Evaluation of submandibular and parotid salivary glands by ultrasonography in patients with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) include oral manifestations and complications, including xerostomia, reduced salivary flow, susceptibility to infection, periodontal disease and salivary gland enlargement. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate B-mode ultrasonography (USG) parameters such as size, volume and echogenicity of the submandibular and parotid salivary glands on both sides, shear-wave elastography (SWE) value and colour Doppler properties in patients with DM and healthy control groups. METHODS: In total, 160 right and left submandibular glands and 160 right and left parotid glands of 80 patients, 40 patients (20 type 1 DM, 20 type 2 DM) and 40 healthy control group, between the ages of 18-70 were examined by USG. Echogenicity, parenchyma internal structure, margin and dimensional measurements (antero-posterior length, supero-inferior length, medio-lateral length and volume) and colour Doppler with 'ML 6-15-D Matrix Array (4-15 MHz)' probe, shear-wave elastography '9L-D (2-8 MHz)' probe was investigated. RESULT: Statistically significant difference was observed in echogenicity in the right submandibular gland, echogenicity in the right parotid gland, margin characteristics, parenchymal homogeneity and colour Doppler characteristics between the type 1 DM, type 2 DM and control groups (p < .05). It was observed that the size, volume and SWE values of both submandibular and parotid glands were higher in the DM patient group than in the control group. Higher values were observed in type 2 DM compared to type 1 DM in the patient group. CONCLUSION: USG is an effective imaging technique in investigating the effects of diabetes on the submandibular and parotid salivary glands.

Evaluation of the Cranial Aperture of the Optic Canal on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images and its Clinical Implications for the Transcranial Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate morphometric properties of the cranial aperture (CA) of the optic canal. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 400 individuals (200 males and 200 females) aged 37.32 ± 15.87 years were retrospectively examined to assess the morphometry and morphology of the CA. RESULTS: The height and width of CA were found as 4.22 ± 0.74 mm and 7.27 ± 1.15 mm, respectively. The distances between the CA and the midsagittal line, the anterior and lateral boundaries of the anterior skull base were measured as 5.77 ± 1.32 mm, 64.97 ± 6.36 mm, and 41.00 ± 4.05, respectively. The angle of the optic canal in the sagittal plane was measured as 7.57° ± 3.95°, whereas in the horizontal plane as 38.96° ± 4.36°. The aperture shape was defined as the tear-drop (413 foramina, 51.62%), triangular (180 foramina, 22.50%), oval (158 foramina, 19.75%), round (30 foramina, 3.75%), and polygonal (19 foramina, 2.38%). CONCLUSIONS: The authors observed that the diameters, and angulations of the CA may change relative to gender and the shape. The anatomic features of CA are important for the positioning of the patient's head, the choice of the appropriate surgical approach or equipment, and the detection of anatomical landmarks during interventions. In this context, our dataset may be beneficial for surgeons helpful as a reference for radiological evaluations.

The Radiological Evaluation of the Crista Galli and Its Clinical Implications for Anterior Skull Base Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Crista galli is extremely important in the endoscopic transcribriform approaches and some extradural approaches. Because of its clinical significance, the morphometric properties of crista galli should be well known. In this study, it was aimed to examine the morphometry and the pneumatization incidence of the crista galli in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the length and width of the crista galli were measured in CBCT images of 300 healthy individuals. Besides, the presence of crista galli pneumatization was examined. RESULTS: The length and width of the crista galli were determined to be as 14.03 ±â€Š2.93 mm and 3.73 ±â€Š1.48 mm, respectively. Pneumatized crista galli was detected in 53 out of 300 individuals (17.67%). There was no statistical difference between the presence of pneumatization and both length and width values of the crista galli (P = 0.876 and P = 0.478, respectively). In addition, no relationship was determined between age and the presence of pneumatization (P = 0.167). CONCLUSION: In this study, it is seen that the length (range: 6.00-23.40 mm) and width (range: 1.40-8.00 mm) of crista galli are in a very wide range. Besides, it is seen in the literature that the incidence of crista galli pneumatization is in a very wide range (2.4% to 66.6%). Based on the available data, it will not be possible to determine a specific range of values for crista galli morphometry. Therefore, the authors think that CT imaging is extremely important in preoperative evaluation.

