• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.77-82
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• 2023

Purpose: This study evaluated anatomical variations in the root canals of the lower premolars and molars in a Brazilian sub-population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In total, 121 CBCT images of patients were selected from a database. All images contained lower first and second premolars and molars on both sides of the arch, fully developed roots, and no treatment, resorption, or calcifications. In each image, the root canals of the lower premolars and molars were evaluated according to the Vertucci classification in On-Demand 3D software in the multiplanar reconstruction with dynamic navigation. Twenty-five percent of the images were re-assessed to analyze intraobserver confidence with the kappa test. Data were statistically evaluated with linear regression to evaluate the correlations of anatomic variations with age and sex, and the Wilcoxon test to analyze the laterality of variations, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The intraobserver agreement (0.94) was excellent. In general, the root canals of lower premolars and molars showed a higher prevalence of type I than other Vertucci classification types, followed by type V in premolars and type II in molars. When the molar roots were evaluated separately, type II was more frequent in mesial roots and type I in distal roots. Although age showed no correlations with the results, sex and laterality showed correlations with tooth 45 and the lower second premolars, respectively. Conclusion: The lower premolars and molars of a Brazilian sub-population showed a wide range of root canal anatomic variations.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2024

In this study, we optimized the FNLM algorithm through a simulation study and applied it to a phantom scanned by low-dose CT to evaluate whether the FNLM algorithm can be used to obtain improved image quality images. We optimized the FNLM algorithm with MASH phantom and FASH phantom, which the algorithm was applied with MATLAB, increasing the smoothing factor from 0.01 to 0.05 with increments of 0.001 and measuring COV, RMSE, and PSNR values of the phantoms. For both phantom, COV and RMSE decreased, and PSNR increased as the smoothing factor increased. Based on the above results, we optimized a smoothing factor value of 0.043 for the FNLM algorithm. Then we applied the optimized FNLM algorithm to low dose lung CT and lung CT under normal conditions. In both images, the COV decreased by 55.33 times and 5.08 times respectively, and we confirmed that the quality of the image of low dose CT applying the optimized FNLM algorithm was 5.08 times better than the image of lung CT under normal conditions. In conclusion, we found that the smoothing factor of 0.043 among the factors of the FNLM algorithm showed the best results and validated the performance by reducing the noise in the low-quality CT images due to low dose with the optimized FNLM algorithm.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.95-102
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• 2020

Purpose:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal, root fusion, and C-shaped root canal configuration in the Korean maxillary first (MM1) and second (MM2) molars by analyzing cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. Materials and methods: Patients undergoing presurgical CBCT examination were included in the current study. The CBCT images of 1498 MM1 and 1742 MM2 from 1658 Korean patients were assessed to determine the incidence of a MB2 canal, the types of canal configurations, root fusion, and C-shaped root canal configurations. Further, the correlations between the incidence of MB2 canal and age, gender, and tooth position were analyzed. Results: The study population was relatively old (mean age: 66.1 years). The percentage of MB2 canals in MB roots was 60.1% and 28.0% in MM1 and MM2, respectively, with the most common configurations being Weine type III in MM1 and Weine type II in MM2. Additionally, the frequency of a MB2 canal decreased with age in both molars and was higher in men than in women in the MM1 only. Furthermore, root fusion was present in 2.3% and 26.2% of the MM1 and MM2, respectively, whereas C-shaped root canals were observed in 0.4% and 2.7% of the MM1 and MM2, respectively. Conclusion: The MB2 canal was found more frequently in the MM1, whereas root fusion and C-shaped root canals were both seen more frequently in the MM2.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.57-69
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• 2024

