• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2023

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to investigate the correlation between chronological age and dental pulp volume in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The literature was searched in 4 databases(PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Within each study, the outcome of interest was the correlation (r) between chronological age and pulp volume. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to sex and tooth type. Results: Of 5,693 identified studies, 27 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for meta-analysis. These articles focused on single-rooted teeth (n=21), multi-rooted teeth (n=6), maxillary teeth (n=14), mandibular teeth (n=6), and maxillary and mandibular teeth (n=12). The relationship between chronological age and dental pulp volume was examined in the entire population (r= -0.67), men (r= -0.75), and women (r= -0.77) in single- and multi-rooted teeth. The results of the total population analysis showed a relatively strong negative relationship between age and pulp volume. Conclusion: This study suggested that CBCT is a reliable and repeatable tool for dental age estimation. A strong inverse relationship was observed between pulp chamber volume and age. Further studies on the correlation between chronological age and pulp volume of multi-rooted teeth may be beneficial.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.219-231
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to clarify differences in the positions of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) landmarks according to different midsagittal planes (MSPs) in patients with skeletal Class III facial asymmetry. Methods: Pre-treatment CBCT data from 60 patients with skeletal Class III were used. The patients were classified into symmetric (menton deviations of < 2 mm) or asymmetric (menton deviations of > 4 mm) groups. Six MSPs were established based on previous studies, and three-dimensional analyses were performed for the planes in both the groups. The measurement outcomes were compared statistically. Results: A statistically significant interaction (p < 0.01) was observed between MSPs and facial asymmetry. No significant differences were observed among MSPs in the symmetric group. However, significant differences in linear measurements were identified among MSPs in the asymmetric group. Specifically, the upper facial MSP revealed both maxillary and mandibular transverse asymmetries. On the other hand, anterior nasal spine (ANS)-associated MSP could not identify maxillary asymmetry. Furthermore, the menton deviation was approximately 3 mm lower when estimated using the ANS-associated MSP than that using upper facial MSP. Conclusions: The choice of MSP can significantly affect treatment outcomes while diagnosing patients with asymmetry. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting MSP in clinical practice.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1.1-1.18
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• 2024

The implementation of imaging methods that enable sensitive and specific observation of anatomical structures has been a constant in the evolution of endodontic therapy. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables 3-dimensional (3D) spatial anatomical navigation in the 3 volumetric planes (sagittal, coronal and axial) which translates into great accuracy for the identification of endodontic pathologies/conditions. CBCT interpretation consists of 2 main components: (i) the generation of specific tasks of the image and (ii) the subsequent interpretation report. A systematic and reproducible method to review CBCT scans can improve the accuracy of the interpretation process, translating into greater precision in terms of diagnosis and planning of endodontic clinical procedures. MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2023. This narrative review addresses the theoretical concepts, elements of interpretation and applications of the CBCT scan in endodontics. In addition, the contents and rationale for reporting 3D endodontic imaging are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1018-1023
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• 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has reached global pandemic status as announced by the World Health Organization, which currently recommends reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the standard diagnostic tool. However, although the RT-PCR test results may be found negative, there are cases that are found positive for COVID-19 pneumonia on computed tomography (CT) scan. CT is also useful in assessing the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. When clinicians desire a CT scan of a patient with COVID-19 to monitor treatment response, a safe method for patient transport is necessary. To address the engagement of medical resources necessary to transport a patient with COVID-19, our institution has implemented the use of mobile CT. Therefore, we report two cases of COVID-19 pneumonia evaluated by using mobile cone-beam CT. Although mobile cone-beam CT had some limitations regarding its image quality such as scatter noise, motion and streak artifacts, and limited field of view compared with conventional multi-detector CT, both cases had acceptable image quality to establish the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. We report the usefulness of mobile cone-beam CT in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.265-278
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• 2024

This study investigates the potential of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-generated cephalograms as a replacement for conventional lateral cephalograms (LCs) in children and adolescents. This retrospective study included 60 individuals, equally divided into permanent and mixed dentition groups. Both groups underwent conventional LCs and CBCT scans on the same day. LCs were then derived from CBCT scans. The same examiner performed digital measurements twice, with a week's interval, identifying landmarks and obtaining 7 angular and 5 linear measurements. In the permanent dentition group, significant differences were observed between the two imaging modalities for 6 angular and 2 linear measurements. In the mixed dentition group, significant differences were observed for 3 angular and 2 linear measurements. However, none of these differences exceeded the clinically acceptable limit of 2.0° or 2.0 mm. No significant differences in any measurement were found between the two groups (p < 0.05). CBCT-generated LCs demonstrated comparable results with good reliability in both dentition groups, suggesting their potential as suitable alternatives for children and adolescents who require CBCT for clinical purposes.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.146-151
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• 2024

