Computed tomography bone density variations in oncological patients undergoing antiresorptive medication

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare jaw and cervical vertebrae bone density in computed tomography (CT) analyses of oncological patients undergoing antiresorptive medication with control patients, aiming to find information that may assist the radiologist and clinician in predicting risks and monitoring osteonecrosis in the jaw. Material and methods: Thirty-one patients treated with zoledronic acid and 37 control were included in the study. Two areas in regions of interest were chosen and standardized, one in the lower portion of the mandible and another in the axial cervical vertebra (C2) of patients undergoing antiresorptive drug treatment (experimental group) and the control group. Density analysis was performed using Hounsfield scale grayscale values obtained from multislice CT exams. Interclass correlation coefficient test (ICC) was performed to assess reproducibility and repeatability. The test of normality of the samples was demonstrated using the Shapiro-Wilk test and the comparison performed using Mann-Whitney U non-parametric test. Results: When compared to patients in the control group, patients undergoing antiresorptive medication depicted an increase in bone density in both jaw bone (p=0.021) and cervical vertebrae (p=0.002). The same pattern could be observed in patients who used the medication on a monthly basis for analysis of jaw bone (p=0.021), the cervical vertebrae (p=0.002), and the cervical vertebrae of the patients who used the medication on a quarterly basis (p=0.003). Conclusions: CT can be a potentially useful method for detecting alterations associated with antiresorptive therapy, serving as a possible tool in the prediction of the disease progression. (AU)

Risk of oral cancer in patients with graft-vs-host disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review was undertaken to determine the risk of oral cancer in patients with chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGvHD). STUDY DESIGN: The search was conducted in 6 electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and LIVIVO) and gray literature (Google Scholar, Open Gray, and ProQuest) for studies published up to November 2021. RESULTS: Of the 13 cohorts included in qualitative synthesis, 9 were eligible for the quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the presence of cGvHD increased the risk of developing oral cancer (risk ratio [RR] = 2.78; 95% CI, 1.27-6.08; I2 = 46%; P = .01). A subgroup meta-analysis revealed a higher risk of oral cancer in Asian samples exposed to cGvHD (RR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.54-4.04; I2 = 0%; P = .0002), which was not seen in the pooled analysis of European samples (P = .24). The overall methodological quality of most studies included was "good." The cumulative evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was considered moderate and of very low confidence for Asian and European studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cGvHD resulting from allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation run an increased risk of developing oral cancer. Hence, it is recommended that patients with cGvHD be monitored to allow for the early detection and treatment of secondary malignant disease.

Influence of endodontic sealers artifacts in the detection of vertical root fractures.

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of endodontic sealers artifacts on the detection of vertical root fracture in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Premolars and central incisors were assigned into five different groups: Control, Pulp Canal Sealer, AH Plus, Sealer 26, and BC Sealer (n= 10, per group). VRFs were mechanically induced and the teeth were inserted into an image phantom. Subsequently, CBCT (Cranex 3Dx, Soredex, Tuusula, Finland) images were obtained and two observers were asked separately to identify root fracture, by visual analysis. For both premolar and central incisors, kappa coefficients of intraobserver agreement varied from good to excellent (K: 80% - 87%), and the values for interobserver agreement varied from fair to moderate (K: 30% - 35%). As follows, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) values for VRFs highlighted that the use of BC sealer reduced the observers' ability to discriminate VRFs relative to other sealers. Moreover, sensitivity values for premolars teeth ranged from 20% to 60%, and specificity ranged from 60% to 100%; while sensitivity values for central incisors ranged from 30% to 70%, and specificity ranged from 70% to 100%. In conclusion, the low sensitivity values, mainly for premolars, demonstrated the difficulty in VRF diagnosis. Furthermore, BC Sealer induced significantly more imaging artifacts than other sealers. These results highlighting that endodontic sealers may interfere with the diagnosis of VRFs.

