Giant lipoma of the tongue: A case report and review of the literature

This report presents the case of a 49-year-old man who presented with giant masses that had recently grown on the bilateral sides of the tongue. A clinical examination revealed rubbery yellowish lesions protruding from the tongue.A panoramic radiograph showed an enlarged soft tissue shadow of the tongue. Computed tomography showed well-defined circumscribed mass exhibiting a homogeneous low density on the bilateral sides of the tongue. On magnetic resonance images, the masses showed a high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and iso-signal intensity with partially hyperintense margin on fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. Surgical excision was performed, and a histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. The patient recovered well with no sign ofrecurrence. A giant lipoma is defined as a lipoma larger than 5 cm in diameter. A literature review of giant lipomas of the tongue is also presented herein.

New conceptual approaches toward dentin regeneration using the drug repositioning strategy with Wnt signaling pathways

This study summarizes the recent cutting-edge approaches for dentin regeneration that still do not offer adequate solutions. Tertiary dentin is formed when odontoblasts are directly affected by various stimuli. Recent preclinical studies have reported that stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could facilitate the formation of reparative dentin and thereby aid in the structural and functional development of the tertiary dentin. A range of signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is activated when dental tissues are damaged and the pulp is exposed. The application of small molecules for dentin regeneration has been suggested as a drug repositioning approach. This study reviews the role of Wnt signaling in tooth formation, particularly dentin formation and dentin regeneration. In addition, the application of the drug repositioning strategy to facilitate the development of new drugs for dentin regeneration has been discussed in this study.

New conceptual approaches toward dentin regeneration using the drug repositioning strategy with Wnt signaling pathways

This study summarizes the recent cutting-edge approaches for dentin regeneration that still do not offer adequate solutions. Tertiary dentin is formed when odontoblasts are directly affected by various stimuli. Recent preclinical studies have reported that stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could facilitate the formation of reparative dentin and thereby aid in the structural and functional development of the tertiary dentin. A range of signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is activated when dental tissues are damaged and the pulp is exposed. The application of small molecules for dentin regeneration has been suggested as a drug repositioning approach. This study reviews the role of Wnt signaling in tooth formation, particularly dentin formation and dentin regeneration. In addition, the application of the drug repositioning strategy to facilitate the development of new drugs for dentin regeneration has been discussed in this study.

Implications of specific gene expression patterns in enamel knot in tooth development

Enamel knot (EK)—a signaling center—refers to a transient morphological structure comprising epithelial tissue. EK is believed to regulate tooth development in early organogenesis without its own cellular alterations, including proliferation and differentiation. EKs show a very simple but conserved structure and share functions with teeth of recently evolved vertebrates, suggesting conserved signaling in certain organs, such as functional teeth, through the course of evolution. In this study, we examined the expression patterns of key EK-specific genes including Dusp26 , Fat4, Meis2, Sln , and Zpld1 during mice embryogenesis. Expression patterns of these genes may reveal putative differentiation mechanisms underlying tooth morphogenesis.

Alteration of cellular events in tooth development by chemical chaperon, Tauroursodeoxycholic acid treatment

Several factors, including genetic and environmental insults, impede protein folding and secretion in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Accumulation of unfolded or mis-folded protein in the ER manifests as ER stress. To cope with this morbid condition of the ER, recent data has suggested that the intracellular event of an unfolded protein response plays a critical role in managing the secretory load and maintaining proteostasis in the ER. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a chemical chaperone and hydrophilic bile acid that is known to inhibit apoptosis by attenuating ER stress. Numerous studies have revealed that TUDCA affects hepatic diseases, obesity, and inflammatory illnesses. Recently, molecular regulation of ER stress in tooth development, especially during the secretory stage, has been studied. Therefore, in this study, we examined the developmental role of ER stress regulation in tooth morphogenesis using in vitro organ cultivation methods with a chemical chaperone treatment, TUDCA. Altered cellular events including proliferation, apoptosis, and dentinogenesis were examined using immunostaining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. In addition, altered localization patterns of the formation of hard tissue matrices related to molecules, including amelogenin and nestin, were examined to assess their morphological changes. Based on our findings, modulating the role of the chemical chaperone TUDCA in tooth morphogenesis, especially through the modulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis, could be applied as a supporting data for tooth regeneration for future studies.

