal caries in their maxillary first primary molars. First, TSRs were recorded on periapical radiographs of each maxillary second primary molar's proximal surface. Then, after excavating distal caries in the adjacent teeth "D," a pedodontist examined the mesial surfaces of teeth "E." Chi-square test was used to compare the distribution of caries in different variables, and the kappa coefficient was applied to evaluate clinical and radiographic agreements. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty-four cases were found to be carious both clinically and radiographically, and 54 cases were noncarious by both methods, while for 11 cases, the diagnosis was controversial. No statistically significant difference was found between radiographic and clinical caries detection methods in children whose periapical radiographs contained TSRs, and most of the subjects had similar diagnoses. Value of caries detection sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in TSRs was 88%, 92%, 90%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusion: Considering high radiographic sensitivity for caries detection in TSRs, clinicians should be more cautious about them being carious or not, and both radiographic and clinical examinations are necessary. Further, to avoid misinterpretation in radiographs, additional education is necessary for young dentists.

Radiographic Evaluation of Dental Anomaly Prevalence in a Selected Iranian Population.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Many studies have explored the prevalence of dental anomalies, with conflicting results, possibly attributed to differences in the ethnicities of the populations evaluated. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies, using panoramic images, in an Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, panoramic radiographs of patients aged 18 years or more, between 2015 and 2017 from three private clinics in Babol and Sari, were evaluated for presence or absence of anomalies (tooth shape, number, structure, and position). Data were analyzed using the chi square test, Student's t-test, and analyses of variance. In this study, p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Of 8018 cases examined, anomalies were found in 2250 cases (28.06%), with 95% confidence intervals of 27.08 - 29.0; one, two, and more than two types of anomalies were observed in 1968 (24.5%), 267 (3.3%), and 15 (0.2%) cases, respectively. Root dilaceration was the most prevalent anomaly (7.7%), followed by dens invaginatus (3.8%). Impaction was observed with a prevalence of 15.2%. Impaction, dens invaginatus, and missing teeth were significantly more prevalent in women than in men, whilst supernumerary teeth and hypercementosis were more common in men than in women (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regarding the relatively high prevalence of dental anomalies such as root dilacerations and dens invaginatus, it is essential to consider these anomalies carefully in treatment decision-making.

Accuracy of densitometry of two cone beam computed tomography equipment in comparison with computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The use of oral implants has been growing, and cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) has become the method of choice for oral and maxillofacial radiology. OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of bone densitometry in two different CBCT devices in comparison with MDCT (multi-detector CT). METHODS: Different concentrations of urografin, including 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, were prepared, and the Hounsfield unit of these solution was measured by two CBCT devices (SORDEX CRANEX 3D and NEWTOM 5G) and one spiral CT device (SOMATOM SENSATION). Difference of output Hounsfield units in each concentration was compared in three devices. Correlation of devices with increase of urografin dose also was evaluated. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using SPSS18 and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, along with Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The range of gray density for NEWTOM 5G CBCT, SORDEX 3D CBCT, and SOMATOM CT imaging systems was from 781 to 2311, 427 to 1464, and 222 to 994, respectively. There was significant difference between devices in the Hounsfield unit in all urografin concentrations (p<0.001). Also there was a significant correlation between three devices with increasing the urografin dose (p<0.05; r>0.95). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated a high correlation and linear relationship between different studied imaging systems. Although utilizing CBCT in the assessment of bone density is useful according to its lower emitted dose and less cost, clinicians should be aware of the issue that the voxel value in CBCT is not as perfect as CT.

Radiographic assessment of maxillary sinus lateral wall thickness in edentulous posterior maxilla.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Given the importance of evaluating the maxillary sinus lateral wall thickness (LWT) to avoid complications during surgery, the aim of this study was to examine LWT as well as the effect of residual ridge height (RH), edentulous region, type of edentulism, age and gender on it. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2016, 150 samples of the CBCT imaging archives of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic in Babol, Iran, were evaluated retrospectively. In the coronal section, RH and LWT (at 3, 7, 10 and 15 mm from the lowest point of the sinus floor) were measured in NNT software in millimeters. Data were analyzed using the SPSS v22 software through independent-samples t-test, paired-samples t-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: In 150 assessed images, by increasing the wall distance from the floor, the mean sinus lateral wall thickness was increased (p=0.01). There was no relationship between gender and age with the sinus lateral wall thickness (p>0.05). RH showed a significant relationship with LWT so that the higher the RH, the greater the LWT (p<0.05). It was also observed that the mean LWT was 1.31±0.3 mm in the partial edentulism and 0.95±0.26 mm in the complete edentulism (p<0.05). The maximum thickness was found in the first molar and the minimum values were in the second premolar and the second molar. CONCLUSION: Due to the impact of residual ridge height and type of edentulism on LWT and anatomical variations observed in the maxillary sinus, CBCT assessment is recommended before surgery such as sinus lifting in this area.

