The Application of Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks in the Detection of Nasal Septal Deviation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images: Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) models are being increasingly studied for the detection of variations and pathologies in different imaging modalities. Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is an important anatomical structure with clinical implications. However, AI-based radiographic detection of NSD has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to develop and evaluate a real-time model that can detect probable NSD using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: Coronal section images were obtained from 204 full-volume CBCT scans. The scans were classified as normal and deviated by 2 maxillofacial radiologists. The images were then used to train and test the AI model. Mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNNs) comprising 3 different backbones-ResNet50, ResNet101, and MobileNet-were used to detect deviated nasal septum in 204 CBCT images. To further improve the detection, an image preprocessing technique (contrast enhancement [CEH]) was added. RESULTS: The best-performing model-CEH-ResNet101-achieved a mean average precision of 0.911, with an area under the curve of 0.921. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the model shows that the model is capable of detecting nasal septal deviation. Future research in this field should focus on additional preprocessing of images and detection of NSD based on multiple planes using 3D images.

ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF COMPLEX DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF OCCLUSAL ANOMALIES.

BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have expanded in the field of dentistry, especially in the clinical and diagnostic aspects of occlusal abnormalities. Consequently, the purpose of this narrative review is to identify and synthesize data concerning the effects of these sophisticated digital technologies on improved diagnostic performance, treatment interventions, and patient outcomes. METHODS: Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched and, therefore, performed to find the pertinent digital technologies in dentistry from the published literature. The search was conducted in the period between 2000 and 2024. The criteria for inclusion of the studies targeted technologies that were Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanners, 3D imaging, and Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Some of the comparing between conventional and modern approaches were raised. RESULTS: Digital technologies have enhanced the diagnostic process due to extended visualization and precise evaluation of occlusal disturbances Conclusion: It has been seen that the application of information technologies in dentistry significantly improved the diagnostics and therapy of occlusion disturbances. While there are some invincible challenges posed by these advancements, the prospects are noteworthy when it comes to accuracy, efficiency, and patient benefits.

Procedural times with robotic-assisted bronchoscopy: a high volume single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Incidental and screen-detected pulmonary nodules are common. The increasing capabilities of advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy will increase bronchoscopists' procedural volume necessitating optimization of procedural scheduling and workflow. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine total time in the procedure room, total bronchoscopy procedure time, and robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedure time longitudinally and per specific procedure performed. DESIGN: A single-center observational study of all consecutive patients undergoing shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) biopsy procedures for the evaluation of pulmonary lesions with variable probability for malignancy. METHODS: Chart review to collect patient demographics, lesion characteristics, and procedural specifics. Descriptive and comparative statistics are reported. RESULTS: Actual bronchoscopy procedure time may decrease with increased institutional experience over time, however, there is limited ability to reduce non-bronchoscopy related time within the procedure room. The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE), and performance of staging endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in a single procedure are each associated with additional time requirements. CONCLUSION: Institutional procedural block times should adapt to the nature of advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy procedures to allow for the accommodation of new modalities such as RAB combined with other technologies including radial endobronchial ultrasound, CBCT, ROSE, and staging linear EBUS. Identifying institutional median procedural times may assist in scheduling and ideal block time utilization.

Times necessary to perform robotic assisted bronchoscopy biopsy procedures at a single hospitalBackground: Lung lesions and nodules are commonly seen on computed tomography (CT) scans. With advances in technology, more of these lesions are being biopsied with robotic assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) procedures, leading to increased demand. Health care providers who perform these procedures have finite available time in which they must accommodate all their procedures. Understanding procedure times is necessary to fully utilize schedules. Methods and aims overview: We describe our experience of 5 pulmonologists performing 700 robotic assisted bronchoscopies at a single hospital. Our aim is to describe the time needed for the robotic bronchoscopies over time and with specific procedures. Results and conclusion: We find that as more robotic assisted bronchoscopies are performed, the overall procedure time may decrease. Using cone beam computed tomography during the procedure, having on- site pathology review of biopsies, and obtaining biopsies of lymph nodes may lengthen the procedure time. The time spent preparing the patient for the procedure excluding the bronchoscopy remained stable. Understanding the time necessary based on what is performed during the procedure will allow it to be scheduled for the appropriate amount of time. As a result, procedure days can be fully optimized, minimizing scheduling impacts on patients and health care workers.