Examination of the Safe Zone in Mandibular Ramus Osteotomies.

ABSTRACT: In the surgical procedures such as osteotomy to be applied to ramus of the mandible, care should be taken not to damage the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). The safe zone, which is the area above and behind the mandibular foramen (MF), is the ramus of mandible area, where these surgeries can be performed without damaging the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. It was aimed to determine the safe zone in the ramus of mandible in the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of individuals. The CBCT images of 300 Turkish individuals between the ages of 18 to 65 were bilaterally and retrospectively evaluated. Three parameters on the sagittal and two parameters on the axial plane were measured. Additionally, two ratios were calculated which determined the superior and posterior part of the safe zone through the measured parameters. In this study, the safe zone was determined as the area where 55% of the upper part and 49% of the posterior part of the mandibular ramus. Determining the safe zone in surgical procedures to be applied to the ramus of mandible will help protect the neurovascular structures passing through the MF, reduce complications and increase the success rate of the surgical procedure. However, it is seen that there are few studies on this subject in the literature and there are some differences between these studies. The authors think that preoperative CBCT screening will be safer for each patient in the mandibular ramus osteotomies and more studies should be done on different populations to determine standard values.

The influence of voxel size and artifact reduction on the detection of vertical root fracture in endodontically treated teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of voxel size and artefact reduction (AR) on the identification of vertical root fractures (VRFs) in endodontically treated teeth. METHODS: A total of a hundred sound, extracted human mandibular single-rooted premolars were decoronated, after which root canal preparation was performed, canals were filled with gutta percha by single cone technique. Randomly selected fifty specimens were fractured, repositioned and glued together. The teeth were examined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in five different voxel sizes (0.125, 0.200, 0.250, 0.300, and 0.400 voxels). Two scans were performed for each tooth, one with AR and one without AR. Two radiologists evaluated the CBCT scans. RESULTS: All voxel dimensions were successful in detecting VRFs in CBCT scans. But as the voxel size increased, the percentage of detecting VRFs decreased. High accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were found for VRF detection on CBCT scans. Accuracy and sensitivity values decreased (from 100 to 82) while voxel dimensions increased (from 0.125 to 0.400). High-resolution images (0.125, 0.200, and 0.250 voxels) caused an increase in sensitivity for detection of VRFs. AR did not affect the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for VRF detection on CBCT scans. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution CBCT images resulted in an increase in sensitivity and specificity for detection of VRFs compared with lower-resolution CBCT images. The use of AR did not further improve its diagnostic potential.

Morphometric evaluation of the temporomandibular joint on cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathologies with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides essential information about the bone structures of the TMJ. It is important to know the normal reference range when defining these pathologies. The aim of this study is to examine the morphometric and morphologic analyses of the bone structures of TMJ on the CBCT images in detail according to age, gender, and joint side. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 35 parameters related to the condylar process, articular tubercle, mandibular fossa, ramus of mandible, and joint space were examined on the CBCT images. These parameters were compared with the joint sides and gender, and correlated with age. RESULTS: Thirty-five parameters were evaluated. A statistically significant difference was found between genders in 22 parameters and joint sides in 6 parameters. When the correlation of parameters with age was examined; it was found that there was a very weak positive relationship in nine parameters, a weak positive relationship in one parameter, and a very weak relationship in the negative direction in two parameters. CONCLUSION: In this study, the condylar process, articular tubercle, mandibular fossa, ramus of mandible, and joint spaces, which are usually examined separately in the literature, were examined, and the normal reference range was determined for all these parameters. We think that these normal reference ranges will be useful for researchers interested in TMJ pathologies.

