An experimental study on the readability of digital images in the furcal bone defects / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of digital radiographic images in the detection of bone loss at the bifurcation area of the mandibular first molar with traditional film-based periapical radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One dried human mandible with minimal periodontal bone loss around the first molar was selected and an artificial alveolar bone defect at the bifurcation area was serially prepared over 18 steps. Images were taken using a direct CCD-based system and with F-speed periapical films. The images were evaluated by seven interpreters (3 radiologists, 3 periodontologists, and 1 general dentist) using a 5-point confidence rating scale. RESULTS: The readability of both periapical radiographs and digital image increased as the size of the artificial lesion and exposure time increased (p< 0.05). Periapical radiographs offered greater readability of smaller bone defects than digital images, and the coefficient of variation of mean score between periapical radiographs and digital images showed a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The experimental results indicate that a significant difference in the coefficient of variation of mean score exists between periapical radiographs and digital images, and that traditional film-based periapical images offer greater readability of smaller bone defects than digital images can presently offer.

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma of the mandible / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is an extremely rare odontogenic tumor composed of proliferating ectodermal and mesenchymal components of odontogenic tissue, containing hard tooth structure. It occurs predominantly in children and young adults. The mandibular molarramus area is the most frequently observed location, presenting radiographically as a well-circumscribed and radiolucent-radiopaque tumor. A case involving a 24-year-old woman presenting with a large ameloblastic fibro-odontoma of the posterior mandible is reported. This case is of radiologic interest because two distinct calcification patterns were observed.