Diagnostic Value of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Conductive or Mixed Hearing Loss with Intact Tympanic Membrane.

BACKGROUND: Conductive or mixed hearing loss with an intact tympanic membrane is a group of diseases characterized by similar clinical symptoms. Definitive diagnosis depends on the findings of exploratory tympanic surgery. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has great potential for middle ear imaging. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of CBCT for conductive or mixed hearing loss with an intact tympanic membrane. METHODS: CBCT and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging data were collected from patients with an intact eardrum who received medical treatment in our hospital for conductive or mixed hearing loss from October 2020 to May 2023. The imaging characteristics and diagnostic values of CBCT and HRCT were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent CBCT were enrolled, including 89 with otosclerosis, 41 with ossicular chain interruption, and 7 with tympanosclerosis. CBCT clearly displayed a middle ear focus, such as low-density lesions located in the fissula ante fenestram, ossicular chain malformation or dislocation, and tympanic calcification foci. The area under the curve values for otosclerosis, ossicular chain interruption, and tympanic sclerosis were 0.934, 0.967, and 0.850, respectively. CBCT was more effective than HRCT for visualizing the lenticular process, incudostapedial joint, and stapes footplate. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT of the middle ear demonstrated higher-quality imaging to improve the diagnosis of conductive or mixed hearing loss with an intact tympanic membrane. Therefore, CBCT is recommended for further investigation of noninflammatory diseases of the middle ear with no special findings on HRCT.

Evaluation of nasal septal deviation and maxillary bone and nasal airway dimensions and volumes using cone-beam computed tomography in patients with unilateral palatal canine displacement: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To detect any association between palatally displaced canine (PDC) and nasal septal deviation (NSD), palatal bone thickness and volume, and nasal airway dimensions and volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 92 patients were included and subdivided into two groups: group 1, unilateral PDCs (44 patients), and group 2, normally erupted canines (NDCs) (48 subjects). The following variables were measured using cone-beam computed tomography: presence and type of NSD, nasal width, inferior conchae, hard palate and nasal septum thickness, maxillary bone and nasal airway volumes. RESULTS: NSD was detected in 77% and 50% of PDC and NDC subjects, respectively. Within the PDC subjects, significant differences between the displaced and nondisplaced sides were detected. Palate thickness was increased in the canine region and reduced in the molar region. Compared with the control group, PDC subjects had reduced palate thickness and lower nasal airway volume. Two predictors were significant for predicting the odds of PDC occurrence: NSD and maxillary bone volume. CONCLUSIONS: NSD is more frequent in PDC subjects. PDC subjects have reduced palate thickness and decreased nasal airway volume. In the presence of NSD, the odds of developing PDC increase by 3.35 times, and for each one-unit increase in the maxillary bone volume, the odds of developing PDC decrease by 20%.

