Correlation of fractal dimension with histomorphometry in maxillary sinus lifting using autogenous bone graft.

The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of bone remodeling after maxillary sinus lifting in humans by means of fractal dimension (FD) and histomorphometric analysis. Therefore, the correlation between FD and the histomorphometric findings was evaluated. Sixteen patients with posterior edentulous maxilla were enrolled in this study. Maxillary sinus lifting was performed using autogenous bone grafted from the mandibular retromolar area. Three direct digital panoramic radiographs were obtained: before surgery (Group 1), immediately postoperatively (Group 2) and after 6 months of healing (Group 3) for FD analysis. Biopsies were taken after 6 months, processed and submitted to histological and histomorphometric analysis. Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk test and ANOVA test followed by a Tukey test (a = 0.05). The bone volume fraction of newly trabecular bone (TB) and medullary area (MA) was measured as 62.75% ± 17.16% and 37.25 ± 17.16%, respectively. Significant difference in FD analysis was measured between Group 1 and Group 3. No significant difference was found in the correlation between FD and histomorphometric analysis for TB and MA (p = 0.84). In conclusion, all performed analyses were effective in assessing the bone-remodeling pattern in the maxillary sinus, offering complementary information about healing and predictable outcomes. There were no correlations between FD and histomorphometric analysis.

Correlation of Fractal Dimension with Histomorphometry in Maxillary Sinus Lifting Using Autogenous Bone Graft

The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of bone remodeling after maxillary sinus lifting in humans by means of fractal dimension (FD) and histomorphometric analysis. Therefore, the correlation between FD and the histomorphometric findings was evaluated. Sixteen patients with posterior edentulous maxilla were enrolled in this study. Maxillary sinus lifting was performed using autogenous bone grafted from the mandibular retromolar area. Three direct digital panoramic radiographs were obtained: before surgery (Group 1), immediately postoperatively (Group 2) and after 6 months of healing (Group 3) for FD analysis. Biopsies were taken after 6 months, processed and submitted to histological and histomorphometric analysis. Data were analyzed by Shapiro-Wilk test and ANOVA test followed by a Tukey test (a=0.05). The bone volume fraction of newly trabecular bone (TB) and medullary area (MA) was measured as 62.75%±17.16% and 37.25±17.16%, respectively. Significant difference in FD analysis was measured between Group 1 and Group 3. No significant difference was found in the correlation between FD and histomorphometric analysis for TB and MA (p=0.84). In conclusion, all performed analyses were effective in assessing the bone-remodeling pattern in the maxillary sinus, offering complementary information about healing and predictable outcomes. There were no correlations between FD and histomorphometric analysis.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o padrão de remodelação óssea após levantamento de seio maxilar in humanos por meio de analise de dimensão fractal (FD) e histomorfometria. Além disso, a correlação entre FD e histomorfometria foi avaliada. Dezesseis pacientes com edentulismo na região posterior da maxila foram relacionados para este estudo. Levantamento de seio maxilar foi realizado utilizando-se enxerto de osso autógeno coletado da região retro molar da mandíbula. Três radiografias panorâmicas digitais foram obtidas: antes da cirurgia (Grupo 1), imediatamente após o levantamento de seio (Grupo 2) e após 6 meses de cicatrização (Grupo 3) para analise de FD. Biopsias foram coletadas após 6 meses, processadas e submetidas para analise histológica e histomorfométrica. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o teste Shapiro-Wilk e ANOVA seguido pelo pós teste de Tukey (a=0.05). A fração de volume de ósseo neoformado para o osso trabecular (TB) e para a área medular (MA) foi mensurado como 65,75%±17,16% and 37,25±17,16%, respectivamente. Diferença significante na analise FD foi observada entre os grupos 1 e 3. Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada para correlação entre FD e histomorfometria para TB e MA (p=0,84). Em conclusão, todas as análises realizadas foram efetivas em acessar o padrão de remodelação ósseo no seio maxilar, oferecendo informações complementares sobre cicatrização e previsibilidade de resultados. Não houve correlação entre FD e histomorfometria.

