• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.69-74
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• 2004

Purpose : This study was conducted to compare the radiomorphometric indices of the mandible on panoramic radiographs among three groups of normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis and to determine whether panoramic indices have validity in predicting osteoporotic risk. Materials and Methods: Ninty-four postmenupausal women aged 42-72 years (mean 62±7.5) were examined using dual energy X-ray absorptionmetry (DEXA) of the lumbar and classified into three groups by WHO classification. Panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical thickness (Mental index (MI), Antegonial index (AI), Gonial index (G!)) and the mandibular cortical index (MCI) were measured bilaterally on panoramic radiographs and analyzed. Results: There were signigicant differences among normal, osteopenic and osteoporoti groups in PMI (I), PMI (S), MI, AI, GI and MCI. The sensitivities of the MCI (93%) and the combination index of MCI and MI (90%) in diagnosing osteopenic/osteoporotic cases were high. Conclusion: The widths and shapes of the mandibular cortical bone on panoramic radiography may highly reflect the systemic osteopenic/osteoporotic conditions of the patients.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.33-38
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• 2010

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of panoramic radiographs for detection of mandibular fractures. Materials and Methods : The sample was comprised of 65 patients (55 fractured, 10 non-fractured) with 92 fracture sites confirmed by multi-detector computed tomography (CT). Panoramic radiographs were evaluated for mandibular fractures by six examiners; two oral & maxillofacial radiologists (observer A&B), two oral & maxillofacial surgeons (observer C&D), and two general dentists (observer E&F). Results : Sensitivity of panoramic radiography for mandibular fractures was 95.7% in observer A&B, 93.5% in observer C&D and 80.4% in observer E&F. The lowest sensitivity was shown in symphyseal/parasymphyseal areas, followed by subcondylar/condylar regions. Conclusion : Panoramic radiography is adequate for detection of mandibular fractures. However, additional multidetector CT is recommended to ascertain some indecisive fractures of symphysis and condyle, and in complicated fractures.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2014

Professionals performing radiographic examinations are responsible for maintaining optimal image quality for accurate diagnoses. These professionals must competently execute techniques such as film manipulation and processing to minimize patient exposure to radiation. Improper performance by the professional and/or patient may result in a radiographic image of unsatisfactory quality that can also lead to a misdiagnosis and the development of an inadequate treatment plan. Currently, the most commonly performed extraoral examination is panoramic radiography. The invention of panoramic radiography has resulted in improvements in image quality with decreased exposure to radiation and at a low cost. However, this technique requires careful, accurate positioning of the patient's teeth and surrounding maxillofacial bone structure within the focal trough. Therefore, we reviewed the literature for the most common types of positioning errors in panoramic radiography to suggest the correct techniques. We would also discuss how to determine if the most common positioning errors occurred in panoramic radiography, such as in the positioning of the patient's head, tongue, chin, or body.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.89-93
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the difference of the movement of the mandibular condyles between trans cranial and panoramic TMJ radiographs to view the movement of the mandibular condyles. Materials and Methods: Thirty-four paired transcranial and panoramic TMJ radiographs of patients were used to evaluate the movement of the mandibular condyle. The distances, from the most superior point of the mandibular condyle to the most inferior point of the articular eminence on both radiographs, were measured. The measurements were taken at closed state and maximum opening state of each radiograph on both side. Differences between matched pairs were analysed by paired t-test, with significance established at P<0.05. Results and Conclusion: The mean distance, from the most superior point of the mandibular condyle to the most inferior point of the articular eminence on both radiographs, was statistically different at each side (P<0.05). At closing state, the mean distance measured on panoramic TMJ radiographs was longer than on transcranial radio-graphs (0.85 mm at right side, 1.20 mm at left side). But at maximum opening state, the mean distance on transcranial radiographs was longer (1.00 mm at right side, 0.62 mm at left side) than panoramic TMJ radiographs.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.83-87
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• 2010

Purpose : This study was to determine the relationship between age and the mandibular cortical bone thickness on panoramic radiograph. Materials and Methods : Panoramic radiographs of 360 patients (180 men and 180 women) over 20 years old, who visited the Chonbuk National University Hospital from January to December in 2007, were assessed. The subjects were divided into 5 age groups. Five indices such as cortical bone thickness at the gonion (GI), antegonion (AI), and below the mental foramen (MI), the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), the mandibular cortical index (MCI) were measured on panoramic radiographs. Results : All five indices including GI, AI, MI, PMI, and MCI showed significant differences between third decade and over 8 decade groups (p<0.05). PMI, MI and GI showed significant differences with gender statistically (p<0.05). Conclusion : The mandibular cortical bone thickness showed negative correlation with age, and the value of the thickness (PMI, MI, and GI) was greater in men than in women.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.59-62
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• 2010