Comparison of alveolar bone morphology after expansion with hybrid and conventional Hyrax expanders.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the buccal and palatal bone changes of maxillary posterior teeth produced by hybrid hyrax (HH) and conventional hyrax (CH) expanders in growing patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 32 patients with posterior crossbites in the late mixed dentition was recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Group HH was composed of 18 individuals with a mean age of 10.7 years (six female, 12 male) treated with a hybrid expander with two anterior parasagittal miniscrews. Group CH was composed of 14 individuals with a mean age of 11.4 years (six female, eight male) treated with a conventional Hyrax expander. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams were obtained before expansion (T1) and after 11 months when the expander was removed (T2). Buccal and palatal bone plate thickness and height of maxillary posterior teeth were measured. Intergroup comparisons were performed using t or Mann-Whitney tests (P < .05). RESULTS: The CH group showed greater decreases of the buccal bone plate height (mean change: 1.27 mm) at the maxillary first premolars compared to the HH group (mean change: 0.11 mm, P = .001). No intergroup difference was found for changes in the buccal and palatal bone thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid expanders showed a tendency to cause less negative impact on the buccal bone plate height of first premolars compared to conventional Hyrax expanders. However, the difference was not clinically significant. Both hybrid and conventional Hyrax expanders are safe for the alveolar bone morphology in the late mixed dentition.

Correlation between oral cavity volume and upper airway changes in skeletal Class III patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery: a pilot cone-beam computed tomography study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes of the upper airway and oral cavity volumes in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, and to analyze the correlation between postoperative upper airway decrease and the amount of jaw movement and oral cavity volume reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (16 males and 14 females) undergoing bimaxillary surgery were included. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the upper airway and oral cavity were performed using preoperative (T0) and postoperative (T1) (6 months) cone-beam computed tomography scans. RESULTS: The volume, sagittal area and minimum cross-sectional area of the upper airway were diminished (P < .001). The decrease in volume and minimum cross-sectional area in the oropharyngeal region of the upper airway were weakly correlated with B-point posterior movement (P < .05). Total oral cavity volume was decreased, with maxillary oral volume increasing and mandibular oral volume decreasing (P < .001). Upper airway decrease was highly correlated with total oral volume reduction and mandibular oral volume reduction, with the most significant correlation being with total oral volume reduction (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Class III bimaxillary surgery reduced the volume, sagittal area, and minimum cross-sectional area of the upper airway as well as oral cavity volume. Upper airway changes were weakly correlated with anterior-posterior mandibular movement but significantly correlated with oral cavity volume changes. Thus, oral cavity volume reduction is a crucial factor of upper airway decrease in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

Changes in the upper airway and its surrounding structures after bimaxillary surgery in patients with cleft-related Class III deformity.

OBJECTIVES: To compare upper airway changes following bimaxillary surgery for correction of Class III deformity between patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) and to compare the preoperative and postoperative upper airway among patients with UCLP and BCLP to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adults with CLP-related skeletal Class III deformity (30 UCLP and 30 BCLP) who consecutively underwent bimaxillary surgery were studied retrospectively. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed before and after surgery to measure upper airway and movements of facial skeletal and surrounding structures. CBCT images from 30 noncleft skeletal Class I adults, matched by age, gender, and body mass index and without surgical intervention, served as controls. RESULTS: After surgery, the volume of the nasopharynx increased in patients with CLP (both P < .001). Patients with CLP did not differ from controls in postoperative volume of the nasopharynx or oropharynx. However, the nasal cavity differed significantly between patients with CLP and controls (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: After bimaxillary surgery, the nasal cavity of patients with CLP differed significantly compared with the controls. Volumes of the nasopharynx and oropharynx did not differ between patients with CLP after surgery and controls.

Skeletal effects of posterior crossbite treatment with either quad helix or rapid maxillary expansion: a randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To assess skeletal and dental effects and evaluate possible side effects of maxillary expansion with two different appliances, directly after expansion and 1 year postexpansion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with unilateral posterior crossbite (mean 9.5 ± 0.9 years) were randomized to either rapid maxillary expansion (RME) banded on the deciduous second molars and bonded to the primary canines or slow expansion with quad helix (QH) on the permanent first molars. Cone-beam computed tomography records were taken at baseline, directly after correction of the posterior crossbite and at follow-up 1 year after expansion. RESULTS: All patients were analyzed. RME opened the midpalatal suture more anteriorly and inferiorly (mean 4.1 mm) and less posteriorly and superiorly (mean 1.0 mm). No effect on midpalatal suture could be shown in the QH group after expansion, P < .001. Buccal bone width had significantly decreased (P < .001) in the QH group compared with the RME group. Buccal fenestrations and root resorption on the left first molar had a higher prevalence directly after expansion finished in the QH group (P = .0086, P = .013) but were not significant at 1-year follow-up (P = .11, P = .22). CONCLUSIONS: Opening of the suture with RME was more anterior and inferior, and the QH did not open the midpalatal suture at all. More buccal bone loss and fenestrations were seen on the permanent first molar in patients treated with conventional QH than RME anchored to deciduous teeth.

