Utility of Panoramic Radiographs in the Screening of Individuals with Edentulous Arches: A Need-Analysis Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the utility of panoramic radiographs in pre-prosthetic screening of edentulous arches. Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs taken for three years were retrospectively analyzed. Observations from the radiographs shall be categorized and classified into either of the two categories, namely: 'findings with minimal impact on denture fabrication' and 'findings which affect denture fabrication and require further evaluation.' Anatomic variations, jaw pathologies, and residual ridge resorption patterns were assessed. Results: This study included the initial screening of 23,020 panoramic radiographs, out of which 505 (showing either one or both edentulous arches) were included for the study purpose. The age range of the subjects was from 21 to 94 years. 52.6% of the radiographs showed positive findings. More than half of the radiographs belonged to the males (52.5%). Hyperpneumatization of the maxillary sinus, crestal position of the mental foramen, and retained root fragments were the most common entities noted in the radiographs. Changes in the mental foramen were significantly higher in males than females (p=0.002). Conclusion: Observations from this study showed that panoramic radiographs have high utility for screening edentulous arches, and they should be used in routine clinical practice before denture fabrication.

Comparison of Accuracy Between Pulp/Tooth Ratio and Tooth Coronal Index Methods for Dental Age Estimation Using Digital Panoramic Radiographs

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the reliability and the accuracy of Tooth Coronal Index (TCI) and Pulp/Tooth Ratio (PTR) methods in dental age estimation using digital panoramic radiography. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 237 dental panoramic images were collected. The two methods (TCI and PTR) were applied to all left mandibular first and second molars based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. In order to analyze the acquired data, statistical methods were used. The estimated ages derived by exclusive formula were compared to the chronological age, and the error ranges for each indicator were measured to determine their accuracy. Results: There were negative correlations between PTR in the first molar (r=-0.89) and in the second molar (r=-0.788), as well as TCI in the first molar (r=-0.587) and in the second molar (r=-.242). In this study, we found that the Pulp/Tooth Ratio (PTR) accuracy rate for mandibular first and second molar teeth was 79.21% and 62.09 %, respectively, although the Tooth Coronal Index (TCI) value for these teeth was 34.45% and 5.85%. Conclusion: Pulp/Tooth Ratio and Tooth Coronal Index are potential age estimation indices. Although PTR was the more accurate one in our study. The results also demonstrated that indices related to the first molar tooth could be used to estimate age with greater accuracy and validity.

Impact of different evaluation methods for diagnostic tasks in panoramic radiography / Impacto de diferentes métodos de evaluación durante el diagnóstico en la radiografía panorámica

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the observers diagnostic performance in panoramic radiography using monitor, tablet, X-ray image view box, and against window daylight as a visualization method in different diagnostic tasks. Thirty panoramic radiography were assessed by three calibrated observers for each visualization method, in standardized light conditions, concerning dental caries, widened periodontal ligament space, and periapical bone defects from the four first molars; mucosal thickening and retention cysts in maxillary sinus; and stylo-hyoid ligament calcification and atheroma. A five-point confidence scale was used. The standard-reference was performed by two experienced observers. Diagnostic values using window light were significantly lower for caries and periapical bone defect and retention cyst, stylo-hyoid ligament calcification detection (p<0.05). For atheroma detection, X-ray image view box, tablet, and widow light had lower accuracy than the evaluation on the monitor (p<0.05). Observers diagnostic performances are worsened using window light as an evaluation method for panoramic radiography for dental, sinus, and calcification disorders, while the monitor was the most reliable method.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño diagnóstico de los observadores en la radiografía panorámica utilizando monitor, tablet, caja de visualización de imágenes de rayos X y contra la luz del día de la ventana como método de visualización en diferentes tareas de diagnóstico. Treinta radiografías panorámicas fueron evaluadas por tres observadores calibrados para cada método de visualización, en condiciones de luz estandarizadas, con respecto a caries dental, espacio del ligamento periodontal ensanchado y defectos óseos periapicales de los cuatro primeros molares; engrosamiento de la mucosa y quistes de retención en el seno maxilar; y calcificación y ateroma del ligamento estilohioideo. Se utilizó una escala de confianza de cinco puntos. La referencia estándar fue realizada por dos observadores experimentados. Los valores diagnósticos con luz de ventana fueron significativamente menores para caries y defecto óseo periapical y quiste de retención, detección de calcificación del ligamento estilohioideo (p <0.05). Para la detección de ateroma, la caja de visualización de imágenes de rayos X, el tablet y la luz de viuda tuvieron una precisión menor que la evaluación en el monitor (p <0.05). El rendimiento diagnóstico del observador empeora al utilizar la luz de la ventana como método de evaluación de la radiografía panorámica para los trastornos dentales, de los senos nasales y de la calcificación, mientras que el monitor fue el método más fiable.

