• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.69-73
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• 2009

Purpose: This study compared panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for evaluating the relationship between the maxillary sinus floor and the roots of maxillary molars. Materials and Methods: Paired panoramic radiographs and CBCT images from 97 subjects were analysed. This analysis classified 388 maxillary molars according to their relationship to the maxillary sinus floor on panoramic radiograph and CBCT. Correlations between these two radiographic techniques were examined. Results: Maxillary molar roots that were separate from the sinus floor showed the same classification in 100% of the cases when using these two imaging techniques. The corresponding percentage for such roots that were in contact with the sinus floor was 75%. When roots overlapped the maxillary sinus floor on panoramic radiographs, only 26.4% of maxillary first molars and 60.0% of second molars showed protrusion of roots into the sinus with CBCT. Conclusion : The results of the study suggest that roots projecting into the sinus on panoramic radiographs require a three-dimensional image in order to analyze the proximity of their apex to the sinus floor. (Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol2009; 39 : 69-73)

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ossification and maturation of the midpalatal suture in young Koreans using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 40 patients with ages from 8.2 to 23.6 years who visited the Department of Orthodontics, Chung-Ang University Dental Hospital. CBCT images were taken for diagnosis. From the CBCT image, morphological stages and Hounsfield units (HU) of midpalatal suture were obtained to evaluate the midpalatal suture maturation. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to analyze relationships between chronological age, morphological stage, and HU. Result: There was a wide variation in the morphology of the midpalatal suture in each age group. It showed a modest relationship between the chronological age and the degree of morphological stages. Also there was a modest relationship between the chronological age and HU. In contrast, there was a significant relationship between morphological stages and HU of midpalatal suture (P<0.01). Conclusion: CBCT images can be used for the evaluation of midpalatal suture maturation. For the estimation of the prognosis of rapid maxillary expansion, CBCT may be reliable for the assessment of the maturation of the midpalatal suture.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.43-51
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this article is to review the current status of dental caries diagnosis using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods : An online PubMed search was performed to identify studies on caries research using CBCT. Results : Despite its usefulness, there were inherent limitations in the detection of caries lesions through conventional radiograph mainly due to the two-dimensional (2D) representation of caries lesions. Several efforts were made to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) image of lesion, only to gain little popularity. Recently, CBCT was introduced and has been used for diagnosis of caries in several reports. Some of them maintained the superiority of CBCT systems, however it is still under controversies. Conclusion : The CBCT systems are promising, however they should not be considered as a primary choice of caries diagnosis in everyday practice yet. Further studies under more standardized condition should be performed in the near future.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.291-298
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• 2020

Purpose: The detection and exact localization of penetrating foreign bodies are crucial for the appropriate management of patients with dentoalveolar trauma. This study compared the efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and spiral computed tomography (CT) scans for the detection of different foreign bodies composed of 5 frequently encountered materials in 2 sizes. The effect of the location of the foreign bodies on their visibility was also analyzed. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, metal, tooth, stone, glass, and plastic particles measuring 1×1×1 mm and 2×2×2 mm were prepared. They were implanted in a sheep's head in the tongue muscle, nasal cavity, and at the interface of the mandibular cortex and soft tissue. CBCT and spiral CT scans were taken and the visibility of foreign bodies was scored by 4 skilled maxillofacial radiologists who were blinded to the location and number of foreign bodies. Results: CT and CBCT were equally accurate in visualizing metal, stone, and tooth particles of both sizes. However, CBCT was better for detecting glass particles in the periosteum. Although both imaging modalities visualized plastic particles poorly, CT was slightly better for detecting plastic particles, especially the smaller ones. Conclusion: Considering the lower patient radiation dose and cost, CBCT can be used with almost equal accuracy as CT for detecting foreign bodies of different compositions and sizes in multiple maxillofacial regions. However, CT performed better for detecting plastic particles.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.156-160
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• 2022

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a condition in which condylar movement is restricted because of fibrous or bony union between the mandibular condyle and temporal bone. TMJ ankylosis is most often caused by trauma, followed by systemic or local infection, and secondary to unknown causes. Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing TMJ ankylosis and establishing a treatment plan. Computed tomography (CT) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is currently the imaging technique of choice to accurately demonstrate preoperative ankylosing masses and other surgically important findings, such as the shape of the mandibular condyle and the pathological changes in the joint. The osseous changes in the mandibular condyle are easily identified in the coronal and sagittal sections of CT or CBCT images. This report describes the case of a middle-aged woman who developed TMJ ankylosis of the left TMJ while undergoing repeated treatment for TMJ disease. We report the findings observed on radiographic and CBCT images through continuous observation.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2022

