Nonionizing diagnostic imaging modalities for visualizing health and pathology of periodontal and peri-implant tissues.

Radiographic examination has been an essential part of the diagnostic workflow in periodontology and implant dentistry. However, radiographic examination unavoidably involves ionizing radiation and its associated risks. Clinicians and researchers have invested considerable efforts in assessing the feasibility and capability of utilizing nonionizing imaging modalities to replace traditional radiographic imaging.

Photon-Counting CT Material Decomposition in Bone Imaging.

The accurate screening of osteoporosis is important for identifying persons at risk. The diagnosis of bone conditions using dual X-ray absorptiometry is limited to extracting areal bone mineral density (BMD) and fails to provide any structural information. Computed tomography (CT) is excellent for morphological imaging but not ideal for material quantification.

Diagnostic application of intraoral ultrasonography to assess furcation involvement in mandibular first molars.

Objectives: The objectives were to clarify if intraoral ultrasonography (USG) is: (1) more accurate than conventional periodontal examinations in detection of furcation involvement, and (2) comparable to conventional periodontal examinations in accurate horizontal classification of furcation involvement in comparison to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: The buccal furcation in 61 lower first molars were evaluated with conventional periodontal examinations, intraoral USG and CBCT. The presence and classification of the horizontal depth of furcation involvement were defined clinically by assessment with a Nabers periodontal probe and a periapical radiograph with reference to the bone loss under the fornix.

Accuracy of CBCT in the Identification of Mental, Lingual, and Retromolar Foramina: A Comparison with Visual Inspection of Human Dry Mandibles.

The present dry-mandible study evaluated the presence of the mental (MF), lingual (LF), and retromolar (RMF) foramina to assess the accuracy of CBCT in detecting these anatomical structures. In total, 38 human dry mandibles were analyzed (30 men, 8 women; mean age: 61.9 ± 13.

Posterior superior alveolar nerves contribute to sensation in the anterior teeth.

Background: There is no available data on the occurrence rate of a converged alveolar canal, the detailed three-dimensional (3D) courses of alveolar canals/grooves (ACGs), or the contribution of each superior alveolar nerve to each area in the maxilla. This study aimed to clarify the 3D courses of ACGs, the relationship between ACGs and superior alveolar nerves, and the contribution of posterior superior alveolar nerves (PSANs) using computed tomography (CT) with histological analysis.

Methods: During the gross anatomy course at Niigata University, we investigated nine human cadavers.

Clinical guidelines for the application of panoramic radiographs in screening for osteoporosis.

Osteoporotic fractures are associated with an increased risk of subsequent fractures, a higher rate of mortality, and incremental medical costs. Incidental findings, which include some measurements related to the mandibular inferior cortex and the alveolar trabecular bone pattern of the mandible determined on panoramic radiographs, are considered to be a useful tool for identifying asymptomatic individuals at risk of having osteoporosis and/or fragility fractures. We undertook a worldwide literature survey and present the following clinical recommendations.

[Extensive polyostotic form of fibrous dysplasia with involvement of the right maxilla and mandible].

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is classified as fibro-osseous and osteochondromatous changes in the new WHO classification. In FD, the regular bone is replaced by a mixture of disorganized and moderately calcified woven bone and connective tissue. A distinction is made between a monostotic and a polyostotic type.

Anteroposterior length of the maxillary complex and its relationship with the anterior cranial base.

Objectives: To use both absolute anteroposterior maxillary complex length (APMCL) and relative APMCL to investigate the relationship between the maxillary complex, its individual bony segments, and their association to the anterior cranial base. In addition, the relationship between length and position of the maxillary complex was analyzed.

Materials And Methods: Sixty human skulls were analyzed using cone beam computed tomography.

[Extensive odontogenic keratocyst in the posterior left mandible].

Odontogenic keratocysts (OCT) are odontogenic cysts and are among the most common jaw cysts after radicular and follicular cysts. They occur in over 80% of cases in the mandible, especially in the posterior part of the mandible and ascending ramus. OMCs occur in all age groups, with a higher incidence in the second to third decade of life and in patients between 50 and 70 years of age (bimodal age distribution).

Mandibular Radiomorphometric Indices and Tooth Loss as Predictors for the Risk of Osteoporosis using Panoramic Radiographs.

Purpose: To assess the mandibular cortical width (MCW) and morphology of the mandibular inferior cortex (MIC) on panoramic views from a large sample of males and females in various age groups by using an automated morphometric grading system for assisting osteoporosis screening. Furthermore, possible predictors and concrete cut-off values to identify the risk for osteoporosis were evaluated.

Materials And Methods: MCW, MIC, tooth loss (TL), and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were retrospectively evaluated in 700 panoramic images from dental patients in Hong Kong using commercially available software.

Current Applications, Opportunities, and Limitations of AI for 3D Imaging in Dental Research and Practice.

The increasing use of three-dimensional (3D) imaging techniques in dental medicine has boosted the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems for various clinical problems. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral/facial scans are potential sources of image data to develop 3D image-based AI systems for automated diagnosis, treatment planning, and prediction of treatment outcome. This review focuses on current developments and performance of AI for 3D imaging in dentomaxillofacial radiology (DMFR) as well as intraoral and facial scanning.

[Drug-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw with oral bisphosphonates in osteoporosis - periodontal diseases also harbor risks].