Relationship of Angulation of Maxillary Impacted Canines with Maxillary Lateral Incisor Root Resorption

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relationship of ɑ and ß angles of maxillary impacted canines with maxillary lateral incisor root resorption. Material and Methods: For this, 40 patients (between 11 and 45 years) with impacted maxillary canines presenting to a private orthodontic clinic were evaluated.20% of the cases were male and 80% were female. The ɑ and ß angles were measured on panoramic radiographs to determine the angulation of impacted canine. CBCT scans had been taken by ProMax 3D CBCT system were used to examine lateral root reorption. The relationship between the size of ɑ and ß angles of impacted maxillary canines and root resorption in the adjacent maxillary lateral incisor was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The mean size of ɑ and ß angles had no significant correlation with the presence/absence, location, or severity of root resorption in the adjacent lateral incisor or the buccolingual position of impacted canine. The ɑ and ß angles in impacted maxillary canines cannot be used to determine the incidence or severity of root resorption in the adjacent lateral incisor. Conclusion: No significant association between ɑ and ß angles and incidence or severity of root resorption in the adjacent lateral incisor was found.

Age Estimation by Modified Demirjian's Method in a Hospital-Based Population: A Radiographic Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To test the modified Demirjian's method of dental age estimation on the South Indian population and correlate it with the patient's chronological age. Material and Methods: This retrospective radiographic study was performed on digital panoramic radiographs taken during a one-year duration. Radiographs of patients in the age range from 8 to 18 years were included in the study. The radiographs were examined and according to the stage of the crown and root status of the left side mandibular teeth. The stage of calcification was observed for eight teeth in the mandibular arch and was recorded in a specially designed proforma. Each rated tooth with stage was converted into a score using a conversion table specified for girls and boys. Results: 224 digital panoramic radiographs were retrieved from the radiologic database. Out of total study sample, 49.5% (n=111) were boys and 50.5% (n=113). The mean chronological and estimated dental age using dental maturity scores resulted in an overestimation of 3 years and eight months. Also, it was noted that there was a strong positive association between chronological (real) and dental age. Conclusion: It was observed that there was a strong correlation between chronological and dental age. A new formula for determining the chronological age from the estimated dental age was derived. Further studies on a larger population may prove the reliability of this age estimation method.

