Cone-beam computed tomographic comparison of chin symphysis bone particles and allograft versus iliac crest bone graft alone for reconstruction of alveolar bone defects in cleft patients

Objectives@#The aim of this study was to compare morbidities and duration of surgery, as well as bone formation in alveolar defects reconstructed with symphysis bone combined with allograft and iliac crest bone graft in patients with cleft palate. @*Patients and Methods@#This randomized clinical trial was performed with 22 patients with unilateral alveolar cleft with a follow-up period of 12 months. In 12 patients, alveolar defects were reconstructed with chin bone graft plus allograft (Group A), while for the other 10 patients, iliac bone crest was used as donor site (Group B). Duration of surgery as well as occurrence of morbidities and complications were recorded. In addition, conebeam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans were performed before surgery and 12 months after surgical procedures in order to compare bone formation between the two groups. @*Results@#Postoperative CBCT demonstrated a mean bone fill percentage of 76.9% of the alveolar defect in Group A, compared with 77.0% in Group B. Paresthesia in the lower lip or chin did not occur in any patients of Group A. The mean duration of the surgical process was significantly shorter for Group A (40 minutes vs 76 minutes, P<0.001). In addition, patients in Group A regained normal gait faster than patients in Group B (1 day vs 9.5 days). @*Conclusion@#Mandibular symphysis bone graft in combination with allograft results in favorable outcomes in patients with unilateral alveolar clefts.

Level of knowledge of dental practitioners in Isfahan, Iran about cone-beam computed tomography and digital radiography

No abstract available.

Effect of digital noise reduction on the accuracy of endodontic file length determination

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the measurement accuracy of endodontic file length on periapical digital radiography after application of noise reduction digital enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five human single-rooted permanent teeth with canals measuring 20-24 mm in length were selected. ISO #08 endodontic files were placed in the root canals of the teeth. The file lengths were measured with a digital caliper as the standard value. Standard periapical digital images were obtained using the Digora digital radiographic system and a dental X-ray unit. In order to produce the enhanced images, the noise reduction option was applied. Two blinded radiologists measured the file lengths on the original and enhanced images. The measurements were compared by repeated measures ANOVA and the Bonferroni test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Both the original and enhanced digital images provided significantly longer measurements compared with the standard value (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Noise reduction digital enhancement did not influence the measurement accuracy of the length of the thin endodontic files on the digital periapical radiographs despite the fact that noise reduction could result in the elimination of fine details of the images.

Study of the role of the cortical bone in the trabeculation pattern on periapical radiography of dry human mandibles

It is generally believed that the radiographic image of bone striae is a reflection of the trabecular pattern of cancellous bone. Results of a study by Calvacanti et al contradicted suggesting that intraoral radiographic image of trabecular pattern in the mandible reflects the morphology of the endosteal surface of the cortical bone rather than that of cancellous bone. The aim of this study was to test whether the cortical bone has an influence on trabeculation pattern on periapical radiographs made with the paralleling techniques of dry mandibles. Standard parallel periapical radiographs from 7 dry human mandibles made on the same regions from 15 areas prepared. The radiographs acquired before, after removal of buccal, then lingual plate together with endosteal cortical trabecular bone interface. We acquired 45 parallel periapical radiograph. Three maxillofacial radiologists assessed the presence or absence of bone striations on acquired images and whether a difference in trabeculation pattern exists. Answers were scored 0 [exist changes], 1 [no changes]. Data were analyzed by Chi square and Freedman statistical analysis. There was no difference in the pattern of bone striations on images of dry human mandibles in the absence of one or both cortical plates. Cancellous bone has an important role in trabeculation pattern. Removal of buccal and lingual cortical bone causes no change in trabecular pattern

Evaluation of calcified carotid artery atheromas detected by panoramic radiograph above 50-years-old in Isfahan

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the incidence of CCAAs detected on panoramic radiographs of above 50-years-old patient population. Further, we evaluated the relationship between CCAAs and general and oral health examinations. Calcified carotid artery atheromas or CCAAs are projected on panoramic radiographs as a radiopaque nodular mass or masses adjacent to the cervical vertebrae at or below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4. We concluded that, panoramic radiography should be evaluated not only for pathosis of teeth and jaws, but also for other incidental findings, especially in the soft tissue region of the neck. The incidental findings could provide potentially life saving informations especially for those elderly people who are at risk for stroke