Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Schneiderian Membrane Thickness.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the measurements and classification of Schneider membrane thickness correlated to age and sex factors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: The study included CBCT images for 100 maxillary sinuses of 50 consecutive patients, and the thickness of the maxillary sinus membrane (Schneiderian membrane) was measured in coronal view from the lowest point in the floor of the maxillary sinus to the highest point. The thickness of the Schneiderian membrane was classified into 4 types. RESULTS: The study result revealed that out of the total cases, 45% of sinus membranes were classified as type 2, while only 10% were classified as type 4. The most frequent type of membrane thickness diagnosed in the age group 20 to 30 as type 1, whereas in age groups 31 to 40 and 41 to 50, regarding sex, type 4 was more obvious in males with membrane thickening >6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement and classification of sinus membrane thickness can be performed accurately with CBCT, and it is affected by age and sex factors.

CBCT Analysis of Oropharynx Airway Volume.

OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to analyze the oropharynx airway and examine the influence of age and gender on the oropharynx volume configuration using cone beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined the cone beam computed tomographic images of 51 patients 25 male and 26 females, group matched for age and gender. The oropharynx airway volume and area between the posterior nasal spine and top of the epiglottis were measured and compared. RESULTS: The statistical measurements of 51 cone beam computed tomography images showed a nonsignificant difference found between male and female regarding the age (the mean age for female 40.15 y. and for male32.72 y). Male subjects had greater oropharynx volume, a high significant difference ( P =0.005) in oropharynx volume between the 3 age groups. A significant difference was found between the smallest age group with the larger age groups. CONCLUSION: The study data revealed that the changes in measurements of oropharynx airway are age-dependent in addition to gender effect.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of the Morphological Variation and Width in Mandibular Condyle.

PURPOSE: Classify the normal morphology of mandibular condyle to facilitate the diagnosis of any pathology or abnormal conditions associated with it using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 100 joints of 50 subjects with age range of 20 to 50 years were examined prospectively using CBCT images. The mandibular condylar morphology was classified into convex, round, flat, and angled the widest area of the condylar head measured to evaluate the size variation in different age groups for both genders and side. RESULTS: Round shape condyle is more frequent than other varieties and angled shape was the less frequent shape. There was no significant difference between gender and condyle shape but the round and angled shape were more obvious in females than males. Convex type was more prevalent to shown bilateral symmetrical shape than other varieties, the condylar head mean of width measuring was 14.85 mm in age group 20 to 29 comparable to 14.45 mm and 14.42 mm in age groups 30 to 39 and 40 to 50 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: CBCT facilitates the precise examination of TMJ in 3 planes that play a great role in an accurate visualization of the condyle to provide early diagnosis for any disorder in the region.

Radiographic Assessment of Nasopalatine Canal Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess the morphology of nasopalatine canal and to determine the variation of this canal in correlations to age and gender in Iraqi sample using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 requested CBCT images for nasopalatine canal evaluation before dental implantology at the anterior maxillary region. The morphology of canals was classified into 3 groups in coronal cross-sections. The effects of age and gender were also measured. RESULTS: The study comprised 100 males and 100 females with mean age of 30.64 ±â€Š9.46 years. Most of the cases showed Y-shape configuration type III 43.5% followed by type I single canal 35.5%, and type II with 2 parallel canals 21%, CONCLUSION:: Due to the wide variation in the morphology of nasopalatine canals, it is highly recommended to perform CBCT evaluation to the anterior maxilla before dental implantology in order to prevent any damage to the neurovascular bundle.