Radiologic evaluation of the fossa navicularis: incidence, morphometric features, and clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and morphometric and morphological characteristics of fossa navicularis (FN) on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of healthy adults MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 900 individuals (450 males, 450 females, over the age of 18) admitted to Gaziantep University, Dentistry Faculty were retrospectively examined. The incidence and shape of FN were determined. Transverse diameter (TDFN), sagittal diameter (SDFN), depth in transverse section (DFNT), depth in sagittal section (DFNS), and the shortest distance between the deepest point of FN and intracranial cavity (FNI) were measured. RESULTS: FN was detected in 122 (59 males and 63 females) of 900 (13.56%) CBCT images. No statistically significant difference was observed between gender and the incidence of FN. SDFN, TDFN, DFNS, DFNT and FNI were measured as 4.04 ± 1.71, 4.28 ± 1.34, 1.79 ± 0.68, 2.34 ± 0.85, and 6.76 ± 2.23 mm, respectively. Besides, FN was described as oval in 95 of 122 (77.87%) cases, while as round in 27 (22.23%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of FN is rare; however, it may be responsible for serious consequences by causing infections from the nasopharynx to the intracranial cavity. As far as we know, the distance between the deepest point of FN and the intracranial cavity was measured for the first time in the literature with this study.

Assessment of sphenoid sinus types in patients with cleft lip and palate on cone-beam CT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the sphenoid sinus morphology and variations in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to compare them with healthy controls. METHODS: CBCT images of 54 patients (28 males and 26 females,) with CLP and 54 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals (28 males and 26 females) were retrospectively evaluated. Sphenoid sinus main types (conchal, presellar, sellar, postsellar), sellar subtypes, clival and lateral extensions, and sinus septation were analyzed in CLP and control groups. The data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test to compare the groups. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between CLP and control groups for sphenoid sinus main types (p < 0.05). Presellar type was more commonly observed in CLP group (18.5%), while the postsellar (31.5%) and clival (17.7%) types were more frequent in control group. There was a significant difference between the groups among different sellar sinus subtypes (p < 0.05). A significant difference was detected between the groups for clival extensions of sphenoid sinus (p < 0.05), but no difference was found for the lateral extensions (p > 0.05). No significant difference was determined between groups for sphenoid sinus septation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant differences were found between the CLP and control groups in terms of sphenoid sinus main types, sellar subtypes and the clival extensions. Knowledge of sphenoid sinus pneumatization in patients with CLP is important for preventing complications during transsphenoidal surgery.

Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate morphometric analysis of sella turcica using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and healthy controls. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 68 patients (36 males, 32 females, age range 7-20 years) with CLP and 68 healthy individuals (36 males, 32 females, age range 8-19 years) were examined retrospectively. Sella turcica shapes were analyzed by 2 different methods in CLP and control groups. Length, depth, and diameter of sella turcica were measured in both groups. The data were statistically assessed by age, gender using Independent t-test and one-way analysis. RESULTS: Diameter of sella turcica was smaller in CLP group compared to healthy individuals (P < .05). Length and depth of sella turcica were lower than in control group, but not statistically significant (P > .05). Sella turcica shape significantly differed between groups (P < .05). The most common sella turcica types were flattened and irregular shapes in CLP group, whereas round and normal shapes were in control group. There was no significant difference between groups in any dimension of sella turcica by gender (P > .05). Sella turcica depth was significantly higher at age of 15 years and above in CLP group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that flattened and irregular shapes of sella turcica were the most common types in CLP group. Smaller sella turcica was detected in CLP group compared to healthy individuals. Cone-beam computed tomography can be useful for evaluation of sella turcica.

Analysis of enamel structure and mineral density after different bleaching protocols using micro-computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of three different bleaching applications on structural integrity, mineral volume (MV) and density of the enamel by using micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and evaluate the colour effectiveness using CIEDE2000. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four maxillary premolar teeth were divided into three groups (n = 8) (group 1: 40% HP gel with erbium, chromium: yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser activation; group 2: 40% HP gel with diode laser activation; group 3: 16% CP gel). Bleaching protocols were applied and colour alteration was obtained. Data were calculated with CIEDE2000 before and after bleaching. A Micro-CT was used to scan the specimens before and after the bleaching application. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the groups for colour changes (p > .05). Micro-CT analysis showed significant differences in structural thickness, structural separation, mineral density and MV for the different ROIs before and after bleaching for all groups (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: All of the bleaching methods represented similar efficiency. However, bleaching with Er,Cr:YSGG laser was less harmful to enamel in comparison with other bleaching methods. The present results may be useful for establishing a numerical standard for the change in bleaching with laser systems in dental hard tissues.

