• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.17-24
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the diagnosis of incipient furcation involvement with periapical radiography (PR) and 2 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging protocols, and to test metal artifact interference. Materials and Methods: Mandibular second molars in 10 macerated pig mandibles were divided into those that showed no furcation involvement and those with lesions in the furcation area. Exams using PR and 2 different CBCT imaging protocols were performed with and without a metallic post. Each image was analyzed twice by 2 observers who rated the absence or presence of furcation involvement according to a 5-point scale. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the observations. Results: The accuracy of the CBCT imaging protocols ranged from 67.5% to 82.5% in the images obtained with a metallic post and from 72.5% to 80% in those without a metallic post. The accuracy of PR ranged from 37.5% to 55% in the images with a metallic post and from 42.5% to 62.5% in those without a metallic post. The area under the ROC curve values for the CBCT imaging protocols ranged from 0.813 to 0.802, and for PR ranged from 0.503 to 0.448. Conclusion: Both CBCT imaging protocols showed higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity than PR in the detection of incipient furcation involvement. Based on these results, CBCT may be considered a reliable tool for detecting incipient furcation involvement following a clinical periodontal exam, even in the presence of a metallic post.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.115-121
• /
• 2011

Purpose : This article is to describe a modified device for intraoral radiography which was developed to obtain reproducible radiographic images for assessment of distal osseous defects of the mandibular second molar (2 Mm) after impacted third molar (3 Mm) surgery. Materials and Methods : A commercial available alignment system for posterior region was modified by adding a reference gauge pin (millimetric) and threading a hollow acrylic cylinder at the ring of the radiographic positioner to attach the X-ray collimator. The design included customized resin acrylic stent for the occlusal surface of the 2Mm in maximum intercuspal position, individualizing the biteblock positioner. Periapical radiographs were taken before and after surgical extraction of 3 Mm, employing the radiographic technique of parallelism described by Kugelberg (1986) with this modified film holder and inserting the gauge pin on the deepest bone probing depth point. Results : This technique permitted to obtain standardized periapical radiographs with a moderate to high resolution, repeatability, and accuracy. There was no difference between the measurements on the pre- and post-operative radiographs. This technique allowed better maintenance of the same geometric position compared with conventional one. The insertion of the gauge pin provided the same reference point and localized the deepest osseous defect on the two-dimensional radiographs. Conclusion : This technique allowed better reproducibility in posterior radiographic records (distal surface of 2 Mm) and more accurate measurements of radiographic bone level by the use of a millimetric pin.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.51 no.3
• /
• pp.237-242
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse and review deep learning convolutional neural networks for detecting and diagnosing early-stage dental caries on periapical radiographs. Materials and Methods: In order to conduct this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Studies published from 2015 to 2021 under the keywords(deep convolutional neural network) AND (caries), (deep learning caries) AND (convolutional neural network) AND (caries) were systematically reviewed. Results: When dental caries is improperly diagnosed, the lesion may eventually invade the enamel, dentin, and pulp tissue, leading to loss of tooth function. Rapid and precise detection and diagnosis are vital for implementing appropriate prevention and treatment of dental caries. Radiography and intraoral images are considered to play a vital role in detecting dental caries; nevertheless, studies have shown that 20% of suspicious areas are mistakenly diagnosed as dental caries using this technique; hence, diagnosis via radiography alone without an objective assessment is inaccurate. Identifying caries with a deep convolutional neural network-based detector enables the operator to distinguish changes in the location and morphological features of dental caries lesions. Deep learning algorithms have broader and more profound layers and are continually being developed, remarkably enhancing their precision in detecting and segmenting objects. Conclusion: Clinical applications of deep learning convolutional neural networks in the dental field have shown significant accuracy in detecting and diagnosing dental caries, and these models hold promise in supporting dental practitioners to improve patient outcomes.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.179-184
• /
• 2016

