• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.328-334
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• 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to validate the effectiveness of a recently proposed difficulty index for removal of impacted mandibular third molars based on extraction time and suggest a modified difficulty index including the presence of pathologic conditions associated with third molars. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 65 male patients younger than 25 years with third molars. Extraction time was calculated from start of the incision to the last suture. The difficulty scores for third molars were based on spatial relationship (1-5 points), depth (1-4 points), and ramus relationship (1-3 points) using cone-beam computed tomography. The difficulty index was defined as follows: I (3-4 points), II (5-7 points), III (8-10 points), and IV (11-12 points). The modified difficulty score was calculated by adding one point to the difficulty score if the third molar was associated with a pathologic condition. Two modified difficulty indices, based on the presence of pathologic conditions, were as follows: the half-level up difficulty index (HDI) and the one-level up difficulty index (ODI) from the recently proposed difficulty index. Results: The correlations between extraction time and difficulty index and or modified difficulty indices were significant (P<0.001). The correlation coefficient between extraction time and difficulty index was 0.584. The correlation coefficients between extraction time and HDI and ODI were 0.728 and 0.764, respectively. Conclusion: Extraction time of impacted third molars exhibited a moderate correlation with difficulty index and was strongly correlated with the modified indices. Considering the clinical implications, the difficulty index of surgical extraction should take into consideration the pathologic conditions associated with third molars.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.121-129
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• 2015

Objective: This study aimed to assess three-dimensional changes in the temporomandibular joint positions and mandibular dimensions after correction of dental factors restricting mandibular growth in patients with Class II division 1 or division 2 malocclusion in the pubertal growth period. Methods: This prospective clinical study included 14 patients each with Class II division 1 (group I) and Class II division 2 (group II) malocclusions. The quad-helix was used for maxillary expansion, while utility arches were used for intrusion (group I) or protrusion and intrusion (group II) of the maxillary incisors. After approximately 2 months of treatment, an adequate maxillary arch width and acceptable maxillary incisor inclination were obtained. The patients were followed for an average of 6 months. Intraoral and extraoral photographs, plaster models, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained before and after treatment. Lateral cephalometric and temporomandibular joint measurements were made from the CBCT images. Results: The mandibular dimensions increased in both groups, although mandibular positional changes were also found in group II. There were no differences in the condylar position within the mandibular fossa or the condylar dimensions. The mandibular fossa depth and condylar positions were symmetrical at treatment initiation and completion. Conclusions: Class II malocclusion can be partially corrected by achieving an ideal maxillary arch form, particularly in patients with Class II division 2 malocclusion. Restrictions of the mandible in the transverse or sagittal plane do not affect the temporomandibular joint positions in these patients because of the high adaptability of this joint.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.216-226
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• 2020

Root resorption can be caused by several factors, including contact with the cortical bone. Here we report a case involving a 21-year-old female with Angle Class II, division 1 malocclusion who exhibited significant root resorption in the maxillary right central incisor after orthodontic treatment. The patient presented with significant left-sided deviation of the maxillary incisors due to lingual dislocation of the left lateral incisor and a Class II molar relationship. Cephalometric analysis demonstrated a Class I skeletal relationship (A point-nasion-B point, 2.5°) and proclined maxillary anterior teeth (upper incisor to sella-nasion plane angle, 113.4°). The primary treatment objectives were the achievement of stable occlusion with midline agreement between the maxillary and mandibular dentitions and appropriate maxillary anterior tooth axes and molar relationship. A panoramic radiograph obtained after active treatment showed significant root resorption in the maxillary right central incisor; therefore, we performed cone-beam computed tomography, which confirmed root resorption along the cortical bone around the incisive canal. The findings from this case, where different degrees of root resorption were observed despite comparable degrees of orthodontic movement in the bilateral maxillary central incisors, suggest that the incisive canal could be an inducing factor for root resorption. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm this assumption.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.88-93
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• 2017

