Osteosarcoma of the mandible: A case with a clinical appearance similar to benign lesions.

A 34-year-old woman with complaints of mandibular swelling that started 4 months earlier was referred to the Oral Diseases Department. Based on the clinical and radiographic appearance, the primary diagnosis was an intraosseous reactive lesion. However, the result of histopathology indicated osteosarcoma.

Sex Determination Using Human Sphenoid Sinus in a Northeast Iranian Population: A Discriminant Function Analysis.

Statement of the Problem: Sex determination, using skeletal remains, is of paramount importance in forensic studies. The skull accounts for the most sexual dimorphism after the pelvis. Recent studies have shown that paranasal sinuses are valuable in sex determination and considering the location of the sphenoid sinus, the risk of traumatic injuries to this structure is low. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the morphology of the sphenoid sinus and determine the validity of sphenoid sinus volume (SSV) in sex determination using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional retrospective study, CBCT images of 469 Iranian patients (186 male and 283 female), aged 24-45 years, were selected. The morphology of the sphenoid sinus was recorded. 3D Slicer software (4.10.0) was used to assess SSVs in coronal and axial planes. For data analysis, t-test, chi-square test, and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were performed using predictive analytics software (ver. 18.0). Results: The most common morphology of the sphenoid sinus in both genders was the sellar type (50.5%). SSV was significantly larger in males than in females (p< 0.001). DFA showed that the capability of SSV in sex identification was 86.0% and 92.9% in males and females, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that SSV is a reliable variable in gender discrimination in a northeast Iranian population. However, since the morphology of the sphenoid sinus and sex were independent of each other, the morphology of the sphenoid sinus is not a suitable indicator for sex determination.

The Clinical and Radiographic Changes of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Following Mandibular Set Back Surgery by Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO).

Background: Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) is one of the treatment options for Class III maxillary deficiency which may affect the condylar position and the patient's occlusion. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) following mandibular set back surgery by BSSO. Methods: In this retrospective study, All Class III patients, aged between 18-30 years old who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Ward of Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran from January 2018- January 2020 were enrolled. Radiographic changes of joint space, condylar position and clinical changes for maximal mouth opening and joint sound were examined before and 6 months after surgery. Data were analyzed by SPSS16 software and the significance level of the data was set at P-value < 0.05. Results: Twenty-five patients were recruited. The axial angle of the left and right condyle and condylar inclination on both sides reduced but this reduction was not statistically significant. While the anterior joint space was reduced and posterior joint space was increased in both sides, the changes on the right side were only significant (P = 0.039). In clinical examinations maximum mouth opening, lateral and protrusive movements were also decreased but this reduction was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The mandibular set back with BSSO surgery in class III skeletal patients had no significant effect on the position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa as well as clinical symptoms.

Correlation between gray values in cone-beam computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between bone density measurements obtained using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and morphometric parameters of bone determined by histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: In this in vivo study, 30 samples from the maxillary bones of 7 sheep were acquired using a trephine. The bone samples were returned to their original sites, and the sheep heads were imaged using CBCT. On the CBCT images, gray values were calculated. In the histomorphometric analysis, the total bone volume, the trabecular bone volume (referred to simply as bone volume), and the trabecular thickness were assessed. Results: Statistical testing showed significant correlations between CBCT gray values and total bone volume (r=0.537, P=0.002), bone volume (r=0.672, P<0.001), and trabecular thickness (r=0.692, P<0.001), as determined via the histomorphometric analysis. Conclusion: The results indicate a significant and acceptable association between CBCT gray values and bone volume, suggesting that CBCT may be used in bone densitometry.

