• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.197-203
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• 2007

Purpose: To provide diagnostic information by evaluation of the positional relationship between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal. Materials and Methods: Eighty-nine mandibular third molars were classified as mesioangular, horizontal, vertical, distoangular groups. The distances between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal were measured in cone-beam computed tomographs. The height and width ratios of distances from the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal to the mandibular inferior border and to the lingual cortical plate were calculated. Results: The vertical and buccolingual distances between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal were 0.03 mm, 2.96 mm in the mesioangular, 0.37 mm, 3.38 mm in the horizontal, -1.50 mm, 1.38 mm in the vertical, -1.10 mm, 4.20 mm in the distoangular group. There were significant differences in vertical (P < 0.05), but not in buccolingual (P>0.05). The height and width ratios of distances on the mandibular third molar were 47.1 %, 36.1 % in the mesioangular, 47.4%, 34.4% in the horizontal, 37.0%, 46.7% in the vertical, 40.9%, 37.4% in the distoangular group. There were significant differences between the mesioangular and the vertical group, and the horizontal and the vertical group in height ratio (P < 0.05), and also between the mesioangular and the vertical group in width ratio (P < 0.05). The height and width ratios of distances on the mandibular canal showed no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion : The mesioangular group showed the nearest distance between the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal vertically. The root apex of the mandibular third molar was positioned more buccally in the vertical group than in the mesioangular group.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.221-227
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• 2014

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical anatomy of lower premolar roots in a Spanish population by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), correlating findings with patient gender and tooth type. Materials and Methods: Using 70 CBCT images, we evaluated 126 healthy, untreated, well-developed lower premolars. The number and morphology of roots and root canals, and the foramina number were assessed. Results for gender and tooth type were compared using the chi-squared and ANOVA tests. Results: The average length of teeth and roots was significantly higher in men (p=0.00). All 126 premolars had a single root. One canal was found in 83.3% of the premolars, with no gender or tooth type differences; Vertucci configuration types I and V were the most prevalent. The first premolars showed significantly greater variability than the second premolars (p=0.03). A single apical foramen was found in 89.7% of the premolars, with no differences by tooth type. Women had a significantly higher prevalence of two apical foramina than men (p=0.04). Some degree of curvature was observed in 65% of the premolars, with no differences by gender or tooth type. A root angle of more than $20^{\circ}$ was found in 12.98% of the premolars, without any differences by gender or tooth. Conclusion: All premolars were single-rooted. One canal had the most prevalent morphology. More variability in canal anatomy was found in the first premolars. Curvatures greater than $20^{\circ}$ were found at less than 5 mm from the apex.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.229-236
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• 2014

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of bifid and trifid mandibular canals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and to measure their length, diameter, and angle. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 500 patients, involving 755 hemi-mandibles, were used for this study. The presence and type of bifid mandibular canal was evaluated according to a modified classification of Naitoh et al. Prevalence rates were determined according to age group, gender, and type. Further, their diameter, length, and angles were measured using PACSPLUS Viewer and ImageJ 1.46r. Statistical analysis with chi-squared and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests was performed. Results: Bifid and trifid mandibular canals were found in 22.6% of the 500 patients and 16.2% of the 755 sides. There was no significant difference between genders and among age groups. The retromolar canal type accounted for 71.3% of the identified canals; the dental canal type, 18.8%; the forward canal type, 4.1%; and the trifid canal type, 5.8%. Interestingly, seven cases of the trifid canal type, which has been rarely reported, were observed. The mean diameter of the bifid and trifid mandibular canals was 2.2 mm and that of the main mandibular canal was 4.3 mm. Their mean length was 16.9 mm; the mean superior angle was $149.2^{\circ}$, and the mean inferior angle was $37.7^{\circ}$. Conclusion: Bifid and trifid mandibular canals in the Korean population were observed at a relatively high rate through a CBCT evaluation, and the most common type was the retromolar canal. CBCT is suggested for a detailed evaluation of bifid and trifid mandibular canals before mandibular surgery.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.85-90
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the buccal alveolar bone thickness following rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four individuals (15 females, 9 males; 13.9 years) that underwent RME therapy were included. Each patient had CBCT images available before (T1), after (T2), and 2 to 3 years after (T3) maxillary expansion therapy. Coronal multiplanar reconstruction images were used to measure the linear transverse dimensions, inclinations of teeth, and thickness of the buccal alveolar bone. One-way ANOVA analysis was used to compare the changes between the three times of imaging. Pairwise comparisons were made with the Bonferroni method. The level of significance was established at p<0.05. Results: The mean changes between the points in time yielded significant differences for both molar and premolar transverse measurements between T1 and T2 (p<0.05) and between T1 and T3 (p<0.05). When evaluating the effect of maxillary expansion on the amount of buccal alveolar bone, a decrease between T1 and T2 and an increase between T2 and T3 were found in the buccal bone thickness of both the maxillary first premolars and maxillary first molars. However, these changes were not significant. Similar changes were observed for the angular measurements. Conclusion: RME resulted in non-significant reduction of buccal bone between T1 and T2. These changes were reversible in the long-term with no evident deleterious effects on the alveolar buccal bone.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.83-95
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• 2013

