• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.141-145
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• 2015

Purpose: This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the reverse contrast mode in intraoral digital radiography for the detection of proximal dentinal caries, in comparison with the original digital radiographs. Materials and Methods: Eighty extracted premolars with no clinically apparent caries were selected, and digital radiographs of them were taken separately in standard conditions. Four observers examined the original radiographs and the same radiographs in the reverse contrast mode with the goal of identifying proximal dentinal caries. Microscopic sections $5{\mu}m$ in thickness were prepared from the teeth in the mesiodistal direction. Four slides prepared from each sample used as the diagnostic gold standard. The data were analyzed using SPSS (${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: Our results showed that the original radiographs in order to identify proximal dentinal caries had the following values for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy, respectively: 72.5%, 90%, 87.2%, 76.5%, and 80.9%. For the reverse contrast mode, however, the corresponding values were 63.1%, 89.4%, 87.1%, 73.5%, and 78.8%, respectively. The sensitivity of original digital radiograph for detecting proximal dentinal caries was significantly higher than that of reverse contrast mode (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or accuracy (p>0.05). Conclusion: The sensitivity of the original digital radiograph for detecting proximal dentinal caries was significantly higher than that of the reversed contrast images. However, no statistically significant differences were found between these techniques regarding specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or accuracy.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.237-242
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse and review deep learning convolutional neural networks for detecting and diagnosing early-stage dental caries on periapical radiographs. Materials and Methods: In order to conduct this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Studies published from 2015 to 2021 under the keywords(deep convolutional neural network) AND (caries), (deep learning caries) AND (convolutional neural network) AND (caries) were systematically reviewed. Results: When dental caries is improperly diagnosed, the lesion may eventually invade the enamel, dentin, and pulp tissue, leading to loss of tooth function. Rapid and precise detection and diagnosis are vital for implementing appropriate prevention and treatment of dental caries. Radiography and intraoral images are considered to play a vital role in detecting dental caries; nevertheless, studies have shown that 20% of suspicious areas are mistakenly diagnosed as dental caries using this technique; hence, diagnosis via radiography alone without an objective assessment is inaccurate. Identifying caries with a deep convolutional neural network-based detector enables the operator to distinguish changes in the location and morphological features of dental caries lesions. Deep learning algorithms have broader and more profound layers and are continually being developed, remarkably enhancing their precision in detecting and segmenting objects. Conclusion: Clinical applications of deep learning convolutional neural networks in the dental field have shown significant accuracy in detecting and diagnosing dental caries, and these models hold promise in supporting dental practitioners to improve patient outcomes.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.117-126
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• 2023

Purpose: Odontomas represent a common clinical entity among odontogenic tumors, but are not well-addressed in the Vietnamese population. The present study aimed to determine the clinical and preclinical characteristics of odontomas and associated factors in the Vietnamese population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study retrieved data from histopathological diagnoses from 2 central hospitals of Odonto-Stomatology in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam during 2004-2017. The odontomas were classified as complex (CxOD) or compound (CpOD) subtypes. The epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics of the odontomas, stratified by subtype and sex, were obtained and analyzed. Results: Ninety cases, consisting of 46 CxODs and 44 CpODs, were included. The average age of patients was 32.4 (±20.2) years. The patients with CxOD were older than those with CpOD (P<0.05). Clinically, 67% of patients showed an intraoral bone expansion. Approximately 60% of patients with CxOD exhibited a painful symptom, about 3-fold more than those with CpOD (P<0.05), whereas almost all patients with CpOD exhibited perturbations of dentition, unlike those with CxOD (P<0.05). Radiologically, CxOD was characterized by a larger dimension than CpOD in both sexes (P<0.05), and CpOD induced complications in adjacent teeth more often than CxOD (P<0.05). The development of odontoma with advancing age differed significantly in odontoma subtypes related to their pathological origins, and between the sexes, resulting from different physiological states. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the value of clinical and radiological features of odontomas and their associated factors for the early diagnosis and adequate treatment of younger patients.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.365-373
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• 2023