Purpose: In the present study, we coined the term 'alveolar dome' and aimed to demonstrate the prevalence of alveolar domes through digital periapical radiographs. Materials and Methods: This study examined 800 digital periapical radiographs in regard to the presence of alveolar domes. The periapical radiographs were acquired by a digital system using a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate. The ${\chi}^2$ test, with a significance level of 5%, was used to compare the prevalence of alveolar domes in the maxillary posterior teeth and, considering the same teeth, to verify the difference in the prevalence of dome-shaped phenomena between the roots. Results: The prevalence of alveolar domes present in the first pre-molars was statistically lower as compared to the other maxillary posterior teeth (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of alveolar domes between the maxillary first and second molars. Considering the maxillary first and second molars, it was observed that the palatal root presented a lower prevalence of alveolar domes when compared to the distobuccal and mesiobuccal roots (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study coined the term 'alveolar dome', referring to the anatomical projection of the root into the floor of the maxillary sinus. The maxillary first and second molars presented a greater prevalence of alveolar domes, especially in the buccal roots, followed by the third molars and second pre-molars. Although the periapical radiograph is a two-dimensional method, it can provide dentists with the auxiliary information necessary to identify alveolar domes, thus improving diagnosis, planning, and treatment.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.41.1-41.20
• /
• 2022

Objectives: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) using blood clots (BCs), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) through intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Forty-five single-rooted necrotic teeth with periapical pathology were randomly allocated to receive BC, PRP, or PRF as an individual scaffold. Outcomes were evaluated in 35 teeth in 23 patients with a follow-up period of 12-24 months through qualitative IOPAR scoring and quantitative CBCT measurements. Healing of periapical lesions and in immature teeth, changes in the apical foramen diameter (AFD), root wall thickness (RWT), and root length (RL) were assessed. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: All teeth were asymptomatic except 1 in the PRP group. Periapical lesion healing was seen in all except 2 teeth in the BC group and 3 in the PRP group. Both IOPAR and CBCT revealed no significant differences in bone healing or changes in AFD, RWT, and RL among the 3 groups. A positive pulp sensibility response to the cold test was seen in 2 teeth in the BC group, but none to the electric pulp test. Intracanal calcification (ICC) was evident in more teeth in the BC group than in the PRP and PRF groups, and was also significantly higher in immature teeth. Conclusions: Our results revealed that BC, PRP, and PRF have similar potential as scaffolds in REPs, and ICC may be a concern for long-term outcomes.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.123-127
• /
• 2002

Purpose : To determine whether subtraction images utilizing contrast media can improve the diagnostic performance of proximal caries diagnosis compared to conventional periapical radiographic images. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six teeth with 57 proximal surfaces were radiographied using a size #2 RVG-ui sensor (Trophy Radiology, Marne-la-Vallee, France). The teeth immersed in water-soluble contrast media and subtraction images were taken. Each tooth was then sectioned for histologic examination. The digital radiographic images and subtraction images were examined and interpreted by three dentists for proximal caries. The results of the proximal caries diagnosis were then verified with the results of the histologic examination. Results: The proximal caries sensitivity using digital subtraction radiography was significantly higher than simply examining a single digital radiograph. The sensitivity of the proximal dentinal carious lesion when analyzed with the subtraction radiograph and the radiograph together was higher than with the subtraction radiograph or the radiograph alone. Conclusion: The use of subtraction radiography with contrast media may be useful for detecting proximal dentinal carious lesions.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.12 no.1
• /
• pp.180-186
• /
• 1990

This is a case report of first branchial cleft cyst in 56 year old male patient, which was tentatively diagnosed as acute right submandibular abscess resulted from the periapical lesion of the lower right second molar. The results are as follows, 1. The accompanying ipsilateral inflammatory swelling resulted from the periapical lesion of lower right second molar tooth makes the diagnosis difficult. 2. The onset of this case was very late in comparison to the mean discovering age of branchial cleft cysts. 3. The plain radiography using contrast media is helpful for the diagnosis of cystic lesions within soft tissues. 4. This case in a first branchial cleft cyst(Type I) which occurs less than 1% of all branchial cleft anomalies.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.115-122
• /
• 2019