Alteration of cellular events in tooth development by chemical chaperon, Tauroursodeoxycholic acid treatment

Several factors, including genetic and environmental insults, impede protein folding and secretion in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Accumulation of unfolded or mis-folded protein in the ER manifests as ER stress. To cope with this morbid condition of the ER, recent data has suggested that the intracellular event of an unfolded protein response plays a critical role in managing the secretory load and maintaining proteostasis in the ER. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) is a chemical chaperone and hydrophilic bile acid that is known to inhibit apoptosis by attenuating ER stress. Numerous studies have revealed that TUDCA affects hepatic diseases, obesity, and inflammatory illnesses. Recently, molecular regulation of ER stress in tooth development, especially during the secretory stage, has been studied. Therefore, in this study, we examined the developmental role of ER stress regulation in tooth morphogenesis using in vitro organ cultivation methods with a chemical chaperone treatment, TUDCA. Altered cellular events including proliferation, apoptosis, and dentinogenesis were examined using immunostaining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. In addition, altered localization patterns of the formation of hard tissue matrices related to molecules, including amelogenin and nestin, were examined to assess their morphological changes. Based on our findings, modulating the role of the chemical chaperone TUDCA in tooth morphogenesis, especially through the modulation of cellular proliferation and apoptosis, could be applied as a supporting data for tooth regeneration for future studies.

Radiographic study of dermal fillers in the facial area: A series of 3 cases

In recent years, as interest in maintaining beauty and a youthful appearance has grown, filler procedures such as soft tissue augmentation have become more popular. These fillers are sometimes seen as radiopaque shadows on radiographic images, either due to the fillers themselves or because of secondary reactions; such findings may present a diagnostic challenge to dentists. The present report describes 3 cases of dermal fillers observed in panoramic and cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. All 3 elderly female patients had filler injected into their cheeks and chin area for cosmetic purposes decades ago. On panoramic images, multiple symmetric radiopacities were observed in the facial area; on CBCT, these calcifications were seen in the subcutaneous tissue in various shapes and with varying density. In conclusion, dentists should be aware of the imaging characteristics of dermal filler, and should be able to differentiate dermal filler from other pathological findings.

Radiopacity of contemporary luting cements using conventional and digital radiography

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the radiopacity of contemporary luting cements using conventional and digital radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disc specimens (N=24, n=6 per group, ø7 mm×1 mm) were prepared using 4 resin-based luting cements (Duolink, Multilink N, Panavia F 2.0, and U-cem). The specimens were radiographed using films, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and a photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) with a 10-step aluminum step wedge (1 mm incremental steps) and a 1-mm-thick tooth cut. The settings were 70 kVp, 4 mA, and 30 cm, with an exposure time of 0.2 s for the films and 0.1 s for the CMOS sensor and PSP. The films were scanned using a scanner. The radiopacity of the luting cements and tooth was measured using a densitometer for the film and NIH ImageJ software for the images obtained from the CMOS sensor, PSP, and scanned films. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Multilink (3.44–4.33) showed the highest radiopacity, followed by U-cem (1.81–2.88), Panavia F 2.0 (1.51–2.69), and Duolink (1.48–2.59). The R² values of the optical density of the aluminum step wedge were 0.9923 for the films, 0.9989 for the PSP, 0.9986 for the scanned films, and 0.9266 for the CMOS sensor in the linear regression models. CONCLUSION: The radiopacities of the luting materials were greater than those of aluminum or dentin at the same thickness. PSP is recommended as a detector for radiopacity measurements because of its accuracy and convenience.

Recurrent osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle: A case report

A 21-year-old woman presented with facial asymmetry. Crepitus and clicking of the temporomandibular joint were noted. The midline deviated 5.5 mm to the left, and secondary malocclusion was observed. Panoramic and cone-beam computed tomographic images showed an irregular and exophytic bony mass on the anteromedial surface of the right mandibular condyle. A 3-phase bone scan revealed increased tracer uptake on the affected side. The lesion was treated with excision and reshaping under the diagnosis of osteochondroma confirmed by a histopathological examination. The lesion recurred after 3 years, and the patient underwent condylectomy. Mandibular condylar osteochondroma is often resected because it causes functional and aesthetic problems, but it rarely recurs. To the best of our knowledge, only 2 cases of recurrent osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle have been reported previously. Surgical treatment of the osteochondroma should be performed considering the possibility of recurrence, and long-term follow-up is recommended.