Detection of the mandibular canal and the mental foramen in panoramic radiographs: intraexaminer agreement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraexaminer agreement in the detection of the mandibular canal roof (MCR) and mental foramen (MF) in panoramic radiographs. Forty panoramic radiographs of edentulous patients were used. Two calibrated examiners (A and B) read the images 2 times, for both sides independently, under blind conditions. The interval between the readings was 10 days. The intraexaminer agreement in the interpretation of MCR and MF was performed by kappa statistics with linear weighting (κ). The intraexaminer agreement for the detection of MCR, in the left side, was good for both examiners (A: κ  =  0.67; B: κ  =  0.71). Related to the right side, it was found to be κ  =  0.47 and κ  =  0.62, respectively to A and B. The intraexaminer agreement for the detection of MF was good for both examiners interpreting the left side (A: κ  =  0.61; B: κ  =  0.63), and in relation to the right side, it was moderate (A: κ  =  0.51) and fair (B: κ  =  0.38). The intraexaminer agreement in the detection of MCR was good and from good to fair in the detection of MF.

Measurements of simulated periodontal bone defects in inverted digital image and film-based radiograph: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the inverted digital images and film-based images of dry pig mandibles to measure the periodontal bone defect depth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty 2-wall bone defects were made in the proximal region of the premolar in the dry pig mandibles. The digital and conventional radiographs were taken using a Schick sensor and Kodak F-speed intraoral film. Image manipulation (inversion) was performed using Adobe Photoshop 7.0 software. Four trained examiners made all of the radiographic measurements in millimeters a total of three times from the cementoenamel junction to the most apical extension of the bone loss with both types of images: inverted digital and film. The measurements were also made in dry mandibles using a periodontal probe and digital caliper. The Student's t-test was used to compare the depth measurements obtained from the two types of images and direct visual measurement in the dry mandibles. A significance level of 0.05 for a 95% confidence interval was used for each comparison. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between depth measurements in the inverted digital images and direct visual measurements (p>|t|=0.0039), with means of 6.29 mm (IC(95%):6.04-6.54) and 6.79 mm (IC(95%):6.45-7.11), respectively. There was a non-significant difference between the film-based radiographs and direct visual measurements (p>|t|=0.4950), with means of 6.64mm(IC(95%):6.40-6.89) and 6.79mm(IC(95%):6.45-7.11), respectively. CONCLUSION: The periodontal bone defect measurements in the inverted digital images were inferior to film-based radiographs, underestimating the amount of bone loss.

Homeopathic Symphytum officinale increases removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants in rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the effect of Symphytum officinale in homeopathic potency (6cH), on the removal torque and radiographic bone density around titanium implants, inserted in rats tibiae. METHODS: Implants were placed in male rat tibiae, and the animals randomized to two groups (Control and S. officinale 6cH treated), which were evaluated at 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-implantation. Radiographic bone density was measured at 6 points around the implant, using digital radiographic images, when implants were inserted and at sacrifice. Removal torque of the implants was also evaluated. RESULTS: Both removal torque and radiographic bone density evaluation showed that S. officinale 6cH treatment enhanced bone formation around the micro-implants, mainly at 14 days. At 56 days, the radiographic bone density was higher in the treated group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that S. officinale 6cH enhances, principally at the early stages of osseointegration, bone formation around titanium implants in rats' tibiae, based on radiographic and mechanical analysis.