Objective: To evaluate the changes in cortical bone thickness, alveolar bone height, and the incidence of dehiscence and fenestration in the surrounding alveolar bone of posterior teeth after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) treatment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: The CBCT records of 20 subjects (9 boys, mean age: $13.97{\pm}1.17$ years; 11 girls, mean age: $13.53{\pm}2.12$ year) that underwent RME were selected from the archives. CBCT scans had been taken before (T1) and after (T2) the RME. Moreover, 10 of the subjects had 6-month retention (T3) records. We used the CBCT data to evaluate the buccal and palatal aspects of the canines, first and second premolars, and the first molars at 3 vertical levels. The cortical bone thickness and alveolar bone height at T1 and T2 were evaluated with the paired-samples t-test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Repeated measure ANOVA or the Friedman test was used to evaluate the statistical significance at T1, T2, and T3. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The buccal cortical bone thickness decreased gradually from baseline to the end of the retention period. After expansion, the buccal alveolar bone height was reduced significantly; however, this change was not statistically significant after the 6-month retention period. During the course of the treatment, the incidence of dehiscence and fenestration increased and decreased, respectively. Conclusions: RME may have detrimental effects on the supporting alveolar bone, since the thickness and height of the buccal alveolar bone decreased during the retention period.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.54-61
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• 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of Reference Ear Plug (REP) during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for the generation of lateral cephalograms from CBCT scan data. Methods: Two CBCT scans were obtained from 33 adults. One CBCT scan was acquired using conventional methods, and the other scan was acquired with the use of REP. Virtual lateral cephalograms created from each CBCT image were traced and compared with tracings of the real cephalograms obtained from the same subject. Results: CBCT scan with REP resulted in a smaller discrepancy between real and virtual cephalograms. In comparing the real and virtual cephalograms, no measurements significantly differed from real cephalogram values in case of CBCT scan with REP, whereas many measurements significantly differed in the case of CBCT scan without REP. Conclusion: Measurements from CBCT-generated cephalograms are more similar to those from real cephalograms when REP are used during CBCT scan. Thus, the use of REP is suggested during CBCT scan to generate accurate virtual cephalograms from CBCT scan data.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.263-270
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• 2013

Objective: To evaluate condylar head remodeling after mandibular set-back sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with rigid fixation in skeletal class III deformities. The correlation between condylar head remodeling and condylar axis changes was determined using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) superimposition. Methods: The CBCT data of 22 subjects (9 men and 13 women) who had undergone mandibular set-back SSRO with rigid fixation were analyzed. Changes in the condylar head measurements and the distribution of the signs of condylar head remodeling were evaluated by CBCT superimposition. Results: The subjects showed inward rotation of the axial condylar angle; reduced condylar heights on the sagittal and coronal planes; and resorptive remodeling in the anterior and superior areas on the sagittal plane, superior and lateral areas on the coronal plane, and anterior-middle and anterior-lateral areas on the axial plane (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The CBCT superimposition method showed condylar head remodeling after mandibular set-back SSRO with rigid fixation. In skeletal class III patients, SSRO with rigid fixation resulted in rotation, diminution, and remodeling of the condylar head. However, these changes did not produce clinical signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2020