Objectives: Any change in maxilla and mandible position can alter the upper airway, and any decrease in the upper airway can cause sleep disorders. Thus, it is necessary to assess airway changes after repositioning of the maxilla and mandible during orthognathic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate linear and volumetric changes in the upper airway after bimaxillary surgery to correct class III malocclusion via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to identify correlations between linear and volumetric changes. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. CBCTs from 10 class III patients were evaluated before surgery and three months after. The Wilcoxon one-sample test was used to evaluate the differences in measurements before and after surgery. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between linear and volumetric changes. Results: The results show that the nasopharyngeal space increased significantly, and that this increase correlated with degree of maxillary advancement. No significant changes were found in volumes before and after surgery. A correlation was found between linear and volumetric oropharyngeal changes. Conclusion: Bimaxillary surgical correction of class III malocclusion did not cause statistically significant changes in the posterior airway space.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.326-337
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• 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop new parameters based on the foramina of the trigeminal nerve and to compare them with the conventional cephalometric parameters in different facial skeletal types. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and cephalograms from 147 adult patients (57 males and 90 females; mean age, 26.1 years) were categorized as Class I ($1^{\circ}$ < ANB < $3^{\circ}$), Class II (ANB > $5^{\circ}$), and Class III (ANB < $-1^{\circ}$). Seven foramina in the craniofacial area-foramen rotundum (Rot), foramen ovale (Ov), infraorbital foramen, greater palatine foramen, incisive foramen (IF), mandibular foramen (MDF), and mental foramen (MTF)-were identified in the CBCT images. Various linear, angular, and ratio parameters were compared between the groups by using the foramina, and the relationship between the new parameters and the conventional cephalometric parameters was assessed. Results: The distances between the foramina in the cranial base did not differ among the three groups. However, the Rot-IF length was shorter in female Class III patients, while the Ov-MTF length, MDF-MTF length, and Ov-MDF length were shorter in Class II patients than in Class III patients of both sexes. The MDF-MTF/FH plane angle was larger in Class II patients than in Class III patients of both sexes. Most parameters showed moderate to high correlations, but the Ov-MDF-MTF angle showed a relatively low correlation with the gonial angle. Conclusions: The foramina of the trigeminal nerve can be used to supplement assessments based on the conventional skeletal landmarks on CBCT images.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.250-259
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• 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the differences in mandibular posterior anatomic limit (MPAL) distances stratified by vertical patterns in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: CBCT images of 48 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion (mean age, 22.8 ± 3.1 years) categorized according to the vertical patterns (hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent; n = 16 per group) were analyzed. While parallel to the posterior occlusal line, the shortest linear distances from the distal root of the mandibular second molar to the inner cortex of the mandibular body were measured at depths of 4, 6, and 8 mm from the cementoenamel junction. MPAL distances were compared between the three groups, and their correlations were analyzed. Results: The mean ages, sex distribution, asymmetry, and crowding in the three groups showed no significant differences. MPAL distance was significantly longer in male (3.8 ± 2.6 mm) than in female (1.8 ± 1.2 mm) at the 8-mm root level. At all root levels, MPAL distances were significantly different in the hypodivergent and hyperdivergent groups (p < 0.001) and between the normodivergent and hyperdivergent groups (p < 0.01). MPAL distances were the shortest in the hyperdivergent group. The mandibular plane angle highly correlated with MPAL distances at all root levels (p < 0.01). Conclusions: MPAL distances were the shortest in patients with hyperdivergent patterns and showed a decreasing tendency as the mandibular plane angle increased. MPAL distances were significantly shorter (~3.16 mm) at the 8-mm root level.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.155-164
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to systematically screen the literature for studies reporting cosmetic material in the oral and maxillofacial complex to shed light on the types of cosmetic materials, their radiographic appearance, and possible complications. Materials and Methods: Five electronic databases were reviewed for eligible studies. The general search terms were "cosmetic," "filler," "face," and "radiograph." Demographics, material types, clinical and radiographic presentation, and complications were recorded. Results: Thirty-one studies with 53 cases met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 52.6±15.4 years with a 4 : 3 female-to-male ratio. The most common material was calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa) (n=14, 26.4%), found incidentally. The materials were generally located within the upper cheek and zygoma (n=35, 66.0%), radiographically well-defined (n=44, 83%), and had no effects on the surrounding structures (n=27, 50.9%). The internal structure was radiopaque (calcification, hyperdensity) for gold wires, CaHa, bone implants, and secondary calcification or ossification. Outdated cosmetic materials or non-conservative techniques were infiltrative, had effects on the surrounding structures, and presented with clinical signs, symptoms, or complications. Conclusion: Conventional radiography, cone-beam computed tomography, and multi-detector computed tomography are useful to differentiate several cosmetic materials. Their magnetic resonance imaging appearance was highly variable. The infrequent inclusion of cosmetic materials in the differential diagnosis implies that medical and dental specialists may be unfamiliar with the radiographic appearance of these materials in the face.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.161-164