The effect of coating patterns with spinel-based investment on the castability and porosity of titanium cast into three phosphate-bonded investments.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of pattern coating with spinel-based investment Rematitan Ultra (RU) on the castability and internal porosity of commercially pure (CP) titanium invested into phosphate-bonded investments. The apparent porosity of the investment was also measured. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Square patterns (15 × 15 × 0.3 mm(3)) were either coated with RU, or not and invested into the phosphate-bonded investments: Rematitan Plus (RP), Rema Exakt (RE), Castorit Super C (CA), and RU (control group). The castings were made in an Ar-arc vacuum-pressure machine. The castability area (mm(2) ) was measured by an image-analysis system (n = 10). For internal porosity, the casting (12 × 12 × 2 mm(3) ) was studied by the X-ray method, and the projected porous area percentage was measured by an image-analysis system (n = 10). The apparent porosity of the investment (n = 10) was measured in accordance with the ASTM C373-88 standard. RESULTS: Analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) of castability was significant, and the Tukey test indicated that RU had the highest mean but the investing technique with coating increased the castability for all phosphate-bonded investments. The analysis of the internal porosity of the cast by the nonparametric test demonstrated that the RP, RE, and CA with coating and RP without coating did not differ from the control group (RU), while the CA and RE casts without coating were more porous. The one-way ANOVA of apparent porosity of the investment was significant, and the Tukey test showed that the means of RU (36.10%) and CA (37.22%) were higher than those of RP (25.91%) and RE (26.02%). CONCLUSION: Pattern coating with spinel-based material prior to phosphate-bonded investments can influence the castability and the internal porosity of CP Ti.

Bioglass associated with leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma in the rabbit maxillary sinus: histomorphometric, densitometric, and fractal analysis.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of autogenous bone graft (AB) and bioglass (BG) associated or not with leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) in the rabbit maxillary sinus (MS) by histomorphometric and radiographic analysis. Twenty rabbits divided into 2 groups (G1, G2) were submitted to sinus lift surgery. In G1, 10 MS were grafted with AB and 10 MS were grafted with BG. In G2, 10 MS were grafted with AB + LP-PRP and 10 MS were grafted with BG + LP-PRP. After 90 days, the animals were killed and specimens were obtained, x-rayed, and submitted to histomorphometric, radiographic bone density (RD) and fractal dimension analysis. Radiographic bone density mean values (SD), expressed as aluminum equivalent in mm, of AB, BG, AB + LP-PRP, and BG + LP-PRP groups were 1.79 (0.31), 2.04 (0.39), 1.61 (0.28), and 1.53 (0.30), respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed between BG and AB, and BG + PRP and BG. Fractal dimension mean values were 1.48 (0.04), 1.35 (0.08), 1.44 (0.04), and 1.44 (0.06), respectively. Significant differences were observed between BG and AB, and AB + LP-PRP and BG. Mean values for the percentage of bone inside MS were 63.30 (8.60), 52.65 (10.41), 55.25 (7.01), and 51.07 (10.25), respectively. No differences were found. No correlations were observed among percentage of bone, RD and FD. Histological analysis showed that MS treated with AB presented mature and new bone formation. The other groups showed minor bone formation. Within the limitations of this study, the results indicated that at a 90-day time end point, AB yielded better results than AB + LP-PRP, BG, and BG + LP-PRP and should be considered the primary material for MS augmentation.

Effect of diabetes mellitus and insulin therapy on bone density around osseointegrated dental implants: a digital subtraction radiography study in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin therapy on bone density around osseointegrated dental implants by digital subtraction radiography (DSR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty implants were placed in tibiae of 40 adult rats. After a healing period of 2 months, the animals were divided into four groups of 10 animals each: a 2-month control group, sacrificed at time (A), a diabetic group (D), an insulin-treated group (I) and a 4-month control group (C). During 2 months, group I received subcutaneous doses of insulin, whereas groups C and D received only saline. The animals in groups D, I and C were thereafter sacrificed. The glucose plasma levels (GPLs) were monitored throughout the experiment. Film radiographs were taken at implant surgery and on the day of sacrifice. The radiographs were digitized, and bone density in regions of osseointegration (OR) around the implants was evaluated by quantitative DSR between baseline and final images. Differences in shades of gray among the groups were assessed using ANOVA. RESULTS: GPLs were within normal range for groups A, C and I and higher for group D. There was a significant difference in mean gray shade values in the OR of subtraction images between groups D (122+/-7) and I (136+/-5) (P<0.05) while there were no significant differences between control groups A (128+/-13) and C (134+/-10) and the insulin group I. CONCLUSIONS: DM impaired bone density around osseointegrated dental implant. Further, insulin therapy maintained bone density in diabetic rats.

