• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.63-69
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• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique for localizing impacted mesiodens using its horizontal magnification ratio on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods : Location-magnification equation of a panoramic equipment was obtained from horizontal magnification ratio of a metal ball which was located variable positions from the center of image layer at interval of 2 mm. Panoramic radiographs were obtained from a skull phantom with a metal ball which was a substitute for impacted mesiodens and was embedded 10mm(Group 1), 15mm(Group 2), and 20mm(Group 3) posterior to the central incisor. Each group obtained 7 panoramic radiographs at variable positions and one periapical radiograph. Three methods were used to estimate the actual width of the incisors and the balls which were used to calculate the magnification ratio. The methods included using the actual incisor width and the calculated ball width (Method 1), using the actual incisor width and the ball widths measured on periapical radiograph (Method 2), and using the incisor and the ball widths measured on periapical radiograph (Method 3). The location of the metal ball was calculated by using the location-magnification equation. Results : The smallest difference between the calculated and the actual distance was $0.1{\pm}0.7 \;mm$ in Group 1/ Method 3. The largest difference was $-4.2{\pm}1.6 \;mm$ in Group 3/Method 2. In all groups, method 3 was the most accurate. Conclusion : Quantitative localization of impacted mesiodens is possible by using panoramic radiograph.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.183-190
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of clinical image quality of panoramic radiographs and to analyze the parameters that influence the overall image quality. Materials and Methods: Korean dental clinics were asked to provide three randomly selected panoramic radiographs. An oral and maxillofacial radiology specialist evaluated those images using our self-developed Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart. Three evaluators classified the overall image quality of the panoramic radiographs and evaluated the causes of imaging errors. Results: A total of 297 panoramic radiographs were collected from 99 dental hospitals and clinics. The mean of the scores according to the Clinical Image Quality Evaluation Chart was 79.9. In the classification of the overall image quality, 17 images were deemed 'optimal for obtaining diagnostic information,' 153 were 'adequate for diagnosis,' 109 were 'poor but diagnosable,' and nine were 'unrecognizable and too poor for diagnosis'. The results of the analysis of the causes of the errors in all the images are as follows: 139 errors in the positioning, 135 in the processing, 50 from the radiographic unit, and 13 due to anatomic abnormality. Conclusion: Panoramic radiographs taken at local dental clinics generally have a normal or higher-level image quality. Principal factors affecting image quality were positioning of the patient and image density, sharpness, and contrast. Therefore, when images are taken, the patient position should be adjusted with great care. Also, standardizing objective criteria of image density, sharpness, and contrast is required to evaluate image quality effectively.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.121-125
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• 2005

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the fractal dimension of successive panoramic radiographs of bone after implant placement is useful in the characterization of structural change in alveolar bone. Materials and Methods. Twelve subjects with thirty-five implants were retrospectively followed-up from one week to six months after implantation. Thirty-six panoramic radiographs from twelve patients were classified into 1 week, 1-2 months and 3-6 months after implantation and digitized. The windows of bone apical and mesial or distal to the implant were defined as periapical region of interest (ROI) and interdental ROI; the fractal dimension of the image was calculated. Results There was not a statistically significant difference in fractal dimensions during the period up to 6 months after implantation. The fractal dimensions were higher in 13 and 15mm than 10 and 11.5mm implant length at interdental ROIs in 3-6 months after implantation (P<0.01). Conclusion : Longer fixtures showed the higher fractal dimension of bone around implant. This investigation needs further exploration with large numbers of implants for longer follow-up periods.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.105-107
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• 2024

The author herein presents an unusual case of eustachian tube calcification masquerading as loose radiopacities in the temporomandibular joints on a panoramic image, creating a diagnostic challenge. The patient, a 72-year-old woman, presented to the dental service for implant treatment to improve her masticatory function. A cone-beam computed tomography scan was performed and reviewed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. The scan showed no evidence of calcifications in the temporomandibular joints; however, it revealed nodular calcifications within the cartilaginous portion of the eustachian tube bilaterally. Additionally, this report briefly reviews the differential diagnosis of calcified loose bodies in the temporomandibular joint and provides information that needs to be reinforced periodically.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.121-127
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• 2012

