ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Anatomical variations of the external nasal wall are highly important, since they play a role in obstruction or drainage of the ostiomeatal complex and ventilation and can consequently elevate the risk of pathological sinus conditions. This study aimed to assess anatomical variations of the nasal cavity and ethmoidal sinuses and their correlations on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated CBCT scans of 250 patients, including 107 males and 143 females, to determine the prevalence of anatomical variations of the nasal cavity and ethmoidal sinuses. All images were taken using a New Tom 3G scanner. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The most common anatomical variations were found to be nasal septal deviation (90.4%), agger nasi air cell (53.6%), superior orbital cell (47.6%), pneumatized nasal septum (40%), and Onodi air cell (37.2%). Correlations were found between nasal septal deviation and the presence of a pneumatized nasal septum, nasal spur, and Haller cell. No significant associations were noted between the age or sex of patients and the presence of anatomical variations (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiologists and surgeons must pay close attention to the anatomical variations of the sinonasal region in the preoperative assessment to prevent perioperative complications.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans play an important role in dental diagnostics and treatment planning, especially in detecting vertical root fractures (VRFs). However, artifacts caused by high-density dental materials can negatively affect the quality of CBCT images by decreasing contrast and masking structures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of artifact removal software in detecting VRFs in endodontically treated teeth on CBCT scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study evaluated 70 endodontically treated single-rooted teeth. Half of the teeth were cracked by introducing a wedge into the canal and tapping gently with a hammer; the rest remained untouched as a control group. The teeth were then mounted in a bovine rib bone. Soft tissue was simulated using red dental wax. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken using the NewTom® 3G, ProMax® 3D and Cranex® 3D CBCT systems, and the MATLAB software was applied. The images were evaluated by 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists, and the results were recorded in a checklist. The data was analyzed using the κ coefficient, McNemar's test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A significant inter-observer agreement was noted between the 2 observers in detecting VRFs using all CBCT systems. In all systems, the use of the MATLAB software improved the detection of VRFs, but the difference was not significant in the NewTom 3G (p = 0.119) and ProMax 3D (p = 0.455) systems. However, the difference was significant in the Cranex 3D system (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The MATLAB artifact removal software can enhance the detection of VRFs on CBCT scans to some extent.
Subject(s)
Tooth, Nonvital , Algorithms , Animals , Artifacts , Cattle , Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Metals , Tooth FracturesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Bitewing radiography is an important modality useful for the evaluation of teeth in patients of various ages and in different stages of tooth eruption. Clinical examination of proximal surfaces for caries may result in false negative results, especially in tight contact areas. Thus, radiography, as an adjunct to clinical examination, is used as a routine diagnostic modality for caries detection. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the in vitro effect of changing the horizontal angulation of X-ray beam on the detection of proximal enamel caries in bitewing radiographs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This in vitro study was conducted on 150 caries-free human premolars (code: p/16/35/9/210). The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 50). Group 1 served as the control group and no carious lesions were induced in this group. Teeth in groups 2 and 3 were immersed in demineralizing solution for 2 and 4 months, respectively. After induction of caries and its radiographic confirmation, the teeth were mounted in wax in groups of 3 and bitewing radiographs were obtained at 0°, 5°, 10° and 15° horizontal angles. RESULTS: The sensitivity values of bitewing radiographs at 0°, 5°, 10° and 15° horizontal angles were 88%, 90%, 88%, 92% in group 2 and 88%, 94%, 94% and 94% in group 3, respectively. The specificity values of bitewing radiographs at 0°, 5°, 10° and 15° horizontal angles were 92%, 86%, 84% and 76%. The accuracy of bitewing radiographs at 0°, 5°, 10° and 15° horizontal angles was 89.3%, 90%, 88.7% and 87.3%, respectively. The highest diagnostic accuracy was obtained at 5° horizontal angle for caries detection; however, the difference in this regard among the tested horizontal angles was not statically significant (p = 0.846). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, changing the horizontal angulation has no significant effect on the detection of proximal enamel caries in bitewing radiographs.