Influence of endodontic sealers artifacts in the detection of vertical root fractures

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the influence of endodontic sealers artifacts on the detection of vertical root fracture in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Premolars and central incisors were assigned into five different groups: Control, Pulp Canal Sealer, AH Plus, Sealer 26, and BC Sealer (n= 10, per group). VRFs were mechanically induced and the teeth were inserted into an image phantom. Subsequently, CBCT (Cranex 3Dx, Soredex, Tuusula, Finland) images were obtained and two observers were asked separately to identify root fracture, by visual analysis. For both premolar and central incisors, kappa coefficients of intraobserver agreement varied from good to excellent (K: 80% - 87%), and the values for interobserver agreement varied from fair to moderate (K: 30% - 35%). As follows, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) values for VRFs highlighted that the use of BC sealer reduced the observers' ability to discriminate VRFs relative to other sealers. Moreover, sensitivity values for premolars teeth ranged from 20% to 60%, and specificity ranged from 60% to 100%; while sensitivity values for central incisors ranged from 30% to 70%, and specificity ranged from 70% to 100%. In conclusion, the low sensitivity values, mainly for premolars, demonstrated the difficulty in VRF diagnosis. Furthermore, BC Sealer induced significantly more imaging artifacts than other sealers. These results highlighting that endodontic sealers may interfere with the diagnosis of VRFs.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a influência dos artefatos de cimentos endodônticos na detecção de fratura radicular vertical (FRV) em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Pré-molares e incisivos centrais foram divididos em cinco grupos diferentes: Controle, Pulp Canal Sealer, AH Plus, Sealer 26 e BC Sealer (n = 10, por grupo). As FRVs foram induzidas mecanicamente e os dentes inseridos em uma réplica da mandibula humana. Posteriormente, imagens de TCFC (Cranex 3Dx, Soredex, Tuusula, Finlândia) foram obtidas e dois observadores foram solicitados a identificar fratura radicular separadamente, o critério utilizado foi a análise visual. Tanto para pré-molares quanto para incisivos centrais, os coeficientes kappa de concordância intraobservador variaram de bom a excelente (K: 80% - 87%), e os valores de concordância interobservador variaram de regular a moderado (K: 30% - 35%). A seguir, a área sob a curva (AUC) dos valores da característica de operação do receptor (ROC) para FRVs destacou que o uso do cimento BC Sealer reduziu a capacidade dos observadores de discriminar FRVs em relação a outros cimentos endodônticos. Além disso, os valores de sensibilidade para pré-molares variaram de 20% a 60%, e a especificidade variou de 60% a 100%; enquanto os valores de sensibilidade para incisivos centrais variaram de 30% a 70%, e a especificidade variou de 70% a 100%. Em conclusão, os baixos valores de sensibilidade, principalmente para pré-molares, demonstraram uma dificuldade no diagnóstico de FRV. Além disso, o BC Sealer induziu significativamente mais artefatos de imagem do que outros cimentos. Esses resultados evidenciam que os cimentos endodônticos podem interferir no diagnóstico das FRVs.

Malignant tumours mimicking periapical lesions: A report of three cases and literature review.

Apical periodontitis shows radiographic signs such as widening of the periodontal ligament and periapical radiolucency, which differ in extent depending on the stage of the lesion. However, other lesions can be associated with or coincidental to the apical region, representing developmental lesions and benign or malignant tumours. This article describes three cases of malignant tumours, a central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMEC), a chondroblast osteosarcoma and an osteosarcoma of the jaw (OSJ) that presented as periapical lesions. Endodontists must be aware of unsuccessful treatment, persistent pain, signs of paraesthesia, a rapid growth rate and delayed response to therapy associated with atypical features. Complementary examinations, such as biopsy and computed tomography, can allow the early diagnosis of malignant tumours, leading to a better prognosis and thus increased survival rates and improvement in quality of life.

Diagnostic accuracy of imaging examinations for peri-implant bone defects around titanium and zirconium dioxide implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of imaging examinations for the detection of peri-implant bone defects and compared the diagnostic accuracy between titanium (Ti) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six online databases were searched, and studies were selected based on eligibility criteria. The studies included in the systematic review underwent bias and applicability assessment using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool and a random-effect meta-analysis. Summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves were constructed to compare the effect of methodological differences in relation to the variables of each group. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 719 articles. Titles and abstracts were read and 61 studies were selected for full-text reading. Among them, 24 studies were included in this systematic review. Most included studies had a low risk of bias (QUADAS-2). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) presented sufficient data for quantitative analysis in ZrO2 and Ti implants. The meta-analysis revealed high levels of inconsistency in the latter group. Regarding sROC curves, the area under the curve (AUC) was larger for the overall Ti group (AUC=0.79) than for the overall ZrO2 group (AUC=0.69), but without a statistically significant difference between them. In Ti implants, the AUCs for dehiscence defects (0.73) and fenestration defects (0.87) showed a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of CBCT imaging in the assessment of peri-implant bone defects was similar between Ti and ZrO2 implants, and fenestration was more accurately diagnosed than dehiscence in Ti implants.

Three dimensionally printed surgical guides for removing fixation screws from onlay bone grafts in flapless implant surgeries.

The present technique report describes a digital workflow for flapless implant surgery after onlay block bone graft healing in the esthetic area. Virtual removal of block fixation screws and optimal single-tooth implant position and digital crown waxing were planned from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scans. Two different surgical guides were digitally designed and 3D-printed to allow for flapless implant surgery. The first surgical guide was used to remove all 3 fixation screws from a healed onlay block graft, whereas the second guide was used to determine the implant position and direction. The present methodology may be considered a time-efficient flapless approach for placing implants in sites with block grafts.

Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Milling of Allogeneic Blocks Following Three-Dimensional Maxillofacial Graft Planning.

Despite the advent of stereolithography in craniofacial surgery for creating surgical guides and custom synthetic scaffolds, little is known about the feasibility of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) milling of freeze-dried allogeneic bone blocks following previously designed volumetric graft plans. The aim of this technical report is to present a methodology for CAD/CAM milling to achieve the volume and shape of allogeneic bone blocks as estimated by using a virtual planning software. To perform the current methodology, an ex vivo simulation was performed. The milled allogeneic block presented satisfactory dimensional accuracy as compared with the respective three-dimensional virtual model.

Oral and maxillofacial anatomical structures acknowledgment through cone beam computed tomography images ­ a teaching practice experience / Conhecimento de estruturas anatômicas em imagens de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico ­ experiência de prática pedagógica

This study proposed to report a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) teaching methodology applied to Dental School students by assessing mid-term and end-term exams correct recognition of anatomical structures. Students were instructed on oral and maxillofacial anatomical structures and clinical applications of CBCT imaging through lectures and hands-on classes, comprising forty-five hours of classes. They were submitted to two tests, the first one at mid-term and the second one at end-term. Anatomical structures recognition test scores (three variables: 1) name, 2) side ­ left/right and 3) multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) orthogonal images identification) were compared to verify if learning improvement occurred. Medians and Wilcoxon tests compared mid with end term exams. Median values for variable 1 were 6.0 (mid-term) and 8.0 (end-term). With regard to variable 2, median values ranged from 9.0 (mid-term) to 10.0 (end-term). When variable 3 results were analyzed, both mid-term and end-term medians were 10.0. Wilcoxon test (p<0.05) showed significant differences when comparing mid-term and end-term exams in each of the three categories. Linear correlations were established among the three categories. Correlations were statistically significant for two associations ("anatomical structure name" with "anatomical structure side", and "anatomical structure name" with "MPR images"). Predoctoral dental school students presented a comprehensive improvement in terms of correctly recognizing anatomical structures name and side, as well as MPR images when comparing mid-term and end-term tests (AU).

O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar uma metodologia de ensino de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) aplicada a estudantes de graduação, avaliando o conhecimento de estruturas anatômicas do complexo dentomaxilofacial. Os estudantes foram orientados quanto às estruturas anatômicas e às aplicações clínicas da TCFC em aulas teóricas e práticas, compreendendo 45 horas de aula. Foram submetidos a duas avaliações, a primeira na metade do semestre, e a segunda no término do semestre. Os escores das avaliações (três variáveis: 1) nome, 2) lado - esquerdo/direito e 3) reconstruções multiplanares (RMP) - imagens ortogonais de identificação) foram comparados para verificar se houve melhora na aprendizagem. Testes de medianas e Wilcoxon compararam os exames intermediário e final. Os valores medianos para a variável 1 foram 6,0 (intermediário) e 8,0 (final). Em relação à variável 2, a mediana variou de 9,0 (intermediário) a 10,0 (final). Quando os resultados da variável 3 foram analisados, ambas as medianas foram 10,0. Houve diferença significativa (teste de Wilcoxon, p<0,05) quando foram comparados os exames intermediário e final, nas três categorias. Correlações lineares foram estabelecidas entre as três categorias e foram estatisticamente significantes para duas associações ("nome da estrutura anatômica" com "lado da estrutura anatômica" e "nome da estrutura anatômica" com "imagens da MPR"). Os estudantes de graduação apresentaram uma melhora em termos do reconhecimento correto das estruturas anatômicas, nome e lado, bem como imagens de MPR quando comparadas as duas avaliações (AU).

Radiographic diagnosis of root fractures: a systematic review, meta-analyses and sources of heterogeneity.

OBJECTIVES: Many studies to evaluate the accuracy of root fracture diagnosis have been conducted. However, there is a scarcity of studies to assess the quality and the sources of heterogeneity in the literature. For this reason, the aim of this study was to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to summarize the available evidence on detection of root fractures by cone beam CT (CBCT) and periapical radiograph (PR) images and the interference of artefact by investigating possible sources of heterogeneity. METHODS: Studies reporting root fracture detection, from January 2010 to February 2016, were selected. All selected studies were subjected to selection criteria and then, comparative and qualitative analyses by using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) tool were performed. Pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratios were calculated. Also, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were built to summarize the results. SROC curve analyses were performed to investigate the heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: Initially, 799 articles were selected. After screening titles and abstracts, 743 articles were excluded. After reading the remaining 56 full-texts, 47 relevant articles were included in this study. Diagnostic odds ratio values revealed a wide range of results across the studies and determined a higher heterogeneity for PR compared with CBCT. The analyses of the SROC curves compared CBCT imaging versus PR in the diagnosis of root fracture, favouring CBCT modality. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT was the imaging exam that rendered a higher diagnostic accuracy for root fractures.

Performance of cone beam computed tomography and conventional intraoral radiographs in detecting interproximal alveolar bone lesions: a study in pig mandibles.

BACKGROUND: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been largely used in dentistry. Nevertheless, there is lack of evidence regarding CBCT accuracy in the diagnosis of early periodontal lesions as well as the correlation between accuracy and lesion size. The aim of this study was to evaluate accuracy of CBCT and conventional intraoral radiographs in detecting different-sized interproximal bone lesions created in pig mandibles. The hypothesis was that CBCT accuracy would be superior to radiographs in detecting incipient bone lesions. METHODS: Twenty swine dry mandibles were used, totalizing 80 experimental sites. Four groups were created according to exposure time to perchloric acid 70-72%: controls (no exposure), 2-hour exposure, 4-hour exposure, and 6-hour exposure. Standardized CBCT and conventional intraoral radiographs were taken and analyzed by two trained radiologists. The presence of lesions in the dry mandible was considered the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting different-sized bone lesions were calculated for CBCT and intraoral radiographs. RESULTS: Accuracy of CBCT ranged from 0.762 to 0.825 and accuracy of periapical radiography ranged from 0.700 to 0.813, according to examiner and time of acid exposure. Inter-examiner agreement varied from slight to fair, whereas intra-examiner agreement varied from moderate to substantial. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT performance was not superior to that provided by conventional intraoral radiographs in the detection of interproximal bone loss.

Diagnosis of alveolar and root fractures: an in vitro study comparing CBCT imaging with periapical radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare periapical radiograph (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of alveolar and root fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty incisor teeth (20 higid and 40 with root fracture) from dogs were inserted in 60 anterior alveolar sockets (40 higid and 20 with alveolar fracture) of 15 macerated canine maxillae. Each fractured socket had a root fractured tooth inserted in it. Afterwards, each maxilla was submitted to PR in two different vertical angulation incidences, and to CBCT imaging with a small field of view (FOV) and high-definition protocol. Images were randomized and posteriorly analyzed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists two times, with a two-week interval between observations. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity values were good for root fractures for PR and CBCT. For alveolar fractures, sensitivity ranged from 0.10 to 0.90 for PR and from 0.50 to 0.65 for CBCT. Specificity for alveolar fractures showed lower results than for root fractures for PR and CBCT. Areas under the ROC curve showed good results for both PR and CBCT for root fractures. However, results were fair for both PR and CBCT for alveolar fractures. When submitted to repeated measures ANOVA tests, there was a statistically significant difference between PR and CBCT for root fractures. Root fracture intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.90 to 0.93, and alveolar fracture intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.30 to 0.57. Interobserver agreement results were substantial for root fractures and poor/fair for alveolar fractures (0.11 for PR and 0.30 for CBCT). CONCLUSION: Periapical radiograph with two different vertical angulations may be considered an accurate method to detect root fractures. However, PR showed poorer results than CBCT for the diagnosis of alveolar fractures. When no fractures are diagnosed in PR and the patient describes pain symptoms, the subsequent exam of choice is CBCT.

Detection of furcation involvement using periapical radiography and 2 cone-beam computed tomography imaging protocols with and without a metallic post: An animal study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the diagnosis of incipient furcation involvement with periapical radiography (PR) and 2 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging protocols, and to test metal artifact interference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular second molars in 10 macerated pig mandibles were divided into those that showed no furcation involvement and those with lesions in the furcation area. Exams using PR and 2 different CBCT imaging protocols were performed with and without a metallic post. Each image was analyzed twice by 2 observers who rated the absence or presence of furcation involvement according to a 5-point scale. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the observations. RESULTS: The accuracy of the CBCT imaging protocols ranged from 67.5% to 82.5% in the images obtained with a metallic post and from 72.5% to 80% in those without a metallic post. The accuracy of PR ranged from 37.5% to 55% in the images with a metallic post and from 42.5% to 62.5% in those without a metallic post. The area under the ROC curve values for the CBCT imaging protocols ranged from 0.813 to 0.802, and for PR ranged from 0.503 to 0.448. CONCLUSION: Both CBCT imaging protocols showed higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity than PR in the detection of incipient furcation involvement. Based on these results, CBCT may be considered a reliable tool for detecting incipient furcation involvement following a clinical periodontal exam, even in the presence of a metallic post.

Diagnosis of alveolar and root fractures: an in vitro study comparing CBCT imaging with periapical radiographs

Abstract Objective To compare periapical radiograph (PR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of alveolar and root fractures. Material and Methods Sixty incisor teeth (20 higid and 40 with root fracture) from dogs were inserted in 60 anterior alveolar sockets (40 higid and 20 with alveolar fracture) of 15 macerated canine maxillae. Each fractured socket had a root fractured tooth inserted in it. Afterwards, each maxilla was submitted to PR in two different vertical angulation incidences, and to CBCT imaging with a small field of view (FOV) and high-definition protocol. Images were randomized and posteriorly analyzed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists two times, with a two-week interval between observations. Results Sensitivity and specificity values were good for root fractures for PR and CBCT. For alveolar fractures, sensitivity ranged from 0.10 to 0.90 for PR and from 0.50 to 0.65 for CBCT. Specificity for alveolar fractures showed lower results than for root fractures for PR and CBCT. Areas under the ROC curve showed good results for both PR and CBCT for root fractures. However, results were fair for both PR and CBCT for alveolar fractures. When submitted to repeated measures ANOVA tests, there was a statistically significant difference between PR and CBCT for root fractures. Root fracture intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.90 to 0.93, and alveolar fracture intraobserver agreement ranged from 0.30 to 0.57. Interobserver agreement results were substantial for root fractures and poor/fair for alveolar fractures (0.11 for PR and 0.30 for CBCT). Conclusion Periapical radiograph with two different vertical angulations may be considered an accurate method to detect root fractures. However, PR showed poorer results than CBCT for the diagnosis of alveolar fractures. When no fractures are diagnosed in PR and the patient describes pain symptoms, the subsequent exam of choice is CBCT.

Detection of horizontal root fracture using four different protocols of cone-beam computed tomography.

The purpose of this study was to analyze four different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) protocols to identify horizontal root fractures (HRF) in endodontically treated teeth, with or without the presence of a metallic post. Thirty extracted single-rooted human premolars were treated endodontically. Afterwards, an observer induced a horizontal fracture in 15 teeth. Each tooth was inserted in an empty mandibular socket and submitted to a computed tomography scan taken with and without the metallic post. The acquisition followed four different protocols, with different fields of view (FOV) and voxel sizes, as follows: FOV 6 X 16 cm/0.2 mm voxel; FOV 6 X 16 cm/0.25 mm voxel; FOV 8 X 8 cm/0.2 mm voxel; FOV 8 X 8 cm/0.25 mm voxel. Two observers checked all the acquisitions within a two-week interval, and the values of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were better for the 8 X 8 cm/0.2 mm and 16 X 6 cm/0.25 mm protocols, ranging from 0.60 to 0.86 and 0.53 to 0.80, respectively. The intra- and interobserver concordance ranged from 0.65 to 0.72. The protocols where FOV and voxel were proportional showed better results. The 8 x 8 cm/0.2 mm protocol had the least interference from the metallic artifact. All four protocols showed a decline in values in the presence of the metallic artifact.

CBCT-based evaluation of integrity of cortical sinus close to periapical lesions.

The purpose of the present study was to test the applicability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the integrity of the cortical sinus close to periapical lesions. Two observers analyzed samples of 64 alveoli of first molar roots in macerated swine maxillas prepared with perchloric acid to simulate periapical lesions. The specimens were evaluated using CBCT (55-mm high and 100-mm diameter cylinder at 0.2-mm voxel resolution) for the presence of oroantral communication (OAC) caused by the simulated lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. Fair values were obtained for accuracy (66%-78%) and good values for specificity (70%-98%), whereas the values for sensibility showed relevant variation (41%-78%). For this reason, the interobserver agreement score was weak. CBCT proved capable of evaluating the integrity of the cortical sinus (absence of oroantral communication) when it lies close to an apical periodontitis lesion. However, the low interobserver agreement reflects the difficulty in performing diagnoses when OAC is adjacent to a periapical lesion, using the acquisition protocol adopted in this research. This could be attributed to the high level of image noise.

Sinus floor bone failures in maxillary sinus floor augmentation: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Extreme bone resorption in posterior maxilla may lead to absence of part of the sinus floor. This phenomenon has been termed sinus floor bone failure, and may compromise sinus floor augmentation. PURPOSE: The present article aims to evaluate risk factors related to sinus floor bone failures and to evaluate the influence of these failures in sinus floor augmentation outcomes in patients with severely atrophic posterior maxilla. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this case-control study, patients were selected among those referred for sinus floor augmentation. Only patients presenting a ridge bone height of less than 3 mm were included. Cases were defined as presenting sinus floor bone failure, whereas controls did not present any interruption in the sinus floor bone. Information collected included clinical dental records and computed tomographic assessment of sinus width, septa, and schneiderian membrane. Risk estimates for sinus floor bone failures were calculated as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression analyses. A p value under 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In addition, sinus floor augmentation outcomes of both groups were also assessed. RESULTS: In all, 23 cases and 58 controls were included in the study. Sinus floor bone failures were significantly associated with the number of missing posterior teeth (AOR 3.67; 95% CI 0.86 to 15.63; p = .046) and a history of periodontitis (AOR 6.39; 95% CI 1.86 to 21.95; p = .002). Of the total, 15 cases and 27 controls underwent sinus floor augmentation. Schneiderian membrane perforation occurred during the surgery of two cases and of one control. No implants were lost during a mean postsurgical follow-up of 20 months. CONCLUSION: The number of missing posterior teeth and a history of periodontitis may be considered as risk factors for sinus floor bone failures.

Detection of horizontal root fracture using four different protocols of cone-beam computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to analyze four different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) protocols to identify horizontal root fractures (HRF) in endodontically treated teeth, with or without the presence of a metallic post. Thirty extracted single-rooted human premolars were treated endodontically. Afterwards, an observer induced a horizontal fracture in 15 teeth. Each tooth was inserted in an empty mandibular socket and submitted to a computed tomography scan taken with and without the metallic post. The acquisition followed four different protocols, with different fields of view (FOV) and voxel sizes, as follows: FOV 6X16 cm/0.2 mm voxel; FOV 6X16 cm/0.25 mm voxel; FOV 8X8 cm/0.2 mm voxel; FOV 8X8 cm/0.25 mm voxel. Two observers checked all the acquisitions within a two-week interval, and the values of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa were calculated. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were better for the 8X8 cm/0.2 mm and 16X6 cm/0.25 mm protocols, ranging from 0.60 to 0.86 and 0.53 to 0.80, respectively. The intra- and interobserver concordance ranged from 0.65 to 0.72. The protocols where FOV and voxel were proportional showed better results. The 8x8 cm/0.2 mm protocol had the least interference from the metallic artifact. All four protocols showed a decline in values in the presence of the metallic artifact.

CBCT-based evaluation of integrity of cortical sinus close to periapical lesions

The purpose of the present study was to test the applicability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the integrity of the cortical sinus close to periapical lesions. Two observers analyzed samples of 64 alveoli of first molar roots in macerated swine maxillas prepared with perchloric acid to simulate periapical lesions. The specimens were evaluated using CBCT (55-mm high and 100-mm diameter cylinder at 0.2-mm voxel resolution) for the presence of oroantral communication (OAC) caused by the simulated lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated. Fair values were obtained for accuracy (66%-78%) and good values for specificity (70%-98%), whereas the values for sensibility showed relevant variation (41%-78%). For this reason, the interobserver agreement score was weak. CBCT proved capable of evaluating the integrity of the cortical sinus (absence of oroantral communication) when it lies close to an apical periodontitis lesion. However, the low interobserver agreement reflects the difficulty in performing diagnoses when OAC is adjacent to a periapical lesion, using the acquisition protocol adopted in this research. This could be attributed to the high level of image noise.

Influence of cone-beam computed tomographic scan mode for detection of horizontal root fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was (1) to test the accuracy of a small-volume cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) device in detecting horizontal root fractures (HRFs) in teeth with and without an intracanal metallic post (IMP) and (2) to investigate the use of 2 different acquisition protocols of a CBCT device for HRF diagnosis. METHODS: Forty endodontically treated teeth with and without an IMP were examined using PreXion 3D CBCT scanner (Terarecon, San Mateo, CA) with a 5-cm high and 5-cm diameter cylinder at 0.10-mm voxel reconstruction. Two observers analyzed the samples to determine the presence and location of HRFs. RESULTS: Sensitivity values ranged from 0.40-0.80. The most favorable results were found for the samples with no IMP observed using the protocol of a higher number of x-ray projections (0.70-0.80). Accuracy in the groups with an IMP ranged from 75%-90% in the 1024 x-ray projection protocol (HI-HI group) versus 70%-85% for the same samples examined in the 512 x-ray projection protocol (HI-STD group). Intraobserver agreement ranged from relevant to perfect concordance for both protocols (HI-HI = Kappa: 0.60-1.00 and HI-STD = Kappa: 0.55-0.89). Interobserver agreement ranged from moderate to perfect concordance for both protocols (HI-HI = Kappa: 0.79-0.89 and HI-STD = Kappa: 0.42-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Even though there are statistically significant differences for the protocol with the higher number of x-ray projections, we found high accuracy, sensitivity, sensibility, and intra- and interobserver agreement in detecting HRFs for both Prexion 3D protocols.