Radiographic Assessment of Third Molars Agenesis Patterns in Young Adults

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of third molar agenesis and associated characteristics. Material and Methods: A total of 2374 panoramic radiographs were retrieved from the radiological archives and evaluated in a computer monitor under optimum viewing conditions. The basic demographic data (age and sex) and the primary findings regarding the presence or absence of third molars in the maxillary and mandibular arches were recorded systematically in a specially designed proforma. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 2000 panoramic radiographs were included in the study, of which 1004 were females (50.2%), and 996 were of males (49.8%). The incidence of third molar agenesis was 486 patients (24.3%). Maxillary third molar showed a higher prevalence of agenesis (28.8%) than mandibular third molars (16.4%). A total of 1514 patients (75.7%) had third molars in all four quadrants, and the remaining 486 patients (24.3%) had agenesis of third molar tooth in at least one of the quadrants. Single tooth agenesis was observed in 219 (11%) patients, two teeth agenesis in 172 (8.6%) patients, three teeth agenesis in 39 (2%) patients, and four teeth agenesis in 56 (2.8%) patients. Conclusion: The present study exhibited a maximum number of single tooth agenesis. It was also observed that maxillary third molar agenesis is more than the mandibular third molar and the right side is more than the left side. Agenesis of the third molar is more prevalent in males as compared to females.

Vertical Mandibular and Trunk Symmetry in Indonesian Orthodontic Patients

Abstract Objective: To analyze differences in vertical mandibular and trunk symmetry in orthodontic patients. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 129 growing orthodontic patients who sought orthodontic treatment at the Dental Hospital Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia. Mandibular symmetry index was observed with pre-treatment panoramic radiography based on Kjellberg's technique and trunk symmetry was evaluated based on questionnaires and visual observation. Vertical mandibular asymmetry was decided if the index of asymmetry was lower than 93.7%. The bivariate analysis used the chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests, with a significance level of 5%. Results: There was a significant association between vertical mandibular and trunk symmetry (p<0.05). The prevalence odds ratio for the association with vertical mandibular asymmetry was 3.007 (95% CI = 1.016-8.905) for trunk asymmetry. Conclusion: The necessity to consider trunk symmetry could be included in orthodontics treatment of any malocclusion with vertical mandibular asymmetry that might require a multidisciplinary approach in the future.

Low Body Mass Index as a Risk Factor for the Onset of Porosity of the Mandibular Bone in the Elderly

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate whether a low body mass index (BMI) has a significant relationship with mandibular bone porosity progression by conducting a mandibular inferior cortex (MIC) classification in elderly Japanese people. Material and Methods: A total of 266 study subjects, aged 70 at baseline, were recruited for this study, conducted from 1998 to 2007. The subjects were divided into two groups according to changes in the MIC on serial panoramic radiographs during this nine-year study period: a no change group (MIC-NC) and a change group (MIC-C). All subjects in the MIC-C showed changes trending toward greater fragility. We evaluated the BMI at baseline. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the MIC condition during the nine-year period (0: MIC-NC, 1: MIC-C) and BMI (kg/m2) adjusted for gender, current health status (CHS), and smoking habit (SH) at baseline. Results: The mean and standard deviations of the BMI at baseline in the MIC-NC and MIC-C were 22.8 ± 2.1 and 21.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2 for males and 23.1 ± 2.9 and 21.9 ± 2.4 kg/m2 for females. There was a significant relationship between the MIC condition and the BMI in both males (p=0.04) and females (p=0.01). The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between the MIC condition over the nine-year period and the BMI (OR=0.84, p=0.003), which was adjusted depending on the gender (OR=5.18, p=0.000), CHS (OR=0.53, p=0.015), and SH (OR=4.15, p=0.002) at baseline. Conclusion: A low BMI carries a risk of developing mandibular bone porosity by measuring the MIC condition in panoramic radiographs.

Impact of Early Loss of Lower First Permanent Molars on Third Molar Development and Position

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of unilateral loss of the lower first permanent molar (L6) on the position and development of the lower third molar (L8). Material and Methods: Fifty-four panoramic radiographs of subjects with unilateral loss of L6 were examined. The L8 on the side of the L6 loss was compared with the L8 in the hemiarch without L6 loss (contralateral). The effect of L6 loss on the positioning of L8 was examined in all the samples (n=54), whereas the effect on the development of the third molar was examined in 38 patients with L8 with incomplete root formation. The Signs statistical test was used to evaluate the comparison between loss and contralateral hemiarches. Results: In 20 (37%) of 54 subjects, the L8 was better positioned in the hemiarch with loss of the lower first molar (p<0.001) compared with the control side. In the remaining 34 subjects, no difference was found. When only the L8 considered as impacted on the control side was examined (n=30), the cases with better positioning on the side with L6 loss increased to 66.6% (p<0.001). Conclusion: The loss of lower first molars improves the position of the lower third molar during its active eruption, mainly when the lower third molar is impacted. However, L6 loss does not affect the root development of lower third molars.