Influence of homeopathic treatment with comfrey on bone density around titanium implants: a digital subtraction radiography study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of homeopathic treatment with comfrey (Shymphytum officinalis 6CH) on radiographic bone density and area around titanium implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight rats were divided into two groups of 24 animals each: a control group (C) and a test group (SO). Each animal received one titanium micro-implant placed in the tibia. The animals in Group SO were subjected to 10 drops of comfrey 6CH per day mixed into their drinking water until the day of sacrifice. Eight animals of each group were sacrificed at 7, 14 and 28 days post-surgery, respectively. Standardized digital radiographs were obtained on the day of implant installation (baseline images) and on the day of sacrifice (final images). Digital subtraction of the two corresponding images was performed to evaluate changes in bone density and the area related to change around the implant between baseline and final images. RESULTS: Subtraction images demonstrated that a significant difference existed in mean shade of gray at 14 days post-surgery between Group SO (mean 175.3+/-14.4) and Group C (mean 146.2+/-5.2). Regarding the area in pixels corresponding to the bone gain in Group SO, the differences observed between the sacrifice periods and groups were only significant at 7 days sacrifice between Group SO (mean 171.2+/-21.9) and Group C (mean 64.5+/-60.4). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, comfrey administration promotes an increase in radiographic bone density around titanium implants in the initial period of bone healing.

Comparison between inverted and unprocessed digitized radiographic imaging in periodontal bone loss measurements

The advances in digital imaging technology in dentistry have provided an alternative to film-based radiography and have given new options to detect periodontal bone loss. The purpose of this study was to compare inverted and unprocessed digitized radiographic imaging in periodontal bone loss measurements. Thirty-five film-based periapical radiographs of patients suffering from moderate to advanced untreated periodontal bone loss associated to lower premolar and molars was selected from the department files, with 40 bone loss areas. The film-based radiographs were digitized with a flatbed scanner with a transparency and radiograph adapter used for transilluminating the radiograph imaging. Digitization was performed at 600 dpi and in gray scale. The images were digitized using Image Tool software by applying image inversion, that is, transformation of radiopaque structures into radiolucent structures and vice-versa. The digital data were saved as JPEG files. The images were displayed on a 15-inch and 24-bit video monitor under reduced room lighting. One calibrated examiner performed all radiographic measurements, three times, from the cementoenamel junction to the most apical extension of the bone loss, in both types of image (inverted and unprocessed). Brightness and contrast were adjusted according to the examiner's individual demand. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to compare the measurements from both types of images. The means of radiographic measurements, in mm, for inverted and unprocessed digitized imaging were 6.4485 and 6.3790, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was significant (0.99) The inverted and unprocessed digitized radiographic images were reliable and there was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy between these images regarding periodontal bone loss measurements.

A survey of radiographic measurement estimation in assessment of dental implant length.

The aim of this study is to survey radiographic measurement estimation in the assessment of dental implant length according to dentists' confidence. A 19-point questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used by two graduate students to interview 69 dentists during a dental implant meeting. Included were 12 questions related to over- and underestimation in three radiographic modalities: panoramic (P), conventional tomography (T), and computerized tomography (CT). The database was analyzed by Epi-Info 6.04 software and the values from two radiographic modalities, P and T, were compared using a chi2 test. The results showed that 38.24% of the dentists' confidence was in the overestimation of measurements in P, 30.56% in T, and 0% in CT. On the other hand, considering the underestimated measurements, the percentages were 47.06% in P, 33.33% in T, and 1.92% in CT. The frequency of under- and overestimation were statistically significant (chi2 = 6.32; P = .0425) between P and T. CT was the radiographic modality with higher measurement precision according to dentists' confidence. In conclusion, the interviewed dentists felt that CT was the best radiographic modality when considering the measurement estimation precision in preoperative dental implant assessment.

