• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2004

Purpose: To investigate the anatomical structure of the incisive canal radiographically by a cone beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: 38 persons (male 26, female 12) were chosen to take images of maxillary anterior region in dental CT mode using a cone beam computed tomography. The tube voltage were 65, 67, and 70kVp, the tube current was 7 mA, and the exposure time was 13.3 seconds. The FH plane of each person was parallel to the floor. The images were analysed on the CRT display. Results: The mean length of incisive canal was 15.87 mm±2.92. The mean diameter at the side of palate and nasal fossa were 3.49 mm±0.76 and 3.89 mm± 1.06, respectively. In the cross-sectional shape of incisive canal, 50% were round, 34.2% were ovoid, and 15.8% were lobulated. 87% of incisive canal at the side of nasal fossa have one canal, 10.4% have two canals, and 2.6% have three canals, but these canals were merged into one canal in the middle portion of palate. The mean angles of the long axis of incisive canal and central incisor to the FH plane were 110.3°±6.96 and 117.45°±7.41, respectively. The angles of the long axis of incisive canal and central incisor to the FH plane were least correlated (r= 0.258). Conclusion : This experiment suggests that a cone beam computed radiography will be helpful in surgery or implantation on the maxillary incisive area.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.492-498
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• 2009

We sought to evaluate the relationship between the mandibular canal and impacted mandibular third molars by using dental cone beam computed tomograph(CBCT) for third molar surgery. A total of 111 patients(177 teeth) offered the images through CBCT and panoramic radiography for the extraction of the mandibular third molars. In CBCT, the accurate relationship between the third molar and the mandibular canal were evaluated. In panoramic radiographies, we evaluated the impacted level and superimposition sign of the mandibular third molar with the mandibular canal, and also, the radiopacity of the white line in the canal. Data were statistically analyzed and estimated by $X^2$-test. In CBCT finding, high prevalence of contact between the mandibular canal and roots occured in the deep impacted third molars, narrowing mandibular canals, bending mandibular canals and cases where the radiopacity of white line of canals were "absence" on panoramic images. It showed statistical significance (P<0.05). When evaluating the mandibular canal and the roots through the panoramic radiography for third molar extraction, it could be difficult to diagnosis accurately. Thus, it is required to have an accurate diagnostic approach through CBCT that could evaluated the location between mandibular canal and root.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.199-207
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• 2017

Purpose: Evaluation of alveolar bone is important in the diagnosis of dental diseases. The periodontal ligament space is difficult to clearly depict in cone-beam computed tomography images because the reconstruction filter conditions during image processing cause image blurring, resulting in decreased spatial resolution. We examined different reconstruction filters to assess their ability to improve spatial resolution and allow for a clearer visualization of the periodontal ligament space. Materials and Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography projections of 2 skull phantoms were reconstructed using 6 reconstruction conditions and then compared using the Thurstone paired comparison method. Physical evaluations, including the modulation transfer function and the Wiener spectrum, as well as an assessment of space visibility, were undertaken using experimental phantoms. Results: Image reconstruction using a modified Shepp-Logan filter resulted in better sensory, physical, and quantitative evaluations. The reconstruction conditions substantially improved the spatial resolution and visualization of the periodontal ligament space. The difference in sensitivity was obtained by altering the reconstruction filter. Conclusion: Modifying the characteristics of a reconstruction filter can generate significant improvement in assessments of the periodontal ligament space. A high-frequency enhancement filter improves the visualization of thin structures and will be useful when accurate assessment of the periodontal ligament space is necessary.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.350-359
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• 2005

