• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.123-129
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• 2010

Purpose : To evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in dogs using fractal analysis. Also, the capabilities of fractal analysis as bone analysis techniques were compared with those of histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods : A total of 24 implants were inserted in 6 dogs. After a 3-months, experimental periimplantitis characterized by a bone loss of about 3 mm was established by inducing with wires. Surgical treatment involving flap procedure, debridement of implants surface with chlorhexidine and saline (group 1), guided bone regeneration (GBR) with absorbable collagen membrane and mineralized bone graft (group 2), and $CO_2$ laser application with GBR (group 3) were performed. After animals were sacrificed in 8 and 16 weeks respectively, bone sections including implants were made. Fractal dimensions were calculated by box-counting method on the skeletonized images, made from each region of interest, including five screws at medial and distal aspects of implant, were selected. Results : Statistically significant differences in the fractal dimensions between the group 1($0.9340{\pm}0.0126$) and group 3($0.9783{\pm}0.0118$) at 16 weeks were found (P<0.05). The fractal dimension was statistically significant different between 8($0.9395{\pm}0.0283$) and 16 weeks in group 3 (P<0.05). These results were similar with the result of the evaluation of new bone formation in histomorphometric analysis. Conclusions : Treatment of experimental peri-implantitis by using $CO_2$ laser with GBR is more useful than other treatments in the formation of new bone and also the tendency of fractal dimension to increase relative to healing time may be a useful means of evaluating.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.28-37
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and degree of lingual concavities in the first molar region of the mandible to reduce the risk of perforating the lingual cortical bone during dental implant insertion. Methods: A total of 163 suitable cross-sectional cone-beam computed tomography images of edentulous mandibular first molar regions were evaluated. The mandibular morphology was classified as a U-configuration (undercut), a P-configuration (parallel), or a C-configuration (convex), depending on the shape of the alveolar ridge. The characteristics of lingual concavities, including their depth, angle, vertical location, and additional parameters, were measured. Results: Lingual undercuts had a prevalence of 32.5% in the first molar region. The mean concavity angle was 63.34°±8.26°, and the mean linear concavity depth (LCD) was 3.03±0.99 mm. The mean vertical distances of point P from the alveolar crest (Vc) and from the inferior mandibular border were 9.39±3.39 and 16.25±2.44, respectively. Men displayed a larger vertical height from the alveolar crest to 2 mm coronal to the inferior alveolar nerve (Vcb) and a wider LCD than women (P<0.05). Negative correlations were found between age and buccolingual width at 2 mm apical to the alveolar crest, between age and Vcb, between age and Vc, and between age and LCD (P<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of lingual concavities was 32.5% in this study. Age and gender had statistically significant effects on the lingual morphology. The risk of lingual perforation was higher in young men than in the other groups analyzed.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.331-336
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• 2005

The objective of this study was to assess the strain-specificity of a DNA probe, Fu12, for Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum ATCC $25586^T$ (F. nucleatum ATCC $25586^T$), and to develop sets of strain-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. Strain-specificity was tested against 16 strains of F. nucleatum and 3 strains of distinct Fusobacterium species. Southern blot hybridization revealed that the Fu12 reacted exclusively with the HindIII-digested genomic DNA of F. nucleatum ATCC $25586^T$. The results of PCR revealed that three pairs of PCR primers, based on the nucleotide sequence of Fu12, generated the strain-specific amplicons from F. nucleatum ATCC $25586^T$. These results suggest that the DNA probe Fu12 and the three pairs of PCR primers could be useful in the identification of F. nucleatum ATCC $25586^T$, especially with regard to the determination of the authenticity of the strain.

• Journal of the Korean Physical Society
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• v.73 no.9
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• pp.1377-1384
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• 2018