Do erupting maxillary canines resorb adjacent teeth? A study focusing both on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides among individuals with unilaterally impacted canines.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of root resorption of teeth adjacent to permanent maxillary canines on both sides, by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in pretreatment adolescent subjects with unilaterally impacted maxillary canines, and to define predictive factors for the root resorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective sample included 76 adolescents (38 boys, 38 girls, mean age 12.3 ± 2.1 years; range 8-17 years) who had CBCT after detection of a unilateral impacted maxillary canine before any active orthodontic treatment. Both ipsilateral and contralateral sides were examined, and 14 qualitative and quantitative variables were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple logistic regression was used to predict root resorption. RESULTS: On the impaction side, 57.9% of canines resorbed at least one adjacent tooth compared with 13.2% on the contralateral side (P < .001). On the impaction side, resorption was slight in 59.6%, moderate in 5.8%, and severe in 34.6% of the cases. On the contralateral side, resorption was slight in 91.7%, moderate in 0%, and severe in 8.3% of the cases. On both sides, upper lateral incisors were the teeth most frequently resorbed, followed by the upper first premolars and upper central incisors. The presence of contact between the canine and the adjacent roots was the only statistically significant risk factor for resorption for both ipsilateral and contralateral sides. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontists should look for root resorption on both sides in cases of unilaterally impacted maxillary canines.

Evaluation of dentoalveolar changes following maxillary incisor intrusion with one vs two anterior miniscrews in subjects with gummy smile: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To examine dentoalveolar changes following intrusion of maxillary incisors with one or two anterior miniscrews in subjects with gummy smile and deep bite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three subjects were selected and divided into two groups: group I (22 subjects: 15 women, 7 men; mean age 30 ± 10 years) received one miniscrew between the upper central incisors, and group II (21 subjects: 16 women, 5 men; mean age 30 ± 10 years) received two miniscrews between the canines and lateral incisors. Dentoalveolar parameters, including amount of intrusion, root resorption, incisor inclination, alveolar bone thickness, and buccal alveolar crest height (cementoenamel junction to labial alveolar crest), were evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography scans obtained before and after intrusion. The intergroup comparison was analyzed using a paired t-test and unpaired t-test to determine significant changes within and between groups. RESULTS: The amount of intrusion was significantly greater in group II than in group I (P < .05). No statistically significant differences were found between groups I and II for changes in incisor inclination, labial bone thickness, and buccal alveolar crest height (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary central and lateral incisor intrusion was significantly greater in subjects treated with two miniscrews. Root resorption of the maxillary central incisors was notably greater in subjects with one miniscrew, while maxillary lateral incisor resorption was greater in subjects treated with two miniscrews.

