Radiographic Diagnostic Choices of Palestinian Dentists for Implant Therapy.

Aim: To report the radiographic preferences during dental implant therapy in Palestine. Materials and Methods: Fourteen multiple-choice questions were delivered in electronic and hardcopy formats questionnaires during the Sixth International Implantology Conference (Palestine). The questions investigated the radiographic techniques that are mostly used based on various clinical scenarios and treatment phases. Results: One hundred and thirty-seven responses were captured. The majority of the participants were general dentists with implant experience (79.6%). Less than a third of the participants (27.2%) were members of the Palestinian Association of Dental Implantology. The majority (85.9%) of them have their practice in a city zone. Panoramic radiograph (PAN) combined with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was the most preferred radiographic technique during the planning stage. Conclusion: PAN and CBCT was the preferred choice during the planning stages. A PAN was preferred postoperatively and if no complications were associated. In the case of symptomatic patients, CBCT was the radiograph of choice.

Anatomical variant of anteriorly extending mental foramen: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: By sharing this case, we aim to enhance the understanding of the mental foramen's intricate morphology, ultimately promoting safer and more successful surgical practices in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Abstract: In surgical procedures near the mental foramen, preserving this vital structure and its contents is crucial. Surgical treatments, including procedures like implants, orthognathic surgery, and tooth extractions, can potentially lead to injuries of the mental nerve, resulting in sensory disturbances such as numbness or tingling in the lower lip and chin. This case report highlights an uncommon anterior extension of the mental foramen, posing a risk to the patient if unnoticed. Variations in this structure are possible, emphasizing the need for comprehensive three-dimensional radiographic analysis before surgery to ensure patient safety. This report sheds light on the significance of identifying and understanding such variations to enhance the safety and precision of oral and maxillofacial interventions.

Identification of the inferior alveolar canal using cone-beam computed tomography vs. panoramic radiography: a retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims at evaluating the visibility levels of the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) at different mandibular sites using panoramic (conventional & CBCT reformatted) and CBCT coronal views in a sample of a Palestinian population. METHODS: The panoramic (conventional [CP] & CBCT reformatted [CRP]) and CBCT coronal views (CCV) of 103 patients (206 records, right and left sides) were analyzed. The visibility of IAC at five sites extending from the first premolar to the third mandibular molar region was evaluated visually (and compared among the radiographic views) as clearly visible, probably visible, invisible/poorly visible, or not present at the examined site. On CCV, the maximum dimension of the IAC (MD), the vertical distance (VD) between the mandibular cortex and IAC, and the horizontal position (HP) of the IAC were noted. Statistical significance in the differences and relationships of the variables was tested using several statistical tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between the radiography modality (CP, CRP, CCV) and the visibility level of IAC (assessed in scores) at the five mandibular sites. When assessed on CP, CRP, and CCV, the IAC was clearly visible at all sites in 40.4%, 30.9%, and 39.6%, respectively, while being invisible/poorly visible in 27.5%, 38.9%, and 7.2% for the same views, respectively. The mean values of MD and VD were 3.61 mm and 8.48 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Different radiographic modalities would characterize the IAC's structure in different qualities. Superior visibility levels were obtained interchangeably using CBCT cross-sectional views and conventional panorama at different sites compared to CBCT reformatted panorama. The IACs visibility was noted to improve at their distal aspects irrespective of the radiographic modality used. Gender -but not age- was a significant factor in the visibility level of IAC at only two mandibular sites.

The mental foramen, anatomical parameters through a radiographic approach to aid in dental implantology: A retrospective analysis in a sample of a Palestinian population.