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• 2021

The foramen of Huschke (FH) or foramen tympanicum is a persistent bony defect connecting the external auditory canal (EAC) to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It arises from an incomplete ossification of the tympanic part of the temporal bone that persists after the age of 5. If a herniation exists in the TMJ, otological symptoms may occur. An 80-year-old female patient complained of noise in her left TMJ and otorrhea in her left ear. On her cone beam computed tomography images, there were only degenerative joint disease signs on her left mandibular condyle. However, her computed tomography images revealed that the soft tissue of the TMJ herniate into the EAC. Additional examination was planned for the further evaluation. But the patient no longer visited the hospital due to her systemic health status, and symptoms disappeared spontaneously without any treatments. Usually this type of herniation is very rare, but years of mechanical stress from mastication may result in weakening and widening of the foramen with age. Therefore, although FH is usually congenital, sometimes it may be acquired in the elderly. The treatment plan should be determined in consideration of the patient's symptom level and the patient's general health status. If the clinical symptoms are not severe, no treatment is required.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.358-364
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to three-dimensionally evaluate the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) of patients with anterior open bite (AOB) by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and compare the findings with those obtained in individuals with normal occlusion. Methods: The open bite group (OBG, n = 25) consisted of patients with an anterior overbite of -3 mm or less, while the control group (n = 25) consisted of age- and sex-matched individuals with an anterior overbite of 1-3 mm, Angle Class I malocclusion (1° ≤ point A-nasion-point B angle ≤ 4°), and a normodivergent profile (22° ≤ Frankfort mandibular plane angle ≤ 28°). After the CBCT data were reconstructed into a three-dimensional image, the PAS was segmented into four parts, and the volume of each part was measured. Pharyngeal airway length (PAL) and the area and transverse width of the part showing minimal constriction were also measured. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between changes in the PAS and the amount of anterior overbite. Results: The OBG showed a significantly narrower airway space in the nasopharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and total airway volumes. The OBG also showed a significantly smaller area and transverse width of the part with minimal constriction. The OBG showed a significantly longer PAL, but there was no correlation between the amount of anterior overbite and the changes in PAS. Conclusions: The PAS was associated with AOB. Patients with AOB had a narrower PAS and a smaller part showing minimal constriction.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.88-94
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the sagittal root position of maxillary anterior teeth and report the frequency of each classification in Korean for immediate implant placement. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of cone-beam computed tomography (cone-beam CT) images was conducted on 120 patients (60 male and 60 female) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. After reorientation of the axis, cone-beam CT images were evaluated and the relationship of the sagittal root position (SRP) of the maxillary anterior teeth to its associated osseous housing was recorded. Class I, II, and III were classified respectively when the root was positioned on the labial, central, and palatal aspect of the alveolar bone. Class IV was the position that at least two thirds of the root is engaging both the labial and palatal cortical plates. Then, the angulation of the root axis and the alveolar bone axis was measured. Descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the angulation according to the root position and SRP class. Results: The frequency distribution of sagittal root position of maxillary anterior teeth indicated that 81.1%, 10.3%, 1.9%, and 6.7% were classified as Class I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The sagittal angulation at approximately 77.5% of central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine was < 20 degrees, but the angle at more than 42.7% of canine was ≥ 20 degrees. Within the class, the angulation was statistically significantly greater in Class I (16.19) compared to Class II (8.72) and Class III (9.93), and smaller in Class IV (3.79). Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, a majority of the maxillary anterior roots were positioned close to the buccal cortical plate. However, some roots have very thin alveolar bone and sagittal angulation larger than 30 degrees. Therefore, cone-beam CT analyses of the sagittal root position and the sagittal angulation are recommended for the selection of the appropriate dental implant treatment approach.