• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.185-190
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• 2023

The root canal morphology undergoes aging-related changes, and relevant quantitative analyses have not yet been reported. We compared the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro-computed tomography (microCT) scans of extracted mandibular incisors to check the accuracy of morphological measurements. Thereafter, the root canal morphology and aging-related changes in the mandibular incisors of Japanese individuals were assessed using CBCT. Six extracted teeth were fixed in a phantom head and imaged using CBCT and micro-CT. The correlation between the findings of the two imaging modalities was examined. Further, CBCT reconstructed images of the mandibular incisors of 81 individuals were observed. Age-related changes of the root canals were compared between participants aged <30 years and those aged ≥30 years. The CBCT and micro-CT findings regarding the root canals of the extracted teeth coincided in 94.4% of the cases. Mandibular incisors exhibiting two root canals in either cross-section accounted for 9.9% of central incisors and 12.4% of lateral incisors. Mandibular central incisors with two root canals were observed in two (6.3%) individuals aged <30 years and six (12.2%) aged ≥30 years. Mandibular lateral incisors with two root canals were observed in one (3.1%) individual aged <30 years and nine (18.4%) aged ≥30 years. CBCT allows accurate evaluation of complex root canal morphologies and is useful for endodontic preoperative assessment. Mandibular incisors have more frequent occurrence of two root canals with aging.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.159-164
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• 2023

A brain abscess is a potentially life-threatening infection of the brain that can be challenging to diagnose, especially in children. In this report, we describe a case of a central nervous system infection caused by rare pathogens in an immunocompetent child. A 10-year-old female presented with a severe headache lasting 10 days, along with flashing lights, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed with secundum atrial septal defect 7 years ago and underwent dental work for cavities one month prior to admission. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 4.2 cm sized brain abscess in the right parietal lobe, causing left inferior quadrantanopia. A craniotomy and abscess aspiration surgery were performed, and cultures from the aspirated pus and tissue revealed Aggregatibacter aphrophilus. Additionally, Actinomyces georgiae was identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. After 8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy with ampicillin-sulbactam, the patient was discharged without any complications. A follow-up brain MRI showed complete resolution of the abscess and edema.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.152-158
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• 2023

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to evaluate changes in joint space (JS) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA) and to determine the association between occlusal changes and JS. Methods: CBCT images were used to measure the anterior, superior, and posterior JSs of the sagittal plane. The differences in JS values over time and between groups were compared. The percentage change in the anteroposterior position of the mandibular condyle between groups was also analyzed. Results: Thirty-four subjects (mean age=43.91±20.13), comprising eight males (23.5%) and 26 females (76.5%), were divided into 18 patients with no change in occlusion (NCO) and 16 patients with a change in occlusion (CO) during TMJ OA. The JS measurements of the study subjects showed a decrease in anterior joint space (AJS) values over time. There was no difference in JS measurements between the groups at T1 and T2. AJS values measured at T1 were lower in the CO group than in the NCO group, but the difference was not statistically significant. In both groups, a posterior position of the mandibular condyle was initially observed with high frequency. However, there is a statistically significant difference in CBCT images taken after occlusal changes, with an increased frequency of condyles observed in the anterior or central positions. Conclusions: In conclusion, AJS decreased over time in TMJ OA, and the mandibular condyle became more anteriorly positioned with occlusal changes. Therefore, clinicians should diligently monitor mandibular condyle morphology and JS using CBCT, along with the patient's clinical symptoms, to treat and control TMJ OA effectively.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate age-stratified radiographic features in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis using cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: In total, 210 joints from 183 patients(144 females, 39 males, ranging from 12 to 88 years old with a mean age of 44.75±19.97 years) diagnosed with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis were stratified by age. Mandibular condyle position and bony changes (flattening, erosion, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and subchondral pseudocysts in both the condyle and articular eminence, thickening of the glenoid fossa, joint space narrowing, and joint loose bodies) were evaluated through cone-beam computed tomography. After adjusting for sex, the association between age groups and radiographic findings was analyzed using both a multiple regression model and a multinomial logistic regression model(α=0.05). Results: The prevalence of joint space narrowing and protruded condyle position in the glenoid fossa significantly increased with age (P<0.05). The risks of bony changes, including osteophytes and subchondral pseudocysts in the condyle; flattening, erosion, osteophyte, and subchondral sclerosis in the articular eminence; joint loose bodies; and thickening of the glenoid fossa, also significantly rose with increasing age (P<0.05). The number of radiographic findings increased with age; in particular, the increase was more pronounced in the temporal bone than in the mandibular condyle (P<0.05). Conclusion: Increasing age was associated with a higher frequency and greater diversity of bony changes in the temporal bone, as well as a protruded condyle position in the glenoid fossa, resulting in noticeable joint space narrowing in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.159-169
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• 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition protocols on reducing the effective radiation dose while maintaining image quality. Materials and Methods: The effective dose emitted by a CBCT device was calculated using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed in a Rando Alderson phantom. Image quality was assessed by 3 experienced evaluators. The relationship between image quality and confidence was evaluated using the Fisher exact test, and the agreement among raters was assessed using the kappa test. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate whether the technical parameters could predict the effective dose. P-values<0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The optimized protocol (3 mA, 99 kVp, and 450 projection images) demonstrated good image quality and a lower effective dose for radiation-sensitive organs. Image quality and confidence had consistent values for all structures (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis resulted in a statistically significant model. The milliamperage (b=0.504; t=3.406; P=0.027), kilovoltage peak (b=0.589; t=3.979; P=0.016) and number of projection images (b=0.557; t=3.762; P=0.020) were predictors of the effective dose. Conclusion: Optimized CBCT acquisition protocols can significantly reduce the effective radiation dose while maintaining acceptable image quality by adjusting the milliamperage and projection images.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.435-459
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• 1998

