Continuous radiographic visualization of the mandibular nutrient canals.

The continuous radiographic appearance of the course of mandibular nutrient canals (NC), originating from the incisive branch of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle bilaterally, showing anastomoses and terminating in the interdental area of the anterior teeth, is reported for the first time.

The law and who can expose dental radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which untrained, unlicensed, and unregulated auxiliary dental personnel are permitted by law to expose radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: A survey questionnaire was mailed to the agencies regulating dental practice of the 50 US and 3 regional jurisdictions. Information was requested regarding agency laws regulating who was permitted to prescribe dental radiographs, who was permitted to expose dental radiographs, and who, if anyone, was specifically prohibited. RESULTS: Survey data show that 47.3% of the US population live in jurisdictions that have no regulations prohibiting untrained, unregulated auxiliary dental personnel from exposing patients to ionizing radiation. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical implications for private dental practice in this era of expanding use of auxiliary personnel are that the need exists for increased training and formal licensing of all auxiliary personnel involved in dental radiography.

Bilateral mandibular accessory foramina and canals: a case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: To present a case of bilateral mandibular accessory canals and foramina observed on CT and review the relevant literature. RESULTS: Based on the literature, accessory canals and foramina are prevalent in the posterior mandible and the area of the symphysis and more frequently on the internal than the external surface of the mandible. Bilateral symmetry is common. Variations exist in size and number. Occurrence may change with age and racial origin. Nerves, neurovascular bundles, arterioles and venules have been found to occupy the accessory canals and foramina. No gender differences have been described. CONCLUSION: CT has advantages over two-dimensional radiography in identification of anatomical variations in the mandible.

Exposure of the pregnant patient to ionizing radiation.

Because of the increased recognition of the lifetime risks from the exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation, it is recommended that alterations be made to the currently accepted guidelines for prescribing radiographs for pregnant patients. Particularly so, because it has been shown that optimal radiographic practices in dental schools and dental offices are not universally followed.

The radiographic incidence of multiple roots and canals in human mandibular premolars.

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence in mandibular premolars of multiple roots and root canals that could be demonstrated radiographically. The images of mandibular premolar teeth as seen on intraoral full-mouth radiographic surveys (547) taken with the paralleling technique were examined. In 99 patients (18.1%) there was at least one premolar tooth with either divided canals or roots. First premolars were involved in 15.7% of patients, and second premolars in 7%.

Localization of impacted teeth utilizing inherent panoramic distortions.

Distortions in the size of images seen on panoramic radiographs can assist the clinician in determining the site of impacted teeth in relation to the dental arch. Application of this principle can often eliminate the necessity for additional radiographic views and prevent exposure of the patient to unnecessary radiation.

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case report.

A 13-year-old male patient classified as Type VIII, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, in which the typical periodontal findings are not seen, is presented. The patient has many partially erupted deciduous teeth and partially erupted mandibular permanent incisors. It is suggested that Type VIII has two subdivisions. In subdivision A there is periodontal involvement with a normal eruption pattern; subdivision B has no periodontal involvement, but the teeth do not erupt.

Decreasing the density of dark radiographs--a lost art.

The purpose of this paper is to describe a procedure that appears to have been lost with time and that reduces excess density [immaterial of the cause] on radiographs. This results in radiographs of greatly improved diagnostic quality. This procedure results in avoiding retakes resulting in a lower radiation dose to the patient and a saving of time. This procedure should not be considered as a substitute for poor radiological or processing techniques.

The mandibular incisive foramen.

An anatomical variant in the region of the mental foramen is discussed. In these cases the inferior alveolar nerve divides into its two terminal branches only after it has exited through the mental foramen. The incisive nerve thus commences outside the mandible, and has a short extra-osseous course before it enters the mandible through a separate foramen on the same horizontal plane. For the distance between these two foramina there is no nerve supply within the mandible. The groove between the two foramina may be the remnants of the mandibular canal. The foramen through which the nerve enters the bone is a separate anatomical entity from the mental foramen and should be recognised as such. It is proposed that this foramen be named the mandibular incisive foramen.

A novel processing artefact.

A processing artefact is described that is similar in appearance to the tractor-tread (or herringbone) pattern seen on an intra-oral dental radiograph that has been exposed the wrong way round in the mouth.