Purpose: This study compared 2 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems in the detection of mechanically simulated peri-implant buccal bone defects in dry human mandibles. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four implants were placed in 7 dry human mandibles. Peri-implant bone defects were created in the buccal plates of 16 implants using spherical burs. All mandibles were scanned using 2 CBCT systems with their commonly used acquisition protocols: i-CAT Gendex CB-500 (Imaging Sciences, Hatfield, PA, USA; field of view [FOV], 8 cm×8 cm; voxel size, 0.125 mm; 120 kVp; 5 mA; 23 s) and Orthopantomograph OP300 (Intrumentarium, Tuusula, Finland; FOV, 6 cm×8 cm; voxel size, 0.085 mm; 90 kVp; 6.3 mA; 13 s). Two oral and maxillofacial radiologists assessed the CBCT images for the presence of a defect and measured the depth of the bone defects. Diagnostic performance was compared in terms of the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: High intraobserver and interobserver agreement was found (P<0.05). The OP300 showed slightly better diagnostic performance and higher detection rates than the CB-500 (AUC, 0.56±0.03), with a mean accuracy of 75.0%, sensitivity of 81.2%, and specificity of 62.5%. Higher contrast was observed with the CB-500, whereas the OP300 formed more artifacts. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the present results suggest that the choice of CBCT systems with their respective commonly used acquisition protocols does not significantly affect diagnostic performance in detecting and measuring buccal peri-implant bone loss.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2020

Purpose: The positions of the mandibular foramen (MnF) and the lingula affect the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block. The objective of this study was to investigate aspects of the MnF and the lingula relevant for mandibular block anesthesia using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Fifty CBCT scans were collected from a picture archiving and communications system. All scans were taken using an Alphard Vega 3030 (Asahi Roentgen Co. Ltd., Kyoto, Japan). Fifty-eight MnFs of 30 subjects were included in the study. The position of the MnF, the size of the MnF, the position of the lingula, the size of the lingula, and the shape of the lingula were measured and recorded. All data were statistically analyzed at a significance level of P<0.05. Results: The position of MnF was 0.1 mm and 0.8 mm below the occlusal plane in males and females, respectively. The horizontal position of the MnF was slightly anterior to the center of the ramus in males and in the center in females (P<0.05). The vertical position of the MnF was lower in females than in males(P<0.05). The MnF was an oval shape with a longer anteroposterior dimension. The height of the lingula was 9.3 mm in males and 8.2 mm in females. The nodular type was the most common shape of the lingula, followed by the triangular, truncated, and assimilated types. Conclusion: CBCT provided useful information about the MnF and lingula. This information could improve the success rate of mandibular blocks.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.141-151
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to quantify the influence of tooth position within the field-of-view (FOV) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging artifacts' intensity when assessing teeth restored with various intracanal materials. Materials and Methods: Seventy single-rooted teeth were divided into 7 groups (10 teeth per group): NiCr post (NC), AgPd post (AP), metal core fiberglass post (MCFG), fiberglass post (FG), anatomical fiberglass post (AFG), fiberglass post cemented with core build-up cement (FGCo), and anatomical fiberglass post cemented with core build-up cement (AFGCo). All posts were cemented using a regular dual-curing resin cement (Allcem), except FGCo and AFGCo which were cemented with a core build-up dual-curing resin cement (AllcemCore). Each tooth was scanned on a CS9000 in 5 positions within the FOV: a central position, anterior horizontal peripheral, peripheral superior, peripheral inferior, and posterior horizontal peripheral position. Hyperdense, hypodense, remaining teeth areas and ROI areas were quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software. Results: Posterior horizontal peripheral position increased the intensity of artifacts on FGCo and AFGCo post groups (P<0.05), and specifically the hypodense artifact intensity on FG and AFG post groups (P<0.05). NC and AP groups presented greater intensity of artifacts than any other post groups(P<0.05). Conclusion: Artifact intensity increases in the presence of high atomic number materials and when the object is not centered within the FOV. The impact of positioning within the FOV on artifact was greater for fiberglass posts cemented with core build-up dual-curing cement than for metal posts and fiberglass posts cemented with regular dual-curing cement.