Evaluation of anchorage loss after en masse retraction in orthodontic patients with maxillary protrusion using friction vs frictionless mechanics: randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anchorage loss after en masse retraction in bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion patients using friction vs frictionless mechanics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion needing extraction of upper first premolars and en masse retraction with maximum anchorage were included in this two-arm, parallel, single-center, single-blinded randomized clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio using fully sealed opaque envelopes. Friction group retraction utilized elastomeric power chain between miniscrews and hooks crimped mesial to upper canines on 17 × 25 stainless steel archwire. Frictionless group used customized T-loop springs loading upper first molars indirectly anchored to miniscrews. Activation was every 4 weeks until full retraction. The primary outcome assessed was anchorage loss evaluated at cusp tip and root apex of the first molar. First molar rotation, incisor tip and torque, and root resorption of anterior teeth were evaluated on digital models and cone beam computed tomography taken before and after space closure. RESULTS: Anchorage loss at crown of first molar was significantly more in frictionless group by 2.1 mm (95% CI = -0.4 to 3.5), (P = .014), while there was no significant difference in anchorage loss at root apex between groups. Significant mesial in molar rotation of 6.672° (95% CI = 12.2-21.2), (P = 0.02) was greater in the frictionless group. Both groups showed comparable tip, torque, and root resorption values. No severe harms were reported. There was mild gingival overgrowth and inflammation in the frictionless group due to T-loop irritation. CONCLUSIONS: Extra anchorage considerations are needed during en masse retraction when frictionless mechanics is implemented as higher anchorage loss and molar rotation were detected. No difference in tip, torque, and root resorption was observed.

Influence of Invisalign precision bite ramp utilization on deep bite correction and root length in adults.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of Invisalign precision bite ramp use on skeletal deep overbite correction and root length and volume of maxillary anterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 60 adults with skeletal deep overbite. Patients were divided into three groups: Invisalign (Align Technology, San Jose, Calif) with precision bite ramps (Invisalign with Bite Ramps [IBR] = 12), Invisalign with no bite ramps (INBR = 22), and full-fixed appliances (FFA = 26). Cone beam computed tomography records at T1 (pretreatment) and T2 (posttreatment) were used to measure eight skeletal, nine dental, and three soft-tissue cephalometric variables. Maxillary anterior teeth root length (mm), root volume (mm3), and percent root volume loss between T1 and T2 (%) were also recorded. RESULTS: Significant changes from T1 to T2 among the three groups were seen in ANB(o), lower face height (%), ODI (overbite depth indicator) (o), and U1-SN (o). Reduction in root length was significantly less (P < .001) in the INBR and IBR groups compared to the FFA group. Reduction in root volume and percent volume loss were significantly higher in the INBR group compared to the IBR group (P < .001), but the difference between the two Invisalign groups and the FFA group was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal deep overbite correction using Invisalign with or without bite ramps is comparable to FFA. Reduction in root length was significantly less with Invisalign compared to FFA. Bite ramps influenced root volume and volume loss but not root length.

Root volume measurements of maxillary canines and lateral incisors in patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess root volumes of maxillary canines and adjacent lateral incisors in patients with unilateral maxillary canine impaction. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 100 patients (49 females and 51 males) with unilateral maxillary canine impaction. The images were loaded in Planmeca Romexis Viewer, and root layers between the cementoenamel junction and apex were reconstructed at 600-µm intervals. At each layer, the root boundary was marked, and finally, the root volume was calculated by multiplying the layers' area by the thickness of 600 µm. The root size of canines and lateral incisors was compared between the impaction and normal eruption sides. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients showed buccal canine impaction, and 38 presented palatal impaction. The mean root volume of canines on the impaction side was significantly greater than that on the normal eruption side; either the tooth was buccally or palatally impacted (p<0.001). The lateral incisors on the side of buccally-impacted canines showed a significantly smaller root volume than that of the contralateral side (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the root size of lateral incisors between the two sides in cases presenting palatal canine impaction (p=0.177). CONCLUSION: The difference in root volume of canines between the two sides can serve as an indicator of canine impaction. The reduction in the root size of the lateral incisor on the side of the buccally impacted canine may be due to root resorption created by pressure from the canine's crown.

Cone-Beam Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography of Ankle Arthritis and Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

Weight-bearing computed tomography has multiple advantages in evaluating the hindfoot and ankle. It can assess hindfoot and ankle alignment, pathology in ankle arthritis, and complications related to total ankle replacements. It is an essential tool in ankle osteoarthritis diagnostic, preoperative planning, and total ankle replacement outcomes. It allows for better accuracy and reproducibility of alignment and implant size. In addition, it has the potential to more assertively detect complications related to weight bearing.