Interpreting an orthopantomogram.

BACKGROUND: An orthopantomogram (OPG) is a common radiograph used to identify the hard tissues of the oral cavity and surrounding skeletal structures. It is an extra-oral radiograph that approximates the focal trough of the mandible. Although resolution is not as detailed as intra-oral radiographs for examination of the teeth, gross changes in calcification of the dental structures, and changes in ossification of the underlying mandible and maxilla can aid in identification of dental disease such as caries (decay), periodontal bone loss, and abscess and cyst formation. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines key anatomical features identifiable in an OPG and illustrates some common pathology that may be seen. DISCUSSION: The large amount of data visible on an OPG may appear daunting to the viewer unless a systematic approach is used to examine structures present. Distortion due to flattening of the curve of the mandible and dentition will give an overall view of these structures and requires the viewer to reinterpret these in their mind for a three-dimensional appreciation of the image.

Correlation between spatial resolution and ball distortion rate of panoramic radiography.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between spatial resolution and ball distortion rate of panoramic radiography and to elucidate the minimum criterion for ball distortion rate, which is very relevant to clinical readability. METHODS: Horizontal and vertical spatial resolution and ball distortion rates were calculated in the same position, such as the incisor, premolar, molar, and temporomandibular joint area with various object depths corresponding to 48 mm. Three devices were evaluated. A region showing spatial resolution above the reference standard was selected, and the ball distortion rate corresponding to the same region was divided into horizontal and vertical phantom groups. The mean and standard deviation of the obtained ball distortion rates were calculated. Student's t-test was used to statistically analyze the mean difference in ball distortion rates between vertical and horizontal phantom groups. RESULTS: In all devices, the horizontal line pair phantom, but not the vertical line pair phantom, was readable in all areas measured at the line pair value of at least 1.88 lp/mm. The line pair value tended to be higher toward the center and lower toward the outside. The ball distortion rate tended to decrease closer to the center and increased further away. In addition, ball distortion rates could not be measured at some areas as they were not recognized as balls due to the high degree of distortion at the outermost and innermost sides. The number of balls satisfying the reference value using the horizontal line pair phantom was 102 (mean of ball distortion rates, 20.98; standard deviation, 15.25). The number of balls satisfying the reference value using the vertical line pair phantom was 49 (mean of ball distortion rates, 16.33; standard deviation, 14.25). However, mean ball distortion rate was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Image layer of panoramic radiography could be evaluated by the spatial resolution using horizontal and vertical line pair phantoms and by assessing ball distortion rates through a ball-type panorama phantom. A ball distortion rate of 20% could be used as a threshold to evaluate the image layer of panoramic radiography.

Automatic human identification based on dental X-ray radiographs using computer vision.

A person may be identified by comparison between ante- and post-mortem dental panoramic radiographs (DPR). However, it is difficult to find reference material if the person is unknown. This is often the case when victims of crime or mass disaster are found. Computer vision can be a helpful solution to automate the finding of reference material in a large database of images. The purpose of the present study was to improve the automated identification of unknown individuals by comparison of ante- and post-mortem DPR using computer vision. The study includes 61,545 DPRs from 33,206 patients, acquired between October 2006 and June 2018. The matching process is based on the Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) algorithm to find unique corresponding points between two DPRs (unknown person and database entry). The number of matching points found is an indicator for identification. All 43 individuals (100%) were successfully identified by comparison with the content of the feature database. The experimental setup was designed to identify unknown persons based on their DPR using an automatic algorithm system. The proposed tool is able to filter large databases with many entries of potentially matching partners. This identification method is suitable even if dental characteristics were removed or added in the past.