Ectopic Ciliated Cyst in the Mandible Secondary to Genioplasty and Lefort after Two Years: A Case Report and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: The ectopic ciliated cyst is a rare non-odontogenic cyst which occurs as a delayed complication after maxillary sinus radical surgery; this lesion emerges due to the destruction of the sinus mucosa during the surgery and entrapment of the respiratory epithelium in the region. This lesion has been observed in very rare cases following genioplasty and bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. CASE REPORT: We reported a case of the ectopic ciliated cyst in in the mandible of a 37-year-old Iranian woman following genioplasty and Lefort 1 surgery after 2 years. Its treatment was enucleation. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up after cosmetic surgery of both jaws is recommended due to the probability of this cyst.

Can the Inversion Filter Improve the Visibility of the Mandibular Incisive Canal?

BACKGROUND: One of the anatomic structures in the mental interforaminal area is the mandibular incisive canal (MIC). Using various manipulation tools in the digital system may affect the visibility of MIC. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of inversion filter (IF) on the visibility of mandibular incisive canal in panoramic radiographs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2580 digital panoramic images of 18 to 70-year-old patients were inspected for presence of MIC. Visibility of MIC and extension of the canal were registered separately on each side using IF and conventional mode. Data were analyzed by Kappa test using SPSS version 20 software. A probability value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was no significant differences between IF and conventional mode regarding visibility of MIC (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although using IF caused improved visibility of MIC, the difference with conventional mode was not statistically different.

Evaluation of Apical Micro-leakage of Different Endodontic Sealers in the Presence and Absence of Moisture.

Background and aims. With availability of hydrophilic sealers, drying of the canals before endodontic obturation is still a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to compare the apical micro-leakage of AH26, Excite DSC, MTA Fillapex, and ZOE sealers in dry and moist root canals. Materials and methods. This experimental study was performed on 90 extracted maxillary central incisors. Rotary files were used for preparation of the canals. Root canals were filled with a single gutta percha cone, using one of the four sealers, under dry and moist root canal conditions (10 teeth in each group). Orifices were sealed with glue wax and all root surfaces were covered with nail polish except the positive control group. After ten days in 100% humidity, teeth were placed in methylene blue, and then were cut in longitudinal axis. Blue color permeability was measured by stereomicroscope in micrometers. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe post hoc test using SPSS V.18 software at P < 0.05. Results. Mean apical micro-leakage was significantly lower in the dry groups (P < 0.001). Minimum and maximum micro-leakage was seen in AH26 and ZOE, respectively. MTA Fillapex did not exhibit a significant difference in apical micro-leakage between dry and moist conditions (P > 0.05). Apical micro-leakage was significantly higher in the Excite DSC groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion. AH26 provided the least apical micro-leakage under dry conditions while ZOE had the highest micro-leakage under moist conditions. MTA Fillapex provided acceptable apical seal regardless of moisture.

Diagnostic accuracy of digital and conventional radiography in the detection of non-cavitated approximal dental caries.

BACKGROUND: Radiography plays an important role in the detection of interproximal caries. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of chargecoupled devices (CCD), Photo Stimulable Phosphor (PSP) and film radiography in detecting non-cavitated caries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two non-cavitated approximal surfaces of extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed under standardized conditions using three intraoral modalities: CCD Dixi3 (Planmeca, Finland), PSP Digora PCT (Soredex, Finland),and E-speed film (Kodak, USA). Radiographs were interpreted by four observers and caries lesions were classified as sound (R0), restricted to enamel (R1), reaching the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) and the outer half of the dentin (R2) and the inner half of the dentin (R3). The teeth were subsequently sectioned for histological analysis which served as the gold standard for radiographic examination. RESULTS: Microscopic examinations showed that the distribution of caries were 63.9% sound, 18.1% enamel, 9.7% DEJ and outer half of the dentin and 8.3% into the inner half of the dentin. The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of enamel caries were 38% and 98%; 15% and 96 %; and 23% and 98%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of both dentin and enamel caries were 55% and 100%; 45% and 100% ; and 55% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of digital images is similar to that of conventional film radiography in the detection of non-cavitated approximal caries.