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to compare assessments of the healing of periapical endodontic surgery using conventional radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This review of clinical studies was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. All articles published from 1990 to March 2020 pertaining to clinical and radiographic healing assessments after endodontic surgery using conventional radiography and CBCT were included. The question was "healing assessment of endodontic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography." The review was conducted by manual searching, as well as undertaking a review of electronic literature databases, including PubMed and Scopus. The studies included compared radiographic and CBCT assessments of periapical healing after periapical endodontic surgery. Results: The initial search retrieved 372 articles. The titles and abstracts of these articles were read, leading to the selection of 73 articles for full-text analysis. After the eligibility criteria were applied, 11 articles were selected for data extraction and qualitative analysis. The majority of studies found that CBCT enabled better assessments of healing than conventional radiography, suggesting higher efficacy of CBCT for correct diagnosis and treatment planning. A risk of bias assessment was done for 10 studies, which fell into the low to moderate risk categories. Conclusion: Three-dimensional radiography provides an overall better assessment of healing, which is imperative for correct diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.299-307
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• 2020

Purpose: The diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis requires a comprehensive knowledge of the signs and symptoms of the disease and an accurate radiographic assessment. Computed tomography (CT) is the superior imaging modality for diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. However, considering the lower dose and higher resolution of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) compared to CT, this study aimed to assess the agreement between the findings of CBCT and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Materials and Methods: This descriptive prospective study evaluated 49 patients with treatment-resistant chronic rhinosinusitis who were candidates for FESS. Preoperative CBCT scans were obtained before patients underwent FESS. The agreement between the CBCT findings and those of FESS was determined using the kappa correlation coefficient. The frequency of anatomical variations of the paranasal sinuses was also evaluated on CBCT scans. Results: Significant agreement existed between pathological findings on CBCT scans and those of FESS, such that the kappa correlation coefficient was 1 for mucosal thickening, 0.644 for nasal deviation, 0.750 for concha bullosa, 0.918 for nasal polyp, 0.935 for ostiomeatal complex (OMC) obstruction, and 0.552 for infundibulum thickening. Furthermore, 95.9% of patients had 1 or more and 79.6% had 2 or more anatomical variations, of which nasal deviation was the most common (67.3%). Conclusion: Considering the significant agreement between the findings of CBCT and FESS for the detection of pathological changes in the paranasal sinuses, CBCT can be used prior to FESS to detect chronic rhinosinusitis and to assess anatomical variations of the OMC.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2014

The introduction of cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT) and computer software in dentistry has allowed orthodontists and maxillofacial surgeons to provide more accurate diagnosis and treatment. In this article, a facial asymmetry patient who had orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery using CBCT imaging is introduced and the way how CBCT imaging could be applied in clinical orthodontics and orthognathic surgery is explained. Also, evaluation of treatment outcomes using CBCT is suggested. More accurate, predictable and efficient surgical orthodontic planning and treatment are expected in the near future through cutting edge medical imaging including CBCT and CAD/CAM technologies.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.145-148
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• 2015

In 1942 Stafne reported 35 asymptomatic, radiolucent cavities that were unilaterally located in the posterior region of the mandible between the mandibular angle and the third molar, and below the mandibular canal. The term Stafne bone cavity (SBC) is now used for such asymptomatic lingual bone depressions of the lower jaw. Since then there have been many reports of SBCs but very fews tudies have used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for their diagnosis. The aim of this paper is to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of two cases of SBCs and the importance of limited CBCT in confirming the diagnosis.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.315-320
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• 2014

Root resorption is loss of dental hard tissue as a result of clastic activities. The dental hard tissue of permanent teeth does not normally undergo resorption, except in cases of inflammation or trauma. However, there are rare cases of tooth resorption of an unknown cause, known as "idiopathic root resorption". This report would discuss a rare case of multiple idiopathic resorption in the permanent maxillary and mandibular teeth of an otherwise healthy 36-year-old male patient. In addition to a clinical examination, the patient was imaged using conventional radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The examinations revealed multiple external and internal resorption of the teeth in all four quadrants of the jaws with an unknown cause. Multiple root resorption is a rare clinical phenomenon that should be examined using different radiographic modalities. Cross-sectional CBCT is useful in the diagnosis and examination of such lesions.