Diagnosis of ethmoid sinolith by cone-beam computed tomography: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report the first case of diagnosis of a rare ethmoid sinolith by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and discuss the importance of carefully assessing the entire volume of the images regardless of the region of interest. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old woman underwent CBCT examination to assess the upper permanent canine teeth. Analysis of the entire volume of CBCT revealed an oval-shaped hyperdense, homogeneous, expansive formation with defined boundaries located in the ethmoid bone. The differential diagnosis of a sinolith in the ethmoid sinus was confirmed after removal of the lesion by nasoendoscopy and histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of lesions in the ethmoid sinus is challenging because of the complex anatomy of this region. Considering the limitations of two-dimensional X-ray examination, CBCT examination has become an important imaging modality for the diagnosis of these calcifications. In addition, the ability of the dental surgeon to assess the entire volume of the CBCT images and the knowledge of imaging features of these calcifications allows for recognition of incidental findings, facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankylosis of Permanent First Molar: Diagnosis by Cone Beam Computed Tomography / Anquilosis del Primer Molar Permanente: Diagnóstico por Tomografía Computarizada con Haz Cónico

ABSTRACT: Ankylosis is an anomaly of tooth eruption characterized by the fusion of cementum and alveolar bone, and may affect from small regions to the entire root surface. Clinical assessment combined with imaging exams can aid diagnosis. Radiographic testing enables assessing only proximal regions of possibly affected roots. Whereas cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows a three-dimensional assessment of axial, coronal, and sagittal planes of all dental extension, eliminating thus overlapping images and helping to confirm the correct diagnosis. The present study contains a case report of a male patient with ankylosis in tooth 16 diagnosed by CBCT, aiming at providing information for dentists about this anomaly, its characteristics and situations in which CBCT should be indicated.

RESUMEN: La anquilosis es una anomalía de la erupción del diente caracterizada por la fusión de cemento y hueso alveolar, y puede afectar desde pequeñas regiones hasta toda la superficie de la raíz. La evaluación clínica combinada con los exámenes de imagen puede ayudar a diagnosticar esta anomalía. Las pruebas radiográficas permiten evaluar sólo las regiones proximales de las raíces posiblemente afectadas. La tomografía computarizada de haz de cono (CBCT) permite una evaluación tridimensional de los planos axial, coronal y sagital de toda la extensión dental, eliminando así las imágenes superpuestas y ayudando a confirmar el diagnóstico correcto. En el presente estudio se presenta un reporte de caso de un paciente con anquilosis en el diente 16 diagnosticado por CBCT, con el objetivo de proporcionar información para los dentistas sobre esta anomalía, sus características y situaciones en las que debe indicarse la CBCT.

Correlation between the position of hyoid bone and subregions of the pharyngeal airway space in lateral cephalometry and cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the pharyngeal airway subregions with the positioning of the hyoid bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study examined 107 lateral cephalometric (LC) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Linear and volumetric measurements of the pharyngeal subregions were made and correlated to linear measurements using hyoid triangle analysis on images of LC and multiplanar (MPR) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of CBCT. RESULTS: There was significant correlation between linear measurements of the pharyngeal subregions and hyoid bone position in LC images and in MPR and 3D reconstructions of the CBCT. Correlations were more frequent in the oropharynx and hypopharynx, especially for LC images. No correlations were observed between LC images or CBCT reconstructions and the volumetric measurements of the pharyngeal subregions and the position of the hyoid bone. CONCLUSION: The hyoid bone position showed more correlations with oropharynx and hypopharynx airway measurements. The hyoid triangle method was not applicable to 3D images, since it showed a smaller number of measures correlated to the hyoid bone position.

Squamous Odontogenic Tumor: Literature Review Focusing on the Radiographic Features and Differential Diagnosis.

Since its first publication in 1975, the squamous odontogenic tumor remains the rarest odontogenic lesion, with around 50 cases in the English-language literature in which the microscopic characteristics are frequently very well demonstrated. However, articles which discuss the radiographic aspects are scarce, especially with emphasis on the differential diagnosis. The present treatise proposes an assessment of jaw lesions with the same radiographic characteristics of the squamous odontogenic tumor to clarify the main findings for dental clinicians during routine diagnosis.