Relationship between mandibular condyle and articular eminence cortication with mandibular cortical index on cone-beam CT.

PURPOSE: Mandibular condyle development can be evaluated with radiographic evaluation of subchondral cortical bone. The aim of this study is to investigate mandibular condyle cortication (MCC), articular eminence cortication (AEC) and mandibular cortical index (MCI) according to age and gender on CBCT, and relationship between each other. METHODS: CBCT scans of 520 patients (312 male and 208 female, age range 7-84) were retrospectively investigated to evaluate MCC, AEC and MCI. MCC and AEC were examined in sagittal section and MCI in panoramic reformatted image. MCC and AEC were classified as Type I, Type II and Type III according to density difference between the cortical bone enclosing condyle and articular eminence. Categorical variables were tested by Chi square. RESULTS: When MCC, AEC and MCI were compared, a significant relationship was detected (p < 0.05). According to age, there was a significant difference between MCC, MCI and AEC types with each other (p < 0.05). No significant discrepancy was found between gender and MCC, AEC and MCI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated the distribution of MCC, AEC, MCI according to age and gender and detected that these cortications were correlated. This result may be caused by anatomical proximity bone components and functional stimuli. Knowledge of these cortications can be important for accurate diagnosis of TMJ disorders and may also be helpful for prediction of osteoporotic changes.

Anatomical evaluation of the craniovertebral junction on cone-beam computed tomography images.

INTRODUCTION: There are many craniometric measurements that are used in evaluating craniovertebral junction (CVJ) pathologies such as basilar invagination, atlantoaxial dislocation and platybasia. Therefore, it is important to determine the normal reference range of the craniometric measurements. This study aims to determine the morphometric reference values of the bony structures in the CVJ from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of a group of South Eastern Anatolian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT images of 300 individuals were retrospectively evaluated. 14 parameters on midsagittal and 2 parameters on the coronal plane were studied. The data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: Measurement results were found as follows; the distances between odontoid process (OP) and McGregor line as 0.31 ± 3.22 mm, OP and Chamberlain line 1.06 ± 3.22 mm, OP and McRae line 5.30 ± 1.59 mm, OP and Fischgold digastric line 8.70 ± 4.12 mm, OP and Fischgold bimastoid line - 5.15 ± 4.86 mm, length of McRae line 35.58 ± 2.52 mm, atlantodental interval 1.28 ± 0.48 mm, posterior atlantodental interval 19.54 ± 2.24 mm, basion axial interval 4.01 ± 1.83 mm, basion dental interval 4.92 ± 1.77 mm, length of Modified Ranawat line 28.66 ± 2.38 mm, length of Redlund-Johnell line 35.11 ± 4.09 mm, clivus canal angle 157.62° ± 11.85°, Welcher basal angle 130.83° ± 6.29°, craniocervical tilt 126.98° ± 12.24° and Powers ratio as 0.72 ± 0.06. CONCLUSION: In this study, the morphometric values were evaluated according to age and gender in individuals who did not have any radiologic anomalies. The normal reference ranges may be useful for researchers who are researching pathology in this region. It is recommended to conduct further studies with different populations to determine the normal reference range.

Relationship Between the Posterior Superior Alveolar Artery and Maxillary Sinus Pathology: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA), which plays an important role in the maxillary sinus blood supply, and maxillary sinus pathologic entities using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT data from 325 patients (650 sinuses), aged 18 to 55 years, who had been referred to the Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology from 2015 to 2017 were evaluated retrospectively. For the PSAA examination, the axial, coronal, and sagittal CBCT images were evaluated for detection of an osseous canal in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus and the prevalence, position, and location of the canal. In addition, the presence of maxillary sinus pathologic features was analyzed, and the relationship with the PSAA was investigated. The relationship among the categorical variables was tested using the χ2 test. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 325 patients, including 155 men (47.7%) and 170 women (52.3%). The PSAA was observed in 80.6% of the patients. Of the detected PSAAs, 79.0% were bilateral and 21.0% were unilateral and 56.3% were intraosseous and 40.7% were submembranous. A significant positive correlation was detected between the presence of a PSAA and patient age (P < .05). The prevalence of sinus pathologic entities was 73.2% of all patients. The most common sinus pathologic finding was localized mucosal thickening (53.5%). A significant relationship was found between the presence of PSAA and maxillary sinus pathologic entities (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a PSAA might be a predisposing factor that increases the susceptibility to maxillary sinus pathologic entities. CBCT is an effective imaging method in the evaluation of the maxillary sinuses.