Giant plunging ranula: a case report

A ranula is a bluish, transparent, and thin-walled swelling in the floor of the mouth. They originate from the extravasation and subsequent accumulation of saliva from the sublingual gland. Ranulas are usually limited to the sublingual space but they sometimes extend to the submandibular space and parapharyngeal space, which is defined as a plunging ranula. A 21-year-old woman presented with a complaint of a large swelling in the left submandibular region. On contrast-enhanced CT images, it dissected across the midline, and extended to the parapharyngeal space posteriorly and to the submandibular space inferiorly. Several septa and a fluid-fluid level within the lesion were also demonstrated. We diagnosed this lesion as a ranula rather than cystic hygroma due to the location of its center and its sublingual tail sign. As plunging ranula and cystic hygroma are managed with different surgical approaches, it is important to differentiate them radiologically.

Odontoma: a retrospective study of 73 cases

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical findings and treatment results for impacted permanent teeth associated with odontomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 73 odontomas in 72 patients who visited Kyungpook National University Dental Hospital from April 2004 through November 2011. The study was performed using medical records, panoramic radiographs, and pathological reports. Data gathered included age, gender, location, chief complaints, effects on dentition, and treatment of odontoma and the impacted tooth associated with odontoma. RESULTS: Most compound odontomas (46.7%) were found in the second decade and complex odontomas were not related to age. Odontomas showed no gender predilection. Fifty-five cases (75.3%) of odontomas were detected on routine dental radiographs. Sixty percent of compound odontomas occurred in the canine area and 57.1% of complex odontomas in the molar areas. Impaction of permanent teeth (61.6%) was the most common complication on the adjacent teeth. Most odontomas (84.9%) were removed surgically and impacted permanent teeth were managed by surgical removal (53.2%), orthodontic treatment (25.5%), or surgical repositioning (6.4%). There was a statistically significant relation between age and preservation of the impacted permanent teeth associated with odontomas (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Early detection and treatment of odontomas increase the possibility of preservation of the impacted tooth. Therefore, it would be suggested that periodic panoramic examination during the first and second decade of life might be beneficial for the early detection and better prognosis of odontomas.

Morphological evidences in circumvallate papilla and von Ebners' gland development in mice / 대한해부학회지

In rodents, the circumvallate papilla (CVP), with its underlying minor salivary gland, the von Ebners' gland (VEG), is located on the dorsal surface of the posterior tongue. Detailed morphological processes to form the proper structure of CVP and VEG have not been properly elucidated. In particular, the specific localization patterns of taste buds in CVP and the branching formation of VEG have not yet been elucidated. To understand the developmental mechanisms underlying CVP and VEG formation, detailed histological observations of CVP and VEG were examined using a three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction method with serial histological sections and pan-Cytokeratins immunostainings. In addition, to define the developmental processes in CVP and VEG formation, we examined nerve innervations and cell proliferation using microinjections of AM1-43 and immunostainings with various markers, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Ki-67, PGP9.5, and Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA1). Results revealed specific morphogenesis of CVP and VEG with nerve innervations patterns, evaluated by the coincided localization patterns of AM1-43 and UEA1. Based on these morphological and immunohistochemical results, we suggest that nerve innervations and cell proliferations play important roles in the positioning of taste buds in CVP and branching morphogenesis of VEG in tongue development.

