ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare changes in pharyngeal airway after different orthognathic procedures in subjects with class III deformity. METHODS: The study included CBCT scans of 48 skeletal class III patients (29 females and 19 males, mean age 23.50 years) who underwent orthognathic surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. The participants were divided into three groups of 16, as follows: Group 1, mandibular setback surgery; group 2, combined mandibular setback and maxillary advancement surgery; and group 3, maxillary advancement surgery. CBCT images were taken 1 day before surgery (T0), 1 day (T1), and 6 months (T2) later. The dimensions of the velopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx were measured in CBCT images. RESULTS: In all groups, there was a significant decrease in airway variables immediately after surgery, with a significant reversal 6 months later (P < 0.05). In subjects who underwent maxillary advancement, the airway dimensions were significantly greater at T2 than the T0 time point (P < 0.05), whereas in the mandibular setback and bimaxillary surgery groups, the T2 values were lower than the baseline examination (P < 0.05). The alterations in airway variables were significantly different between the study groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The mandibular setback procedure caused the greatest reduction in the pharyngeal airway, followed by the bimaxillary surgery and maxillary advancement groups, with the latter exhibiting an actual increase in the pharyngeal airway dimensions. It is recommended to prefer a two-jaw operation instead of a mandibular setback alone for correction of the prognathic mandible in subjects with predisposing factors to the development of sleep-disordered breathing.
ABSTRACT
The missing of permanent first molars influences the occlusal status and dental health. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of missing first molar teeth in a selected population of Shiraz, Iran. Methods. A total of 2206 panoramic views of patients aged from 7 to 75 years old were inspected for missing of permanent first molars. Patients were categorized into five age groups: from 7 to 15, 16 to 30, 31 to 45, 46 to 60, and more than 60 years old. Data were categorized according to sex, age, and number of lost teeth using SPSS software. Results. No first molar was missing in 59.9% of the cases, 17.05% had lost one, 10.4% had lost two, 7.2% had lost three, and 5% were missing all four of their permanent first molars. The mandibular first molar was the most commonly lost tooth, and the left side in both jaws was more affected than the right side. There was a positive relation between age and missing first molar. Conclusions. A missing first molar is a common finding in southern Iran population. Due to the important role of permanent first molars in occlusion, more education and dental care is recommended to preserve these teeth.
ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Tonsilloliths are relatively common clusters of dystrophic calcified material that form in the tonsillar crypts, mostly the palatine tonsils. Although they may be asymptomatic, some cause halitosis, cough, dysphagia, and foreign body sensation, as well as otalgia. Since tonsilloliths can be detected on panoramic views as radiopaque lesions, and misdiagnosis may lead to wasting time and cost, dentist should be familiar with radiographic characteristics of this type of calcification. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and the pattern of distribution of tonsilloliths on panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study was based on 2000 panoramic radiographs from 1030 female and 970 male aged 6-75 years old evaluated for the presence and pattern of tonsillolithiasis, between 2011 and 2013 in Shiraz, Iran. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used to evaluate the relationship between tonsillolithiasis and gender. p< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of the 2000 individuals, 101 cases (5.05%) had tonsilloliths on panoramic radiographs out of which 61 were male (60.4%) and 40 were female (39.6%), with age range of 18 to 65. Forty patients (39.6%) had both left and right sides involved, 25 of tonsilloliths (24.75%) were located on the right and 36 on the left side (35.65%). Men were more likely to develop tonsilloliths (p= 0.014). CONCLUSION: Tonsilloliths are not very common finding and can be detected on nearly 5.05% of panoramic radiographs. Most of the cases are unilateral with a diameter less than 2mm.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the mandibular bone density between postmenopausal women with normal skeletal bone mass density (BMD) and those with low skeletal BMD using digital panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifteen postmenopausal women were divided into normal and osteoporotic/osteopenic groups. Digital panoramic radiographs were prepared using Digora PCT Sorodex equipment and Promax panoramic X-ray unit (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland, Kvp=68 and mA=9). The mandibular bone density of an area (approximately 4×4 mm), exactly near the distal edge of the right mental foramen was determined in digital panoramic radiographs using Digora for Windows (DfW) Software. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in mandibular bone density between the normal and osteoporotic/osteopenic participants (P >0.05). Mandibular bone density was not statistically different in normal and osteoporotic individuals with SBMD or FBMD T-score -2.5 (P >0.05). Density of the region of interest differed significantly between the normal and the osteoporotic group with SBMD and FBMD T-score -2.5 (P <0.05). The same results also gained in women who were osteoporotic only in the femoral region (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Mandibular bone density in subjects with low BMD was related to FBMD. So, digital panoramic radiographs could be beneficial in the diagnosis of postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis.