In order to achieve a successful endodontic treatment, root canals must be obturated three-dimensionally without causing any damage to apical tissues. Accurate length determination of the root canal is critical in this case. For this reason, I've used the conventional periapical radiography, Digora/sup (R)/(digital imaging system) and Root ZX/sup (R)/(the frequency dependent type apex locator) to measure the length of the canal and compare it with the true length obtained by cutting the tooth in half and measuring the length between the occlusal surface and the apical foramen. From the information obtained by these measurements, I was able to evaluate the accuracy and clinical usefulness of each systems. whether the thickness of files used in endodontic therapy has any effect on the measuring systems was also evaluated in an effort to simplify the treatment planning phase of endodontic treatment. 29 canals of 29 sound premolars were measured with #15, #20, #25 files by 3 different dentists each using the periapical radiography. Digora/sup (R)/ and Root ZX/sup (R)/. The measurements were then compared with the true length. The results were as follows: 1. In comparing mean discrepancies between measurements obtained by using periapical radiography(mean error: -0.449±0.444 mm), Digora/sup (R)/(mean error: -0.417±0.415 mm) and Root ZX/sup (R)/(mean error: 0.123±0.458 mm) with true length. periapical radiography and Digora/sup (R)/ system had statistically significant differences(p<0.05) in most cases while Root ZX/sup (R)/ showed none(p>0.05). 2. By subtracting values obtained by using periapical radiography, Digora/sup (R)/ and Root ZX/sup (R)/ from the true length and making a distribution table of their absolute values. the following analysis was possible. In the case of periapical film. 140 out of 261<53.6％) were clinically acceptable satisfying the margin of error of less than 0.5 mm. 151 out of 261 (53,6％) were acceptable in the Digora/sup (R)/ system while Root ZX/sup (R)/ had 197 out of 261(75.5％) within the limits of 0.5mm margin of error. 3. In determining whether the thickness of files has any effect on measuring methoths, no statistically significant differences were found(p>0.05). 4. In comparing data obtained from these methods in order to evaluate the difference among measuring methods, there was no statistically significant difference between periapical radiography and Digora/sup (R)/ system(p>0.05), but there was statistically significant difference between Root ZX/sup (R)/ and periapical radiography(p<0.05). Also there was statistically significant difference between Root ZX/sup (R)/ and Digora/sup (R)/ system(p<0.05). In conclusion, Root ZX/sup (R)/ was more accurate when compared with the Digora/sup (R)/ system and periapical radiography and seems to be more effective clinically in determining root canal length. But Root ZX/sup (R)/ has its limits in determining root morphology and number of roots and its accuracy becomes questionable when apical foramen is open due to unknown reasons. Therefore the combined use of Root ZX/sup (R)/ and the periapical radiography are mandatory. Digora/sup (R)/ system seems to be more effective when periapical radiographs are needed in a short period of time because of its short processing time and less exposure.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.243-248
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• 2009

