• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.205-211
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was performed to compare the accuracy of micro-computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting accessory canals in primary molars. Materials and Methods: Forty-one extracted human primary first and second molars were embedded in wax blocks and scanned using micro-CT and CBCT. After the images were taken, the samples were processed using a clearing technique and examined under a stereomicroscope in order to establish the gold standard for this study. The specimens were classified into three groups: maxillary molars, mandibular molars with three canals, and mandibular molars with four canals. Differences between the gold standard and the observations made using the imaging methods were calculated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient test. Results: The presence of accessory canals in micro-CT images of maxillary and mandibular root canals showed a statistically significant correlation with the stereomicroscopic images used as a gold standard. No statistically significant correlation was found between the CBCT findings and the stereomicroscopic images. Conclusion: Although micro-CT is not suitable for clinical use, it provides more detailed information about minor anatomical structures. However, CBCT is convenient for clinical use but may not be capable of adequately analyzing the internal anatomy of primary teeth.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.143-150
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• 2011

Purpose : The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and bitewing images in detection of secondary caries. Materials and Methods : One hundred and twenty proximal slots of Class II cavities were randomly prepared on human premolar and molar teeth, and restored with amalgam (n=60) and composite resin (n=60). Then, artificial secondary caries lesions were randomly created using round steel No. 4 bur. The teeth were radiographed with a conventional bitewing technique and two CBCT systems; Pax-500ECT and Promax 3D. All images were evaluated by five observers. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve ($A_z$) was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. Significant difference was tested using the Friedman test (p value<0.05). Results : The mean $A_z$ values for bitewing, Pax-500ECT, and Promax 3D imaging systems were 0.882, 0.995, and 0.978, respectively. Significant differences were found between the two CBCT systems and film (p=0.007). For CBCT systems, the axial plane showed the greatest $A_z$ value. Conclusion : Based on the design of this study, CBCT images were better than bitewing radiographs in detection of secondary caries.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.83-88
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• 2012

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the initial effects of maxillary expansion therapy with Hyrax appliance and to evaluate the related changes in maxillary sinus volume. Materials and Methods : Thirty patients (20 females, 10 males; 13.8 years) requiring maxillary expansion therapy, as part of their comprehensive orthodontic treatment, were examined. Each patient had cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images taken before (T1) and after (T2) maxillary expansion therapy with a banded Hyrax appliance. Multiplanar slices were used to measure linear dimensions and palatal vault angle. Volumetric analysis was used to measure maxillary sinus volumes. Student t tests were used to compare the pre- and post-treatment measurements. Additionally, differences between two age groups were compared with Mann-Whitney U test. The level of significance was set at p=0.05. Results : Comparison of pre-treatment to post-treatment variables revealed significant changes in the transverse dimension related to both maxillary skeletal and dental structures and palatal vault angle, resulting in a widened palatal vault (p<0.05). Hard palate showed no significant movement in the vertical and anteroposterior planes. Nasal cavity width increased on a mean value of 0.93mm(SD=0.23, p<0.05). Maxillary sinus volume remained virtually stable. No significant age differences were observed in the sample. Conclusion : Hyrax expansion therapy did not have a significant impact on maxillary sinus volume.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.65-70
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• 2012

