Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus.

Arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus is a normal anatomic variant which may be mistaken for pathology. Suspected cases of arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus on cone beam CT and multidetector CT scans are presented. Pertinent imaging findings and differential diagnosis are discussed.

Predicting the anatomical position of the palatal root apex in maxillary first premolars during surgical endodontic treatment.

Introduction: Although many studies have reported on the morphology of maxillary first premolars, to our knowledge, there has never been an investigation reporting the anatomic position of the palatal (P) root tip relative to the B root tip in mesiodistal (MD), buccopalatal (BP), and apicocoronal (AC) dimensions. Such information could help clinicians more accurately locate root apices, reduce surgical morbidity, and improve the precision and prognosis of endodontic periradicular surgery for this tooth.

Methods: Fifty extracted, bifurcated, human maxillary first premolars were individually mounted and photographed under 10x magnification and oriented to simulate a clinical view.

Radiographic endodontic working length estimation: comparison of three digital image receptors.

Objective: This in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the Schick wireless image receptor compared with 2 other types of digital image receptors for measuring the radiographic landmarks pertinent to endodontic treatment.

Study Design: Fourteen human cadaver mandibles with retained molars were selected. A fine endodontic file (#10) was introduced into the canal at random distances from the apex and at the apex of the tooth; images were made with 3 different #2-size image receptors: DenOptix storage phosphor plates, Gendex CCD sensor (wired), and Schick CDR sensor (wireless).

How does signal fade on photo-stimulable storage phosphor imaging plates when scanned with a delay and what is the effect on image quality?

Objective: The goals of this in vitro study were to determine the effect of signal fading of DenOptix photo-stimulable storage phosphor imaging plates scanned with a delay and to determine the effect on the diagnostic quality of the image. In addition, we sought to correlate signal fading with image spatial resolution and average pixel intensity values.

Study Design: Forty-eight images were obtained of a test specimen apparatus and scanned at 6 delayed time intervals: immediately scanned, 1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, and 168 hours.

The use of radiation dose-reduction techniques in the practices of dental faculty members.

X-ray exposure to dental patients has been significantly reduced by the introduction of speed group E intraoral film, rectangular beam limitation, long position indicating devices (PIDs), and rare-earth intensifying screens for extraoral radiography. Research indicates that many dentists do not use these techniques. However, schools of dentistry have implemented them to varying degrees for many years, so this investigation was conducted to determine the extent to which dental school faculty members use these materials and techniques in their own practices.

Comparison of panoramic radiography and panoramic digital subtraction radiography in the detection of simulated osteophytic lesions of the mandibular condyle.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare panoramic temporomandibular joint radiography, unenhanced and color-enhanced digital-subtraction radiography with respect to detectability of simulated osteophytic lesions of the mandibular condyle.

Methods: Three dry human skulls with no obvious temporomandibular joint pathology were selected. Four sizes of bone chips were placed on the anterior aspect of the condyle at medial, central, and lateral locations.

Radiation dose-reduction techniques in North American dental schools.

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to describe the extent to which dental schools use materials, equipment, and quality-assurance protocols that reduce radiation exposure to patients.

Study Design: Questionnaires soliciting information regarding intraoral and extraoral radiographic practices and quality-assurance procedures were sent to the directors of oral and maxillofacial radiology (OMR) at the 65 schools of dentistry in the United States and Canada.

Results: The response rate was 100%.