During treatment with bisphosphonates (peroral or intravenous), there is a risk of osteonecrosis, "medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw" (MRONJ), as a direct consequence of oral surgery or due to chronic infections such as periodontitis or peri-implantitis, particularly with high-dose medication in malignant patients. Necrosis of the jawbone has also been described with oral bisphosphonates in osteoporosis.

Awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging among dentists in Hong Kong.

Aims To investigate the awareness and practice of 2D and 3D diagnostic imaging, including respective equipment, specifications, number of images acquired, indications for CBCT scans, preference between 2D and 3D imaging, and the confidence in acquiring and interpreting radiographic images among dentists in Hong Kong.Materials and methods A citywide survey was performed with an online questionnaire that was sent via the local dental association to registered dentists in Hong Kong. The anonymous survey focused on: their dental background; number, type and age of their intra-oral, panoramic devices; CBCT indications, field-of-view and consideration of low-dose protocols; and their confidence in taking and interpreting these images.

Dry Skulls and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for Teaching Orofacial Bone Anatomy to Undergraduate Dental Students.

Learning bone anatomy of the skull is a complex topic involving three-dimensional information. The impact of the use of human dry skulls and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging was investigated in the teaching of undergraduate dental students. Sixty-four first-year students in the University of Hong Kong were randomly divided into eight groups.

A comparison of visual identification of dental radiographic and nonradiographic images using eye tracking technology.

Objectives: Eye tracking has been used in medical radiology to understand observers' gaze patterns during radiological diagnosis. This study examines the visual identification ability of junior hospital dental officers (JHDOs) and dental surgery assistants (DSAs) in radiographic and nonradiographic images using eye tracking technology and examines if there is a correlation.

Material And Methods: Nine JHDOs and nine DSAs examined six radiographic images and 16 nonradiographic images using eye tracking.

[Not Available].

Intraosseous hemangiomas in the jaw area are rare pathological changes that occur in the mandible, particularly in the premolar and molar region. Clinically, a slowly increasing painless swelling is typical. Recurrent spontaneous bleeding and paresthesia may also occur.

[Calcified stylohyoid complex - clinical and radiological findings].

The stylohyoid ligament attaches to the styloid process of the temporal bone and extends to the cornu minus of the hyoid bone. An elongated styloid process, which is caused by increased calcification of the styloid process and/or the ligament (so-called stylohyoid complex), can measure an average of 3-4 cm in two-dimensional X-ray images such as the panoramic tomography.

The use and performance of artificial intelligence applications in dental and maxillofacial radiology: A systematic review.

Objectives: To investigate the current clinical applications and diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence (AI) in dental and maxillofacial radiology (DMFR).

Methods: Studies using applications related to DMFR to develop or implement AI models were sought by searching five electronic databases and four selected core journals in the field of DMFR. The customized assessment criteria based on QUADAS-2 were adapted for quality analysis of the studies included.

Antibacterial Additives in Epoxy Resin-Based Root Canal Sealers: A Focused Review.

Dental materials used in root canal treatment have undergone substantial improvements over the past decade. However, one area that still remains to be addressed is the ability of root canal fillings to effectively entomb, kill bacteria, and prevent the formation of a biofilm, all of which will prevent reinfection of the root canal system. Thus far, no published review has analysed the literature on antimicrobial additives to root canal sealers and their influence on physicochemical properties.

Patient-, software-, and observer-related factors associated with the time required for semi-automated measurements of the maxillary sinus volume using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

This study aimed to evaluate patient-, software-, and observer-related factors influencing the time required for volumetric measurements of maxillary sinuses using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and a commercially available software. The volumes of healthy bilateral maxillary sinuses of adult patients from CBCT images taken during a 15-month study period were measured using dedicated software by two observers. The time required for volumetric assessments was evaluated statistically with respect to the potential influence of gender, age, sinus side, sinus volume, sequence of measurement, and selection threshold of the software.

[The zygomatic fracture – Typical clinical and radiological findings].

Fractures of the midface involve anatomical structures and skull openings such as the piriform aperture (Le Fort I), the infraorbital foramen (Le Fort II) or the zygomatic bone (Le Fort III). Lateral midface fractures are among the most common injuries to the facial skull and usually affect the zygomaticoorbital complex.

A Retrospective Evaluation of Factors Influencing the Volume of Healthy Maxillary Sinuses Based on CBCT Imaging.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the volume of healthy maxillary sinuses by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The sinus volumes in bilateral CBCT images of healthy maxillary sinuses of patients aged 18 years or older were evaluated using dedicated 3D volumetric software. Differences in volume based on gender, age, sinus side, and dental status were analyzed statistically.

Clinical guidelines for dental cone-beam computed tomography.

Dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) received regulatory approval in Japan in 2000 and has been widely used since being approved for coverage by the National Health Insurance system in 2012. This imaging technique allows dental practitioners to observe and diagnose lesions in the dental hard tissue in three dimensions (3D). When performing routine radiography, the examination must be justified, and optimal protection should be provided according to the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles laid down by the International Commission on Radiological Protection.

Evaluation of Health or Pathology of Bilateral Maxillary Sinuses in Patients Referred for Cone Beam Computed Tomography Using a Low-Dose Protocol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health or pathology of bilateral maxillary sinuses using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with a low-dose protocol, and to analyze potential influencing factors. The study included only CBCT scans with complete visualization of bilateral maxillary sinuses. The scans were taken using a medium to large field of view and a low-dose protocol, as indicated by the manufacturer.