• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.179-184
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• 2013

Purpose: X-ray exposure should be clinically justified and each exposure should be expected to give patients benefits. Since dental radiographic examination is one of the most frequent radiological procedures, radiation hazard becomes an important public health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of Korean dentists about radiation safety and use of criteria for selecting the frequency and type of radiographic examinations. Materials and Methods: The study included 267 Korean dentists. Five questions related to radiation safety were asked of each of them. These questions were about factors associated with radiation protection of patients and operators including the use of radiographic selection criteria for intraoral radiographic procedures. Results: The frequency of prescription of routine radiographic examination (an example is a panoramic radiograph for screening process for occult disease) was 34.1%, while that of selective radiography was 64.0%. Dentists' discussion of radiation risk and benefit with patients was infrequent. More than half of the operators held the image receptor by themselves during intraoral radiographic examinations. Lead apron/thyroid collars for patient protection were used by fewer than 22% of dental offices. Rectangular collimation was utilized by fewer than 15% of dental offices. Conclusion: The majority of Korean dentists in the study did not practice radiation protection procedures which would be required to minimize exposure to unnecessary radiation for patients and dental professionals. Mandatory continuing professional education in radiation safety and development of Korean radiographic selection criteria is recommended.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 1999

Geometrically standardized dental radiographs were taken. We prepared Digital Cu-Equivalent Image Analyzing System for quantitative assessment of mandible bone. Images of radiographs were digitized by means of Quick scanner and personal Mcquintosh computer. NIH image as software was used for analyzing images. A stepwedge composed of 10 steps of 0.1mm copper foil in thickness was used for reference material. This study evaluated the effects of step numbers of copper wedge adopted for calculating equation. kVp and exposure time on the coefficient of determination(r²)of the equation for conversion to Cu-equivalent image and the coefficient of variation and Cu-Eq value(mm) measured at each copper step and alveolar bone of the mandible. The results were as follows: 1. The coefficients of determination(r²) of 10 conversion equations ranged from 0.9996 to 0.9973(mean=0.9988) under 70kVp and 0.16 sec. exposure. The equation showed the highest r was Y=4.75614612-0.06300524x +0.00032367x² -0.00000060x³. 2. The value of r² became lower when the equation was calculated from the copper stepwedge including 1.0mm step. In case of including 0mm step for calculation. the value of r showed variability. 3. The coefficient of variation showed 0.11, 0.20 respectively at each copper step of 0.2, 0.1mm in thickness. Those of the other steps to 0.9 mm ranged from 0.06 to 0.09 in mean value. 4. The mean Cu-Eq value of alveolar bone was 0.14±0.02mm under optimal exposure. The values were lower than the mean under the exposures over 0.20sec. in 60kVp and over 0.16sec. in 70kVp. 5. Under the exposure condition of 60kVp 0.16sec.. the coefficient of variation showed 0.03. 0.05 respectively at each copper-step of 0.3, 0.2mm in thickness. The value of r² showed over 0.9991 from both 9 and 10 steps of copper. The Cu-Eq value and the coefficient of variation was 0.14±0.01mm and 0.07 at alveolar bone respectively. In summary. A clinical application of this system seemed to be useful for assessment of quantitative assessment of alveolar provided high coefficient of determination is obtained by the modified adoption of copper step numbers and the low coefficient of variation for the range of Cu-Equivalent value of alveolar bone from optimal kVp and exposure time for each x-ray machine.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.89-97
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• 2002

Purpose: The objective of this study is to find the differentiating characteristics of ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw by analyzing computed tomography (CT) images of the lesions, clarify radiological characteristics associated with jaw lesions, and to make a diagnsis based on these findings. Materials and Methods : Test subjects were chosen among the patients who were diagnosed as having an odontogenic keratocyst or ameloblastoma at the Yonsei University Dental Hospital from January 1996 to December 2000 and had CT scans taken preoperatively. The subject pool was comprised of 51 cases of odontogenic keratocyst and 37 cases of ameloblastoma. The following measures were used for image analysis of the lesion: the anatomic location, CT pattern, mesiodistal width, buccolingual width, the ratios between mesiodistal width and buccolingual width, height, CT number, homogeneity of radiodensity, the appearance of a sclerotic rim, continuity of adjacent cortical bone, and displacement and resorption of adjacent teeth. Results: Comparing the CT patten, mesiodistal width, buccolingual width, height, CT number, homogeneity, appearance of sclerotic rim, continuity of adjacent cortical bone, there were statistically significant differences between ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst test subjects (p<0.05). Comparing the ratios between mesiodistal width and buccolingual width, displacement and resorption of adjacent teeth, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: We compared odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastomas in CT scans. They occurred most frequently in the posterior to the ramus of the mandible. The findings of patterns of the CT images showed that size and border of lesions were more aggressive in ameloblastomas than in odontogenic keratocysts. The internal contents represented an increased attenuation area (IAA) in odontopenic keratocyst. Odontogenic keratocysts were shown to have higher CT numbers than ameloblastomas.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.63-68
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• 2016