Influence of cyclosporin A on quality of bone around integrated dental implants: a radiographic study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of cyclosporin A (CsA) administration on bone around integrated dental implants assessed by a bone quality index and by quantitative subtraction radiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 36 machine surface commercial implants were placed in 18 adult rabbits. After a 3-month healing period without any disturbance, the animals were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. Group A was sacrificed at this time. CsA was injected subcutaneously in an immunosuppressive dose of 10 mg/kg/day in a test group (Group T), and a Group B served as a control, receiving only vehicle. After 3 months of cyclosporin administration, the animals of both Groups B and T were sacrificed. Radiographs were obtained at implant surgery and at the day of sacrifice with a CMOS sensor. Bone quality around the implants was compared between the groups using a bone quality index and quantitative subtraction radiography. RESULTS: The bone analysis showed that in Group T, the bone quality changed dramatically from a dense cortical to a loose trabecular bone structure (P<0.0001, chi(2) test) while in Groups A and B there were no significant differences. Quantitative digital subtraction radiography showed significantly (P<0.05) lower gray shade values (radiographic density) in a region of bone formation around the implants in Group T (118+/-12) than in Groups A (161+/-6) and B (186+/-10). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, CsA administration has a negative effect on the quality of bone around integrated dental implant.

Comparison between inverted and unprocessed digitized radiographic imaging in periodontal bone loss measurements.

The advances in digital imaging technology in dentistry have provided an alternative to film-based radiography and have given new options to detect periodontal bone loss. The purpose of this study was to compare inverted and unprocessed digitized radiographic imaging in periodontal bone loss measurements. Thirty-five film-based periapical radiographs of patients suffering from moderate to advanced untreated periodontal bone loss associated to lower premolar and molars was selected from the department files, with 40 bone loss areas. The film-based radiographs were digitized with a flatbed scanner with a transparency and radiograph adapter used for transilluminating the radiograph imaging. Digitization was performed at 600 dpi and in gray scale. The images were digitized using Image Tool software by applying image inversion, that is, transformation of radiopaque structures into radiolucent structures and vice-versa. The digital data were saved as JPEG files. The images were displayed on a 15-inch and 24-bit video monitor under reduced room lighting. One calibrated examiner performed all radiographic measurements, three times, from the cementoenamel junction to the most apical extension of the bone loss, in both types of image (inverted and unprocessed). Brightness and contrast were adjusted according to the examiner's individual demand. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to compare the measurements from both types of images. The means of radiographic measurements, in mm, for inverted and unprocessed digitized imaging were 6.4485 and 6.3790, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was significant (0.99) The inverted and unprocessed digitized radiographic images were reliable and there was no difference in the diagnostic accuracy between these images regarding periodontal bone loss measurements.

Efficacy of three conditions of radiographic interpretation for assessment root canal length%Eficácia de três condições de interpretação radiográfica em odontometria

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia de três condições de interpretação radiográfica em odontometria e avaliar a concordância intra-observador. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Trinta radiografias periapicais de incisivos central e lateral superiores, de arquivos foram medidas, em mm, da extremidade da lima ao ápice radiográfico, com a utilização de um paquímetro digital. Foram feitas três medidas em cada radiografia e em seguida foi calculada a média. Após um período de 12 dias, as medidas foram repetidas. As três condições experimentais de interpretação radiográfica foram: negatoscópio sem máscara e sem magnificação (Visual); 2) negatoscópio com lente de aumento de 2,5 X e com máscara (Magnificação) e 3) bloqueador de luz e lente de aumento de 1,75 X (Bloqueador). As médias e os desvios-padrão das medidas foram calculados e realizada uma análise descritiva. Foi utilizada a análise de variância a dois critérios (ANOVA) para avaliar a concordância intra-observador e intramétodo. O erro das medidas foi calculado pela fórmula de Dalhberg. RESULTADOS: O teste ANOVA não mostrou diferenças significantes entre as duas sessões de observação, métodos de interpretação ou interação entre as sessões de interpretação e método (p>0,05). A medida intra-observador foi 0,02 mm para os métodos Visual e Magnificação e 0,01 mm para o Bloqueador. CONCLUSÃO: Parece não haver qualquer vantagem realizar medidas da distância entre o ápice radicular e o extremo da lima endodôntica em dentes incisivos superiores utilizando máscara ou magnificação da imagem