Supernumerary Teeth: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study from Palestine

Abstract Objective: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of supernumerary teeth among patients attending the students' dental clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry of the Arab American University, Jenin, Palestine. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study of 1970 digital panoramic radiographs of patients, age ranging between 12 and 50 years. The radiographs and dental records were reviewed for supernumerary teeth. For each patient with supernumerary teeth, were recorded the demographic variables, number, location, eruption status, type, and morphology, the developmental stages. Descriptive statistics were performed and results were tabulated. Results: Supernumerary teeth were detected in 17 subjects (0.86%), of which 13 were males and 4 were females with a male to female ratio of 3.25:1. Of the 17 patients, 64.7% had one supernumerary tooth while the others had two. The majority (78.3%) of the supernumeraries were located in the maxilla. Around 56.5% of the supernumeraries found in this study were located in the premaxilla. Half of the supernumeraries (52.2%) were erupted, and 47.8% were impacted. Mesiodens was the most frequently seen supernumerary teeth followed by distomolars and premolars. Most of the supernumeraries were fully developed, while 21.7% displayed only crown formation. Conclusion: The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in the study sample was found to be 0.86% and the most frequent type was mesiodens. Supplemental morphology was found to be the most common form of supernumerary teeth.

Patterns of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction in an Iranian Subpopulation

Abstract Objective: To assess the patterns of mandibular third molar impaction in an Iranian subpopulation. Material and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study evaluated 1000 panoramic radiographs retrieved from the archives of a private radiology clinic in Kermanshah city, Iran. Depth of impaction, position of impacted mandibular third molar relative to the mandibular ramus according to Pell and Gregory's classification and angle of impacted tooth according to Winter's classification were determined. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Of 1000 radiographs, 230 (23%) showed an impaction of at least one mandibular third molar. Mandibular third molar impaction was more common in females (60%). Mesioangular (35.9%) and vertical (34.8%) impactions were the most common angles of impaction in the right and left sides, respectively. Level C (40.3%) and Class I (63.7%) were the most common types of impaction in terms of depth of impaction and position relative to ramus, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the right and left sides of the mandible in terms of patterns of mandibular third molar impaction (p>0.05). Conclusion: Mandibular third molar impaction was relatively common in the studied population. The mesioangular, level C and Class I impaction patterns were the most frequent.

Patterns of Maxillary Canine Impaction in Iraqi Population

Abstract Objective: To investigate the prevalence of maxillary canine impaction and whether the impacted canine cases have had a potentially good or poor prognosis if interceptive treatment was practiced at earlier ages. Material and Methods: 1755 panoramic radiographs of patients, aged 13 to 60 years, attending the University of Babylon, College of Dentistry for the period from November 2016 to July 2018 were collected and assessed for the presence of impacted maxillary canines. Subsequently, four suggested prognostic factors for each impacted canine were analyzed and recorded. Results: The prevalence of maxillary canine impaction was 119 (6.78%) with 89 unilateral impaction and 30 bilateral impaction resulting in a total of 149 impacted canines. Regarding the gender, impaction was more evident in females 70 than in males 49 with no statistical significant difference. For the side, impaction was more prevalent on the left (77) than on the right (72), also with no statistical difference (p>0.05). Following the analysis of the four prognostic factors, most of the cases, 117 (78.5%) had at least one prognostic factor to be poor. Although 82 (55%) of the cases had at least one prognostic factor to be good, only 4 had all the prognostic factors to be good. Conclusion: Although the cases that had a potentially good prognosis were little (4 cases), interceptive extraction of primary canines would mostly be beneficial for these patients as it will minimize the treatment time, cost and complications.