Panoramic radiographs are a relatively simple technique that is commonly used in all dental specialties. In panoramic radiographs, in addition to the formation of real images of metal objects, ghost images may also form, and these ghost images can hinder an accurate diagnosis and interfere with the accuracy of radiology reports. Dentists must understand the formation of these images in order to avoid making incorrect radiographic diagnoses. Therefore, the present study sought to present a study of the formation of panoramic radiograph ghost images caused by metal objects in the head and neck region of a dry skull, as well as to report a clinical case in order to warn dentists about ghost images and to raise awareness thereof. An understanding of the principles of the formation of ghost images in panoramic radiographs helps prevent incorrect diagnoses.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.157-165
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• 2005

Purpose : To find out the proper compression ratios without degrading image quality and affecting lesion detectability on diagnostic images used in dentistry compressed with JPEG 2000 algorithm. Materials and Methods : Sixty Digora periapical images, sixty panoramic computed radiographic (CR) images, sixty computed tomographic (CT) images, and sixty magnetic resonance (MR) images were compressed into JPEG 2000 with ratios of 10 levels from 5:1 to 50:1. To evaluate the lesion detectability, the images were graded with 5 levels (1 : definitely absent; 2: probably absent; 3: equivocal; 4: probably present; 5: definitely present), and then receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed using the original image as a gold standard. Also to evaluate subjectively the image quality, the images were graded with 5 levels (1 definitely unacceptable; 2: probably unacceptable; 3: equivocal, 4: probably acceptable; 5· definitely acceptable), and then paired t-test was performed. Results : In Digora, CR panoramic and CT images, compressed images up to ratios of 15 : 1 showed nearly the same lesion detectability as original images, and in MR images, compressed images did up to ratios of 25 : 1. In Digora and CR panoramic Images, compressed images up to ratios of 5 : 1 showed little difference between the original and reconstructed images in subjective assessment of image quality In CT images, compressed images did up to ratios of 10: 1 and in MR images up to ratios of 15 : 1 Conclusion : We considered compression ratios up to 5 : 1 in Digora and CR panoramic images, up to 10 : 1 in CT images, up to 15 : 1 in MR images as clinically applicable compression ratios.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.43-49
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• 2003

Purpose : To evaluate the differences in bone height, bone width, and visibility of posterior spiral tomographic images according to various exposure directions, image layer thickness, and inclination of the mandibular inferior border. Materials and Methods: Six partially and completely edentulous dry mandibles were radiographed using Scanora spiral tomography. Spiral tomography was performed at different exposure directions (dentotangential and maxillotangential projection), image layer thicknesses (2 mm, 4 mm and 8 mm), and at various inclinations to the mandibular border (+ 100, 00 and -10°). The bone height and width was measured using selected tomographic images. The visibility of mandibular canal, crestal bone, and buccal and lingual surfaces were graded as 0, 1, or 2. Results : The bone width at the maxillo-tangential projection was wider than at the dento-tangential projection (p < 0.05). The visibility of buccal and lingual surface at the maxillo-tangential projection was higher than at the dento-tangential projection (p<0.05). Thinner image layer thicknesses resulted in greater visibility of buccal and lingual surfaces (p < 0.05). Bone height was greatest in the -10° group, and at the same time the bone width of the same group was the narrowest (p < 0.05). The visibility of alveolar crest and buccal surface of the + 10° group was the highest, while the visibility of the mandibular canal was greatest in the 00 group. Conclusion: When spiral tomography is performed at the mandibular posterior portion for visualization prior to implant surgery, it is important that the inferior border of mandible be positioned as parallel as possible to the floor. A greater improvement of visibility can be achieved by maintaining a thin image layer thickness when performing spiral tomography.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.161-168
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of voxel size and different post-processing algorithms on the analysis of dental materials using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Materials and Methods: Root-end cavities were prepared in extracted maxillary premolars, filled with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine, and Intermediate Restorative Material (IRM), and scanned using micro-CT. The volume and porosity of materials were evaluated and compared using voxel sizes of 5, 10, and 20 ㎛, as well as different software tools(post-processing algorithms). The CTAn or MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic software package was used to perform volume and morphological analyses, and the CTAn or MeVisLab/Amira software was used to evaluate porosity. Data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey test(P<0.05). Results: Using MeVisLab/Materialise 3-matic, a consistent tendency was observed for volume to increase at larger voxel sizes. CTAn showed higher volumes for MTA and IRM at 20 ㎛. Using CTAn, porosity values decreased as voxel size increased, with statistically significant differences for all materials. MeVisLab/Amira showed a difference for MTA and IRM at 5 ㎛, and for Biodentine at 20 ㎛. Significant differences in volume and porosity were observed in all software packages for Biodentine across all voxel sizes. Conclusion: Some differences in volume and porosity were found according to voxel size, image-processing software, and the radiopacity of the material. Consistent protocols are needed for research evaluating dental materials.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.7-16
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• 1998