What Are the Effects of Methylprednisolone Injection Into the Masseter and Gluteal Muscle on Pain, Edema and Trismus After Impacted Lower Third Molar Surgery? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Methylprednisolone is widely administered after impacted third molar surgery. This study compared the effect of methylprednisolone injection into the masseter and gluteal muscle on pain, edema, and trismus after impacted lower third molar surgery. METHODS: This was a single-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients with an impacted lower third molar were included and randomly assigned into 3 groups. Each group received 1 of the following medications half an hour before surgery: Group I: 40 mg methylprednisolone injected into masseter muscle; Group II: 40 mg methylprednisolone injected into gluteal muscle; Group III: considered as control group with no intervention. The level of pain was recorded 1, 5, and 7 days after surgery using visual analog scale, and the amount of edema was measured 5 and 7 days after surgery using ultrasound imaging. The amount of trismus was measured 5 and 7 days after surgery based on the distance between incisor edge of upper and lower centrals. Friedman test was used to compare the level of pain, trismus and edema in each group at different times. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the level of pain, trismus and edema among different groups at each time. Significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among the 3 groups (a total of 60 patients (31 females and 29 males), aged 19 to 35 years) considering edema (P = .250, CI = 0.22 ± 0.42), trismus (P = .337, CI = -5.93 ± 2.22) and pain (P = .285, CI = -2.91 ± 0.40) relief. CONCLUSIONS: Postsurgical pain, edema, and trismus were not reduced by intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone before third molar surgery.

Relationship between Anatomical Variations of Sinonasal Area and Maxillary Sinus Pneumatization.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillary sinuses are among the largest paranasal sinuses with various shapes and volumes. The dimensions and volumes of maxillary sinuses play an important role in the surgical treatment plan. The higher levels of pneumatization of alveolar bone lead to the increase of odontogenic sinusitis which cause problems in dental implantation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between maxillary sinus volume and pneumatization and anatomical factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, computed tomography (CT) images of the healthy maxillary sinuses of 199 adult patients were reviewed. Amira software was used for the measurement of sinus volume. Sinus pneumatization of the alveolar bone in coronal CT scan images in the posterior teeth areas was measured. Moreover, anatomical variations of the sinonasal region, such as nasal septal deviation, and size of the ostium were measured and recorded. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the t-test, and the Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients were applied for data analysis. RESULTS: According to the obtained results, the mean value of the maxillary sinus volume and the alveolar bone pneumatization were 15.54 mm3 and 3.54 mm, respectively. The mean value of the maxillary sinus volume was statistically higher among males than females (P<0.001). The prevalence of nasal septal deviation, concha bullosa, and maxillary sinus septa were 14.6%, 14.6% and 6% respectively. There were no association between anatomical factors, including the nasal septal deviation, the size of the ostium, concha bullosa, and maxillary sinus septa and maxillary sinus volume and pneumatization. P-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: No correlation was observed between the anatomical variations of the sinonasal region and maxillary sinus volume and pneumatization.

Periodontal changes following molar intrusion with miniscrews.

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of skeletal anchorage system, recently it is possible to successfully intrude molar teeth. On the other hand, there have been concerns about periodontal changes associated with intrusion and there are few studies on this topic, especially for posterior teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten female patients were enrolled in this study. Maxillary molar intrusion was achieved by inserting two miniscrews and a 17 × 25 titanium molybdenum alloy spring. Crestal height changes were evaluated at three intervals including: Baseline (T0), end of active treatment (T1) and 6 months after retention (T2). Other variables including probing depth, gingival recession, attachment level and bleeding on probing were evaluated by clinical measurements in the three above mentioned intervals. One-sample Kolmogrov-Smirnov test ascertained the normality of the data. For all patients, the changes in tooth position and crestal height were evaluated using one-sample t-test. (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Supra-erupted molars were successfully intruded a mean of 2.1 ± 0.9 mm during active treatment (T0-T1). A mean bone resorption of 0.9 ± 0.9 mm in mesial crest and 1 ± 0.8 mm in distal crest had occurred in total treatment (T0-T2). A mean of 0.6 ± 1.4 mm bone was deposited on mesial crest during the retention period (T1-T2) following tooth relapse. On average, 0.8 ± 0.4 mm attachment gain was obtained. Gingival margin coronalized a mean of 0.8 ± 0.6 mm throughout the entire treatment. Probing depth showed no significant change during treatment. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, these results suggest that not only periodontal status was not negatively affected by intrusion, but also there were signs of periodontal improvement including attachment gain and shortening of clinical crown height.