Purpose : To investigate and compare the prevalence, size, and location of maxillary sinus septa on panoramic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Materials and Methods : Two hundred patients who had taken both panoramic and CBCT images were included. The location of maxillary sinus septa on the panoramic radiographs were recorded and confirmed on the CBCT images. Also the size of septa was measured on the reformatted CBCT images. Results : The prevalence of the patients who had maxillary sinus septa was 51.0% and they showed 179 septa totally. Among them 51.0% of the patients had one septum, 32.4% two septa, 13.7% three, and 2.9% four. The measured heights of the septa were $4.37{\pm}2.87\;mm$, $3.51{\pm}2.47\;mm$, and $3.04{\pm}2.37\;mm$ in the medial, middle, and lateral areas, respectively. It was revealed that 1.0% was located at canine region, 18.0% at first premolar, 25.0% at second premolar, 22.7% at first molar, 19.8% at second molar, and 14.0% at third molar region. Among 213 septa depicted by the panoramic radiographs, only 69.0% were confirmed at the CBCT images. Conclusion : Since various heights and courses of the septa can develop in all parts of the maxillary sinus, adequate assessment of the inner aspect of the maxillary sinus is essential to avoid complications during sinus augmentation procedures. CBCT scanning is the preferred radiographic method for detecting the presence of sinus septa.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.205-207
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• 2001

Purpose : The aim of present study is to estimate the relationship among reference lines used for taking the extraoral radiography and panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalographs of 40 adults, aged 22 to 30 years were taken. Angles between reference lines (Frankfort line, canthomeatal line, infraorbitomeatal line, and occlusal plane) were measured. Results: Angles between Frankfort line and canthomeatal line, Frankfort line and infraorbitomeatal line, Frankfort line and occlusal plane, canthomeatal line and infraorbitomeatal line, canthomeatal line and occlusal plane, and infraorbitomeatal line and occlusal plane were 16.1° (±2.2), 5.8° (±2.4), 8.7° (±3.5), 10.3° (±1.3), 24.8° (±4.0), and 14.5° (±4.4),respectively. Conclusion: Angle between frankfort and canthomeatal line is very different with commonly known angle. Frankfort horizontal reference lines used for panoramic radiography need an exact definition and more accurate standard is needed for the taking of panoramic radiograph.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.71-75
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the position of the mental foramen relative to the apices of the teeth based on panoramic radiographs in a Moroccan population. We also analyzed gender differences and the symmetry of location within individuals. Materials and Methods: Seven hundred ninety-four panoramic radiographs were evaluated with regard to the location and symmetry of the mental foramina in male and female subjects. The results were analyzed using Pearson's ${\chi}^2$ and Fisher's exact test. Results: Of the 794 panoramic radiographs, 377 met the inclusion criteria for at least one side. The mental foramen was located just below the apex of the second premolar in 62.7% of the patients and between the first and second premolars in 30%. It was symmetrically located in 79%. No statistically significant differences were found between males and females in the position and symmetry of the mental foramen. Conclusion: The most common position for the mental foramen in this sample was in line with the second premolar.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.131-135
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• 2003

Purpose: To determine whether the mandibular radiomorphometric indices in panoramic radiography are correlated with the bone mineral density of Cu-equivalent images in intraoral film. Materials and Methods: The bone mineral density (BMD) of the mandibular premolar area was measured in the Cu-equivalent image of intraoral film. The Panoramic Mandibular Index (PMI) and Mandibular Cortical Width (MCW) were measured in panoramic radiographs of six dry mandibles, and the Pearson correlation between PMI, MCW, and BMD were tested. Results: There were no significant correlations between PMI and BMD (r = 0.280), nor between MCW and BMD (r =0.237). Conclusion: The results show that PMI and MCW were poor diagnostic indicators of mandibular BMD in the six dry mandibles used in this study. The correlationship between the mandibular radiomorphometric indices (PMI and MCW) and mandibular BMD needs to be researched further using large in vivo patient samples.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.211-215
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• 2003

Purpose: To assess the radiographic findings of odontogenic cysts showing displacement of the mandibular canal using computed tomographic (CT) and panoramic images. Materials and Methods : CT and panoramic images of 63 odontogenic cysts (27 dentigerous, 16 odontogenic keratocysts, and 20 radicular cysts) were analyzed to evaluate the following parameters: the dimension and shape of the cysts, and the effect of the cysts on the mandibular canal and cortical plates. Results: Of the 63 cysts examined in the study, 35 (55.6%) showed inferior displacement of the mandibular canal and 46 (73.0%) showed perforation of the canal. There were statistically significant differences between CT and panoramic images in depicting displacement and perforation of the mandibular canal. Cortical expansion was seen in 46 cases (73.0%) and cortical perforation in 23 cases (36.5%). The radicular cysts showed cortical expansion and perforation less frequently than the other cyst groups. Conclusion: Large cysts of mandible should be evaluated by multiplanar CT images inorder to detect the mandibular canal and cortical bone involvement.