Background: Research is continuously being conducted on the relationship between the airway and malocclusion. The nose, as the upper part of the respiratory pathway, plays a critical role. While various international studies employ the Nasal Index classification for nasal morphology, domestic research remains scarce. This research investigates the proportions of nasal morphology in malocclusion patients utilizing a 3D software. Methods: The study evaluated 100 malocclusion patients in their 20s (40 Class I, 34 Class II, 26 Class III). Cone-beam computed tomography was used with the Mimics (ver. 22; Materialise) 3D program to model the skull and soft tissues of the patients in three views: coronal, sagittal, and frontal. Results: The results showed that in Class I, there were 5 leptorrhine (long and narrow) cases, 30 mesorrhine (moderate shape) cases, and 5 platyrrhine (broad and short) cases. In Class II, there were 3 leptorrhine, 25 mesorrhine, and 6 platyrrhine cases. In Class III, there were 2 leptorrhine, 21 mesorrhine, and 3 platyrrhine cases. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that there is no significant correlation between the size of the nose and malocclusion in patients. Additionally, additional research related to this study is expected to be necessary.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.155-160
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• 2022

The mandibular second molars show various morphological features in the roots and root canal, and a gutter-shaped root (GSR) caused by fusion of the mesial and distal roots is frequently encountered. In this study the number of the roots associated with mandibular second molars were observed using dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). For those with a GSR, determination of root morphology and root canal classification were performed. CBCT image data from 173 Japanese mandibular second molars were obtained. Using sliced images, the number of the roots and root morphology were determined. In cases with a GSR, the ratio for the fused roots was determined and root canal morphology features were classified. A GSR was found in 61 (35.3%), with greater prevalence in females. In addition, the overall ratio of the fused part to root thickness in those with a GSR was 48.7%, with no significant difference related to sex. Furthermore, a C-shaped root canal morphology was commonly observed in both males and females with a GSR. In the present cohort examined in Japanese, most of the mandibular second molar were found to have two roots, with a GSR noted in 35.5%. While a GSR was more often observed in females, a C-shaped root canal was the most common root canal morphology in both sexs. It is considered that assessment using CBCT findings is helpful for precise determination of root canal morphology and presence of a GSR in mandibular second molars.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.46.1-46.8
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• 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and location of the second mesiobuccal root (MB2) canal in maxillary molars with the aid of various measuring points and lines using cone-beam computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: A total of 205 images of patients who underwent cone-beam CT examinations between 2011 and 2015 as part of their dental diagnosis and treatment were included. There were 76 images of the maxillary first molar and 135 images of the maxillary second molar. Canal orifices were detected at -1 mm from the top of the pulpal floor on cone-beam CT images. Image assessment was performed by 2 observers in reformatted image planes using software. Assessments included measurement of the distance between the MB1 and MB2 canals, and the angles between the lines connecting the MB1-MB2 and distobuccal (DB)-palatal (P) canals. The data were analyzed using the student's t-test. Results: The prevalence of the MB2 canal was 86.8% in the first molar and 28.9% in the second molar. The angle between the lines connecting the MB1-MB2 and DB-P canals was 2.3° ± 5.7° in the first molar and -3.95° ± 7.73° in the second molar. The distance between the MB1 and MB2 canals was 2.1 ± 0.44 mm in the first molar and 1.98 ± 0.42 mm in the second molar. Conclusions: The angles between the lines connecting the MB1-MB2 and DB-P canals was almost parallel. These findings may aid in the prediction of the location of the MB2 canal orifice.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.147-157
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the correlations of cone-beam computed tomographic findings with the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with obstructive sleep apnea were selected from the ear-nose-throat (ENT) outpatient clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed for each patient at the end of both inspiration and expiration. Polysomnography was carried out, and the apnea-hypopnea index was obtained. Linear measurements, including cross-sectional area and the SNA and SNB angles, were obtained. Four oral and maxillofacial radiologists categorized pharyngeal and retropalatal airway morphology and calculated the airway length and volume. Continuous data were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and reported as the mean and standard deviation or as the median and range. Categorical data were presented as numbers and percentages, and the significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The minimal value of the cross-sectional area, SNB angle, and airway morphology at the end of inspiration demonstrated a statistically significant association (P<0.05) with the apnea-hypopnea index, with excellent agreement. No statistically significant difference was found in the airway volume, other linear measurements, or retropalatal airway morphology. Conclusion: Cone-beam computed tomographic measurements in obstructive sleep apnea patients may be used as a supplement to a novel radiographic classification corresponding to the established clinical apnea-hypopnea index classification.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.57 no.7
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• pp.392-402
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• 2019

The most important part of everyday root canal treatment is diagnosis about the morphology of tooth, root and root canal. Usually this procedure is performed by visual examination and radiographic (panoramic/periapical) examination. However, 2-dimentional radiography has several limitations such as imposition of anatomic structures including buccal/lingual root canals and distortion of images. Recently, owing to the increased interest in dental implant and affordable cost of CBCT equipment, CBCT has been introduced widely in local dental clinics. CBCT is characterized by their lower radiation dose and shorter exposure time than conventional CT scan, and ability of 3-dimentional reconstruction of the dento-alveolar structure. Also in endodontic field, the data from CBCT could be very helpful in diagnosing complex root canal anatomy, apical periodontitis, cause of failure and in determining treatment plan. However, there are some limitations such as radiation dose and artifact. Therefore, clinicians should know about indication, advantages and limitations of CBCT, and properly use it for successful root canal treatment to save the natural teeth.