Purpose : The aim of this study was to compare the effective dose for imaging of mandible between multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). An MDCT with low dose technique was also compared with them. Materials and Methods : Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) chips were placed at 25 organ sites of an anthropomorphic phantom. The mandible of the phantom was exposed using 2 different types of MDCT units (Somatom Sensation 10 for standard-dose MDCT, Somatom Emotion 6 for low-dose MDCT) and 3 different CBCT units (AZ3000CT, Implagraphy, and Kavo 3D eXaM). The radiation absorbed dose was measured and the effective dose was calculated according to the ICRP 2007 report. Results : The effective dose was the highest for Somatom Sensation 10 (425.84 ${\mu}Sv$), followed by AZ3000CT (332.4 ${\mu}Sv$), Somatom Emotion 6 (199.38 ${\mu}Sv$), and 3D eXaM (111.6 ${\mu}Sv$); it was the lowest for Implagraphy (83.09 ${\mu}Sv$). The CBCT showed significant variation in dose level with different device. Conclusion : The effective doses of MDCTs were not significantly different from those of CBCTs for imaging of mandible. The effective dose of MDCT could be markedly decreased by using the low-dose technique.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.273-281
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the general anatomy and morphology of the nasopalatine canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to determine the human anatomic variability of the nasopalatine canal in relation to age and gender. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 subjects aged between 20 and 86 years who were divided into the following 3 groups: 1) 20-34 years old; 2) 35-49 years old; 3) ${\geq}50$ years old. The subjects were equally distributed between the genders. CBCT was performed using a standard exposure and patient positioning protocol. The data of the CBCT images were sliced in three dimensions. Image planes on the three axes (X, Y, and Z) were sequentially analyzed for the location, morphology and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal by two independent observers. The correlation of age and gender with all the variables was evaluated. Results: The present study did not reveal statistically significant differences in the number of openings at the nasal fossa; diameter of the nasal fossa openings; diameter of the incisive fossa; shape, curvature, and angulation of the canal as viewed in the sagittal sections; antero-posterior dimensions and length of the canal in the sagittal sections; or the level of division of the canal in the coronal plane by age. However, males and females showed significant differences in the length of the canal in the sagittal sections and level of the division of the canal in the coronal plane. Conclusion: The present study highlighted important variability observed in the anatomy and morphology of the nasopalatine canal.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.201-212
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital panoramic radiography (DPR) for the detection of pulp stones. Materials and Methods: DPR and CBCT images of 202 patients were randomly selected from the database of our department. All teeth were evaluated in sagittal, axial, and coronal sections in CBCT images. The systemic condition of patients, the presence of pulp stones, the location of the tooth, the group of teeth, and the presence and depth of caries and restorations were recorded. The presence of pulp stones in molar teeth was compared between DPR and CBCT images. Results: Pulp stones were identified in 105 (52.0%) of the 202 subjects and in 434 (7.7%) of the 5,656 teeth examined. The prevalence of pulp stones was similar between the sexes and across various tooth locations and groups of teeth (P>.05). A positive correlation was observed between age and the number of pulp stones(${\rho}=0.277$, P<.01). Pulp stones were found significantly more often in restored or carious teeth (P<.001). CBCT and DPR showed a significant difference in the detection of pulp stones(P<.001), which were seen more often on DPR than on CBCT. Conclusion: DPR, as a 2D imaging system, has inherent limitations leading to the misinterpretation of pulp stones. Restored and carious teeth should be carefully examined for the presence of pulp stones. CBCT imaging is recommended for a definitive assessment in cases where there is a suspicion of a pulp stone on DPR.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.217-226
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the quantity and quality of the mandibular anterior alveolar bone in terms of alveolar width, density, and total alveolar height (TAH) based on dental status, gender, and age. Additionally, this study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the available alveolar height for graft harvesting (AHGH) and examine its variability based on the aforementioned factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cone-beam computed tomographic study included a total of 100 subjects. On the basis of gender, dental status, and age, the scans were divided into 3 primary groups and 8 subgroups. The mandibular alveolar width and density were measured 5 mm mesial to the mental foramen bilaterally and at the midline. The TAH was measured at the midline, and the AHGH was measured as the midline distance between 5 mm apical to the root of the canines and 5 mm superior to the lower border. Results: The mandibular alveolar width was statistically similar between dentulous and edentulous patients (P>0.05). A significantly greater density was observed at the midline in edentulous patients (P<0.05). The TAH was significantly greater in edentulous male patients than in edentulous female patients (P<0.05). Dentulous and male patients had significantly greater AHGH than edentulous and female patients, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the data evaluated in this study, it can be concluded that the mandibular symphyseal area has adequate bone quality and quantity for bone graft harvesting for dental implant therapy.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2018