Accurate measurement of the absorbed dose and the effective dose is required in dental panoramic radiography involving relatively low energy with a rotational X-ray tube system using long exposures. To determine the effectiveness of measuring the irradiation by using passive dosimetry, we compared the entrance skin doses by using a radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter (RPL) and an optically stimulated luminescence detector (OSL) in a phantom model consisting of nine and 31 transverse sections. The parameters of the panoramic device were set to 80 kV, 4 mA, and 12 s in the standard program mode. The X-ray spectrum was applied in the same manner as the panoramic dose by using the SpekCalc Software. The results indicated a mass attenuation coefficient of $0.008226cm^2/g$, and an effective energy of 34 keV. The equivalent dose between the RPL and the OSL was calculated based on a product of the absorbed doses. The density of the aluminum attenuators was $2.699g/cm^3$. During the panoramic examination, tissue absorption doses with regard to the RPL were a surface dose of $75.33{\mu}Gy$ and a depth dose of $71.77{\mu}Gy$, those with regard to the OSL were surface dose of $9.2{\mu}Gy$ a depth dose of $70.39{\mu}Gy$ and a mean dose of $74.79{\mu}Gy$. The effective dose based on the International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 103 tissue weighting factor for the RPL were $0.742{\mu}Sv$, $8.9{\mu}Sv$, $2.96{\mu}Sv$ and those for the OSL were $0.754{\mu}Sv$, $9.05{\mu}Sv$, and $3.018{\mu}Sv$ in the parotid and sublingual glands, orbit, and thyroid gland, respectively. The RPL was more effective than the OSL for measuring the absorbed radiation dose in low-energy systems with a rotational X-ray tube.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.107-115
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to demonstrate the presence of dental caries through a photoacoustic imaging system with visible and near-infrared wavelengths, highlighting the differences between the 2 spectral regions. The depth at which carious tissue could be detected was also verified. Materials and Methods: Fifteen permanent molars were selected and classified as being sound or having incipient or advanced caries by visual inspection, radiography, and optical coherence tomography analysis prior to photoacoustic scanning. A photoacoustic imaging system operating with a nanosecond pulsed laser as the light excitation source at either 532 nm or 1064 nm and an acoustic transducer at 5 MHz was developed, characterized, and used. En-face and lateral(depth) photoacoustic signals were detected. Results: The results confirmed the potential of the photoacoustic method to detect caries. At both wavelengths, photoacoustic imaging effectively detected incipient and advanced caries. The reconstructed photoacoustic images confirmed that a higher intensity of the photoacoustic signal could be observed in regions with lesions, while sound surfaces showed much less photoacoustic signal. Photoacoustic signals at depths up to 4 mm at both 532 nm and 1064 nm were measured. Conclusion: The results presented here are promising and corroborate that photoacoustic imaging can be applied as a diagnostic tool in caries research. New studies should focus on developing a clinical model of photoacoustic imaging applications in dentistry, including soft tissues. The use of inexpensive light-emitting diodes together with a miniaturized detector will make photoacoustic imaging systems more flexible, user-friendly, and technologically viable.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.75-82
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• 2022

