• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.123-127
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• 2002

Purpose : To determine whether subtraction images utilizing contrast media can improve the diagnostic performance of proximal caries diagnosis compared to conventional periapical radiographic images. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six teeth with 57 proximal surfaces were radiographied using a size #2 RVG-ui sensor (Trophy Radiology, Marne-la-Vallee, France). The teeth immersed in water-soluble contrast media and subtraction images were taken. Each tooth was then sectioned for histologic examination. The digital radiographic images and subtraction images were examined and interpreted by three dentists for proximal caries. The results of the proximal caries diagnosis were then verified with the results of the histologic examination. Results: The proximal caries sensitivity using digital subtraction radiography was significantly higher than simply examining a single digital radiograph. The sensitivity of the proximal dentinal carious lesion when analyzed with the subtraction radiograph and the radiograph together was higher than with the subtraction radiograph or the radiograph alone. Conclusion: The use of subtraction radiography with contrast media may be useful for detecting proximal dentinal carious lesions.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.255-259
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• 2018

Purpose: This study proposes a new ball-type phantom for evaluation of the image layer of panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: The arch shape of an acrylic resin phantom was derived from average data on the lower dental arch in Korean adult males. Metal balls with a 2-mm diameter were placed along the center line of the phantom at a 4-mm mesiodistal interval. Additional metal balls were placed along the 22 arch-shaped lines that ran parallel to the center line at 2-mm buccolingual intervals. The height of each ball in the horizontal plane was spaced by 2.5 mm, and consequently, the balls appeared oblique when viewed from the side. The resulting phantom was named the Panorama phantom. The distortion rate of the balls in the acquired image was measured by automatically calculating the difference between the vertical and horizontal length using $MATLAB^{(R)}$. Image layer boundaries were obtained by applying various distortion rate thresholds. Results: Most areas containing metal balls (91.5%) were included in the image layer with a 50% distortion rate threshold. When a 5% distortion rate threshold was applied, the image layer was formed with a small buccolingual width along the arch-shaped center line. However, it was medially located in the temporomandibular joint region. Conclusion: The Panorama phantom could be used to evaluate the image layer of panoramic radiography, including all mesiodistal areas with large buccolingual width.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study was to propose a method for developing a clinical phantom to reproduce various diseases that are clinically prevalent in the field of dentistry. This could facilitate diverse clinical research without unnecessarily exposing patients to radiation. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a single dry skull, which was visually and radiographically examined to evaluate its condition. Existing lesions on the dry skull were preserved, and other relevant lesions were artificially created as necessary. These lesions were then documented using intraoral radiography and cone-beam computed tomography. Once all pre-existing and reproduced lesions were confirmed by the consensus of 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists, the skull was embedded in a soft tissue substitute. To validate the process, cone-beam computed tomography scans and panoramic radiographs were obtained of the fabricated phantom. All acquired images were subsequently evaluated. Results: Most lesions could be identified on panoramic radiographs, although some sialoliths and cracked teeth were confirmed only through cone-beam computed tomographic images. A small gap was observed between the epoxy resin and the bone structures. However, 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists agreed that this space did not meaningfully impact the interpretation process. Conclusion: The newly developed phantom has potential for use as a standardized phantom within the dental field. It may be utilized for a variety of imaging studies, not only for optimization purposes, but also for addressing other experimental issues related to both 2- and 3-dimensional diagnostic radiography.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.58-67
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• 2015

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of conventional intraoral (CI) radiography, photostimulable phosphor (PSP) radiography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) for detection of strip and root perforations in endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: Mesial and distal roots of 72 recently extracted molar were endodontically prepared. Perforations were created in 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4 mm diameter around the furcation of 48 roots (strip perforation) and at the external surface of 48 roots (root perforation); 48 roots were not perforated (control group). After root obturation, intraoral radiography, CBCT and MDCT were taken. Discontinuity in the root structure was interpreted as perforation. Two observers examined the images. Data were analyzed using Stata software and Chi-square test. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of CI, PSP, CBCT and MDCT in detection of strip perforations were 81.25% and 93.75%, 85.42% and 91.67%, 97.92% and 85.42%, and 72.92% and 87.50%, respectively. For diagnosis of root perforation, the sensitivity and specificity were 87.50% and 93.75%, 89.58% and 91.67%, 97.92% and 85.42%, and 81.25% and 87.50%, respectively. For detection of strip perforation, the difference between CBCT and all other methods including CI, PSP and MDCT was significant (p < 0.05). For detection of root perforation, only the difference between CBCT and MDCT was significant, and for all the other methods no statistically significant difference was observed. Conclusions: If it is not possible to diagnose the root perforations by periapical radiographs, CBCT is the best radiographic technique while MDCT is not recommended.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2012

