• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.169-176
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• 2008

Purpose : To assess the diagnostic accuracy and value in an imaging technique field through the comparison of cone beam computed tomography and conventional panoramic radiography in assessing the topographic relationship between the mandibular canal and impacted third molars. Materials and Methods : Participants consisted of 100 patients offered the images through cone beam computed tomography and panoramic radiography. PSR-$9000^{TM}$ Dental CT system (Asahi Roentgen Ind. Co., Ltd, Japan) was used as the unit of cone beam computed tomography. CE-II (Asahi Roentgen Ind. Co., Ltd, Japan) and Pro Max (Planmeca Oy, Finland) were used as the unit of panoramic radiography. The images obtained through panoramic radiography were classified into 3 types according to the distance between mandibular canal and root of mandibular third molar. And they were classified into 4 types according to the proximity of radiographic feature. The images obtained through cone beam computed tomography based on the classification above were classified into 4 types according to the location between the mandibular canal and the root and were analyzed. And they were classified into buccal, inferior, lingual, and between roots, according to the location between mandibular canal and root. The data were statistically analyzed and estimated by $X^2$-test. Results : 1. There was no statistical significance according to 3 types (type I, type II, type III) through CBCT. 2. The results of 4 types (type A, type B, type C, type D) through CBCT were as high prevalence of CBCT 1 in type A, CBCT 2 in type B, CBCT 3 in type C, and CBCT1 in type D and those of which showed statistical significance (P value=0.03). 3. The results according to location between mandibular canal and root through CBCT recorded each 49, 25, 17, 9 as buccal, inferior, lingual, between roots. Conclusion : When estimating the mandibular canal and the roots through the panoramic radiography, it could be difficult to drive the views of which this estimation was considerable. Thus it is required to have an accurate diagnostic approaching through CBCT that could estimate the location between mandibular canal and roots.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2018

Objectives: Foreign bodies (FBs) account for 3.8% of all pathologies of the head and neck region, and approximately one third of them are missed on initial examination. Thus, FBs represent diagnostic challenges to maxillofacial surgeons, rendering it necessary to employ an appropriate imaging modality in suspected cases. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, five different materials, including wood, metal, glass, tooth and stone, were prepared in three sizes (0.5, 1, and 2 mm) and placed in three locations (soft tissue, air-filled space and bone surface) within a sheep's head (one day after death) and scanned by panoramic radiography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and ultrasonography (US) devices. The images were reviewed, and accuracy of the detection modalities was recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman, Wilcoxon signed-rank and kappa tests (P<0.05). Results: CBCT was more accurate in detection of FBs than panoramic radiography and US (P<0.001). Metal was the most visible FB in all of modalities. US was the most accurate technique for detecting wooden materials, and CBCT was the best modality for detecting all other materials, regardless of size or location (P<0.05). The detection accuracy of US was greater in soft tissue, while both CBCT and panoramic radiography had minimal accuracy in detection of FBs in soft tissue. Conclusion: CBCT was the most accurate detection modality for all the sizes, locations and compositions of FBs, except for the wooden materials. Therefore, we recommend CBCT as the gold standard of imaging for detecting FBs in the maxillofacial region.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.105-109
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• 2013

Purpose: Preoperative radiographic assessment of the mandibular third molars is essential to prevent inferior alveolar nerve damage during extraction. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of panoramic signs of association between the roots of teeth and the canal, and to compare the panoramic signs with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) findings. Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 132 impacted mandibular third molars were evaluated to determine the association of the root to the canal. The CBCT findings were compared with the corresponding panoramic images. Logistic regression analysis was used to define the diagnostic criteria of the panoramic images. Results: Among the panoramic signs, loss of the cortical line was the most frequent radiographic sign predicting association (sensitivity: 79.31). Contact of the tooth with the canal was observed in all cases in which the loss of cortical line of the canal or darkening of the roots was found on the panoramic radiographs. Conclusion: Darkening of the roots and loss of the cortical line on panoramic radiographs might be highly suggestive of the risk of nerve injury.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.199-202
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• 2005