Effect of Different Tube Potential Settings on Caries Detection using PSP Plate and Conventional Film.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoral Phosphor Stimulable Plate digital system and intraoral film using different tube settings on incipient proximal caries detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five blocks, with five teeth each, were radiographically examined using phosphor plates and F-speed films. The images were acquired in 07 different tube potentials from 50-80 kV. The films were digitized. Three oral radiologists scored the images for the presence of caries using a 5-point rating scale. The areas under ROC curve were calculated. The influence of tube kilovoltage was verified by ANOVA and pair wise comparisons performed using Tukey test. RESULTS: Mean ROC curve areas varied from 0.446-0.628 for digital images and 0.494-0.559 for conventional images. The tube setting of 70 kV presented the best result both for digital and conventional images. Considering the image type separately, 70 kV scored highest followed by 75 and 65 kV for digital images (p=0.084). For conventional image modality, even though 70 kV presented the best result, it did not differ significantly from 80 kV, not differing from 60 and 55 kV, which did not differ from 75, 65 and 50 kV (p=0.53). CONCLUSION: Phosphor plate digital images seem to be more susceptible to tube setting potential variations then digitized film images.

Utilización del prototipado rápido en la odontología / The use of rapid prototyping in dentistry

Nuevas técnicas van acompañando la evolución de la odontología y buscan superar obstáculos presentes en la actualidad. El prototipado rápido (PR) fue insertado en el medio odontológico con el propósito de auxiliar procedimientos, minimizar riesgos y disminuir el tiempo quirúrgico. A partir de exámenes tomográficos y de resonancia magnética, son creados diseños asistidos por medio de un computador específico, luego de ello son transformados en un lenguaje propio, para que a partir de ahí, estos diseños sean transformados en objetos físicos en 3 dimensiones (prototipos), fieles al modelo inicial hecho en la computadora. Existen muchas técnicas para la confección de los modelos 3D, variando el tipo de material que se añadirá, por el proceso de adición en capas. Muchas son las áreas beneficiadas por el PR; sin embargo, cirugia, implantología, prótesis y ortodoncia, asimilaron más los principios de esta técnica la cual está ayudando de manera significativa en su práctica diaria. Los beneficios del PR son numerosos, sea en la disminución de riesgos quirúrgicos, precisión de maniobras, disminución de tiempo transoperatorio, estética en los procedimientos y hasta en la comunicación entre el cirujano dentista y el paciente. Las desventajas de la técnica incluyen el elevado costo inicial y un considerable tiempo de preparación del prototipado. Lo que se viene observando es que el PR se está convirtiendo cada vez más de uso cotidiano odontológico y sus beneficios superan algunas desventajas aún persistentes...

New techniques have been accompanying the development of dentistry and seek to overcome obstacles present nowadays. The Rapid Prototyping (RP) was inserted into the dentistry in order to assist procedures, minimize risk and reduce the surgical time. From Computed Tomography exams and Magnetic Resonance, are been created design assisted by a specific computer, then processed in its own language; so from there, such designs are transformed into physical objects in 3 dimensions (prototype), trusted in the initial model created in the computer. There are many techniques for production of 3D models, varying the type of material that will be added by the process of adding layers. Many areas were benefited by the PR, however Surgery, Implantology, Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, absorbed the principles of this technique which is helping significantly in their daily practice. The benefits of PR are undisputed, whether in the reduction of surgical risks, precision maneuvers, and gain time in the trans-operative period, cosmetic procedures and in the communication between the dentist and the patient. The disadvantages of the technique are also reported as high initial cost and considerable time preparing the prototype. What has been observed is that this PR is becoming increasingly present in the dental practice and the benefits are overcoming some disadvantages still persistent...

La tomografía computarizada cone beam en la ortodoncia, ortopedia facial y funcional / Cone beam computed tomography use in orthodontics, functional facial orthopedics

La Tomografía Computarizada Cone Beam (TCCB) es una tecnología en rápido desarrollo que proporciona imágenes de alta resolución espacial del complejo craneofacial en tres dimensiones (3D). Durante la última década, el número de publicaciones relacionadas a la TCCB en la literatura se ha incrementado de manera significativa, pero la cuestión fundamental es si esta tecnología conduce a mejores resultados. La TCCB y su aplicación en la ortodoncia es muy importante ya que esta nueva tecnología va evolucionando cada vez más rápido y nuevas imágenes se necesitan para responder algunos casos como los de recidiva. La imagen tomográfica nos va permitir tener una visión diferente comparando con las imágenes convencionales, y esta visión va de la mano con los movimientos realizados para la corrección de la maloclusión o desproporción facial...

