• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2023

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to investigate the correlation between chronological age and dental pulp volume in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The literature was searched in 4 databases(PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Within each study, the outcome of interest was the correlation (r) between chronological age and pulp volume. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted. Subgroup analysis was carried out according to sex and tooth type. Results: Of 5,693 identified studies, 27 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for meta-analysis. These articles focused on single-rooted teeth (n=21), multi-rooted teeth (n=6), maxillary teeth (n=14), mandibular teeth (n=6), and maxillary and mandibular teeth (n=12). The relationship between chronological age and dental pulp volume was examined in the entire population (r= -0.67), men (r= -0.75), and women (r= -0.77) in single- and multi-rooted teeth. The results of the total population analysis showed a relatively strong negative relationship between age and pulp volume. Conclusion: This study suggested that CBCT is a reliable and repeatable tool for dental age estimation. A strong inverse relationship was observed between pulp chamber volume and age. Further studies on the correlation between chronological age and pulp volume of multi-rooted teeth may be beneficial.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.219-231
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to clarify differences in the positions of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) landmarks according to different midsagittal planes (MSPs) in patients with skeletal Class III facial asymmetry. Methods: Pre-treatment CBCT data from 60 patients with skeletal Class III were used. The patients were classified into symmetric (menton deviations of < 2 mm) or asymmetric (menton deviations of > 4 mm) groups. Six MSPs were established based on previous studies, and three-dimensional analyses were performed for the planes in both the groups. The measurement outcomes were compared statistically. Results: A statistically significant interaction (p < 0.01) was observed between MSPs and facial asymmetry. No significant differences were observed among MSPs in the symmetric group. However, significant differences in linear measurements were identified among MSPs in the asymmetric group. Specifically, the upper facial MSP revealed both maxillary and mandibular transverse asymmetries. On the other hand, anterior nasal spine (ANS)-associated MSP could not identify maxillary asymmetry. Furthermore, the menton deviation was approximately 3 mm lower when estimated using the ANS-associated MSP than that using upper facial MSP. Conclusions: The choice of MSP can significantly affect treatment outcomes while diagnosing patients with asymmetry. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting MSP in clinical practice.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1.1-1.18
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• 2024

The implementation of imaging methods that enable sensitive and specific observation of anatomical structures has been a constant in the evolution of endodontic therapy. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables 3-dimensional (3D) spatial anatomical navigation in the 3 volumetric planes (sagittal, coronal and axial) which translates into great accuracy for the identification of endodontic pathologies/conditions. CBCT interpretation consists of 2 main components: (i) the generation of specific tasks of the image and (ii) the subsequent interpretation report. A systematic and reproducible method to review CBCT scans can improve the accuracy of the interpretation process, translating into greater precision in terms of diagnosis and planning of endodontic clinical procedures. MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase and Scopus were searched from inception to March 2023. This narrative review addresses the theoretical concepts, elements of interpretation and applications of the CBCT scan in endodontics. In addition, the contents and rationale for reporting 3D endodontic imaging are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.8
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• pp.1018-1023
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• 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has reached global pandemic status as announced by the World Health Organization, which currently recommends reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as the standard diagnostic tool. However, although the RT-PCR test results may be found negative, there are cases that are found positive for COVID-19 pneumonia on computed tomography (CT) scan. CT is also useful in assessing the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. When clinicians desire a CT scan of a patient with COVID-19 to monitor treatment response, a safe method for patient transport is necessary. To address the engagement of medical resources necessary to transport a patient with COVID-19, our institution has implemented the use of mobile CT. Therefore, we report two cases of COVID-19 pneumonia evaluated by using mobile cone-beam CT. Although mobile cone-beam CT had some limitations regarding its image quality such as scatter noise, motion and streak artifacts, and limited field of view compared with conventional multi-detector CT, both cases had acceptable image quality to establish the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. We report the usefulness of mobile cone-beam CT in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.46.1-46.8
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• 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and location of the second mesiobuccal root (MB2) canal in maxillary molars with the aid of various measuring points and lines using cone-beam computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: A total of 205 images of patients who underwent cone-beam CT examinations between 2011 and 2015 as part of their dental diagnosis and treatment were included. There were 76 images of the maxillary first molar and 135 images of the maxillary second molar. Canal orifices were detected at -1 mm from the top of the pulpal floor on cone-beam CT images. Image assessment was performed by 2 observers in reformatted image planes using software. Assessments included measurement of the distance between the MB1 and MB2 canals, and the angles between the lines connecting the MB1-MB2 and distobuccal (DB)-palatal (P) canals. The data were analyzed using the student's t-test. Results: The prevalence of the MB2 canal was 86.8% in the first molar and 28.9% in the second molar. The angle between the lines connecting the MB1-MB2 and DB-P canals was 2.3° ± 5.7° in the first molar and -3.95° ± 7.73° in the second molar. The distance between the MB1 and MB2 canals was 2.1 ± 0.44 mm in the first molar and 1.98 ± 0.42 mm in the second molar. Conclusions: The angles between the lines connecting the MB1-MB2 and DB-P canals was almost parallel. These findings may aid in the prediction of the location of the MB2 canal orifice.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.147-157
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the correlations of cone-beam computed tomographic findings with the apnea-hypopnea index in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with obstructive sleep apnea were selected from the ear-nose-throat (ENT) outpatient clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University. Cone-beam computed tomography was performed for each patient at the end of both inspiration and expiration. Polysomnography was carried out, and the apnea-hypopnea index was obtained. Linear measurements, including cross-sectional area and the SNA and SNB angles, were obtained. Four oral and maxillofacial radiologists categorized pharyngeal and retropalatal airway morphology and calculated the airway length and volume. Continuous data were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and reported as the mean and standard deviation or as the median and range. Categorical data were presented as numbers and percentages, and the significance level was set at P<0.05. Results: The minimal value of the cross-sectional area, SNB angle, and airway morphology at the end of inspiration demonstrated a statistically significant association (P<0.05) with the apnea-hypopnea index, with excellent agreement. No statistically significant difference was found in the airway volume, other linear measurements, or retropalatal airway morphology. Conclusion: Cone-beam computed tomographic measurements in obstructive sleep apnea patients may be used as a supplement to a novel radiographic classification corresponding to the established clinical apnea-hypopnea index classification.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.57 no.7
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• pp.392-402
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• 2019

