Impact of CBCT acquisition protocols and artifact reduction filters on diagnosing vertical root fractures.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of acquisition protocols and artifact reduction filters in cone beam computed tomography on diagnosing vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth with and without intraradicular posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 480 tomographic images acquired from two J. Morita scanners (0.125- and 0.08-mm voxel sizes protocols), with application of a blooming artifact reduction filter. Three evaluators assessed these images for root fractures using a 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy between filters and protocols was determined using generalized linear models with binomial distribution for the outcome, considering protocol, filter, and dental status. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were also estimated for the filters and protocols. RESULTS: The 0.08-mm voxel size protocol demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of accurate diagnosis compared to the 0.125-mm protocol (p = .001). No statistically significant differences (p ≥ .087) were observed for filter application, interaction between protocol and filter, or dental status. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were respectively: .93, .87, 1.00 (protocol 1); .99, .99, .99 (protocol 2); .98, .96, .99 (no filter); .95, .90, 1.00 (with filter). CONCLUSION: The new findings found for the two J Morita scanners used in our study were that images acquired using the voxel size of 0.08 mm showed an improvement in the diagnosis of root fractures and the filters in these devices have no relevance significant for the diagnosis.

Development and validation of a formula based on maxillary sinus measurements as a tool for sex estimation: a cone beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: As sex estimation is an important step to delineate the biological profile, the development of tools employing anatomical structures which may maintain their integrity even after extreme events, such as the maxillary sinus, become useful for forensic identification. Thus, the aim in the present study was to develop and validate a formula for sex estimation through measurements in the maxillary sinuses in a Brazilian population, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Linear and volumetric measurements in the maxillary sinus were performed bilaterally in 94 CBCT scans from 45 males (mean age 25.2 ± 0.79) and 49 females (mean age 23.7 ± 0.50). The OnDemand 3D software was employed for linear measurements (height, length and width of, and the largest distance between the right and left maxillary sinuses), while the ITK-SNAP 3.0 segmentation software was used to acquire the volume. The data obtained was applied to a mathematical model for sex estimation. To validate the developed formula, another sample composed of 60 CBCT images of Brazilian individuals was tested. RESULTS: Overall, maxillary sinuses' measurements were significantly higher in males, without statistically significant differences between the right and left sides within each group. The most dimorphic measurement was the height, with an accuracy of 77.7% regarding sex estimation. The formula created lead to a sex estimation of 87.8% for females and 80% for males, with an overall accuracy of 84%. When the formula validity was tested in another sample, it showed an accuracy of 82.4%. CONCLUSION: The formula developed through measurements in the maxillary sinus using CBCT scans showed an accuracy of 84% for sex estimation and can be applied as a complementary method for human identification in the Brazilian population.

Utility of panoramic radiography for identification of the pubertal growth period.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim in this study was to investigate the association between dental mineralization stages and the periods of the pubertal growth spurt (PGS). METHODS: The sample included panoramic and hand-wrist radiographs from 491 subjects (222 boys, 269 girls) aged 7 to 17 years. Dental development was rated, and skeletal maturation was evaluated. The relevant associations were investigated by analysis of ordinal multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The second molar (odds ratio [OR] = 4.34) and the first premolar (OR = 2.45) were the best growth predictors for girls. For boys, the second molar (OR = 6.80), second premolar (OR = 2.41), and canine (OR = 3.21) proved to be the best predictors. Stages D and E of the second molar for girls, and stages E and F for boys, corresponded to the onset of the accelerated growth spurt. Stage F of the second molar for girls and stage G for boys corresponded to the peak of the PGS. At the end of the PGS, most teeth had already attained apical closure. In girls, however, most second molars were found at stage G. CONCLUSIONS: An association exists between the dental mineralization stages and the periods of the PGS, especially for second molars. Panoramic radiographs can be used as the first diagnostic tool to estimate the pubertal growth period.

Aggressive unicystic ameloblastoma affecting the posterior mandible: late diagnosis during orthodontic treatment.

Maxillofacial images must be examined to find pathologies not identified during clinical examination. Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) extending to the mandibular body and ramus was neglected on initial panoramic radiographic examination. After orthodontic therapy, a huge lesion was observed clinically and through imaging exams. After the conservative surgery, no recurrence was observed during five years of follow-up. This case emphasized the need for careful evaluation of patient images focusing on the oral diagnosis before any dental treatment planning, including orthodontic therapy.