Purpose: The aims of this study were first, to compare panoramic radiography with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for evaluating topographic relationships, such as the classification of maxillary posterior teeth and their distance to the maxillary sinus floor; and second, to determine the relationship between maxillary sinus pathology and the presence of apical lesions. Materials and Methods: In total, 285 paired CBCT and panoramic radiography records of patients (570 maxillary sinuses) were retrospectively analyzed. Both imaging modalities were used to determine the topographic relationship of the maxillary posterior teeth to the sinus floor. Mucosal thickening >2 mm was considered a pathological state. Data were analyzed using the chi-square, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals(CIs) were calculated. Results: The closest vertical distance measurements made between posterior maxillary teeth roots and the maxillary sinus on panoramic radiography and CBCT scans showed statistically significant differences from each other(P<0.05). Compared to panoramic radiography, CBCT showed higher mean values for the distance between the maxillary sinus floor and maxillary posterior teeth roots. The CBCT images showed that at least 1 apical lesion adjacent to the right maxillary sinus increased the risk of maxillary sinus pathology by 2.37 times(OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.58-3.55, P<0.05). Conclusion: Panoramic radiography might lead to unreliable diagnoses when evaluating the distance between the sinus floor and posterior roots of the maxillary teeth. Periapical lesions anatomically associated with maxillary sinuses were a risk factor for sinus mucosal thickening.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.209-217
• /
• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of Q-ray view (All-in-one Bio, Seoul, Korea) in detection of proximal caries in primary molars with sound marginal ridges. Thirty two children aged 3-9 years (average $5.6{\pm}1.3$ years old) were chosen, and two examiners evaluated 100 proximal surfaces of primary molars with sound marginal ridges. The teeth were examined with; (a) visual examination, (b) Q-ray view, (c) DIAGNOdent (KaVo, Biberach, Germany) and (d) digital periapical radiography. Kappa statistic was used to assess the agreement between each examination method and the degree of caries progression. The kappa values for enamel caries were 0.15 (visual examination), 0.10 (Q-ray view), 0.25 (DIAGNOdent) and 0.68 (digital periapical radiography). The kappa values for dentinal caries were 0.34 (visual examination), 0.56 (Q-ray view), 0.44 (DIAGNOdent) and 0.70 (digital periapical radiography). Although Q-ray view showed low diagnostic ability in detection of enamel caries, it was effective in detection of hidden proximal caries extended into dentin. Q-ray view would be a useful and simple device which could aid pediatric dentists in detection of hidden proximal caries in primary molars especially when examining uncooperative children or disabled persons.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.63-69
• /
• 2011

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new technique for localizing impacted mesiodens using its horizontal magnification ratio on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods : Location-magnification equation of a panoramic equipment was obtained from horizontal magnification ratio of a metal ball which was located variable positions from the center of image layer at interval of 2 mm. Panoramic radiographs were obtained from a skull phantom with a metal ball which was a substitute for impacted mesiodens and was embedded 10mm(Group 1), 15mm(Group 2), and 20mm(Group 3) posterior to the central incisor. Each group obtained 7 panoramic radiographs at variable positions and one periapical radiograph. Three methods were used to estimate the actual width of the incisors and the balls which were used to calculate the magnification ratio. The methods included using the actual incisor width and the calculated ball width (Method 1), using the actual incisor width and the ball widths measured on periapical radiograph (Method 2), and using the incisor and the ball widths measured on periapical radiograph (Method 3). The location of the metal ball was calculated by using the location-magnification equation. Results : The smallest difference between the calculated and the actual distance was $0.1{\pm}0.7 \;mm$ in Group 1/ Method 3. The largest difference was $-4.2{\pm}1.6 \;mm$ in Group 3/Method 2. In all groups, method 3 was the most accurate. Conclusion : Quantitative localization of impacted mesiodens is possible by using panoramic radiograph.