Influence of CBCT parameters on image quality and the diagnosis of vertical root fractures in teeth with metallic posts: an ex vivo study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of peak kilovoltage (kVp) and a metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool on image quality and the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty single-rooted human teeth filled with an intracanal metal post were divided into 2 groups: control (n = 10) and VRF (n = 10). Each tooth was placed into the socket of a dry mandible, and CBCT scans were acquired using a Picasso Trio varying the kVp (70, 80, 90, or 99), and the use of MAR (with or without). The examinations were assessed by 5 examiners for the diagnosis of VRF using a 5-point scale. A subjective evaluation of the expression of artifacts was done by comparing random axial images of the studied protocols. The results of the diagnoses were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance and the Tukey post hoc test, the subjective evaluations were compared using the Friedman test, and intra-examiner reproducibility was evaluated using the weighted kappa test (α = 5%). Results: The kVp and MAR did not influence the diagnosis of VRF (p > 0.05). According to the subjective classification, the 99 kVp protocol with MAR demonstrated the least expression of artifacts, while the 70 kVp protocol without MAR led to the most artifacts. Conclusions: Protocols with higher kVp combined with MAR improved the image quality of CBCT examinations. However, those factors did not lead to an improvement in the diagnosis of VRF.

Efficacy of digital radiographic systems in the quality assessment of intracanal materials used for primary teeth

Aim: To evaluate the performance of three digital radiographic systems in the analysis of root canal filling quality using different intracanal materials for primary teeth. Methods: Twenty-five bovine teeth were divided into 5 groups: Calen® combined with iodoform; Calen® combined with zinc oxide; zinc oxide and eugenol; UltraCal®XS, and 2% chlorhexidine combined with Ca(OH)2 + zinc oxide. Periapical radiographs were obtained with the VistaScan, Express, and SnapShot systems. The quality of the images was evaluated objectively (radiopacity) and subjectively (apical sealing and filling homogeneity). As the reference standard, the teeth were scanned with a micro-CT device. Results: Radiopacity differed among the radiographic systems and materials tested. In general, the greatest difference was observed between the Express and VistaScan systems; Calen® combined with iodoform resulted in the highest radiopacity. The radiographic systems did not differ in terms of homogeneity. However, Calen® combined with iodoform differed from the other materials and exhibited the best results. Regarding apical sealing, the SnapShot system and Calen® combined with zinc oxide provided the best results. Conclusion: Direct digital systems show better performance in evaluating the quality of endodontic treatment in primary teeth and should be preferred for this purpose

Juxta-Apical Radiolucency: Prevalence, Characterization, and Association With the Third Molar Status.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR), assessing its association with third molar status and describing its radiologic features through panoramic radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 1,050 radiographs (1,830 third molars) for the presence of JAR. The JAR and control groups were classified according to the third molar's angulation, impaction, and root development. The presence of radiographic signs of proximity between the mandibular canal and third molar and the imaging features of JAR also were recorded. RESULTS: JAR was identified in 116 patients (11%) and 130 third molars (7.1%), being significantly associated with female patients and with the second and third decades of life. There also was an association with teeth with a vertical angulation and complete root formation. Radiographic signs of proximity to the mandibular canal were absent in 66.2% of JAR cases. In most cases, there was lamina dura in the juxta-apical area that appeared to overlap the mandibular canal and to have a cortical outline. CONCLUSIONS: JAR is not a rare imaging finding. Given its possible relationship with nerve injuries and its differential diagnostic possibilities, knowing the characteristics of JAR is important to assist professionals in treatment planning and making the correct diagnosis.

Influence of acquisition parameters on the evaluation of mandibular third molars through cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition parameters on the evaluation of mandibular third molars and their relationship to the mandibular canal. STUDY DESIGN: Eight dry human mandibles with 13 mandibular third molars were scanned with one CBCT unit. Voxel size (0.2 and 0.3 mm), field of view (FOV) size (12 × 8.5 cm and 5 × 5 cm), and number of basis images (450 and 720) were the variables studied. Two examiners evaluated the images, and the resulting data were compared through McNemar, McNemar-Bowker, and Student t tests. Additionally, dosimetry was determined for all protocols tested, and radiation doses were compared through analysis of variance. RESULTS: The variables did not influence evaluation of mandibular third molars, except for voxel size, when assessing contact between the tooth and the mandibular canal (P = .021). Although FOV and number of basis images affected radiation dose, voxel size did not. CONCLUSIONS: FOV size and number of basis images did not influence the evaluation of mandibular third molars and their relationship to the mandibular canal in the CBCT unit used. Conversely, smaller voxel size affected the assessment of contact between the tooth and the mandibular canal. In units in which voxel size does not influence radiation dose, the most appropriate CBCT protocol is the one using a smaller voxel size and delivering the lowest radiation dose to the patient.

The impact of nonsyndromic oral clefts on family quality of life.

This study aimed to assess the impact of nonsyndromic oral cleft (NSOC) on families' quality of life (QoL) using the Brazilian version of the Family Impact Scale (B-FIS). A hospital-based case-control study was conducted with NSOC cases and unaffected controls recruited at Dental Clinic in Federal University. The mean B-FIS scores were 10.32 (SD 6.53) and 5.04 (SD 4.73), while the median scores were 9.00 and 3.50 (p < .05 Wilcoxon test), respectively, in case and control group. The "parental/family activity" subscale had the highest impact average score in case (5.62 SD 3.76) and control group (3.00 SD 3.08) (p < .05 Mann-Whitney test). The types of cleft with the most impact were cleft lip (12.00 SD 8.98) and cleft lip with cleft palate (11.06 SD 6.74). NSOC affects the QoL of families with children who have this condition; however, there were no remarkable differences between the groups.

Perspectiva do ensino odontológico na ótica do discente da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal Fluminense: novas diretrizes curriculares e perfil profissional / Prospects of a dental education from the viewpoint of dental students from the School of Dentistry of the Fluminense Federal University: new curriculum guidelines and professional profile

Após o movimento da reforma Sanitária no Brasil e a Implantação do Sistema Único de Saúde através da constituição de 1988, diversas mudanças foram observadas no cenário da saúde do país. Contudo, algumas escolas de Odontologia não acompanharam essas transformações, mantendo até então um currículo defasado. O presente estudo buscou analisar a percepção dos alunos da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal Fluminense (FOUFF) no ano de 2008 com relação à atual grade curricular. De um total de 102 estudantes, 43 (42,2%) acham ruim a atual grade curricular, enquanto 55 (53,9%) consideram boa, e apenas 4 (3,9%) consideram ótima. Já de um total de 111 alunos, 82 (73,9%) acreditam na necessidade de mudança do atual currículo oferecido pela Faculdade, enquanto apenas 2 (1,8%) não acham necessária a mudança e 27 (24,3%) não souberam opinar (AU).

Following the health reform movement in Brazil and the implementation of the Unified Health System (SUS) as a ramification of the Constitution of 1988, several changes were observed in Brazil's health scene. However, some dental schools failed to follow through with these changes, and their curriculum lagged behind. The present study sought to examine how the students attending the School of Dentistry of the Fluminense Federal University (FOUFF) in 2008 perceive the current curriculum. Of a total of 102 students, 43 (42.2%) consider the current curriculum poor, whereas 55 (53.9%) consider it good, and only 4 (3.9%) consider it excellent. On the other hand, of a total of 111 students, 82 (73.9%) believe a change must be made in the current curriculum offered by the dental school, whereas only 2 (1.8%) did not think this change was necessary, and 27 (24.3%) did not know (AU).