Efficacy of three conditions of radiographic interpretation for assessment root canal length

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia de três condições de interpretação radiográfica em odontometria e avaliar a concordância intra-observador. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Trinta radiografias periapicais de incisivos central e lateral superiores, de arquivos foram medidas, em mm, da extremidade da lima ao ápice radiográfico, com a utilização de um paquímetro digital. Foram feitas três medidas em cada radiografia e em seguida foi calculada a média. Após um período de 12 dias, as medidas foram repetidas. As três condições experimentais de interpretação radiográfica foram: negatoscópio sem máscara e sem magnificação (Visual); 2) negatoscópio com lente de aumento de 2,5 X e com máscara (Magnificação) e 3) bloqueador de luz e lente de aumento de 1,75 X (Bloqueador). As médias e os desvios-padrão das medidas foram calculados e realizada uma análise descritiva. Foi utilizada a análise de variância a dois critérios (ANOVA) para avaliar a concordância intra-observador e intramétodo. O erro das medidas foi calculado pela fórmula de Dalhberg. RESULTADOS: O teste ANOVA não mostrou diferenças significantes entre as duas sessões de observação, métodos de interpretação ou interação entre as sessões de interpretação e método (p>0,05). A medida intra-observador foi 0,02 mm para os métodos Visual e Magnificação e 0,01 mm para o Bloqueador. CONCLUSÃO: Parece não haver qualquer vantagem realizar medidas da distância entre o ápice radicular e o extremo da lima endodôntica em dentes incisivos superiores utilizando máscara ou magnificação da imagem.

Efficacy of three conditions of radiographic interpretation for assessment root canal length.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of three conditions of image interpretation for radiographic root measurements and calculating the intra-observer reproducibility of the measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty intra-operative periapical radiographs of maxillary central and lateral incisors were measured, in mm, from the tip of the file to the radiographic apex, using a caliper. Three separate measurements were made of the 30 radiographs. The three measurements for each tooth were averaged and the mean used for further calculations. After a 12-day period, the measurements were repeated. The three experimental viewing conditions used: 1) standard viewbox without masking of background light around the radiograph and without magnification (Visual); 2) standard viewbox with use of a magnifying lens of 2.5x and with background light masked (Magnification); and 3) viewer device that restricts room lighting and enlarges the image by a magnifying lens of 1.75x (Viewer). The mean and standard deviation of the measurements were calculated and used for descriptive analysis. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate intra-observer and inter-method agreement of the measurements. The measurement error was estimated by Dalhberg's formula. RESULTS: The ANOVA showed no significant differences between measurement sessions, viewing methods, or interaction between observation session and method (p>0.05). The intra-observer measurement error was 0.02 mm for Visual and the Magnification methods and 0.01 mm for the Viewer. CONCLUSION: There does not seem to be any advantage in using viewbox masking or magnification for measuring the distance between the end of the endodontic file and the root apex in maxillary incisors.