Purpose: This study aims at analyzing the mental foramen (MF) structure, dimension, position, and emergence profiles among a sample of a Palestinian population. Methods: 212 mental foramina (106 patients) were analyzed on two panoramic views (CBCT reformatted (CRP) & conventional (CP)) and CBCT coronal views. The visibility score, position, size, presence of loop & supplementary foramina, distances coronal and apical to the foramen, and the emergence profiles of the mental canals with associated course angles were all noted. Results: No statistically significant relationship was found between the type of panoramic radiographic view used (i.e., CP & CRP) and the resultant visibility level and position of MF. The majority of the MF showed an intermediate visibility score on both CP & CRP. The highest percentage of MF's position was under the 2nd mandibular premolar. The emergence profile was shown to be, in most, superior (S) in 47.6% of the sample and posterosuperior (PS) in 28.3%. The MF mean height and width were 4.08 mm & 4.11 mm, respectively. The coronal and axial angles averages were 46.25° and 91.49°, respectively. The distance superior and inferior to the MF showed averages of 12.39 mm and 13.52 mm, respectively. 28.3% of the sample presented with a mental loop, with a mesial extension average of 2 mm. Conclusion: On both panoramic views (CBCT & conventional), the majority of the mental foramina displayed an intermediate visibility level, with no significant difference between the two techniques. The MF was found mostly under the second premolar. The majority of the examined mental canals had a superior emergence profile.

Sexual dimorphism in odontometric parameters using cone beam CT: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether odontometric parameters using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) would aid in sex estimation by assessing sexual dimorphism of odontometric parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The focused question was whether there is sexual dimorphism in linear and volumetric odontometric parameters when assessed using CBCT. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic search until June 2022 in all major databases. Data were extracted regarding the population, size of the sample, age range, teeth analyzed, linear or volumetric measurements, accuracy, and conclusion. The quality of included studies was assessed using (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. RESULTS: Out of the 3761 studies identified, twenty-nine full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Finally, twenty-three articles (4215 participants) that provided data on odontometrics using CBCT were included in this systematic review. The odontological sex estimation were assessed either linear measurements (n = 13) or volumetric measurements (n = 8) or both (n = 2). Canines were analysed in maximum number of reports (n = 14), followed by incisors (n = 11), molars(n = 10) and premolars(n = 6). Most of the reports (n = 18) confirmed the existence of sexual dimorphism in odontometric parameters when assessed using CBCT. No significant differences in odontometrics between the sexes were noted in some reports (n = 5). The accuracy of sex estimation was assessed in eight investigations, which ranged from 47.8 to 92.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Odontometrics of human permanent dentition using CBCT exhibit a certain degree of sexual dimorphism. Both linear and volumetric measurements of teeth can aid sex estimation.

MACRODONTIA: A brief overview and a case report of KBG syndrome.

Macrodontia is a dental condition where a tooth or group of teeth are abnormally larger than average. Functional and aesthetic discrepancies may arise in affected individuals resulting in lowering the quality of life. It has been noted that macrodontia is associated with several genetic and endocrine abnormalities. Among which, KBG syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental and dental abnormalities. This case report provides a brief overview of the significance of macrodontia, along with presenting a case of KBG syndrome with atypical features in a South African, 16-year-old female. The dental manifestations are often overshadowed by other more conspicuous and complex syndromic features. Recognition of both the clinical and oral changes that occur in KBG syndrome facilitates accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of this condition. The authors highlight the importance for clinicians to be cognizant of the clinical implications of macrodontia.

Custom Focal Trough in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Reformatted Panoramic Versus Digital Panoramic for Mental Foramen Position to Aid Implant Planning.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the linear measurements from digital panoramic (DP) radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) volumes for the localization of the mental foramen (MF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with panoramic and CBCT radiographs depicted on the same machine were analyzed. The vertical and horizontal positions of the MF were compared by the differences in distances measured from reference points to the boundaries (tangents) of the MF in digital panoramic (DP) and CBCT reformatted panoramic (CRP) views. The vertical position of MF was also analyzed on CBCT oblique coronal views (CORO) and compared with its corresponding distances on DP and CRP views. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in all compared measurements between CRP and DP views. In addition, the vertical distance (Y1) compared between DP, CRP, and CORO views also showed a statistically significant measurement discrepancy in the mean distance (P < 0.000) with the highest mean difference of 1.59 mm (P < 0.05) was attained from Y1 (DP-CORO). Inter- and intra-examiner analysis indicated a high level of agreement for all measurements. CONCLUSION: The mean values of discrepancies in measurements between DP and CRP views for horizontal and vertical linear measurements were clinically tolerable. Nevertheless, significant differences in the vertical MF position were detected between the panoramic views (DP, CRP) and the coronal views (CORO). This implies that the use of coronal view measurements during implant planning might reduce the risk of neurovascular injuries.