Purpose : To report the incidence of radiological findings from screening panoramic radiographs and verify the validity of the panoramic radiography for screening purposes. Materials and Methods : Six thousand one hundred and sixty panoramic radiographs taken from the patients visiting the Health Promotion Center of CNUH were selected for this retrospective study. Panoramic radiographs were examined into the following pathologic conditions : the presence of periodontal bone loss, dental caries, periapical radiolucencies, retained roots, impacted supernumerary teeth, impacted third molars, odontoma, cystic lesions other than radicular cyst, sialoliths, and mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesions. Number of pathologic conditions and Prevalence values were recorded. Results: The prevalences of pathologic conditions were $72.9\%$ of periodontal bone loss, $32.2\%$ of dental caries, $11.9\%$ of periapical radiolucencies, $10.8\%$ of retained roots, $0.4\%$ of root fracture, $1.0\%$ of impacted supernumerary teeth, $1.0\%$ of impacted third molars, $0.06\%$ of odontoma, $0.08\%$ of cystic lesion other than radicular cyst, $0.2\%$ of prolonged retention of deciduous tooth, $0.1\%$ of sialolith, and $0.04\%$ of mixed radiopaque and radiolucent lesion. Conclusion : Although the panoramic radiograph should not be used to replace intraoral radiographic and clinical examinations, this study showed that many dental pathologic conditions could be detected on panoramic radiographs. The panoramic radiograph might serve as a diagnostic aid in dental health evaluation programs.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.117-125
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detectability of various radiographic techniques for mandibular condylar lesions. Erosive lesion, osteophyte and flattening were formed on the artificial mandibular condyle, and panoramic, transcranial, transorbital radiography, lateral and frontal tomography were taken. The results were as follows; 1. The detectability for erosive lesions was superior in the order of frontal tomography(96％), lateral tomography(78％), transorbital(59％), transcranial(16％) and panoramic(48％) radiography. 2. The location of erosive lesion that showed the highest detectability was the medial third in panoramic, the lateral third in transcranial, the central portion of anteroposterior direction in transorbital, the central portion of mediolateral direction and the posterior third in lateral tomography. Frontal tomography disclosed all erosive lesions except one anterolateral lesion. 3. The detectability of osteophyte was 100％ in lateral tomography, 78％ in transcranial and 56％ in panoramic radiography. 4. For flattening, lateral tomography showed the flattened condyle, but both panoramic and transcranial views showed only decreased bone density without the change of condylar shape.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.153-158
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• 2001

Purpose : To determine the head position that the superior border of the mandibular canal as well as mental foramen can be more clearly visualized in panoramic radiography Materials and Methods : Ten dry mandibles were radiographed bilaterally using PM 2002 CC panoramic machine. A 20 mm thick aluminium filter was added to the slit collimator to obtain radiographs with acceptable density. The specimens were tilted by 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 degrees downward with and without radiopaque markers. Radiopaque markers were inserted into the mandibular canals and the mental canals of each side of the specimens to serve as reference image when assessing the radiographs. The visibility of the mandibular canal and the mental foramen was estimated by 4 observers on all radiographs. The obtained results were analyzed statistically. Results: Mandibular canals were significantly more clearly visible in the radiographs with 4 and 6 degree downward position on both sides (P<0.05). Mental foramens were significantly more clearly visible in the radiographs with 4, 6, and 8 degree downward on right side and 6 degree downward on left side (P<0.05). There was not significant difference between right and left sides. Conclusion: Panoramic radiographs with 4 to 6 degree downward tilting could be valuable in locating the mandibular canal as well as the mental foramen.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.259-263
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• 2000

Purpose: Upper cervical vertebrae are commonly imaged together with the jaw bones in panoramic radiography. There have been many studies investigating the possible role of mandible as an indicator of osteoporosis. But the result doesn't show unanimity. This study measured bone densities of mandible and second and third cervical vertebrae to find out any relationship between these two areas. These results may contribute in panorama being used as a screening method in detecting possible osteoporotic patient. Materials and Methods: Randomly selected 226 digitized panoramic images with cervical vertebrae shadows from 156 dental patients between 5 to 80 years of age were used. And the bone densities of second and third cervical vertebrae, apical areas of first and second mandibular molars and interdental areas were measured. The bone density measurements were restricted to the cancellous bone and the average and standard deviations and paired t-tests were done to each measurements. Results: All the measurements were statistically significantly related. The best relationship was found between the third cervical vertebrae and first and second mandibular apical areas. The average and standard deviations of the measured bone density ratios of these areas were 1.20±0.45 and 1.34±0.48 each. Conclusion: Patients whose panoramic bone density of the third cervical vertebrae are much below those of mandibular first or second molar apical areas may have osteoporosis.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.233-240
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• 2015