The anatomical and radiological evaluation of the Vidian canal on cone-beam computed tomography images.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to explore the anatomy of the Vidian nerve to elucidate the appropriate surgical approach based on preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Vidian canal and its surrounding structures were morphometrically evaluated retrospectively in CBCT images of 400 cases by the Planmeca Romexis program. The types of the Vidian canal were determined and seven parameters were measured from the images. RESULTS: Three types of the Vidian canal according to the relationship with the sphenoid bone were found as follows: the Vidian canal totally protruded into the sphenoid sinus (19.75%), partially protruded into sphenoid sinus (44.37%) and embedded inside bony tissue of the body of sphenoid bone (35.87%). The position of the Vidian canal was medial (34.62%), on the same line (55.12%) and lateral (10.25%) to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The distance between the Vidian canal and the vomerine crest, the mid-sagittal plane, the round foramen, the palatovaginal canal, and the superior wall of the sphenoid sinus, the length of the Vidian canal and the angle between the Vidian canal and the sagittal plane was found to be 16.69 ± 2.14, 13.80 ± 2.00, 8.88 ± 1.60, 5.83 ± 1.37, 23.98 ± 2.68, 13.29 ± 1.71 mm and 25.78° ± 3.68° in males, 14.62 ± 1.66, 11.43 ± 1.28, 8.51 ± 1.63, 5.78 ± 0.57, 22.37 ± 2.07, 12.91 ± 1.26 mm and 23.43° ± 3.07° in females, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may assist with proper treatment for surgical procedures around the Vidian canal with a high success rate and minimal complications. Therefore, the results obtained in this study contribute to the literature.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study of Mandibular Condylar Morphology.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphology of mandibular condyle using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) on coronal sections in a South-Eastern Anatolian population. METHODS: A total of 1820 joints in 910 subjects with age range of 18 to 86 years were examined retrospectively on CBCT images. The mandibular condylar morphology was examined in right and left sides on coronal sections and classified as convex, round, flat, and angled. In addition, condyle morphology was assessed according to age, gender, edentulism, Angle's classification. RESULTS: The study sample contained CBCT scans of 910 patients (50.3% female, 49.7% male) with a mean age of 42.31 ±â€Š15.74. Condylar morphologies were analyzed as convex in 40.5%, angled in 34.3%, flat in 15.5%, round in 9.6% of the cases. Condyle shape was found statistically related to group age, gender, edentulism (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that mandibular condyle shape is associated with age, gender, and edentulism. CBCT may be considered as an appropriate imaging method for detection of condyle alterations of temporomandibular joints and it could provide early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder.

Morphometric evaluation and clinical implications of the greater palatine foramen, greater palatine canal and pterygopalatine fossa on CBCT images and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: The pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) infiltration is performed to reduce blood flow during endoscopic sinus surgery and septorhinoplasty, as well as to control posterior epistaxis and provide regional anesthesia in dental procedures. PPF infiltration performed with consideration of the morphometrics of greater palatine foramen (GPF), greater palatine canal (GPC) and PPF would increase the success of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the GPF, GPC, lesser palatine foramen (LPF), lesser palatine canal (LPC) and PPF morphology via the images obtained by CBCT, to provide information for interventional procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GPF, GPC, LPF, LPC and PPF were morphometrically evaluated retrospectively in CBCT images of 75 female and 75 male cases by Planmeca Romexis program. The 19 parameters were measured on these images. RESULTS: These parameters were evaluated statistically. The comparison of these parameters by genders revealed significant differences in distances between GPC-PC, PC-IOF, LPC-GPF, GPF-MS in the coronal and transverse planes, the distance between GPF and the occlusal plane of the teeth, GPF-PNS, GPF-IF and TD-GPF, and in the area of GPF. The number of LPF was found ranging from 1 to 5. CONCLUSION: Our results may help to insert to needle properly for application of maxillary nerve block with a high success rate and minimal complication. We recommend that the needle should be inserted 14-15 mm lateral to the midsagittal plane, 19-20 mm over the occlusal plane of the teeth and on the same line with the third molar teeth. For PPF infiltration through the GPF, the needle should be pushed forward 28 mm upward at 66° angle on the transverse plane and 14°-15° angle on the vertical plane.