Ultrasound and x-ray imageable poloxamer-based hydrogel for loco-regional therapy delivery in the liver.

Intratumoral injections have the potential for enhanced cancer treatment efficacy while reducing costs and systemic exposure. However, intratumoral drug injections can result in substantial off-target leakage and are invisible under standard imaging modalities like ultrasound (US) and x-ray. A thermosensitive poloxamer-based gel for drug delivery was developed that is visible using x-ray imaging (computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT, fluoroscopy), as well as using US by means of integrating perfluorobutane-filled microbubbles (MBs). MBs content was optimized using tissue mimicking phantoms and ex vivo bovine livers. Gel formulations less than 1% MBs provided gel depositions that were clearly identifiable on US and distinguishable from tissue background and with minimal acoustic artifacts. The cross-sectional areas of gel depositions obtained with US and CT imaging were similar in studies using ex vivo bovine liver and postmortem in situ swine liver. The gel formulation enhanced multimodal image-guided navigation, enabling fusion of ultrasound and x-ray/CT imaging, which may enhance targeting, definition of spatial delivery, and overlap of tumor and gel. Although speculative, such a paradigm for intratumoral drug delivery might streamline clinical workflows, reduce radiation exposure by reliance on US, and boost the precision and accuracy of drug delivery targeting during procedures. Imageable gels may also provide enhanced temporal and spatial control of intratumoral conformal drug delivery.

Automated condylar seating assessment using a deep learning-based three-step approach.

OBJECTIVES: In orthognatic surgery, one of the primary determinants for reliable three-dimensional virtual surgery planning (3D VSP) and an accurate transfer of 3D VSP to the patient in the operation room is the condylar seating. Incorrectly seated condyles would primarily affect the accuracy of maxillary-first bimaxillary osteotomies as the maxillary repositioning is dependent on the positioning of the mandible in the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel tool by utilizing a deep learning algorithm that automatically evaluates the condylar seating based on CBCT images as a proof of concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a reference, 60 CBCT scans (120 condyles) were labeled. The automatic assessment of condylar seating included three main parts: segmentation module, ray-casting, and feed-forward neural network (FFNN). The AI-based algorithm was trained and tested using fivefold cross validation. The method's performance was evaluated by comparing the labeled ground truth with the model predictions on the validation dataset. RESULTS: The model achieved an accuracy of 0.80, positive predictive value of 0.61, negative predictive value of 0.9 and F1-score of 0.71. The sensitivity and specificity of the model was 0.86 and 0.78, respectively. The mean AUC over all folds was 0.87. CONCLUSION: The innovative integration of multi-step segmentation, ray-casting and a FFNN demonstrated to be a viable approach for automating condylar seating assessment and have obtained encouraging results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Automated condylar seating assessment using deep learning may improve orthognathic surgery, preventing errors and enhancing patient outcomes in maxillary-first bimaxillary osteotomies.