Purpose: In the context of COVID-19, studies evaluating the adherence of dentists and dental students to infection control are relevant due to their high occupational exposure and risk, as well as their responsibility for disseminating information and good practices. This study evaluated the adherence of dentists and dental students to infection control in the oral radiology field in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic on different continents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved individuals who performed intraoral radiographic examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Questionnaire on Infection Control in Oral Radiology was administered virtually using a Google Form. Participants from different continents(the Americas, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) were recruited. Data were subjected to descriptive analysis and simple and multiple binary regression (5%). Results: There were 582 valid answers, and 68.73% of the participants were from the Americas, 18.90% from Europe, and 12.37% from Asia. The median score for infection control protocols was 94 points for dental students and 104 points for dentists, and participants below the median were considered to have low adherence to infection control in oral radiology. Low access to infection control was found for 53.0% of dentists in the Americas, 34.0% from Europe, and 26.9% from Asia. Conclusion: The adherence to infection control protocols in oral radiology was low even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results may help improve the awareness of students and professionals, since oral radiology routines have the potential for transmitting COVID-19.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.388-401
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigated the accuracy of free-hand implant surgery performed by an experienced operator compared to static guided implant surgery performed by an inexperienced operator on an anterior maxillary dental model arch. Methods: A maxillary dental model with missing teeth (No. 11, 22, and 23) was used for this in vitro study. An intraoral scan was performed on the model, with the resulting digital impression exported as a stereolithography file. Next, a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was performed, with the resulting image exported as a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine file. Both files were imported into the RealGUIDE 5.0 dental implant planning software. Active Bio implants were selected to place into the model. A single stereolithographic 3-dimensional surgical guide was printed for all cases. Ten clinicians, divided into 2 groups, placed a total of 60 implants in 20 acrylic resin maxillary models. Due to the small sample size, the Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze mean values in the 2 groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. Results: The accuracy of implant placement using a surgical guide was significantly higher than that of free-hand implantation. The mean difference between the planned and actual implant positions at the apex was 0.68 mm for the experienced group using the free-hand technique and 0.14 mm for the non-experienced group using the surgical guide technique (P=0.019). At the top of the implant, the mean difference was 1.04 mm for the experienced group using the free-hand technique and 0.52 mm for the non-experienced group using the surgical guide technique (P=0.044). Conclusions: The data from this study will provide valuable insights for future studies, since in vitro studies should be conducted extensively in advance of retrospective or prospective studies to avoid burdening patients unnecessarily.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.103-107
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• 2010

Purpose : This study was performed to examine the effects of image filter on observer performance by counting the number of holes at each wedge step on a radiographic image. Materials and Methods : An aluminum step wedge with 11 steps ranged in thickness from 1.5 mm to 16.5 mm in 1.5 mm increments was fabricated for this study. Each step had 10 notched holes with 1.0 mm diameter on the bottom of the step wedge which were ranged in depths from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm in 0.1 mm increments. Digital radiographic raw images of the aluminum step wedge were acquired by using CCD intraoral sensor. The images were processed using several types of noise reduction filters and kernel sizes. Three observers counted the number of holes which could be discriminated on each step. The data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results : The number of holes at each step was decreased as the thickness of step was increased. The number of holes at each step on the raw images was significantly higher than that on the processed images. The number of holes was different according to the types and kernel sizes of the image filters. Conclusions : The types and kernel sizes of image filters on observer performance were important, therefore, they should be standardized for commercial digital imaging systems.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 2003

Purpose : To evaluate the relationship between morphometric analysis of bone microstructure from digital radiographic image and trabecular bone strength. Materials and Methods : One hundred eleven bone specimens with 5 mm thickness were obtained from the mandibles of 5 pigs. Digital images of specimens were taken using a direct digital intraoral radiographic system. After selection of ROI (100 × 100 pixel) within the trabecular bone, mean gray level and standard deviation were obtained. Fractal dimension and the variants of morphometric analysis (trabecular area, periphery, length of skeletonized trabeculae, number of terminal point, number of branch point) were obtained from ROI. Punch sheer strength analysis was performed using Instron (model 4465, Instron Corp., USA). The loading force (loading speed 1 mm/min) was applied to ROI of bone specimen by a 2 mm diameter punch. Stress-deformation curve was obtained from the punch sheer strength analysis and maximum stress, yield stress, Young's modulus were measured. Results: Maximum stress had a negative linear correlation with mean gray level and fractal dimension significantly (p<0.05). Yield stress had a negative linear correlation with mean gray level, periphery, fractal dimension and the length of skeletonized trabeculae significantly (p < 0.05). Young's modulus had a negative linear correlation with mean gray level and fractal dimension significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions : The strength of cancellous bone exhibited a significantly linear relationship between mean gray level, fractal dimension and morphometric analysis. The methods described above can be easily used to evaluate bone quality clinically.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.587-597
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• 2004