The effect of ectodermal dysplasia on volume and surface area of maxillary sinus.

PURPOSE: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a congenital syndrome characterized by abnormal development of ectodermal structures, such as skin, hair, nails, teeth, or salivary glands. Patients with ED demonstrate craniofacial dysmorphology, midfacial hypoplasia and hypodontia. The aim of this study is to evaluate volume and surface area of maxillary sinus and craniofacial structures in patients with ectodermal dysplasia (ED) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: The CBCT images of 20 patients with ED (study group) and 20 healthy individuals (control) which are equal in terms of age and gender were evaluated. After a three-dimensional analysis and segmentation of each maxillary sinus, the volume and surface area were calculated. Craniofacial dimensions were measured on the sagittal planes of the CBCT images. The results of the ED and control groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: The right and left sinus volumes and surface areas were significantly lower in the ED group than in the control group (p < 0.05) while the SNA was significantly higher (p < 0.05). ANB and SN-GoMe were also lower in patients with ED than in controls (p < 0.05). The difference in SNB values between the two groups was not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The volumes and surface areas of both maxillary sinuses were found to be smaller in patients with ED compared to healthy individuals. Class III malocclusion with maxillary retrusion is a characteristic craniofacial feature of these patients.

Investigation of the relationship of the maxillary sinus floor with maxillary posterior teeth using cone beam CT.

BACKGROUND: Any intervention to the maxillary posterior teeth (MPT) and alveola pose a risk of sinus perforation. Given the proximity of these structures, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the maxillary sinus (MS) and MPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images obtained from 207 patients (mean age, 45 ± 17 years; age range: 18-92 years) including 99 females and 108 males were examined retrospectively. Patients with sinus pathologies affecting the structure of MS and a history of oral and maxillofacial surgery were excluded from the study. On these images, the relationship of maxillary sinus floor (MSF) with 2 premolars and 3 molars was examined bilaterally for each patient using Kwak H. H. et al.'s classification. The presence, number, frequency and location of septa within the MSF were investigated. RESULTS: Examination of a total of 410 maxillary sinuses on the images of 207 patients with no sinus perforation or pathology revealed that septa were most commonly (48.7%) located in the middle segment (second molars). When the relationship between the MSF and MPT was evaluated, molar teeth were found to have a closer relationship with the MSF than premolars. CONCLUSIONS: It is believed that the findings of this study may provide further guidance to the dental practitioners and other clinicians for future studies.

Evaluation of the validity of mental foramen USG measurements by comparison with CBCT and determination of blood flow.

OBJECTIVES: To examine mental foramen (MF) morphology and morphometry in comparison with ultrasonography (USG) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and to determine the relationship between mental artery blood flow parameters and age, gender, dental status, alveolar crest height, mandibular cortical index (MCI) with USG. METHODS: A total of 120 MF and mental arteries of 60 patients (21 males and 39 females), including 20 patients in each group, aged 18-39, 40-59, and 60 years and above, were evaluated. The horizontal and vertical diameter of the MF and the distance between it and the alveolar crest were evaluated with USG and CBCT. In addition, mental artery blood flow parameters were examined by USG. RESULTS: When the horizontal diameter values of MF were compared in USG and CBCT measurements; the diameter was significantly lower in the measurements obtained by USG (p < 0.05). It was observed that there were no mental arteries whose blood flow could not be recorded, 31 (25.8%) had strong blood flow and 89 (74.2%) had weak blood flow. No significant correlation was observed between gender and blood flow parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Considering that CBCT images are used as gold standard in our study, it may be said that USG is not as reliable as CBCT in evaluating the MF dimensions in the maxillofacial region. Nevertheless, USG is a suitable technique for determining the visualizing and blood flow of the MF.