Relationship of the Gonial Angle and Inferior Alveolar Canal Course Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: Accurate localization of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) is extremely important in some dental treatments. Anatomical variation of the canal means that it can be difficult to locate. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of the gonial angle (GA) size and IAC position using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, 61 dry adult human hemi-mandibles were used. The CBCT scans were taken of all samples and GA was measured on all CBCT scans. The samples were divided into two groups of low angle (≤125°) and high angle (>125°). The canal dimensions, length and course were evaluated. On the sagittal view, the IAC path was classified as type A, B or C. On the axial view, canal course was defined as A1 or A2 according to the mental foramen angle. RESULTS: The average GA size was 121.8±7.05° at the right side and 123.8±6.32° at the left side. On the sagittal view, there was a significant correlation between the GA size and the canal course (P=0.04). In the high-angle group, type A was dominant; whereas in the low-angle group, type B was more common. On the axial view of IAC course, type A1 was more common (73.43%). CONCLUSION: The results showed that GA size was associated with IAC course. In cases with a larger GA, the canal runs in a more straightforward path, and at the same level as the mental foramen.

Central Granular Cell Odontogenic Tumor: Report of a Case with CBCT Features.

Central granular cell odontogenic tumor) CGCOT) of the jaw is an exceedingly rare benign odontogenic neoplasm with 35 reported cases in the literature. Among these, very few studies have focused on the cone-beam CT features of CGCOT. Here, we report a case of an asymptomatic CGCOT in a 16-year-old girl and focus on the cone-beam CT features. Only 36 cases of this lesion, including this one, have been reported so far. The case presented is of special importance due to the young age of the patient, the posterior location of the lesion and the multilocular pattern in the cone beam CT images.

Dental age assessment of young Iranian adults using third molars: A multivariate regression study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a noticeable increase in forensic age estimations of living individuals has been observed. Radiologic assessment of the mineralisation stage of third molars is of particular importance, with regard to the relevant age group. To attain a referral database and regression equations for dental age estimation of unaccompanied minors in an Iranian population was the goal of this study. Moreover, determination was made concerning the probability of an individual being over the age of 18 in case of full third molar(s) development. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the scoring system of Gleiser and Hunt, modified by Köhler, an investigation of a cross-sectional sample of 1274 orthopantomograms of 885 females and 389 males aged between 15 and 22 years was carried out. Using kappa statistics, intra-observer reliability was tested. With Spearman correlation coefficient, correlation between the scores of all four wisdom teeth, was evaluated. We also carried out the Wilcoxon signed-rank test on asymmetry and calculated the regression formulae. RESULTS: A strong intra-observer agreement was displayed by the kappa value. No significant difference (p-value for upper and lower jaws were 0.07 and 0.59, respectively) was discovered by Wilcoxon signed-rank test for left and right asymmetry. The developmental stage of upper right and upper left third molars yielded the greatest correlation coefficient. The probability of an individual being over the age of 18 is 95.6% for males and 100.0% for females in case four fully developed third molars are present. Taking into consideration gender, location and number of wisdom teeth, regression formulae were arrived at. CONCLUSION: Use of population-specific standards is recommended as a means of improving the accuracy of forensic age estimates based on third molars mineralisation. To obtain more exact regression formulae, wider age range studies are recommended.

Intrusion of supra-erupted molars using miniscrews: clinical success and root resorption.