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a rapidly evolving technology that provides high spatial resolution of the craniofacial complex in three dimensions (3D). During the last decade, the number of publications related to CBCT in the literature has increased significantly, but the fundamental question is whether this technology leads to better results. CBCT and the application in orthodontics is very important as this new technology evolves ever faster and new images are needed to answer some cases, for example cases of recurrence. The tomographic image will allow us to give a different view compared to conventional images, and this view goes hand in hand with the movements for correcting malocclusion or facial disproportion...

Digital panoramic radiography for diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: CBCT as the gold standard.

Three-dimensional imaging modalities have been reported to be more accurate than panoramic radiographs (PR) for the assessment of bone components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). No exact prior information is available that demonstrates which specific limitations occur in terms of TMJ diagnosis when using PR for this purpose. This study aimed to assess the clinical validity of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) when diagnosing morphological disorders of the TMJ using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the gold standard. A sample composed of TMJ images (N = 848), including 212 DPR and 212 CBCT images obtained from the same patient, was used to assess any morphological changes in the TMJ. Four appraisers diagnosed all of the DPR images, whereas the CBCT images were used to establish the gold standard. The reliability of each appraiser's response pattern was analyzed using the Kappa test (κ), and diagnostic tests were performed to assess each appraiser's performance using a significance level setting of 5% (α = 0.05). Reliability of each appraiser's response pattern compared to the gold standard ranged from a slight-to-moderate agreement (0.18 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45); and among the different appraisers, the response pattern showed a fair agreement (0.22 ≤ κ ≤ 0.39). Diagnostic tests showed a wide range among the different possible morphological changes diagnosed. DPR does not have validity when diagnosing morphological changes in the TMJ; it underestimates the radiological findings with higher prevalence, and thus, it cannot be used effectively as a diagnostic tool for bone components within this region.

Vertical measurements for planning palatal mini-implants in lateral radiography and cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare palatal bone height measurements in the region of first premolars for planning palatal mini-implant insertion on conventional lateral radiography (CLR), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and reformatted virtual lateral radiography (VLR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ten images of CLR, VLR, and CBCT from the same patient were used. Linear measurements corresponding to the relevant dimension of available bone on upper first premolar site were performed between the hard palate floor and the nasal floor. The Friedman test compared the measurements of all imaging modalities. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICC values showed excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreement. VLR examination resulted in measurements statistically different from both CBCT and CLR images (P < 0.05), being underestimated when compared with these techniques, and the values found on CLR did not show statistically significant differences from the CBCT images (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The measurements for planning palatal mini-implants at the level of first premolars are comparable on CLR and multiplanar reconstructions of CBCT, whereas underestimated in reformatted examinations (VLR).

Effect of radiotherapy on the eruption rate and morphology of the odontogenic region of rat incisors.

OBJECTIVE: The goal in this study was to evaluate the results of doses of 5 and 15 Gy of radiation in odontogenic region of the rats inferior mandibular-incisors by a histological analysis and the rate of eruptions. DESIGN: Animals were divided into three groups: control, radiotherapy 5 Gy and radiotherapy 15 Gy. In which tooth-eruption-rate was measured every two days. RESULTS: Animals in Group 5 Gy presented values similar to those of the control group. Animals in Group 15 Gy presented reduction in tooth-eruption-rate as of the sixth day of the experiment, vast disorganization of odontoblasts and ameloblasts, apparent reduction in cell population in the follicle region and alterations in cervical loop formation of the dental organ. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that there was a difference between the researched doses, and histological alteration at 15 Gy lead to statistical reduction in tooth-eruption-rate.

Ionizing radiation effects on the secretory-stage ameloblasts and enamel organic extracellular matrix.

This study assessed the effects of high doses of ionizing radiation on eruption rate, odontogenic region morphology, secretory-stage ameloblasts, and enamel organic extracellular matrix (EOECM) of rat maxillary incisors. For the study, 30 male rats were divided into three experimental groups: control (non-irradiated), irradiated by 15 Gy, and irradiated by 25 Gy. Irradiated groups received a single dose of 15 or 25 Gy of X-rays in the head and neck region. The maxillary incisor eruption rate was measured. Sections of 5-µm thickness of the maxillary incisor odontogenic regions were evaluated using bright field light microscopy. Ultrathin sections of secretory ameloblasts and their EOECM were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Irradiated groups showed significantly diminished eruption rate values at the 4th and at the 6th day after irradiation. Reduced optical retardation values were observed in the irradiated groups. The odontogenic region of maxillary incisors from irradiated rats exhibited altered and poorly organized preameloblasts. TEM showed degeneration areas in the secretory-stage EOECM and several autophagosomes in the secretory ameloblasts from irradiated animals. In conclusion, high radiation doses delay eruption and induce disturbances in secretory ameloblasts and EOECM of rat maxillary incisors. These findings may be associated with structural defects of mature enamel.