Purpose: This study investigated maxillary third molars and their relation to the maxillary sinus using panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) Materials and Methods: A total of 395 maxillary third molars in 234 patients were examined using panoramic radiographs and CBCT images. We examined the eruption level of the maxillary third molars, the available retromolar space, the angulation, the relationship to the second molars, the number of roots, and the relationship between the roots and the sinus. Results: Females had a higher frequency of maxillary third molars with occlusal planes apical to the cervical line of the second molar (Level C) than males. All third molars with insufficient retromolar space were Level C. The most common angulation was vertical, followed by buccoangular. Almost all of the Level C molars were in contact with the roots of the second molar. Erupted teeth most commonly had three roots, and completely impacted teeth most commonly had one root. The superimposition of one third of the root and the sinus floor was most commonly associated with the sinus floor being located on the buccal side of the root. Conclusion: Eruption levels were differently distributed according to gender. A statistically significant association was found between the eruption level and the available retromolar space. When panoramic radiographs showed a superimposition of the roots and the sinus floor, expansion of the sinus to the buccal side of the root was generally observed in CBCT images.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.53-59
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• 2014

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to obtain statistical data on the residual bone height at different natural tooth positions by panoramic radiography in edentulous Korean patients aged 60-90 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included the diagnostic panoramic radiographs of 180 randomly selected edentulous patients without systemic diseases affecting bone. The radiographic selection criteria included absence of obvious facial asymmetry, clearly visible anatomic structures, and no surgical and fracture history. The panoramic radiographs of 79 patients met these criteria and were used in the analysis. The same researcher processed all the radiographs by using a standardized method. The height of the residual bone was measured at 18 predetermined sites (7 in the maxilla and 11 in the mandible) on digitized and printed radiographs by using a Digimatic caliper, triangle, and ruler. Gender- and age-related differences were statistically analyzed by using the t-test and rank-sum test (${\alpha}=0.05$). RESULTS. The maxillary residual bone height did not show significant gender-related differences, but male patients had significantly higher residual bone in the mandible(P<.05). No significant height differences at the measured sites were noted among the 60s, 70s, and 80s age groups. CONCLUSION. Dentists should pay greater attention to older female edentulous patients because they are more prone to rapid residual bone resorption. Residual bone resorption may not be affected by age.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.147-154
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• 2006

Surgical intervention in the posterior maxillary region requires detailed knowledge of maxillary sinus anatomy and the possible anatomical variations. This study evaluated the incidence, location of maxillary sinus septa by using radiographic (panoramic radiography and computed tomography) findings and comparison of panoramic radography with CT in antral anatomical variation. This study was based on data from 70 sinuses in partial dentate maxilla. The sample consisted of 61 patients(25 women and 36 men, with ages ranging between 19 and 77 years and a mean age of $49.4{\pm}11.3$ years) who were being treatment-planned to receive implant-supported restorations. First, the panoramic images were examined for the presence of antral septa by radiologist and examiner who don't know about CT findings. And incidence of antral septa was evaluated using an axial plane of CT image. The incidence of septa was compared between panoramic radiography and CT. The accuracy of the incidence was compared between radiologists and dentists. A total of 20 septa were found in 70 sinuses on CT image and the prevalence of one or more septa per sinus was found to be 28.6%. The assumed incidence of septa on panoramic radiography was $27.6%{\pm}2.2%$ in radiologist and $31.9%{\pm}5.8%$ in dentists. Erroneous diagnosis rate was 11.42% in radiologist and 15.96% in dentists. 40% of antral septa were located in the anterior(premolar) region, 30% of septa were located in the middle(first molar) and posterior(second molar) region separately. Prior to implant placement, it seems appropriate to consider panoramic radiography as a standard radiographic examination and periapical radiographs may be used to complete the findings in regions not sharply depicted in the panoramic radiograph. And cross-sectional imaging should be used in sites with severe bone loss and close proximity of the maxillary sinus.