Purpose : Hand-held dental x-ray system is a self contained x-ray machine designed to perform intraoral radiography with one or two hands. The issue about its usage as general dental radiography is still in dispute. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the amount of battery charge and the tube voltage in different handheld dental x-ray systems. Materials and Methods : Seven hand-held dental x-ray units were used for the study. Tube voltage was measured with Unfors ThinX RAD (Unfors Instruments AB, Billdal, Sweden) for 3 consecutive exposures at the different amount of battery charge of each unit. The average and the deviation percentage of measured kV from indicated kV of each unit were calculated. Results : Tube voltage of only 1 unit was 70 kV (indicated by manufacturer) and those of the others were 60 kV. Tube voltage deviation percentage from the indicated kV at the fully charged battery was from 2.5% to -5.5% and from -0.8% to -10.0% at the lowest charged battery. Conclusion : Tube voltages of all units decreased as the residual amount of the battery charge decreased. It is suggested that the performance test for hand-held x-ray system should be performed for the minimum residual charged battery as well as the full charged one. Persistent battery charging is suggested to maintain the proper tube voltage of the hand-held portable x-ray system.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.51-55
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• 2001

Purpose : This study was performed to compare the diagnostic ability of conventional intraoral radiographs with that of digital subtraction image and to assess the quantifying ability of digital subtraction image for simulated apical root resorption Materials and Methods : Conventional intraoral radiographs and digital images of ten sound maxillary central incisors and those with simulated apical root resorption were taken with varying horizontal and vertical angulations of the x-ray beam. The diagnostic accuracy to detect the lesion was evaluated on conventional intraoral radiographs and digital subtraction images by ROC analysis. The amount of simulated apical root resorption was also estimated on the reconstruction images by Emago/sup (R)/ and compared with actual amount of tooth loss using paired t-test. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of conventional intraoral radiographs to detect the apical root resorption was low (ROC area = 0.6446), and the sensitivity and the specificity of digital subtraction images were 100%, respectively. The calculated amounts of apical root resorption showed no statistically significant difference with the actual amounts of the lesion (p>0.05). Conclusion: Digital subtraction radiography is powerful tool to detect the small apical root resorption, and quantitative analysis of small amounts of the lesion can be evaluated by digital subtraction radiography.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.199-203
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• 2009

Purpose : To measure dose-width product (DWP) values used for dental panoramic radiography in Anyang city, Korea. Materials and Methods : Thirty-six panoramic dental radiographic sets (17 analogue panoramic sets and 19 digital panoramic sets) in 36 dental clinics in Anyang city were included in the study. Each patient's panoramic exposure parameters were simulated and the panoramic radiation doses were measured at the secondary collimator using a Mult-O-Meter (Unfors Instruments, Billdal, Sweden) at each dental clinic during 2006. The third quartile DWP was determined from 310 surface dose measurements on adult. Results : The third quartile DWP for adult panoramic radiograph was 106.7 mGy mm. For analogue and digital panoramic radiograph, 3/4 DWP were 116.8 mGy mm and 72 mGy mm respectively. The overall third quartile DWP of panoramic radiography was 106.7 mGy mm. Conclusion : The measured 3/4 DWPs were higher than the 3/4 DWP of 65 mGy mm recommended by NRPB. Dentists who are operating above the reference dose should lower their panoramic exposure doses below the recommended reference value by changing the exposure parameters and/or their panoramic equipments.

• 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.35 no.2
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• pp.63-68
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• 2005

Recently implant has become an important field in dental clinic. Radiographic examination of pre- and post- operation is essential for successful treatment. Clinicians should have knowledge about the purpose of the radiographic examination, suitable imaging modality for the cases, anatomic landmarks of tooth and jaw bone, advantage and limitation of panoramic radiographic examination for implant, principle and interpretation of cross-sectional imaging, bone mineral density, post-operative radiographic examination. This paper will be helpful to get above informations for dentists who want to do dental implant successfully.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.40-42
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• 2024

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a significant condition marked by the overproduction of parathyroid hormones, affecting both systemic health and orofacial regions. Predominantly, secondary HPT associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is critical because of its link to widespread conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. This short article highlights the vital role of dental professionals in identifying HPT through panoramic radiography, which can reveal critical orofacial signs such as brown tumors, altered dental development, and specific bone changes. With the CKD prevalence expected to increase alongside an aging population, the importance of early detection of HPT and its manifestations in dental settings cannot be overstated. Dental practitioners play a crucial role in the early detection of HPT, emphasizing the importance of being knowledgeable about its orofacial manifestations.