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy(SSRO) has been commonly performed in the mandibular prognathism. The previous studies of the mandibular anatomy for SSRO have mostly been used in dry skull without consideration of age, sex or jaw relationship of patients. This study was performed to evaluate the location of mandibular canal and the anatomy of ramus, such as the location of mandibular lingula and the ramal bone marrow, which were associated with SSRO procedures, in the patients with mandibular prognathism and normal young adults by using computerized tomographs(CT) and 3D images. The young adults at their twenties, who were considered to complete their skeletal growth, and seen in the Department of Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Chonnam National University Hospital between March 2000 and May 2003, were selected. This study was performed in 30 patients (15men, 15women) who were diagnosed as skeletal class I normal relationship, and another 30 patients (15men, 15women) who were diagnosed as skeletal class III relationship upon clinical examination and lateral cephalometric radiographs. The patients were divided into 2 groups : Class I group, the patients who had skeletal class Ⅰ normal relationship(n=30, 15men, 15women), and Class III group, the patients who had skeletal class III relationship(n=30, 15men, 15women). Facial CT was taken in all patients, and pure 3D mandibular model was constructed by V-works version 4.0. The occlusal plane was designed by three points, such as the mesiobuccal cusp of both mandibular 1st molar and the incisal edge of the right mandibular central incisor, and used as a reference plane. Distances between the tip of mandibular lingula and the occlusal plane, the sigmoid notch, the anterior and the posterior borders of ramus were measured. The height of ramal bone marrow from the occlusal plane and the distance between mid-point of mandibular canal and the buccal or lingual cortex of the mandible in the 1st and 2nd molars were measured by V-works version 4.0. Distance(Li-OP) between the occlusal plane and the tip of mandibular lingula of Class III Group was longer than that of Class I Group in men(p<0.01), but there was no significant difference in women between both groups. Distance(Li-SN) between the sigmoid notch and the tip of mandibular ligula of Class III group was longer than that of Class I Group in men(p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in women between both groups. Distance(Li-RA) between the anterior border of ramus and the tip of mandibular lingula of Class III Group was shorter than that of Class I Group in men and women(p<0.01). Distance(Li-RP) between the posterior border of ramus and the tip of mandibular lingula of Class III Group was slightly shorter than that of Class I Group in men(p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in women between both groups. Distance(RA-RP) between the anterior and the posterior borders of ramus of Class III Group was shorter than that of Class I Group in men and women(p<0.01). Longer the distance(SN-AN) between the sigmoid notch and the antegonial notch was, longer the vertical ramal length above occlusal plane, higher the location of mandibular lingula, and shorter the antero-posterior ramal length were observed(p<0.01). Height of ramal bone marrow of Class III Group was higher than that of Class I Group in men and women(p<0.01). Distance between mandibular canal and buccal cortex of Class III Group in 1st and 2nd lower molars was shorter than that of Class I Group in men and women (p<0.05 in 1st lower molar in men, p<0.01 in others). These results indicate that there are some anatomical differences between the normal occlusal patients and the mandibular prognathic patients, such as the anterior-posterior length of ramus, the height of ramal bone marrow, and the location of mandibular canal.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.507-517
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• 2008

There are considerable in vitro and in vivo evidences for remineralization and demineralization occurring simultaneously in incipient enamel caries. In order to "heal" the incipient dental caries, many experiments have been carried out to determine the optimal conditions for remineralization. It was shown that remineralization is affected by different pH, lactic acid concentrations, chemical composition of the enamel, fluoride concentrations, etc. Eighty specimens from sound permanent teeth without demineralization or cracks, 0.15 mm in thickness, were immersed in lactic acid buffered demineralization solutions for 3 days. Dental caries with a surface zone and subsurface lesion were artificially produced. Groups of 10 specimens were immersed for 10 or 12 days in lactic acid buffered remineralization solutions consisting of pH 4.3 or pH 6.0, and 100, 50, 25, or 10 mM lactic acid. After demineralization and remineralization, images were taken by polarizing microscopy (${\times}100$) and micro-computed tomography. The results were obtained by observing images of the specimens and the density of the caries lesions was determined. 1.As the lactic acid concentration of the remineralization solutions with pH 4.3 was higher, the surface zone of the carious enamel increased and an isotropic zone of the subsurface lesion was found. However, the total decalcification depth increased at the same time. 2.In the remineralization solutions with pH 6.0, only the surface zone increased slightly but there was no significant change in the total decalcification depth and subsurface zone. In the lactic acid buffer solutions with the lower pH and higher lactic acid concentration, there were dynamic changes at the deep area of the dental carious lesion.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.498-503
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• 2006

This in vitro study compared the remineralization of incipient interproximal caries in the presence of three glass ionomer cements (highly-filled glass ionomer cement, compomer, resin-modified glass ionomer cement) and a resin composite(control). The long-term changes in remineralization caused by each material were evaluated by microtomography. Proximal restoration was simulated by placing tooth specimens and the various glass ionomer cements in closed containers with artificial saliva at $37^{\circ}C$ and pH 7.0 for 30 days with constant circulation Tomographic images were obtained with a micro CT scanner at 90, 180, and 270 days, and density-measuring software was used to calculate the micro-density of artificial caries lesions in the specimens. The mean density changes were compared between groups in order to evaluate the effects of remineralization. All data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the post-HOC Tukey multiple comparison test at p<0.05. While the density of artificial caries lesions increased for all treatments, the increases for the three glass ionomer groups were significantly higher than that for the resin group in each three month period. As time went on, the amount of density increase of the glass ionomer groups decreased, and significant differences were found between the remineralization effects of the glass ionomer groups.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.117-123
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• 2010