Purpose: Quantitative analysis through count measurement in nuclear medicine planar images is limited by analysis techniques that are useful for obtaining various clinical information or by organ overlap or artifacts in actual clinical practice. On the other hand, the use of SPECT tomography images is quantitative analysis using volume rather than planar, which is not only free from problems such as projection overlap, but also has excellent quantitative accuracy. In the use of developing SPECT quantitative analysis technology, this study aims to compare the accuracy of quantitative analysis between ROI of the conventional planar images and VOI of the SPECT tomographic images in evaluating the count change happened by the volume change of the source. Materials and Methods: A ^99mTcO₄^- source(200.17 MBq) was filled with sterilized water in the syringe to create a phantom with an inner diameter volume of 60 cc, and a planar image and a SPECT image were obtained by reducing the volume by 15 cc (25%) respectively. ROI and VOI(threshold: 1~45%, 5% interval) were set for each image obtained to estimate true count and measure the total count, and compared with the preseted volumetric change rate(%). Results: When volume changes of 25%, 50%, and 75% occurred in the initial volume of 60 cc(100%) of the phantom, the average count changes of the measured planar image were 26.8%, 53.2%, 77.5%, and the average count changes of the SPECT image were 24.4%, 50.9%, and 76.8%. In this case, the VOI size(cm³) set showed an average change rate of 25.4%, 51.1%, and 76.6%. The highest threshold value for the accuracy of radioactive concentration by VOI size (average error -1.03%) was 35%, and the VOI size of the same threshold had an error of -17.1% on average compared to the actual volume. Conclusion: On average, the count-based volumetric change rate in nuclear medicine images was able to track changes more accurately using VOI than ROI, but there was no significant difference with relatively similar value. However, the accuracy of radioactive concentration according to individual VOI sizes did not match, but it is considered that a relatively accurate quantitative analysis can be expected when the size of VOI is set smaller than the actual volume.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.27-47
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of spiral tomography through the comparison and analysis of SCANORA cross-sectional tomographs and DentaScan computed tomographic images of dry mandibles taken by a SCANORA spiral tomographic machine and a computed tomographic machine. Thirty-one dry mandibles with full or partial edentulous areas were used. To evaluate the possible effect of location in the edentulous area, it was divided into 4 regions of Me (region of mental foramen), MI (the midportion between Me and M2), M2 (the midportion between mental foramen and mandibular foramen) and S (the midportion of the mandibular symphysis). A ZPC column (sized 4 mm x 5 mm) was seated on the edentulous regions of Me, MI, M2 and S using the acrylic stent. Then SCANORA spiral tomography and computed tomography were taken on the edentulous regions which contained the ZPC column. The ZPC columns and cross-sectional images of the mandible were measured in the radiographs by three observers and the differences between the two imaging modalities were analysed. The results were as follows: 1. In comparing the actual measurements of the ZPC column and measurements in the radiographs, the mean error of the DentaScan computed tomography was 0.07 mm in vertical direction and -0.06 mm in horiwntal direction, while the mean error of the SCANORA spiral tomography was 0.06 mm in vertical direction and -0.12 mm in horizontal direction. There was a significant difference between the two radiographic techniques in the horizontal measurement of the ZPC column of the symphysis region (p<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the measurements of other regions (p>0.05). 2. In measurements of the distance from the alveolar crest to the inferior border of the mandible (H), and of the distance from the alveolar crest to the superior border of the mandibular canal (Y), there was no significant difference between the two radiographic techniques (p>0.05). 3. In measurements of the distance from the lingual border of the mandible to the buccal border of the mandible (W), and of the distance from the lingual border of the mandible to the lingual border of the mandibular canal (X), there was a significant difference between the two radiographic techniques in measurements of the midportion between the mental foramen and the mandibular foramen (M2) (p<0.05). But there were no significant differences in measurements of the other regions of symphysis (S), mental foramen (Me), the first one-fourth portion between the mental foramen and the mandibular foramen (M1) (p>0.05). 4. Considering the mean range of measurements between observers, the measurements of SCANORA spiral tomography showed higher value than those of DentaScan computed tomography, except in measurements of symphysis (S). 5. On the detectability of the mandibular canal, there was no significant difference between the two radiographic techniques (p>0.05). In conclusion, SCANORA spiral tomography demonstrated a higher interobserver variance than that of DentaScan computed tomography for implant site measurements in the posterior edentulous area of the mandible. These differences were mainly the result of difficulty in the detection of the border of the mandible in SCANORA spiral tomography. But considering the cost and the radiation exposure, SCANORA spiral tomography can be said to be a relatively good radiographic technique for implant site measurement.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2012