Comparative study of a wireless digital system and 2 PSP digital systems on proximal caries detection and pixel values.

This study compared the radiographic image quality of 2 photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate systems with a radiographic system against a complementary metal oxide silicon (CMOS) system. Using the 3 digital systems, 160 approximal surfaces were radiographed under standardized conditions. Using a 5-point scale, 6 observers scored the resulting images for the presence of caries. The presence of caries was validated histologically, and the image receptors were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The digital systems were used to take radiographs of an aluminum step wedge for objective analysis with pixel density measurements. The mean pixel values were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn multiple comparison test (P < 0.01). The performance of the new CMOS system was comparable to the PSP plate systems and radiographic film.

Risk assessment of inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle by multidetector computed tomography in extractions of third molars.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the reliability of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in determining the surgical risk of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle in extractions of third molars. METHODS: The sample comprised thirty-three individuals (63 third molars) who underwent preoperative evaluation by MDCT before extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. MDCT was used to determine the relationship between the roots of the third molars and the mandibular canal, and the course of the mandibular canal. Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) exposure and the presence of hemorrhage were analyzed after removal of the teeth. IAN neurosensory deficit was recorded after 7 days. Clinical and MDCT findings were compared using Fisher's exact test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant association between IAN exposure and the tomographic relationship between the roots of third molars and the mandibular canal (P = 0.015). Conventionally, all cases of IAN neurosensory deficit and hemorrhage occurred when the roots of the third molar presented in an at-risk relationship with the mandibular canal, however, this association was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A statistically significant association was found between the lingual course of the mandibular canal and IAN exposure (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: MDCT is an effective tool for determination of the surgical risk to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle in extraction of mandibular third molars.

Gray scale inversion in digital image for measurement of tooth length.

The aim of this study was to assess the applicability of gray scale inversion in performing digital linear endodontic measurements. Standardized digital images were taken of 40 extracted human permanent single-rooted teeth with K-files size 15 placed at different lengths in the root canal, using the CDR Wireless(®) digital system. All images were treated with Positive, a digital tool that inverts the grayscale value. Eight radiologists measured the distance between the lower limit of the rubber stop and the tip of the file on both original and positive images. After 15 days, they repeated this procedure in 50% of the image samples. The intra- and inter-examiner agreement was analyzed by intraclass correlation test, and the comparison between the two image groups and the actual lengths by the Student's t-test (α=0.05). Intra- and inter-examiner evaluation showed high reproducibility (r>0.95) of both original and positive images. No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found between measurements performed on original and positive images, but both differed significantly from the actual lengths (p<0.05). Gray scale inversion has low applicability in measuring endodontic files, since it did not improve the accuracy of measurements.

Radioprotective effect of sodium selenite on bone repair in the tibia of ovariectomized rats.

This study evaluated protection by selenium (Se) in the bone repair process in ovariectomized rats after irradiation. For such purpose, 80 ovariectomized female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups: ovariectomized (Ov), Ov/Se, Ov/irradiated (Irr) and Ov/ Se/Irr. A bone defect was created on the tibia of all animals 40 days after ovariectomy. Two days after surgery, only the Ov/Se and Ov/Se/Irr rats received 0.8 mg Se/kg. Three days after surgery, only the Ov/Irr and Ov/Se/Irr rats received 10 Gy of x-rays on the lower limb region. The animals were euthanized at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after surgery to assess the repair process, which was evaluated by analysis of trabecular bone number (Masson Trichrome) and birefringence analysis (Picrosirius). It was possible to observe a delay in the bone repair process in the ovariectomized/irradiated group and similarity between the ovariectomized, Ov/Se and Ov/Se/Irr groups. In conclusion, sodium selenite exerted a radioprotective effect in the bone repair of tibia of ovariectomized rats without toxicity.

Comparative evaluation among different materials to replace soft tissue in oral radiology studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to establish which materials afford better simulation of soft tissues in Oral Radiology studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample was composed of four materials in eleven different thicknesses to simulate the soft tissues of the face. The mean values of the relative amounts of radiographic contrast of the materials were determined and compared to a gold standard value, which was obtained from 20 patients who were referred to have periapical radiographs taken of the left mandibular molars. Data were subjected to statistical analysis with Dunnett's test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The mean value of the relative amounts of contrast encountered in the patients was 0.47, with a range between 0.36 and 0.64 for all 44 material/thickness combinations. The majority of the tested materials showed values close to those of the patients' tissues, without statistically significant differences among them. The values of only three materials/thickness combinations differed statistically from those of the patients' tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the present study, it may be concluded that except for utility wax (4 mm and 8 mm) and water (4 mm), all materials tested at different thickness could be used as soft tissue substitute materials in Oral Radiology studies.

The relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction and head and cervical posture.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of any correlation between disc displacement and parameters used for evaluation of skull positioning in relation to the cervical spine: craniocervical angle, suboccipital space between C0-C1, cervical curvature and position of the hyoid bone in individuals with and without symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were evaluated following the guidelines set forth by RDC/TMD. Evaluation was performed by magnetic resonance imaging for establishment of disc positioning in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 30 volunteer patients without temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms and 30 patients with symptoms. Evaluation of skull positioning in relation to the cervical spine was performed on lateral cephalograms achieved with the individual in natural head position. Data were submitted to statistical analysis by Fisher's exact test at 5% significance level. To measure the degree of reproducibility/agreements between surveys, the kappa (K) statistics was used. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between C0-C1 measurement for both symptomatic (p=0.04) and asymptomatic (p=0.02). No statistical differences were observed regarding craniocervical angle, C1-C2 and hyoid bone position in relation to the TMJs with and without disc displacement. Although statistically significant difference was found in the C0-C1 space, no association between these and internal temporomandibular joint disorder can be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results observed in this study, no direct relationship could be determined between the presence of disc displacement and the variables assessed.

Condylar and disk position and signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in stress-free subjects.

BACKGROUND: The authors conducted a study in subjects who tested free of psychological stress to determine the position of the condyle and whether that position was related to signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). METHODS: Forty subjects underwent psychological evaluation to ensure freedom from psychological stress. The authors evaluated tenderness of the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) by means of bimanual digital palpation, and they determined the positions of the condyle and disk by using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: A total of 23.75 percent of the condyles were displaced away from the centric position either anteriorly (3.75 percent) or posteriorly (20.00 percent). chi(2) analysis showed a relationship between the position of the condyle and displacement of the disk, as well as a relationship between the position of the condyle and tenderness of the TMJs. CONCLUSION: Although these relationships proved significant, it cannot be assumed that displacement of the condyle away from the centric position is predictive of TMD. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Only two subjects were judged to have had TMJ internal derangement. Thus, the absence of psychological stress seems to have played a role in this finding.

Effect of low-dose electron radiation on rat skin wound healing.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low-dose electron irradiation on morphological features of the wound healing process in rat skin. Surgical wounds were inflicted with a 2.3 x 1.4 cm template on 84 male rats that were assigned to 4 groups: IG1, immediately irradiated; IG2, irradiated 3 days after inflicting the wound; CG1 and CG2, control groups. Rats in IG1 and IG2 groups had their wounds exposed to 1 Gy of 6 MeV electron beam radiation, immediately after surgery and on the third postoperative day, respectively. Qualitative and histophotometric evaluations of tissue repair structures were carried out. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05) and regression analysis. The repair process was delayed since the first sacrifice time in both irradiated groups, but in IG1, wound healing was closer to that of CG1; whereas in IG2, the delay was more pronounced. Based on the histological findings, it is possible to conclude that a low-dose of electron radiation delayed tissue repair in rat skin. The delay was longer in the skin irradiated 3 days after the beginning of tissue repair. However, the low-energy electron irradiation did not prevent wound healing.

Ultrastructural evaluation of the radioprotective effect of sodium selenite on submandibular glands in rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotector effect of sodium selenite on the ultrastructure of submandibular glands in rats. Fifty-seven male albino Wistar rats were randomized to 4 groups: control, irradiated, sodium selenite and irradiated/sodium selenite. The animals in the sodium selenite and irradiated/sodium selenite groups received intraperitoneal injections of sodium selenite (0.5 mg/kg body weight) 24 h before irradiation. The animals belonging to the irradiated and irradiated/sodium selenite groups were submitted to 15 Gy of gamma radiation in the head and neck region. The submandibular glands were removed at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after irradiation. The ionizing radiation induced damage to the secretory cells, especially the serous cells, right from the first period. Vacuolization, lysis of cytoplasmic inclusions and nuclear alterations occurred. The sodium selenite group also presented cellular alterations in the study periods, but with less damage compared to that caused by radiation. There was greater similarity between the irradiated/sodium selenite group and the control group than with the other groups treated in all study periods. Despite the alterations observed in the sodium selenite group, sodium selenite presented a radioprotective action on the secretory cells of submandibular glands.