Tooth eruption is the movement of the tooth from the developing place in the alveolar bone to the functional position in the oral cavity. The permanent incisors originate from the dental lamina on the lingual side of preceding deciduous tooth and erupt to the level of the occlusion through the well developed gubernacular cord. Ectopic eruption is a developmental disturbance in the eruption pattern of the permanent dentition. Most of the ectopically erupted lower incisor has been found in lingual side. The ectopically erupted tooth could be repositioned by orthodontic force in the early mixed dentition, which could help preventing the problems of loss of space and the lingual tilting of the lower anterior teeth. An eight-year-old girl visited the department of pediatric dentistry, Yonsei Dental University Hospital, for the evaluation and the treatment of the lower right lateral incisor, which was horizontally erupted in the lingual side, parallel to the mouth floor. Her tongue was placed on the labial side of that tooth. There was no previous dental history of dental caries or trauma on the pre-occupied primary incisor. Clinical and radiographic examinations including the computed tomography(CT), showed no evidence of dilacerations on root. Therefore, we decided to start active orthodontic traction of the lower right lateral incisor. We designed the fixed type of buccal arch wire and the lip bumper with hook for the traction. Button was attached to the lingual side of the ectopically positioned tooth. Elastic was used between the appliance and the button on that tooth. After the tooth become upright over the tongue level, appliance was change to the removable type and periodic check-up with occlusal guidance was followed to monitor the position of the tooth. In this case using the fixed appliance with modified form of lip bumper and hook embedded in acrylic part instead of extraction was very efficient up-righting the ectopically erupted tooth toward the occlusal plane.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.38
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• pp.38.1-38.10
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• 2016

Background: The aims of this study are to evaluate the lip morphology and change of lip commissure after mandibular setback surgery (MSS) for class III patients and analyze association between the amount of mandibular setback and change of lip morphology. Methods: The samples consisted of 14 class III patients treated with MSS using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Lateral cephalogram and cone-beam CT were taken before and about 6 months after MSS. Changes in landmarks and variables were measured with 3D software program $Ondemand^{TM}$. Paired and independent t tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results: Landmarks in the mouth corner (cheilion, Ch) moved backward and downward (p < .005, p < .01). However, cheilion width was not statistically significantly changed. Landmark in labrale superius (Ls) was not altered significantly. Upper lip prominence angle (ChRt-Ls-$ChLt^{\circ}$) became acute. Landmarks in stomion (Stm), labrale inferius (Li) moved backward (p < .005, p < .001). Lower lip prominence angle (ChRt-Li-$ChLt^{\circ}$) became obtuse (p < .001). Height of the upper and lower lips was not altered significantly. Length of the upper lip vermilion was increased (p =< 0.01), and length of the lower lip vermilion was decreased (p < .05). Lip area on frontal view was not statistically significantly changed, but the upper lip area on lateral view was increased and change of the lower lip area decreased (p > .05, p < .005). On lateral view, upper lip prominent point (UP) moved downward and stomion moved backward and upward and the angle of Ls-UP-Stm ($^{\circ}$) was decreased. Lower lip prominent point (LP) moved backward and downward, and the angle of Stm-LP-Li ($^{\circ}$) was increased. Li moved backward. Finally, landmarks in the lower incisor tip (L1) moved backward and upward, but stomion moved downward. After surgery, lower incisor tip (L1) was positioned more superiorly than stomion (p < .05). There were significant associations between horizontal soft tissue and corresponding hard tissue. The posterior movement of L1 was related to statistically significantly about backward and downward movement of cheilion. Conclusions: The lip morphology of patients with dento-skeletal class III malocclusion shows a significant improvement after orthognathic surgery. Three-dimensional lip morphology changes in class III patients after MSS exhibited that cheilion moved backward and downward, upper lip projection angle became acute, lower lip projection angle became obtuse, change of upper lip area on lateral view was increased, change of lower lip area decreased, and morphology of lower lip was protruding. L1 was concerned with the lip tissue change in statistically significant way.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.181-184
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• 2001

Thirteen-year-old girl complaining of the swelling and pain on the left midface visited our dental hospital. On the radiographic examination, well-defined radiolucent lesion with hyperostotic border was found in the left maxilla accompanying with the external root resorption of the involved teeth and the displaced second molar. CT showed calcified bodies, thinning of hard palate, inferior orbital wall and lateral wall of nasal fossa, and thinning and perforation of the buccal plate of the maxilla. Enucleation and curettage of the lesion and nasoantrostomy was carried out and histopathologic examination mainly showed a solid tumor tissue composed of odontogenic epithelium and pulp tissues admixed with dentin and enamel formation. And some part of reduced follicular epithelium of tooth germ showed a change mimicking calcifying odontogenic cyst. Taken together, we concluded the lesion is an ameloblastic fibro-odontoma with a change of calcifying odontogenic cyst.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.87-91
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• 2000

Lymphangiomas are uncommon benign congenital tumors. Most occur in the head and neck and most lesions present by the age of 2 years. We present our experience with four patients who have lymphangiomas of the head and neck with tongue involvement. First case is a 7-year-old male who has the cystic lymphangioma of left submandibular area. Second a 22-year-old female has a lesion involving the border of right tongue. Third case is the lymphangioma which occurs in the right upper lip of a 6-year old male. The last patient is a 28-year old male who fell down and whose right face was swollen up. He had undergone an operation and been treated with steroid before. The characteristic appearances of imaging methods were described and all lesions best depicted on T2-weighted images. Our experience indicates that MRI is useful in the diagnosis and treatment planning of lymphangioma.