The most important part of everyday root canal treatment is diagnosis about the morphology of tooth, root and root canal. Usually this procedure is performed by visual examination and radiographic (panoramic/periapical) examination. However, 2-dimentional radiography has several limitations such as imposition of anatomic structures including buccal/lingual root canals and distortion of images. Recently, owing to the increased interest in dental implant and affordable cost of CBCT equipment, CBCT has been introduced widely in local dental clinics. CBCT is characterized by their lower radiation dose and shorter exposure time than conventional CT scan, and ability of 3-dimentional reconstruction of the dento-alveolar structure. Also in endodontic field, the data from CBCT could be very helpful in diagnosing complex root canal anatomy, apical periodontitis, cause of failure and in determining treatment plan. However, there are some limitations such as radiation dose and artifact. Therefore, clinicians should know about indication, advantages and limitations of CBCT, and properly use it for successful root canal treatment to save the natural teeth.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of 3-dimensional(3D) printed models derived from multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems with different fields of view (FOVs). Materials and Methods: Five human dry mandibles were used to assess the accuracy of reconstructions of anatomical landmarks, bone defects, and intra-socket dimensions by 3D printers. The measurements were made on dry mandibles using a digital caliper (gold standard). The mandibles then underwent MDCT imaging. In addition, CBCT images were obtained using Cranex 3D and NewTom 3G scanners with 2 different FOVs. The images were transferred to two 3D printers, and the digital light processing (DLP) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) techniques were used to fabricate the 3D models, respectively. The same measurements were also made on the fabricated prototypes. The values measured on the 3D models were compared with the actual values, and the differences were analyzed using the paired t-test. Results: The landmarks measured on prototypes fabricated using the FDM and DLP techniques based on all 4 imaging systems showed differences from the gold standard. No significant differences were noted between the FDM and DLP techniques. Conclusion: The 3D printers were reliable systems for maxillofacial reconstruction. In this study, scanners with smaller voxels had the highest precision, and the DLP printer showed higher accuracy in reconstructing the maxillofacial landmarks. It seemed that 3D reconstructions of the anterior region were overestimated, while the reconstructions of intra-socket dimensions and implant holes were slightly underestimated.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.66-73
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• 2015

Objective: To compare condylar position and morphology among different vertical skeletal patterns. Methods: Diagnostic cone-beam computed tomography images of 60 adult patients (120 temporomandibular joints) who visited the orthodontic clinic of Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital were reviewed. The subjects were divided into three equal groups according to the mandibular plane angle: hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent groups. Morphology of the condyle and mandibular fossa and condylar position were compared among the groups. Results: The hypodivergent and hyperdivergent groups showed significant differences in superior joint spaces, antero-posterior condyle width, medio-lateral condyle width, condyle head angle, and condylar shapes. Conclusions: Condylar position and morphology vary according to vertical facial morphology. This relationship should be considered for predicting and establishing a proper treatment plan for temporomandibular diseases during orthodontic treatment.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.133-140
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this review was to systematically analyze the available literature on the correlation between the gray values (GVs) of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the Hounsfield units (HUs) of computed tomography (CT) for assessing bone mineral density. Materials and Methods: A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Scopus, and LILACS for studies published through September 2021. In vitro, in vivo, and animal studies that analyzed the correlations GVs of CBCT and HUs of CT were included in this review. The review was prepared according to the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. A quantitative analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model. Results: The literature search identified a total of 5,955 studies, of which 14 studies were included for the qualitative analysis and 2 studies for the quantitative analysis. A positive correlation was observed between the GVs of CBCT and HUs of CT. Out of the 14 studies, 100% had low risks of bias for the domains of patient selection, index test, and reference standards, while 95% of studies had a low risk of bias for the domain of flow and timing. The fixed-effects meta-analysis performed for Pearson correlation coefficients between CBCT and CT showed a moderate positive correlation (r=0.669; 95% CI, 0.388 to 0.836; P<0.05). Conclusion: The available evidence showed a positive correlation between the GVs of CBCT and HUs of CT.