The Scanora/sup (R)/ X-ray unit uses the principles of narrow beam radiography and spiral tomography. Starting with a panoramic overview as a scout image. multiple tomographic projections could be selected. This study evaluated the accuracy of spiral tomography in comparison to routine panoramic radiography for dental implant treatment planning. An experimental study was performed on a cadaver mandible to assess the accuracy of panoramic radiography and spiral tomography film images for measurement of metallic spheres. After radiographic images of the metallic spheres on the surgical stent were measured and corrected for a fixed magnification of radiographic images. following results were obtained. 1. In the optimal position of the mandible. the minimal horizontal and vertical distortion was evident in the panoramic radiography images. The mean horizontal and vertical magnification error in anterior sites was 5.25％ and 0.75％. respectively. The mean horizontal and vertical magnification error in posterior sites was 0.50％ and 1.50％. respectively. 2. In the displaced forward or in an eccentric position of the mandible. the magnification error of the panoramic radiography images increased significantly over the optimal position. Overall, the mean horizontal magnification error of the anterior site in the different positions changed dramatically within a range of -17.25％ to 39.00％, compared to the posterior range of -5.25％ to 8.50％. However, the mean vertical magnification error stayed with the range of 0.5％ to 3.75％ for all the mandibular positions. 3. The magnification effects in the tomographic scans were nearly identical for the anterior and posterior with a range of 2.00％ to 5.75％ in the horizontal and 4.50％ to 5.50％ in the vertical dimension, respectively. 4. A statistically significant difference between the anterior and posterior measurements was found in the horizontal measurements of the panoramic radiography images of the displaced forward and backward position of the mandible(P<0.05). Also a significant difference between the optimal panoramic and tomographic projections was found only in the vertical measurement(P<0.05).

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.209-213
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• 2008

Purpose : To evaluate the relative diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography and Water's projection in maxillary sinus inflammatory diseases by comparing the radiodensities of the images with those of CT. Materials and Methods : Panoramic radiographs, Waters' projection, and CT images from 55 subjects (11O sinuses) were included in this retrospective study. The radiodensity of each maxillary sinus in panoramic radiography was recorded separately as upper and lower divided horizontally by hard palate. In Waters' projection, the overall sinus radiodensity was recorded. The CT images were considered as gold standard. Results : In panoramic radiography, 83 sinuses had same upper and lower radiodensity and 72 of these were consistent with those of CT, 26 sinuses had different upper and lower radiodensity and 15 of these, upper radiodensity was consistent with CT, the remaining 11, lower radiodensity was consistent with CT. One sinus had upper radiolucency with lower radiopacity and both were consistent with those of CT. Altogether 73 (66.4%) among 110 sinuses in panoramic radiography showed full agreement with CT, 26 (23.6%) showed partial agreement with CT. 9 sinuses had no lower image under the hard palate in panoramic radiography due to the smaller size of sinus. In Waters' projection, the radiodensity of 105 sinuses (95.5%) were consistent with that of CT. Conclusion : The panoramic radiography showed 90.0% of the sinus conditions fully or partially which may appear less accurate than that of Water's view (95.5%) but with more detailed information of the inferior part of sinuses. (Korean J Oral Maxillofac Radiol 2008; 38 : 209-13)

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.83-86
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• 2005

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of deviation of mandibular positioning, by changing the mandibular plane inclination, on the measured height and width of mandible in spiral conventional tomography. Materials and Methods : By means of the Scanora multifunctional unit, cross-sectional tomograms were taken from two human dried mandibles at the mandibular angulations: -15 degree, -10 degree, -5 degree, and 0 degree. Twenty-eight sites in two dried mandibles were imaged. One examiner measured the bone heights and widths at selected sites on the images and the actual bone heights were recorded. Results : The bone heights at the four mandibular inclinations overestimated real bone heights and the mean difference between actual heights and image heights on 0 degrees was the smallest (P<0.01). The bone widths on -15 degrees were narrowest and there were significant differences between bone widths measured at the four mandibular inclinations (P<0.001). We found statistically significant differences between both bone heights and widths as measured according to the mandibular plane angle for the posterior region (P<0.01). Conclusion : The use of different mandibular positioning may result in discrepancies in heights and widths when measured from the cross-sectional tomographic images. It is suggested that the mandibular positioning may play a significant role in the measurement of mandibular heights and widths.