Radiographic Characteristics of Soft Tissue Calcification on Digital Panoramic Images

Abstract Objective: To assess the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications and their panoramic radiographic characteristics. Material and Methods: This descriptive retrospective study evaluated 2027 panoramic radiographs. The type and location of calcifications and the age and gender of patients were evaluated by two radiologists. Data were analyzed via SPSS and the Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Kappa tests were used to compare the categorical demographic variables among the groups. The confidence interval was set to 95% and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of calcified stylohyoid ligament was 11.24%. This value was 3.99% for tonsillolith, 1.33% for calcified carotid plaque, 0.69% for antrolith, 0.39% for calcified lymph node, 0.29% for phleboliths, and 0.19% for sialoliths. The prevalence of these conditions had no significant association with gender or age (p=0.102). The prevalence of bilateral calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsillolith, and a calcified carotid plaque was significantly higher (p<0.001). The most prevalent type of calcified stylohyoid ligament, according to O'Carroll's classification, belonged to types 1, 4, 3 and 2 (p<0.001). The most commonly observed radiographic pattern was multiple, well-defined tonsilloliths (75.3%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of soft tissue calcifications on panoramic radiographs was relatively low in this Iranian population. The most calcifications were respectively calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsillolith, calcified carotid plaque, antrolith, calcified lymph node, phleboliths and sialoliths. Calcified stylohyoid ligament, tonsillolith and calcified carotid plaque were more bilaterally. Thereby panoramic imaging can help in primary assessment, epidemiologic and screening evaluation of these calcifications.

Prevalence of Peg-Shaped Lateral Incisors in Non-Syndromic Subjects: A Multi-Population Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and gender-wise distribution of peg-shaped maxillary permanent lateral incisors among populations in Saudi Arabia representing different geographical locations (Saudi, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Philippine, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh). Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 9945 patients attending outpatient university dental clinics of College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia between February 2014 and January 2018 were collected from the archives randomly. Two calibrated investigators examined the data, which were collected from the dental radiology department archives with prior permission from the authorities. The anomalies of maxillary lateral incisors (right and left) were investigated. Results: Among all geographic locations, the prevalence of peg laterals was more in males in comparison to females except in Pakistani and Philippine populations. Among the Saudi population, peg laterals' prevalence was more in case of right lateral incisor than the left incisor. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of peg laterals was found in Saudi. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of peg laterals was found in Saudi region, followed by Egypt. Among all geographic locations, the prevalence of peg laterals was higher in males than females except for Pakistan and Philippines populations. Among Saudi population prevalence of peg laterals was found to be higher in case of right lateral incisor when compared to the left.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Dental Age in 8-15-Year-Old Orthodontic Patients

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and dental age in 8-15-year-old orthodontic patients. Material and Methods: Forty-eight children (25 males, 23 females) aged 8-15 years requiring orthodontic treatment participated in this retrospective study. The dental development ages were determined using the Demirjian method and panoramic radiographs. Afterwards, chronological age, height, and weight were recorded. Using the standard equation developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI value was calculated and grouped according to BMI percentile classification according to age and gender. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Dental age was significantly accelerated in subjects with increased BMI percentile after adjusting for age and gender (p<0.05). The mean dental age among all subjects was 10.58 ± 2.40. The correlation coefficient (r) showed a strong correlation with a positive direction, which means that the dental age also accelerated by 44.6% in the subjects with increased BMI. Conclusion: There was a linear correlation between increased BMI with accelerated dental age. BMI value and dental age can be considered in determining orthodontic treatment time.