Study on the hard tissue changes in osteomyelitis of the jaws using CT image / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical findings and hard tissue changes of osteomyelitis of the jaws using computed tomographic (CT) image analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed and interpreted the CT images of 163 patients (64 males and 99 females, age range from 10 to 87 years) who visited the Seoul National University Dental Hospital from April 23, 2006 to December 31, 2008 and were diagnosed as osteomyelitis of the jaws through clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic examination. Each CT findings was investigated for frequency, correlation with age and gender. RESULTS: Of the 163 patients, 31 (19.0%) were affected on the maxilla, 135 (82.8%) were affected on the mandible, and 3 (1.8%) were affected on the both jaws simultaneously. The mean age of the patients who were affected on the maxilla was 61.0 years and that of the patients who were affected on the mandible was 56.2 years. On the maxilla, the most frequent site of disease was the posterior area (83.9%) and on the mandible, mandibular body (83.0%), followed by angle (48.1%), ramus (38.5%), condyle (13.3%), incisal area (9.6%), and coronoid process (3.0%). Among the 31 maxillary osteomyelitis, defect in the trabecular bone was observed in 28 (90.3%), osteosclerosis 20 (64.5%), defect in the cortical bone 27 (87.1%), sequestrum 17 (54.8%), and periosteal reaction 2 (6.5%). Among the 135 mandibular osteomyelitis, defect in the trabecular bone was observed in 100 (74.1%), osteosclerosis 104 (77.0%), defect in the cortical bone 116 (85.9%), sequestrum 36 (26.7%), and periosteal reaction 67 (49.6%). CONCLUSION: Of our cases, the maxillary osteomyelitis was visibly observed more frequently in females than males. The incidence is the highest in seventies (28.8%) and the lowest in teens (3.1%). The osteomyelitis of the jaws was observed more frequently in males than females before the age of 50, and observed more frequently in females after the age of 50. The most noticeable point was that the sequestrum was observed more often on maxillary osteomyelitis and the periosteal reaction was observed more often on mandibular osteomyelitis.

Study on the nuchal ligament ossification on lateral cephalometric radiograph / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and radiographic characteristics of the nuchal ligament ossification on lateral cephalometric radiographs in Koreans. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: I review and interpreted the lateral cephalometric radiographs from 4,558 patients (1,857 males and 2,701 females, age range from 2 to 79 years) who visited the Kyungpook National University Dental Hospital from January 1, 2008 to February 3, 2009. I grouped the shapes of nuchal ligament ossification as round, rod-like, and segmented shape. And localized the ossification as the involvement of anterior cervical vertebral body. The data were analyzed by using chi-squared test with two-tailed and at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Among those who showed the nuchal ligament ossification, the mean age of the 143 males was 51.1 and that of the 97 females was 48.0 years. It was not observed completely below teens, and was observed 1% in twenties, 6.1% in thirties, 18.6% in forties, and 26.3% over fifties. It was significantly prevalent in older age group (P<0.01) and in males than females among the same age group (P<0.05). The shapes of nuchal ligament ossification were as follows in order of frequency : rod-like (49.2%), round (30.4%), and segmented (20.4%). The highest involvement of ossification was found at the level of C5 (67.9%), C4 (29.2%), C6 (22.9%), C3 (3.3%), C7 (2.9%), C2 (0.8%), and C1 (0.4%). CONCLUSION: The nuchal ligament ossifications on lateral cephalometric radiographs were showed as round, rodlike, or segmented shape. The nuchal ligament ossification is often observed after the age of 40 and is observed more frequently in males than females. The highest shape of nuchal ligament ossification was rod-like shape and the highest involvement of cervical spine was C5.

A case report of an inverted papilloma infiltrating into maxillary sinus / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

The present study reports a case of inverted papilloma of the nasal cavity and infiltrating into the maxillary sinus. Inverted papilloma is an uncommon and locally aggressive benign tumor of the sinonasal region. The patient, 51- year-old male, presented with unilateral nasal obstruction and periodic swelling on the palate without pain. Enhanced CT scan revealed a heterogeneously enhancing solid mass in the nasal cavity and infiltrating into the right maxillary sinus, as well as an incidental, secondarily infected residual cyst in the periapical area of the right maxillary canine. The sinonasal mass was revealed as an inverted papilloma on histopathologic examination.

Simple bone cysts of two brothers / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

17-year-old and 14-year-old brothers were referred for evaluation of the cystic lesions on the mandibular anterior area with no symptoms. Neither their mother nor the brothers could recall any past trauma to those areas. Panoramic and intraoral radiographs revealed moderately defined cystic lesions on their mandibular anterior areas. Biopsies on both lesions revealed simple bone cysts. Hereditary cause or familial history of simple bone cysts could not be found in literature review. This case may have been a coincidence. However, further investigation is needed to find the cause of simple bone cysts occurring in patients those are closely related.

