Analysis of imaging findings in jaw bone islands / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide reference data on frequency and distribution of bone islands (BIs) and investigate their relationship with age, gender, and localization.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A population who received a pretreatment and at least one follow-up panoramic radiograph in the Department of Oral Radiology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, were selected for this retrospective study. A sample population of 29,556 patients (12,824 males and 16,732 females) with different dental complaints and ages ranging from 8 to 80 years (mean age: 23.95 years) were included.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the radiographic evaluation, BIs appeared as localized, well-defined, non-expansile, radiopaque masses which were round, elliptic, or irregular in shape. Their sizes varied from a few millimeters to about 2 cm in diameter. A total of 598 radiopacities were detected, and 545 patients of 29,556 patients (1.84%) had BIs. Among subjects with multiple lesions, 49 patients had 2 BIs and 2 patients had 3 BIs. The BIs had immense mandibular predilection, with presentation primarily in the premolar/molar region. The condition appeared to have no tendencies based on sex.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Recognition of BIs variation is significant in dental examinations.</p>

Relationship of development between third molar and second molar, canine in aged 11 / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the imaging manifestations of third molar (M3) in aged 11, and to explore the relationship of development between M3 and second molar (M2), canine (C).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 399 cases, aged 11, of West China School of Stomatology in June-August 2010 were selected as the imaging database. The M3, M2, C on the panoramic images were observed and the development degree in 399 was divided. And then the correlation analysis was done.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>45.5% of M3 in aged 11 was in stage C. 30.8% of M2 was in stage F. 36.1% of C was in stage G. The development of M3 appeared earlier in girls than in boys, and earlier in the mandible than in the maxillary. There was no significant difference between the left and right side. The correlation coefficient between M3 and M2 was 0.437, and the correlation coefficient between M3 and C was 0.132.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The general trends of the developments of M3 and M2, C were the same. The development of M3 can be used to describe the development of M2 and C, according to the close relationship in radiograph.</p>

Evaluation of cone-beam CT in diagnosis of supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of cone-beam CT (CBCT) in the diagnosis and orientation of supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>195 supernumerary teeth in the anterior maxilla of 146 patients were included, which were examined by CBCT. The number, shape, size, 3-dimensional position, growth direction of the supernumeraries and their relationship with the neighboring teeth were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 146 patients aged from 5 to 39, and males were affected more than females in a ratio of 2.95:1. 102 (69.9%) patients had single supernumerary teeth. Of the 195 supernumerary teeth, 126 (64.6%) were near the middle line, 131 (67.2%) were conical, 51 (26.2%) were curved root, 98 (50.3%) were inverted and had a length of (11.97 +/- 2.40) mm. The supernumerary teeth often caused complications.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The position of the supernumerary teeth is varied in the maxilla, and often causes permanent dentition complications. CBCT imaging yields accurate 3-dimensional pictures of supernumerary teeth, local dental and bony structures, which is helpful for diagnosis and orientation of supernumerary teeth.</p>