Objectives: Foreign bodies (FBs) account for 3.8% of all pathologies of the head and neck region, and approximately one third of them are missed on initial examination. Thus, FBs represent diagnostic challenges to maxillofacial surgeons, rendering it necessary to employ an appropriate imaging modality in suspected cases. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, five different materials, including wood, metal, glass, tooth and stone, were prepared in three sizes (0.5, 1, and 2 mm) and placed in three locations (soft tissue, air-filled space and bone surface) within a sheep's head (one day after death) and scanned by panoramic radiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and ultrasonography (US) devices. The images were reviewed, and accuracy of the detection modalities was recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman, Wilcoxon signed-rank and kappa tests (P<0.05). Results: CBCT was more accurate in detection of FBs than panoramic radiography and US (P<0.001). Metal was the most visible FB in all of modalities. US was the most accurate technique for detecting wooden materials, and CBCT was the best modality for detecting all other materials, regardless of size or location (P<0.05). The detection accuracy of US was greater in soft tissue, while both CBCT and panoramic radiography had minimal accuracy in detection of FBs in soft tissue. Conclusion: CBCT was the most accurate detection modality for all the sizes, locations and compositions of FBs, except for the wooden materials. Therefore, we recommend CBCT as the gold standard of imaging for detecting FBs in the maxillofacial region.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.282-288
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• 2015

Objective: This study investigated whether it is possible to use a two-dimensional (2D) standard in three-dimensional (3D) analysis, by comparing the angles and lengths measured from a midsagittal projection in 3D cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with those measured by 2D lateral cephalometric radiography (LCR). Methods: Fifty patients who underwent both LCR and CBCT were selected as subjects. CBCT was reoriented in 3 different methods and the measuring-points were projected onto the midsagittal plane. Twelve angle values and 8 length values were measured on both LCR and CBCT and compared. Results: Repeated measures analysis of the variance revealed statistically significant differences in 7 angular and 5 linear measurements among LCR and 3 types of CBCT (p < 0.05). Of these 12 measurements, multiple comparisons showed that 6 measurements (ANB, AB to FH, IMPA, FMA, Co-Gn, Go-Me) were not significantly different in pairwise comparisons. LCR was significantly different from 3 types of CBCT in 3 angular (SN to FH, interincisal angle, FMIA) and 2 linear (S-Go, Co-ANS) measurements. The CBCT method was similar for all measurements, except for 1 linear measurement, i.e., S-N. However, the disparity between the mean values for all parameters was within the range of clinical measurement error. Conclusions: 3D-CBCT analysis, using midsagittal projection, is a useful method in which the 2D-LCR normative values can be used. Although the measurements changed with reorientation, these changes were not clinically significant.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.143-152
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• 2018

Objective: This study examined cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-derived multiplanar-reconstructed (MPR) cross-sections to clarify the salient characteristics of patients with skeletal class III malocclusion with midface deficiency (MD). Methods: The horizontal and sagittal plane intersection points were identified for middle-third facial analysis in 40 patients in the MD or normal (N) groups. MPR images acquired parallel to each horizontal plane were used for length and angular measurements. Results: A comparison of the MD and N groups revealed significant differences in the zygoma prominence among female patients. The convex zygomatic area in the N group was larger than that in the MD group, and the inferior part of the midface in the N group was smaller than that in the MD group for both male and female patients. A significant difference was observed in the concave middle maxillary area among male patients. Conclusions: This study was conducted to demonstrate the difference between MD and normal face through MPR images derived from CBCT. Male patients in the MD group had a more flattened face than did those in the N group. Female patients in the MD group showed a concave-shaped lower section of the zygoma, which tended to have more severe MD. These findings indicate that orthognathic surgery to improve skeletal discrepancy requires different approaches in male and female patients.