Purpose: Rehabilitation of the edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants often poses difficulty because of insufficient bone volume caused by pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and by crestal bone resorption. Sinus grafting technique was developed to increase the vertical height to overcome this problem. The present study was designed to evaluate the sinus floor augmentation with anorganic bovine bone (Bio-$cera^{TM}$) using histomorphometric and clinical measures. Patients and methods: Thirteen patients were involved in this study and underwent total 14 sinus lift procedures. Residual bone height was ${\geq}2mm$ and ${\leq}6mm$. Lateral window approach was used, with grafting using Bio-$cera^{TM}$ only(n=1) or mixed with autogenous bone from ramus and/or maxillary tuberosity(n=13). After 6 months of healing, implant sites were created with 3mm diameter trephine and biopsies taken for histomorphometric analysis. The parameters assessed were area fraction of new bone, graft material and connective tissue. Immediate and 6 months after grafting surgery, and 6 months after implantation, computed tomography (CT) was taken and the sinus graft was evaluated morphometric analysis. After implant installation at the grafted area, the clinical outcome was checked. Results: Histomorphometry was done in ten patients.Bio-$cera^{TM}$ particles were surrounded by newly formed bone. The graft particles and newly formed bone were surrounded by connective tissue including small capillaries in some fields. Imaging processing revealed $24.86{\pm}7.59%$ of new bone, $38.20{\pm}13.19%$ connective tissue, and $36.92{\pm}14.51%$ of remaining Bio-$cera^{TM}$ particles. All grafted sites received an implant, and in all cases sufficient bone height was achieved to install implants. The increase in ridge height was about $15.9{\pm}1.8mm$ immediately after operation (from 13mm to 19mm). After 6 months operation, ridge height was reduced about $11.5{\pm}13.5%$. After implant installation, average marginal bone loss after 6 months was $0.3{\pm}0.15mm$. Conclusion: Bio-$cera^{TM}$ showed new bone formation similar with Bio-$Oss^{(R)}$ histomorphometrically and appeared to be an effective bone substitute in maxillary sinus augmentation procedure with the residual bone height from 2 to 6mm.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.360-367
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to perform three-dimensional (3D) assessment of facial soft tissue in patients with skeletal Class III and mandibular asymmetry after orthognathic surgery. Methods: Samples consisted of 3D facial images obtained from five patients with A point-nasion-B point angle less than 2 degrees, and more than 5 mm of menton deviation. All patients had been treated at Gangneung-Wonju National University Dental Hospital from 2009 to 2012. They had undergone orthognathic surgery of Lefort I, and sagittal split osteotomy for correction of skeletal deformity, and orthodontic treatment. Facial scanning was performed before treatment (T1) and post-surgical orthodontic treatment (T2). Linear and angle variables of soft tissue landmarks, antero-posterior facial depth, and facial volume were measured. Results: No significant differences in width of the alar base, mouth width, and nasal canting were observed between T1 and T2. However, lip deviation, menton deviation, alar canting, lip canting, and menton deviation angle were significantly reduced at T2. Antero-posterior facial depth on the axial plane parallel to the left cheilion was significantly reduced on the deviated side and significantly increased on the non-deviated side at T2. Volume of the lower lateral and lower medial parts of the face was reduced on the deviated side, and volume of upper lateral and lower lateral parts on the non-deviated side was significantly increased at T2. Conclusion: After orthognathic surgery, facial asymmetry of soft tissue was improved following skeletal changes, especially the mandibular region. Although the length of the alar base and mouth width did not change, lip and soft tissue menton were displaced to the medial side after treatment. Facial depth also became symmetric after treatment. Facial volume showed a decrease on the lower part of the deviated side and that on lateral parts of the non-deviated side showed an increase after treatment.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.423-439
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of $SONOPAK^*$ in internal derangement of TMJ by comparing the spectral analysis data of TMJ sounds recorded by SONOPAK with the results of MRI. From the patients who came to Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Dental Hospital for treatment of malocclusion, eighteen adult patients (five males and thirteen females) with TMD symptoms were selected. After joint sounds were checked by a pediatric stethoscope, they were recorded and analyzed by the SONOPAK. The spectral analysis of the SONOPAK provided SONOPAK INTERPRETATION data about the stage of internal derangement, which were compared with the results of MRI. Among the patients whose disc positions were diagnosed as 'normar by MRI, there were no false positive diagnosis by the SONOPAK INTERPRETATION, But in the cases of anterior disc displacements (reducible and/or nonreducible), most of SONOPAK INTERPRETATION data did not coincide with MRI results. In conclusion, it is not adequate to try to differentiate reducible and non-reducible anterior disc displacements on the basis of joint sounds. And it is recommended not to determine the stage of internal derangement according to the nature of sounds. We suggest that the diagnostic value of the SONOPAK will be enhanced when clinicians combine some other informations such as clinical signs/symptoms and other supplementary diagnostic tools), and that more data be incoporated into the SONOPAK INTERPRETATION software.