The use of hyoid bone dimensions in age and sex estimation in a Turkish population: a cone-beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine sex and age from hyoid bone morphology on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 130 CBCT images. Eight different measurements were performed for each hyoid bone. Fusion conditions were assigned to each side of the hyoid bone separately as; unfused, partially fused, and totally fused. RESULTS: The hyoid length, width of the left proximal end and stature variables showed sexual dimorphism in all hyoid fusion types (p < 0.05). In young adult age group, a significant difference was found between sex and fusion types (p = 0.025). The body length (81.35%) and stature measurements (76.25%) contributed most significantly to sex estimation. CONCLUSIONS: Patient's CBCT scans which enable reproducible and reliable measurements for bone tissues can be used for forensic procedures. Hyoid bone measurements with CBCT are useful methodology for age and sex estimation in forensic sciences with high predictive accuracy.

The effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on changes in the fractal dimension of periapical lesion in teeth after root canal treatment: a fractal analysis study.

AIM: This single-centre retrospective case-control study evaluated fractal dimension (FD) changes in radiographs of periapical lesions using a fractal analysis in healthy individuals and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients following root canal treatment. METHODOLOGY: The study data consisted of two groups: the DM group which contained a total of 46 mandibular molar teeth in 37 patients with no systemic disease other than type 2 DM, and the control group which contained a total of 52 mandibular molar teeth in 41 patients without systemic disease. Periapical radiographs were obtained prior to root canal treatment and 1 year post-treatment. Fractal analysis was performed by selecting a region of interest on the periapical radiographs. For both groups, the FD changes in lesion area were calculated and compared. In addition, periapical status was evaluated using the periapical index (PAI) scores on periapical radiographs for both groups. Data were analysed using dependent-sample t-test, independent-sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: In both groups, FD values were increased significantly 1 year post-treatment as compared with those prior to treatment (P < 0.05). The time-dependent increase in FD was significantly greater in the control group (P < 0.05). Time-dependent increases in FD did not differ between genders (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in PAI scores in both type 2 DM and control groups depending on time (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of time-related decreases in PAI scores (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: An increase in the FD of the periapical lesion area was observed 1 year after root canal treatment. DM had a negative effect on FD increase.

Evaluation of different platelet-rich concentrates effects on early soft tissue healing and socket preservation after tooth extraction.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to analyze the early soft tissue healing characteristics and Fractal Dimension (FD) of extraction sockets preserved by Leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and titanium prepared platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 57 single-tooth extraction sockets were included in the study, three groups were prepared: post-extraction sockets filled with L-PRF (n=19) and T-PRF (n=19), and control group; naturally healing sockets (n=19). Three months after tooth extraction, FD measurement was made in the center of the healing socket. The Landry Wound Healing Index (LWHI) and H2O2 bubbling test results for the complete wound epithelization (CWE) rates were recorded 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. All patients were asked to record a visual analog scale (VAS) value for pain and the number of analgesics taken during the 3 days after the extraction. RESULTS: CWE using H2O2 test result showed a significantly lower rate in the controls than in L-PRF and T-PRF groups at 1st week. At 2nd weeks, both of the test groups showed 100% CWE compared with only 40.7% in the control group. The VAS pain score was significantly higher in the control group than in L-PRF and T-PRF groups on the 1st day. However, no significant difference was found among the groups on 2nd day. FD value of control group was significantly lower than the L-PRF group and T-PRF group. CONCLUSIONS: T-PRF and L-PRF similarly enhanced wound epithelization and reduced postoperative discomfort at extraction sockets. The T-PRF procedure resulted in higher FD compared to the L-PRF and control group.

Changes in dimension of neurovascular canals in the mandible and maxilla: A radiographic finding in patients diagnosed with MRONJ.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the morphological features of neurovascular canals and foramina of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) and healthy individuals by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The CBCT images of 58 patients under bisphosphonate therapy diagnosed with MRONJ and age gender- matched controls were retrospectively evaluated. The diameter of mandibular and nasopalatine canal and mandibular, mental and lingual foramina were measured on several sections of CBCT. The value of mental index (MI) and panoramic mandibular index (PMI) were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean value of diametric measurements for all neurovascular canals and foramina in MRONJ patients were narrower than controls. Left mandibular foramen was the most affected area (p<0.001). There were significantly difference in all measurements of mental foramen, lingual foramen and mandibular incisive canal between two groups (p<0.05). PMI of MRONJ subjects were also significantly differences in both sides (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In MRONJ patient, neurovascular canals and foramina are affected due to the alterations in bone remodeling. Therefore, the diametric measurement of neurovascular canals and assessment of MI and PMI on CBCT, is a potentially useful method for detection of early changes associated with bisphosphonate therapy and for predict areas where new necrosis may occur.