Efficacy of panoramic radiography as a screening procedure in dental examination compared with clinical evaluation / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of panoramic radiography by comparing the results of clinical examination with radiographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 190 patients (20 men and 170 women; mean age, 40 years; range, 22 to 68 years) who visited the health promotion center of Korea Medical Science Institute and were examined both clinically and by panoramic radiography. We compared results from both examinations. Treatment options by clinical examination were described as "no treatment indicated", "treatment of dental caries", "removal of calculus", "treatment of periodontal disease", "prothodontic treatment" and "extraction of the third molar". Findings taken from the panoramic radiography were: dental caries, periapical lesion, alveolar bone loss, calculus deposition, retained root, impaction of the third molar, disease of maxillary sinus, bony change of mandibular condyle, etc. RESULTS: The prevalence of panoramic findings were: 37.9% of dental caries, 17.4% of periapical lesions, 44.7% of alveolar bone losses, 62.6% of calculi deposition, 7.9% of retained roots, 26.8% of third molar impactions, 6.3% of diseases of maxillary sinus, 2.1% of bony changes of mandibular condlye and 35.8% of miscellaneous lesions. Abnormal conditions revealed by panoramic radiography which had not been discovered on clinical examination were: 24.2% of the patients had dental caries, 17.4% had periapical lesions, 7.4% had calculi deposition, 5.3% had retained roots, 15.3% had third molar impactions. The opposite cases were: 5.2% had dental caries, 12.6% had calculi deposition, and 9.5% had third molar impactions. CONCLUSION: The use of panoramic radiography as a supplement to the clinical examination might be a valuable screening technique.

Efficacy of panoramic radiography as a screening procedure in dental examination compared with clinical evaluation / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of panoramic radiography by comparing the results of clinical examination with radiographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 190 patients (20 men and 170 women; mean age, 40 years; range, 22 to 68 years) who visited the health promotion center of Korea Medical Science Institute and were examined both clinically and by panoramic radiography. We compared results from both examinations. Treatment options by clinical examination were described as "no treatment indicated", "treatment of dental caries", "removal of calculus", "treatment of periodontal disease", "prothodontic treatment" and "extraction of the third molar". Findings taken from the panoramic radiography were: dental caries, periapical lesion, alveolar bone loss, calculus deposition, retained root, impaction of the third molar, disease of maxillary sinus, bony change of mandibular condyle, etc. RESULTS: The prevalence of panoramic findings were: 37.9% of dental caries, 17.4% of periapical lesions, 44.7% of alveolar bone losses, 62.6% of calculi deposition, 7.9% of retained roots, 26.8% of third molar impactions, 6.3% of diseases of maxillary sinus, 2.1% of bony changes of mandibular condlye and 35.8% of miscellaneous lesions. Abnormal conditions revealed by panoramic radiography which had not been discovered on clinical examination were: 24.2% of the patients had dental caries, 17.4% had periapical lesions, 7.4% had calculi deposition, 5.3% had retained roots, 15.3% had third molar impactions. The opposite cases were: 5.2% had dental caries, 12.6% had calculi deposition, and 9.5% had third molar impactions. CONCLUSION: The use of panoramic radiography as a supplement to the clinical examination might be a valuable screening technique.

Giant osteoma of the mandible causing breathing problem / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

The review of the literature determines that large osteomas of the mandible are relatively rare. We present a case of a 60-year-old man with painless swelling of the left submandibular area and mild difficulty in breathing. The patient complained that the mass have been progressing slowly for at least 20 years. Radiographic studies showed a giant osteoma that attached to the lingual surface of the left mandibular angle and extended from submandibular space to infratemporal space. After the excision of the tumor the patient made a full recovery.

Radiographic study of the unicystic ameloblastoma / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To acquire the useful diagnostic information through the analysis of the clinical and radiological characteristics of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The researchers compared and analysed the clinical and radiological features of 79 cases of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma confirmed by histopathlogic examination. RESULTS: The results of our research showed that unicystic ameloblastomas occurred more frequently in males than in females and the incidence is the highest in the 2nd and 3rd decades. These lesions occurred most frequently in angle-ramus area, mandibular molar area, and anterior area in descending order respectively 68.4%, 24%, and 7.6%. These lesions had smooth (54.4%) rather than undulating (45.6%) borders. These lesions showed welldefined borders in 59.5% among all the cases. Root resorption and loss of lamina dura were observed as 55.7% and 58.5% respectively. Displacement of mandibular canal was observed in 55.9% among all the related cases. Internal pattern of lesional radiolucency was observed as even (49.4%) or uneven (50.6%). CONCLUSION: These results would be helpful in diagnosing of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma.