Radiographic diagnosis of proximal caries is not affected by exposure protocols and presence of high-density material on systems with automatic exposure compensation.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the performance of radiographic systems with automatic exposure compensation (AEC) on the caries diagnosis in images acquired with different exposure parameters and in the presence of high-density material. Also, the image quality was assessed. METHODS: Forty posterior teeth (80 proximal surfaces) were radiographed using a phosphor plate and a CMOS system. Images were acquired with different exposure times (0.06, 0.10 and 0.16 s) and kilovoltages (60 and 70kVp), in the absence and presence of high-density material in the X-rayed region (control and high-density groups). Five radiologists assessed the caries using a 5-point scale. Diagnostic values were compared using two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: For both radiographic systems, there were no significant differences in the area under the ROC curve (0.60-0.73), sensitivity (0.79-0.87) and specificity (0.29-0.48) between the control and high-density groups, exposure times or kilovoltages (p > 0.05). For image quality, scores assigned to the control and high-density groups were similar in each exposure protocol in both systems. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of high-density material, exposure time and kilovoltage did not affect the caries diagnosis in any of the systems tested. It is recommended to use protocols with lower doses to reduce the patient's exposure.

Apicotomia associada ao tracionamento ortocirúrgico em dente com dilaceração radicular / Apicotomy associated with orto-surgical treatment in tooth with a root dilaceration

Introdução: A apicotomia é uma técnica, que vem sendo utilizada em dentes com dilaceração radicular acentuada, com o intuito de liberar a porção do dente impactada e, dessa forma, permitir seu reposicionamento na arcada dentária. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um relato de caso clínico do manejo ortocirúrgico de tracionamento ortodôntico associado à apicotomia em dente incluso com dilaceração radicular acentuada. Relato de caso: O paciente foi encaminhado para o serviço de bucomaxilofacial para exodontia do elemento incluso após insucesso de tracionamento ortocirúrgico, em que se verificou, ao exame radiográfico periapical, dente incluso com dispositivo ortodôntico e dilaceração radicular importante. Diante disso, realizou-se, sob anestesia local, a apicotomia e instalação do dispositivo ortodôntico. O paciente evoluiu bem, e, após 8 meses, o elemento dentário encontrava-se em posição oclusal e em função mastigatória. Considerações finais: Assim, a técnica da apicotomia mostra-se eficaz como alternativa ao insucesso do tracionamento ortodôntico tradicional, sendo uma técnica mais conservadora que a exodontia, necessitando de conhecimento teórico e domínio técnico do profissional... (AU)

Introduction: Apichotomy is a technique that has been used in teeth with severe root laceration in order to release the impacted tooth portion and thus allow its repositioning of the tooth in the dental arch. The aim of this paper is to present a clinical case report of orthosurgical orthodontic traction management associated with apichotomy in an included tooth with severe root laceration. Case report: The patient was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Service for extraction of the included element after ortho-surgical traction failure, which was verified by periapical radiographic examination, tooth included with orthodontic device and significant root laceration. Thus, under local anesthesia, apichotomy and orthodontic device installation were performed. The patient progressed well, and after 8 months the dental element was in occlusal position and in masticatory function. Final considerations: Thus, the apichotomy technique is effective as an alternative to the failure of traditional orthodontic traction, being a more conservative technique than extraction and requiring theoretical knowledge and technical mastery of the Professional... (AU)