Evaluation of Canine Transpositions and Related Dental Anomalies in a Turkish Pediatric Population

Abstract Objective: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of canine transpositions and to evaluate associated dental anomalies in a pediatric population. Material and Methods: This study was carried out by evaluating the panoramic radiographs of 11.750 patients ranging in ages from 6 to 17 presented to a pedodontic clinic over 5 years. The patients with canine transposition were included in the study. Age at diagnosis, gender, classification and location of transposition, presence of other dental anomalies were recorded. Differences were analyzed using the Chi-squared test. Results: Canine transposition was detected in 73 teeth from 69 patients (0.6%). Transpositions were more common in girls than in boys (55.1%). Transposed canine teeth were more frequently observed unilaterally (89%). The most commonly found transposition type was type 2 (42%). A total of 49.3% of 69 patients had retained primary canine teeth, 20.3% had congenitally missing teeth, and 11.6% had peg-shaped, microdont lateral incisors. Impacted teeth excluding third molars and taurodontism were also observed. Conclusion: Although the canine transpositions are generally asymptomatic in children in the period of growth and development, the importance of early diagnosis is crucial to prevent various clinical problems.

Aporte de la radiología oral y maxilofacial al diagnóstico clínico / Contribution of oral and maxillofacial radiology to the clinical diagnosis

Introducción: La radiología oral y maxilofacial (RMF) es la disciplina encargada del uso de rayos X y otros tipos de radiación para el diagnóstico de enfermedades y condiciones del área maxilofacial. El propósito de la presente revisión es analizar el aporte de la RMF al diagnóstico clínico. Revisión: Las legislaciones nacionales suelen establecer requisitos para autorizar el uso e instalación de equipos generadores de radiaciones ionizantes, sin embargo, falta regulación sobre la responsabilidad del diagnóstico radiográfico. Por esto, es necesario aplicar consideraciones éticas y principios de protección radiológica que garanticen el uso responsable de los exámenes radiográficos. Debiera existir una persona responsable del diagnóstico radiográfico, que debe ser un odontólogo con conocimientos en interpretación radiográfica y cursos de educación continua en RMF. La solicitud y toma radiográfica son acciones fundamentales que contribuyen a que el responsable del diagnóstico radiográfico realice uno correcto. La RMF actualmente es reconocida como especialidad en más de 50 países, sin embargo, existe la necesidad de reconocimiento en otros países. Debido a su formación profesional, la existencia de especialistas en RMF contribuye a mejores diagnósticos radiográficos, con el consecuente impacto en el diagnóstico clínico y tratamiento del paciente. Conclusiones: La RMF es una disciplina fundamental para determinar el diagnóstico clínico del paciente. Para que los exámenes radiográficos usados aporten al clínico tratante a brindar la mejor atención al paciente, es fundamental que estos exámenes cuenten con un correcto y completo diagnóstico realizado por un profesional con entrenamiento y conocimientos en RMF, idealmente especialista en RMF

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial radiology (MFR) is the discipline that deals with the use of X-rays and other kinds of radiation for the diagnosis of diseases and conditions of the maxillofacial region. The aim of the present review is to analyze the contribution of MFR to the clinical diagnosis. Review: National laws usually establish the requirements to authorize the use and installation of ionizing radiation generating equipment, nevertheless, there is a lack of regulation regarding the responsibility of the radiographic diagnosis. Because of this, it is necessary to apply ethical considerations and principles of radiation protection to guarantee the responsible use of the radiographic examinations. There should be a person responsible of the radiographic diagnosis, who must be a dentist with knowledge in radiographic interpretation and with continuing education courses in MFR. The radiographic request and taking are fundamental actions that contribute the responsible of radiographic diagnosis to elaborates a correct diagnosis. Nowadays, MFR is recognized as a specialty in more than 50 countries, however, there is a need of its acknowledgment in other countries. Due to the MFR specialist training, his/her existence contributes to a better radiographic diagnosis, with the consequent impact on clinical diagnosis and patient treatment. Conclusions: MFR is a fundamental discipline for determining the clinical diagnosis of the patient. In order the radiographic exams contribute the treating clinician to offer the best clinical attention to the patient, it is fundamental these exams have a correct and complete radiographic diagnosis, performed by a professional with training and knowledge in MFR, ideally an MFR specialist