Purpose: This study evaluated the association between cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and panoramic radiographs in the assessment of a superimposed relationship between the mandibular canal and impacted third molars. Materials and Methods: The study samples consisted of 175 impacted third molars from 131 patients who showed a superimposed relationship between the mandibular canal and third molars on panoramic radiographs and were referred for the examination of the mandibular canal with CBCT. Panoramic images were evaluated for the darkening of the root and the interruption of the mandibular canal wall. CBCT images were used to assess the buccolingual position of the mandibular canal relative to the third molar, the proximity of the roots to the canal, and lingual cortical bone loss. The association of the panoramic and CBCT findings was examined using a Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Panoramic radiographic signs were statistically associated with CBCT findings (P<0.01). In cases of darkening roots, lingual cortical bone loss or buccally positioned canals were more frequent. In cases in which the mandibular canal wall was interrupted on panoramic radiographs, contact or lingually positioned canals were more frequent. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that contact between the mandibular third molar and canal and a lingually positioned canal could be more frequently observed in cases of the interruption of the white line of the mandibular canal and that there could be more lingual cortical loss in cases of darkening roots.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.145-145
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• 2012

• 대한치주과학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2000.11a
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• pp.136-137
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• 2000

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.163-167
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• 2008

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the position of the mandibular canal in relation to the mandibular third molar by cone beam CT in cases showing a close relationship between the third molar and the mandibular canal on the panoramic radiograph. Materials and Methods : The panoramic images and cone beam CT scans of 87 impacted mandibular third molars in 60 patients were evaluated to assess the tooth relationship to the mandibular canal. The clearness of the canal wall and the vertical depth of the lower third molar were evaluated on panoramic radiographs. The lower third molars were assessed using cone beam CT to determine the proximity and position of the canal relative to the roots. Results : In the 66 cases where the canal wall was unclear on the panoramic radiographs, 58 (87.9%) of the third molars had contact between the canal and root; 34 (51.5%) canals were showed an inferior position and 22 (33.3%) showed a linguoinferior position on cone beam CT. Conclusion : Interruption of the canal wall on panoramic radiographs was highly predictive of contact between the mandibular canal and the third molar. Cross sectional CT may be indicated for localization of the mandibular canal in such cases.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.231-235
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the trabecular pattern on panoramic radiographs to predict age-related osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one postmenopausal osteoporotic women and 25 postmenopausal healthy women between the ages of 50 and 88 were enrolled in this study. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and femur were calculated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and panoramic radiographs were obtained. Fractal dimension (FD) was measured using the box counting method from 560 regions of interest ($51{\times}51$ pixels) in 6 sites on the panoramic radiographs. The relationships between age and BMD and between FD and BMD were assessed, and the intraobserver agreement was determined. Results: There was a significant difference in the FD values between the osteoporotic and normal groups (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the FD values at three sites in the jaws (p<0.05). Age was significantly correlated with the BMD measurements, with an odds ratio of 1.25. However, the FD values were not significantly correlated with the BMD measurements, with an odds ratio of 0.000. The intraobserver agreement showed relatively higher correlation coefficients at the upper premolar, lower premolar, and lower anterior regions than the other sites. Conclusion: Age was an important risk factor for predicting the presence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The lower premolar region was the most appropriate site for evaluating the FD value on panoramic radiographs. However, further investigation might be needed to predict osteoporosis using an FD value on panoramic radiographs.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.271-278
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the panoramic imaging features of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) with a relatively large sample. Materials and Methods: The panoramic radiographs of 40 CCD patients who visited Seoul National University Dental Hospital between 2004 and 2018 were analyzed. Imaging features were recorded based on the consensus of 2 radiologists according to the following criteria: the number of supernumerary teeth and impacted teeth; the shape of the ascending ramus, condyle, coronoid process, sigmoid notch, antegonial notch, and hard palate; the mandibular midline suture; and the gonial angle. Results: The mean number of supernumerary teeth and impacted teeth were 6.1 and 8.3, respectively, and the supernumerary teeth and impacted teeth were concentrated in the anterior and premolar regions. Ramus parallelism was dominant (32 patients, 80.0%) and 5 patients (12.5%) showed a mandibular midline suture. The majority of mandibular condyles showed a rounded shape (61.2%), and most coronoid processes were triangular (43.8%) or round (37.5%). The mean gonial angle measured on panoramic radiographs was 122.6°. Conclusion: Panoramic radiographs were valuable for identifying the features of CCD and confirming the diagnosis. The presence of numerous supernumerary teeth and impacted teeth, especially in the anterior and premolar regions, and the characteristic shapes of the ramus, condyle, and coronoid process on panoramic radiographs may help to diagnose CCD.