Influence of dental implant clinical experience on the accuracy of robot-assisted immediate implant placement: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy and effectiveness among operators with different levels of experience in a robot-assisted immediate implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included four participants who had received dental training at the same institution but have varying levels of clinical experience in implant dentistry, denoted as undergraduate student (UG), dental resident (DR), specialist with no robot experience (IS) and specialist with robot experience (RS). Following comprehensive theoretical training in robot-assisted implant operation, each operator participated in five robotic-assisted implant procedures at 21 sites, resulting in the implant surgery of a total of 20 implants. Subsequently, the accuracy of the implants was assessed by analyzing the preoperative planning and the postoperative CBCT scans, and the time required for each procedure was also recorded. RESULTS: Angular deviation in UG, DR, IS and RS group was 0.82 ± 0.27°, 0.55 ± 0.27°, 0.83 ± 0.27°, and 0.56 ± 0.36°, respectively. The total deviation of the implant platform point was 0.28 ± 0.10 mm, 0.26 ± 0.16 mm, 0.34 ± 0.08 mm and 0.31 ± 0.06 mm, respectively. The total deviation of the apical point was 0.30 ± 0.08 mm, 0.25 ± 0.18 mm, 0.31 ± 0.09 mm, and 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, respectively. The time spent was 10.37 ± 0.57 min, 10.56 ± 1.77 min, 9.93 ± 0.78 min, and 11.76 ± 0.78 min for each operator. As the number of operations increased, the operation time decreased, but there was no significant difference in implant accuracy between the different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the scope of this study, robot-assisted implant surgery demonstrated high accuracy, with no significant differences in performance between operators with varying levels of clinical experience or implant robot-user experience. Furthermore, the learning curve for robotic implant surgery is steep and consistent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Robot-assisted implant surgery demonstrates consistent high accuracy across operators of varying clinical and robotic experience levels, highlighting its potential to standardize procedures and enhance predictability in clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of Foramen Magnum for Sex Determination among the Population of Dakshina Kannada District: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy rate of foramen magnum dimensions in determining sex among the South Indian population using discriminant functional analysis. Methods: An observational study in which CBCT images from 200 full field of view (FOV) scans were analysed. The dimensions of the foramen magnum were measured. Intra- and interobserver reliability were calculated. Independent t-tests were used to compare the various parameters between sexes. Stepwise discriminant function analysis was used to determine sex. Results: A total of 200 CBCT scans were included in the study. The mean age (±SD) was 25.66 (±7.11) years among males and 24.64 (±5.12) years among females. The measurements and the circumference of the foramen magnum were significantly (p < 0.001) greater in males than in females. The univariate analysis of foramen magnum measurements reached an accuracy rate of 73.5% in sex determination. The discriminant function analysis combining the foramen magnum measurements and circumference yielded an overall predictability rate of 66.5% for determining sex. Conclusion: Taking into account the predictability rate of sex based on foramen measurement in the present population, it can be concluded that its applicability should be limited to cases associated with fragmentary skull bases.

Incidence of straight and angulated screw channel following immediate implant placement in esthetic zone: A simulated cone-beam computed tomography study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The demand for immediate implant placement (IIP) in the esthetic zone is rapidly increasing. Despite the treatment's benefits, the sagittal root position often dictates implant angulation, commonly necessitating the use of cement-retained restorations. This study investigates the impact of angulated screw channel on IIP in the esthetic zone. PURPOSE: The purpose of this cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was to determine the probability of IIP in the esthetic zone, using four different implant angulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of CBCT images was conducted and accessed on 9 June 2021. The midsagittal images of maxillary anterior teeth were input into an implant planning software (Implant Studio®). Bone Level X Straumann® implant (BLX 3.5, 3.75, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 mm) and Bone Level Tapered implant (BLT 2.9, 3.3 mm) were selected for 3D implant planning of IIP in the esthetic zone. The frequency distribution and probability of IIP were recorded and compared among all maxillary anterior teeth. RESULTS: CBCT images from 720 teeth (120 patient) were evaluated, revealing an overall probability of IIP in the esthetic zone is 76.11% (548/720). Different implant restoration type was evaluated in this study, with the following results; straight screw-retained prosthesis at 3.47% (19/548), cement-retained prosthesis at 14.59% (80/548) and angle screw-retained prosthesis at 85.40% (468/548). CONCLUSION: IIP with traditional straight screw-retained prosthesis demonstrated the lowest probability. Nevertheless, the use of angulated screw channels enhances the probability of achieving straight screw-retained prostheses. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The angulated screw channel is essential for increasing the probability of screw-retained prosthesis in IIP in the esthetic zone. However, limitation in screw angle correction still necessitate the use of cement-retained prostheses for numbers of patients undergoing IIP.