Característica socioeconômica, cultural e familiar de estudantes de odontologia / Socioeconomic, cultural and familiar characteristics of dental students

É preocupação dos educadores da área odontológica o crescente número de cirurgiões-dentistasque se iniciam no mercado de trabalho anualmente, o que torna importante conhecer ascaracterísticas do futuro profissional. Para conhecer o perfil socioeconômico, cultural e familiar doaluno que ingressa no curso de graduação da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araraquara - UNESP eque dele egressa, foi aplicado um formulário contendo questões relativas a esses fatores, nos anos de2001, 2002 e 2003, a 417 alunos. Foi criado um banco de dados com estrutura em “EPI Info 6.04”,que permitiu a análise por meio de estatística descritiva. Houve predomínio de alunos do gênerofeminino, solteiros e de cor branca. A idade média de calouros e formandos foi, respectivamente,19,7 e 22,5 anos. A renda familiar verificada para a maioria dos calouros e formandos foi oito oumais salários-mínimos. A maioria tem pais residentes no estado de São Paulo, em residência própria. Houve um perfil semelhante entre calouros dos períodos integral e noturno, no ano de 2001, quantoà condição de ausência de vínculo empregatício e a questões demográficas. Detectou-se, em geral,que o hábito de leitura era deficiente e que uma minoria possuía conhecimento do idioma inglês. Grande parte dos formandos desconhecia o tipo de atividade profissional a ser exercida, resultante,provavelmente, de lacunas na formação acadêmica, enquanto, entre calouros, a constatação dessaocorrência seja compreensível.

Diagnostic agreement of conventional and inverted scanned panoramic radiographs in the detection of the mandibular canal and the mental foramen.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic agreement of conventional panoramic radiographs and their inverted scanned images in the detection of the mandibular canal and mental foramen. A total of 77 panoramic radiographs obtained from the files of totally edentulous patients were used. Digitization was done by means of a scanner with brightness and contrast adjustment, as well as image inversion. The extension of mandibular canal was divided into anterior, middle, and posterior regions, and the presence of a radiopaque line that characterized the mandibular canal was classified according to a 5-point confidence scale. The mental foramen was classified in 4 types: continuous, separated, diffuse, and unidentified. Both conventional and inverted scanned panoramic radiographs were evaluated by 3 calibrated implantologists at 2 distinct moments with a minimum interval of 10 days between them. Intraexaminer agreement was evaluated by Kappa statistics by point and by 95% confidence interval. Because the intraexaminer level of agreement was low, interexaminer agreements could not be carried out. The results showed a substantial (in 2 situations), moderate (in 16 situations), and fair (in 18 situations) intraexaminer agreement for mandibular canal and a substantial (in 1 situation), fair (in 1 situation), and moderate (in 10 situations) intraeaminer agreement for mental foramen. There were no statistically significant differences in most instances. In conclusion, the diagnostic agreement of conventional and inverted scanned panoramic radiographs for detection of mandibular canal and mental foramen was low.

Prevalência da parede superior do canal da mandíbula em radiografias panorâmicas de pacientes desdentados de ambos os gêneros / Prevalence of superior wall of mandibular canal, in panoramic radiographs, in edentulous patients of both genders

A precisa localização do canal da mandíbula e do forame mentual tornou-se uma necessidade aos implantodontistas devido às possibilidades de injúria ao feixe neurovascular. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência da presença da parede superior do canal da mandíbula, segundo os lados direito e esquerdo, em radiografias panorâmicas de pacientes desdentados totais de ambos os gêneros. Duzentos e cinqüenta e duas radiografias foram interpretadas por um examinador em duas situações. Estimativas de concordância intra-examinador, por ponto, para os lados direito e esquerdo foram de, respectivamente, k=0,8017 e k=0,8048, semelhantes entre si. As prevalências da presença da parede superior do canal da mandíbula, para os gêneros masculino e feminino, foram de respectivamente 42,31 por cento e 36,78 por cento, sendo de 38,49 por cento para a amostra total. A faixa etária de 21 a 49 anos apresentou prevalência de 39,51 por cento, semelhante à verificada para a de 50 anos e mais (38,01 por cento). Concluindo, a prevalência foi semelhante para os dois gêneros e segundo a faixa etária. a reprodutibilidade intra-examinador na detecção da parede superior do canal da mandíbula para os lados direito e esquerdo foi considerada boa, não havendo diferença significativa segundo lado