Effects of the cone-beam computed tomography protocol on the accuracy and image quality of root surface area measurements: An in vitro study.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy and image quality of root surface area (RSA) measurements obtained with various cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) protocols, relative to the gold standard of micro-computed tomography (CT), in an in vitro setting. Materials and Methods: Four dry human skulls were scanned using 8 different protocols, with voxel sizes of 0.15 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.4 mm. Three-dimensional models of the selected teeth were constructed using CBCT and micro-CT protocols, and the RSA was automatically measured by the image-processing software. The absolute difference in the percentage of the RSA (%ΔRSA) was calculated and compared across the 8 CBCT protocols using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Finally, image quality scores of the RSA measurements were computed and reported in terms of percent distribution. Results: No significant differences were observed in the %ΔRSA across the 8 protocols (P>0.05). The deviation in %ΔRSA ranged from 1.51% to 4.30%, with an increase corresponding to voxel size. As the voxel size increased, the image quality deteriorated. This decline in quality was particularly noticeable at the apical level of the root, where the distribution of poorer scores was most concentrated. Conclusion: Relative to CBCT protocols with voxel sizes of 0.15 mm and 0.3 mm, the protocols with a voxel size of 0.4 mm demonstrated inferior image quality at the apical levels. In spite of this, no significant discrepancies were observed in RSA measurements across the different CBCT protocols.

Three-dimensional volumetric evaluation of dental pulp cavity/tooth ratio in anterior open bite malocclusion using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio of maxillary permanent teeth between patients exhibiting anterior open bite malocclusion and those exhibiting anterior normal overbite using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D dental images from 44 patients aged between 15 and 29 years were analyzed. The DICOM files of all dental images were imported into an image processing software for calculating pulp cavity volume and tooth volume. Differences of pulp cavity volume, tooth volume, and pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio of each tooth type from both types of occlusions were analyzed using the independent t test. The intra-class correlation coefficient was used to evaluate intra-examiner reliability. RESULTS: The means of pulp cavity/tooth volume ratio in anterior open bite group were significantly greater than those in anterior normal overbite group (central incisor p = 0.001; lateral incisor p = 0.00025 and canine p = 0.004). The means of root canal/root volume ratio in anterior open bite group were significantly greater than anterior normal overbite group (central incisor p = 0.00001; lateral incisor p = 0.00007; and canine p = 0.001), whereas there were no significant differences of the means of pulp chamber/crown volume was observed. CONCLUSION: Anterior open bite malocclusion might lead to an increase of the pulp cavity volume and decrease of the tooth volume due to occlusal hypofunction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orthodontic force should be carefully determined in anterior open bite patient due to the greater root canal volume and lesser root volume.

Biochemical and clinical comparisons of segmental maxillary posterior tooth distal movement between two different force magnitudes.

Background/objectives: Maxillary tooth distal movement is a treatment option for Class II malocclusion. This prospective clinical study (split-mouth design) was aimed to compare chondroitin sulphate (CS) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), the rates of tooth movement, and patient pain and discomfort during segmental maxillary posterior tooth distal movement using either 120 or 180 g of retraction force. Materials and methods: Twenty patients (6 males and 14 females; aged 18.85 ± 4.38 years) with Class II malocclusion were recruited. The force magnitudes were controlled at 120 or 180 g, randomly assigned to either the right or left five-tooth segments. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected with Periopaper® strips. Competitive ELISA with monoclonal antibody was used to measure CS levels in GCF. The rates of segmental maxillary posterior tooth distal movement, and the amount of pain and discomfort were evaluated. Results: The median CS levels during the segmental distal movement period were significantly greater than those before the segmental distal movement period (P < 0.05). At each 1-week period during segmental distal movement, the differences between the median CS levels induced by the two different force magnitudes were not significantly different. The rates of segmental distal movement induced by the two different force magnitudes were not significantly different. The mean visual analog scale scores for pain and discomfort with 180 g of retraction force was significantly greater than that with 120 g (P < 0.05). Conclusions: One hundred and twenty grams of retraction force was sufficient to cause segmental distal movement, as indicated by biochemically assessed bone remodeling activity and a similar rate of tooth movement to that caused by 180 g of retraction force; it also produced less patient pain and discomfort. Trial Registration: The study has been registered as TCTR20170728001.

Root surface areas of maxillary permanent teeth in anterior normal overbite and anterior open bite assessed using cone-beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the root surface areas of the maxillary permanent teeth in Thai patients exhibiting anterior normal overbite and in those exhibiting anterior open bite, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of maxillary permanent teeth from 15 patients with anterior normal overbite and 18 patients with anterior open bite were selected. Three-dimensional tooth models were constructed using Mimics Research version 17.0. The cementoenamel junction was marked manually. The root surface area was calculated automatically by 3-Matic Research version 9.0. The root surface areas of each tooth type from both types of bite were compared using the independent t-test (P<.05). The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: The mean root surface areas of the maxillary central and lateral incisors in individuals with anterior open bite were significantly less than those in those with normal bite. The mean root surface area of the maxillary second premolar in individuals with anterior open bite was significantly greater than in those with normal bite. CONCLUSION: Anterior open-bite malocclusion might affect the root surface area, so orthodontic force magnitudes should be carefully determined.