In this paper, we developed a frequency-domain diffuse optical imaging (DOI) system for imaging non-invasively using near-infrared (NIR) light sources and detectors. 70-MHz modulation and a homodyne scheme were adopted. By calibration of the coupling coefficients, concurrent detection measurements by 4 detector sets were optimized. We presented experimental reconstruction images of absorption and scattering coefficients in a liquid phantom, located an anomaly in the phantom and determined its optical properties. The images by the multi-channel concurrent detection were improved over the results by single-channel sequential detection. Tomographic slices of absorption and scattering coefficients in the phantom with an anomaly were also presented.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.133-138
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphologic features of posterior edentulous mandible for Korean patients using cross-sectional CT images. Materials and Methods: Computed tomographic cross-sectional views taken in 2004 and 2005 at Seoul National University Dental Hospital were analyzed by an oral and maxillofacial radiologist. Four indices were measured to meet the purpose of this study: 1) the horizontal distance between the alveolar crest and mandibular canal (Type), 2) the angle of the mandibular long axis (Angle), 3) the bucco-lingual location of mandibular canal, and 4) the depth of the submandibular fossa. The averages and standard deviations of the measurements were compared according to the location (the first and second molar area) and sex of the patients. Results: Statistically significant difference was found in Type, Angle, and submandibular fossa depth between the first and second molar area (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between men and women in any of the measured indices. Most of the mandibular canals were located in lingual side of posterior mandible. Conclusion: More care should be taken when an implant is installed on the mandibular second molar area.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.256-261
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• 2017

Objectives: The concept of natural head position (NHP) was first introduced by Broca in 1862, and was described as a person's stable physiologic position "when a man is standing and his visual axis is horizontal." NHP has been used routinely for clinical examination; however, a patient's head position is random during cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquisition. To solve this problem, we developed an accelerometer to record patients' NHP and reproduce them for CBCT images. In this study, we also tested the accuracy and reproducibility of our accelerometer. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 subjects participated in this study. We invented an accelerometer that measured acceleration on three axes and that could record roll and pitch calculations. Recorded roll and pitch data for each NHP were applied to a reoriented virtual image using three-dimensional (3D) imaging software. The data between the 3D models and the clinical photos were statistically analyzed side by side. Paired t-tests were used to statistically analyze the measurements. Results: The average difference in the angles between the clinical photograph and the 3D model was $0.04^{\circ}$ for roll and $0.29^{\circ}$ for pitch. The paired t-tests for the roll data (P=0.781) and the pitch data (P=0.169) showed no significant difference between the clinical photographs and the 3D model (P>0.05). Conclusion: By overcoming the limitations of previous NHP-recording techniques, our new method can accurately record patient NHP in a time-efficient manner. Our method can also accurately transfer the NHP to a 3D virtual model.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.145-149
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• 2006

Purpose : To assess the width of the labial alveolar bone of the incisive canal and the width of the incisive canal on spiral computed tomographic images of the anterior portion of the maxilla. Materials and Methods : Study materials included 38 CT scans taken for preoperative planning of implant placement. Axial cross-sectioned image entirely showing the incisive canal was selected and scanned with 600 DPI resolution. The width of the labial alveolar bone of the incisive canal at an orifice to the oral cavity, middle portion, and an orifice to the nasal cavity and the diameter of the incisive canal at the middle portion were determined by two specialist using Digora for Windows 2.1 The statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 12.0.1. Results : When the maxillary central incisors remained, the mean labial alveolar bone width were $6.81{\pm}1.41mm,\;6.46{\pm}1.33mm$, and $7.91{\pm}1.33mm$. When the maxillary central incisors were missed the mean width were $5.42{\pm}2.20mm,\;6.23{\pm}2.29mm$, and $7.89{\pm}2.13mm$. Conclusions : The labial alveolar bone width at middle portion and an orifice to the nasal cavity were of no statistical significant difference according to presence of the maxillary central incisors (P>0.05). The width between oral cavity and nasal cavity, middle portion and to nasal cavity revealed statistically significant difference (P<0.05).

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.149-155
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• 2017

Purpose: The classification of impacted maxillary third molars(IMTMs) facilitates interdisciplinary communication and helps estimate the degree of surgical difficulty. Thus, this study aimed to develop a 3-dimensional classification of the position and depth of impaction of IMTMs and to estimate their prevalence with respect to gender and age. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study analyzed images in sagittal and coronal cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections of 300 maxillary third molars. The proposed classification was based on 3 criteria: buccolingual position (buccal, lingual, or central), mesial-distal position (mesioangular, vertical, or distoangular), and depth of impaction (low, medium, or high). CBCT images of IMTMs were classified, and the associations of the classifications with gender and age were examined using analysis of variance with the Scheffe post-hoc test. To determine the associations among the 3 classifications, the chi-square test was used (P<.05). Results: No significant association of the classifications with gender was observed. Age showed a significant relationship with depth of impaction (P=.0001) and mesial-distal position (P=.005). The most common positions were buccal(n=222), vertical(n=184), and low (n=124). Significant associations among the 3 tested classifications were observed. Conclusion: CBCT enabled the evaluation of IMTMs in a 3-dimensional format, and we developed a proposal for a new classification of the position and depth of impaction of IMTMs.