Over the past 20 years, great strides have been made in research regarding the mechanisms involved in the progression of carious lesions, but new equipment and research tools need to be developed to continue these advancements in caries research. Various methods have been applied to reduce the incidence of carious lesions, which have led to a significant decrease in the number of occlusal caries, but a concurrent increase in the proportion of proximal carious lesions. New diagnostic equipment has been developed to detect early stage carious lesions, and these have demonstrated excellent laboratory results and show promise in clinical applications. The research presented here examines the efficacy of the newly developed $DIFOTI^{TM}$ system in detecting proximal carious lesions compared to traditional intraoral exam and bitewing radiography, possible problems or deficiencies of using the system in clinic, possible improvements that can be made to the system, and the efficacy of detecting early, reversible carious lesions that can be remineralized by preventative fluoride applications. The subject pool consisted of 23 grammer school age patients just prior to entering the mixed dentition phase. Each patient was given a thorough oral examination, radiographic examination consisting of bitewing radiographs of the posterior teeth, and $DIFOTI^{TM}$ examination of the anterior and posterior teeth. Each examination was carried out two times by two examiners, and the data were statistically analyzed. The results are as follows: 1. The mean alpha value of reliability test of the visual oral examination was as follows; occlusal surface was 0.8470. mesial surface was 0.6430, distal surface was 0.5727. lingual surface was 0.2807 and distal surface was 0.2339. When the examination was limited to posterior teeth, the mean alpha value was as follows; occlusal surface was 0.8577, distal surface was 0.8211, lingual surface was 0.7728, buccal surface was 0.7152 and mesial surface was 0.6782. 2. The alpha value of reliability test of the radiographic analysis of carious lesions of the occlusal, mesial, and distal surfaces was 0.8500. 3. The alpha value of reliability test of the $DIFOTI^{TM}$ diagnostic analysis of carious lesions of the occlusal, buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal surfaces was determined to be 0.7917. 4. The $DIFOTI^{TM}$ diagnostic system was found to be the most accurate means of detecting occlusal, buccal, and lingual surface carious lesions (p<0.05), while mesial and distal proximal carious lesions were most accurately assessed using bitewing radiography (p<0.05).

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.109-120
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• 2010

The purpose of this study was first to analyze the utilization of dental examination through questionnaire to develop a diagnostic reference level of patient doses for dental radiography in korea. 77 dental institutions were classified into three groups: A group for the dental hospitals of the college of dentistry (11 institutions), B group for dental hospitals (30 institutions) and C group for dental clinics (36 institutions). The results were as follows : The mean numbers of unit chairs and medical staffs were 140.2, 15.3 and 5.8 sets, 112.6, 7.3 and 1.7 dentists, 3.1, 0.5 and no one radiologic technologists, and 19.7, 12.5 and 3.3 dental hygienists in A, B and C groups, respectively. The mean numbers of dental X-ray equipments were 14.64, 3.21 and 2.19 in A, B and C groups, respectively. Intraoral dental X-ray unit was used the most, the following equipments were panoramic, cephalometric, and cone-beam CT units. The most used X-ray imaging system was also digital system (above 50%) in all three groups. Insight dental film (Kodak, USA) having high sensitivity was routinely used for periapical radiography. The automatic processor was not used in many dental institutions, but the film-holding device was used in many dental institutions. The utilization rates of PACS in A, B and C groups were 90.9%, 83.3% and 16.7% respectively, and the PACS software program was used the most PiView STAR (Infinitt, Korea). The annual mean number of radiographic cases in one dental institution in 2008 for A group was 6.8 times and 21.2 times more than those for B and C groups, and periapical and panoramic radiographs were taken mostly. Tube voltage (kVp) and tube current (mA) for periapical radiography were similar in all three groups, but exposure time in C group was 12.0 times and 3.5 times longer than those in B and C groups. The amount of radiation exposure in C group, in which dental hygienists take dental radiographs, was more than those in other groups. The exposure parameters for panoramic radiography were similar in all three groups. In conclusion, the exposure parameters in dental radiography should be determined with reference level, not past experiences. Use of automatic processor and film-holding devices reduces the radiation exposure in film system. The quality assurance of dental equipments are necessary for the reduction of the patient dose and the improvement of X-ray image quality.