The Role of the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle in Articular Disc Displacement: A Cross-sectional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the role of Lateral Pterygoid Muscle LPM in the articular disc displacement ADD, which is considered controversial due to the variations in the pattern of insertion of the Superior Lateral Pterygoid Muscle SPLM.

Background: It is well understood that the superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle has only a single insertion pattern among individuals, in which the muscle is attached to the articular disc and capsule. However, recent findings in many studies have shown a noticeable variation in the insertion pattern of the upper LPM.

Vertical relationships between the divergence angle of maxillary molar roots and the maxillary sinus floor: A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) study.

Aim: To assess the relations between the divergence angle of the maxillary molar roots and their proximity to the maxillary sinus floor using CBCT.

Method: This study comprised CBCT scans of the maxilla, including at least the inferior one-third of the maxillary sinus and at least one molar present in any quadrant with complete eruption and root formation. Evaluation included the vertical relations between the maxillary molar root apices and the maxillary sinus floor (MSF), and the root divergence was measured from the root apices to the floor of the pulp chamber.