INTRODUCTION: Conventional orthodontic techniques do not intrude posterior teeth effectively, and almost all methods result in anterior extrusion rather than posterior intrusion. New absolute anchorages (miniscrews and miniplates) are said to make posterior tooth intrusion possible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical success of a new method for molar intrusion with miniscrews and its probable accompanying side effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten women with overerupted upper first molars participated in this study. Upper molar bands with brackets were cemented. Two miniscrews were placed, 1 in the mesiopalatal and another in the mesiobuccal aspect of the upper first molars; a spring made of 0.017 × 0.25-in titanium-molybdenum alloy (TMA) wire was used to apply 100 g of force through the attachments (50 g each side). Molar intrusion and external apical root resorption were evaluated by comparing parallel periapical radiographs with bite blocks at 3 intervals: beginning of treatment (T0), at the end of active treatment (T1), and 6 months after treatment completion (T2). RESULTS: The mean value of intrusion was 2.1 mm after completion of active treatment. On average, 0.4 ± 0.2 mm relapse had occurred during 6 months of retention, and the mean residual intrusion was 1.7 mm, which was statistically significant. Mean root resorption of 0.3 ± 0.2 mm for palatal root and 0.4 mm for mesiobuccal and distobuccal root was measured. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant intrusion (2.1 ± 0.9 mm) was obtained during active treatment. The mean value of relapse was 0.4 ± 0.2 mm, and the mean value for residual intrusion was 1.7 ± 0.6 mm. Minor apical root resorption occurred during treatment.

Elongated styloid process: is it a pathologic condition?

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the length, morphology, and calcification patterns of the elongated stylohyoid process (ESP) on panoramic radiographs and to investigate the symptoms related to it. We then addressed the question: Is ESP a pathologic condition or a physiologic phenomenon? MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 207 stylohyoid complexes were evaluated based on length, radiographic appearance, and calcification pattern on panoramic radiographs. Similar to previous studies, we considered 30 mm as a threshold for elongation of the process. Complexes were classified into two groups based on length: ESP (greater than or equal to 30 mm) and normal (less than 30 mm). Clinical symptoms were evaluated by using a questionnaire and clinical examination. Data were analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Smilonov test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation. RESULTS: The average length of the stylohyoid complex was 31.7 mm. The median was 30.0 mm and corresponded to the threshold for the ESP. The Spearman correlation between the length of the complex and age was 0.323 (P=0.0001). "Continuous" and "calcified outline" were the most frequent morphology and calcification pattern, respectively, for both groups. Clinical symptoms related to ESP were not detected. CONCLUSION: Classification of the stylohyoid complexes based on apparent length on panoramic radiographs in elongated and normal types appears to be incorrect. Considering that the radiographic appearance of the ESP and normal groups was similar and pathologic symptoms were not detected and that there was a relationship between age and length of the complex, elongation of this complex can be considered as a physiologic phenomenon.

A comparison of the accuracy of digital and conventional radiography in the diagnosis of recurrent caries.

AIM: The purpose of this laboratory research was to compare the accuracy of digital and conventional bitewing radiographs in the diagnosis of recurrent caries under class II amalgam restorations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study involved 82 posterior intact teeth in which class II amalgam boxes were prepared. Carious lesions were simulated in half of the proximal boxes in the intersection between the facial or lingual wall and the gingival floor or midway between the facial and lingual walls. The other half of each tooth specimen served as a control. The prepared boxes were then restored with a Tytin FC (Kerr, USA) amalgam. The teeth were radiographed in the bucco-lingual direction to obtain images comparable to bitewing. Digital radiographs made with an intraoral CCD sensor and conventional radiography with dental E film were used. Three expert observers evaluated both types of images for the diagnosis of recurrent caries. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity values for direct digital radiography were 73 and 95 percent at the buccal and lingual line angles, respectively, and 29 and 90 percent at the mid-gingival floor, respectively. These corresponding values for conventional radiography were respectively 63 and 93 percent at the buccal line angle, 61 and 93 percent at the lingual line angle, and 44 and 95 percent at the mid-gingival floor. The total sensitivity and specificity values were 58 and 93 percent for digital radiography and 56 and 93 percent for conventional radiography. The overall accuracy was 76 percent for digital and 75 percent for conventional radiography. No significant difference in specificity or sensitivity was found between the digital and conventional radiography (p=0.104). Separately, no significant difference was seen between the buccal line angle and the mid-gingival floor, but a significant difference was seen between the two methods in the lingual line angle (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: The digital and conventional bitewing radiographs had similar diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of recurrent caries. Lesions located at the buccal or lingual line angle were more easily detected than those at the mid-gingival region. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although there was no significant difference between digital and conventional radiography in the diagnosis of recurrent caries, digital radiography requires less ionizing radiation, making this method of imaging suggested for routine dental practice.