Purpose: This cross-sectional study evaluated and categorized the tomographic sagittal root position (SRP) of the maxillary anterior teeth in a Brazilian population. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomographic scans of 420 maxillary anterior teeth of 70 patients (35 men and 35 women, mean age 25.2±5.9 years) were evaluated. The SRP was classified as class I, II, III, or IV. In class I, the root is positioned against the buccal cortical plate; in class II, the root is centered in the middle of the alveolar housing; in class III, the root is positioned against the palatal cortical plate; and in class IV, at least two-thirds of the root engage both the buccal and palatal cortical plates. Results: In total, 274 teeth (65.2%) were class I, 39 (9.3%) were class II, 3 (0.7%) were class III, and 104 (24.8%) were class IV. The frequency distribution over the teeth groups was different from the overall analysis. Important differences were found in the frequencies of classes I, II, and IV compared to other populations. Sex was not associated with the SRP classes (P=0.307). Age distribution was significantly different over the classes (P=0.004). Conclusion: The findings of this study on the distribution of SRP classes among the Brazilian population compared to other populations demonstrate that the SRP should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis for an accurate treatment plan in the maxillary anterior area.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.141-153
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and extension of the anterior loop (AL) of the mental nerve in different populations and according to different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging settings. Materials and Methods: Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest were searched. The main inclusion criterion was ALs evaluated in CBCT images. The quality of studies was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute risk of bias checklist. Subgroup analyses were conducted for sex, side, continent, voxel size, field of view, and type of CBCT-reconstruction images with a random-effects model. Results: Sixty-three studies with 13,743 participants (27,075 hemimandibles) were included. An AL was found in 40.6% (95% CI: 32.8%-48.9%, P<0.05) of participants and 36.0% (95% CI: 27.5%-45.5%, P<0.05) of hemimandibles, in 34.9% (95% CI: 25.1%-46.2%, P<0.05) of males and 34.5% (95% CI: 23.5%-47.4%, P<0.05) of females. The average length of ALs was 2.39 mm (95% CI: 2.07-2.70 mm, P<0.05). Their extension was 2.13 mm (95% CI: 1.54-2.73 mm, P<0.05) in males and 1.85 mm (95% CI: 1.35-2.36 mm, P<0.05) in females. Significant differences were observed regarding the prevalence and length of ALs among continents and for its measured length on different CBCT-reconstruction images, but not between other subgroups. Conclusion: AL was a relatively common finding. The voxel size and fields of view of CBCT devices were adequate for assessing AL; however, a 2-mm safety margin from anatomical structures(such as the AL) could be recommended to be considered when using CBCT imaging.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.439-446
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify correlations between the STOP-Bang score and upper airway dimensions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Materials and Methods: This study included 101 subjects (46 men, 55 women) from dental patients who received CBCT scans from 2014 to 2020. The patients were divided into those with a low obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) risk (STOP-Bang score<3) and those with an intermediate to high OSA risk (STOP-Bang score≥3), and their upper airway dimensions were then analysed on CBCT scans. Comparisons between the low-risk and intermediate/high-risk groups were conducted using the t-test and the Mann-Whitney test. Correlations between the total STOP-Bang score and upper airway dimension parameters were established using Spearman correlation coefficients. P values≤0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: Intermediate/high-risk subjects were predominantly male and over 50 years of age, with a higher body mass index. They had significantly longer upper airways, smaller average airway volumes, and smaller widths and antero-posterior dimensions of the narrowest upper airway segment. The total upper airway length was positively correlated with the STOP-Bang score (r_s=0.278). The average volume (r_s= -0.203) and width of the narrowest upper airway segment(r_s= -0.305) were both negatively correlated with STOP-Bang scores. Conclusion: Subjects with higher STOP-Bang scores had upper airways that were longer, narrower, and smaller in terms of average volume. CBCT scans taken for dental patients as part of investigative procedures could be correlated with STOP-Bang scores to screen for patients at risk of OSA.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.303-308
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• 2022

Purpose: This technical report aims to describe and detail the use of micro-computed tomography for a reliable evaluation of the bulk-fill composite/tooth interface. Materials and Methods: Bulk-fill composite restorations in tooth cavities were scanned using micro-computed tomography to obtain qualitatively and quantitatively valuable information. Two-dimensional information was processed using specific algorithms, and ultimately a 3-dimensional (3D) specimen reconstruction was generated. The 3D rendering allowed the visualization of voids inside bulk-fill composite materials and provided quantitative measurements. The 3D analysis software VG Studio MAX was used to perform image analysis and assess gap formation within the tooth-restoration interface. In particular, to evaluate internal adaptation, the Defect Analysis addon module of VG Studio Max was used. Results: The data, obtained with the processing software, highlighted the presence and the shape of gaps in different colours, representing the volume of porosity within a chromatic scale in which each colour quantitatively represents a well-defined volume. Conclusion: Micro-computed tomography makes it possible to obtain several quantitative parameters, providing fundamental information on defect shape and complexity. However, this technique has the limit of not discriminating materials without radiopacity and with low or no filler content, such as dental adhesives, and hence, they are difficult to visualise through software reconstruction.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.16-24
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• 2023

Purpose: To determine the effects of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection into the human masseter muscle on the morphology of the mandibular condyle bone using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Twenty volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group I received a single BoNT injection; Group II received two injections, with the second being administered 4 months after the first. CBCT scans of both temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were performed before and 6 months after the first injection. Bony changes in the cortical layers of the condyle heads were evaluated and the long and short axes of both mandibular condyles were measured. The thickness at the thinnest part of glenoid fossa was also quantitatively measured. Results: There was no significant difference between pre- and post-injection CBCT images. Furthermore, no changes in the cortical layers of the condyle heads were observed among the subjects who exhibited mild degenerative TMJ changes. The quantitative measurements (long axis, short axis, and the thickness of thinnest part of glenoid fossa roof) did not differ significantly between pre- and post-injection except for the long axis in Group I. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it appears that BoNT injections into human masseter muscles do not alter the morphology of the mandibular condyle bone in healthy adults.