Diagnosis of ethmoid sinolith by cone-beam computed tomography: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to report the first case of diagnosis of a rare ethmoid sinolith by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and discuss the importance of carefully assessing the entire volume of the images regardless of the region of interest. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old woman underwent CBCT examination to assess the upper permanent canine teeth. Analysis of the entire volume of CBCT revealed an oval-shaped hyperdense, homogeneous, expansive formation with defined boundaries located in the ethmoid bone. The differential diagnosis of a sinolith in the ethmoid sinus was confirmed after removal of the lesion by nasoendoscopy and histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of lesions in the ethmoid sinus is challenging because of the complex anatomy of this region. Considering the limitations of two-dimensional X-ray examination, CBCT examination has become an important imaging modality for the diagnosis of these calcifications. In addition, the ability of the dental surgeon to assess the entire volume of the CBCT images and the knowledge of imaging features of these calcifications allows for recognition of incidental findings, facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Effect of Alendronate on Bone Microarchitecture in Irradiated Rats With Osteoporosis: Micro-CT and Histomorphometric Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of alendronate (ALN) on the bone microarchitecture of irradiated rats with estrogen deficiency, using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histomorphometric analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult Wistar rats were subjected to ovariectomy and randomly divided into the following groups: control (CON), ALN, irradiated (IRR), and ALN/irradiated (ALN/IRR). Approximately 50 days after ovariectomy, the hind limbs of the rats in the IRR and ALN/IRR groups were irradiated with 15 Gy of x-radiation. The rats were euthanized 7 and 30 days after irradiation. The bone microarchitecture was analyzed using micro-CT and histomorphometry. The bone microarchitecture was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of variance, and the post hoc Tukey test, with statistical significance set at 5%. RESULTS: Irradiation had increased the thickness of the cortical bone at 7 days (P < .05) and also decreased the number of trabeculae per unit length and increased the average distance between the trabeculae (P < .05) at 30 days. ALN inhibited the deleterious effect of x-radiation, preventing the distance between the trabeculae from increasing and the number of trabeculae per unit length from decreasing (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results have demonstrated that the initial effect of ALN could be positive, because it checked the deleterious action in the bone tissue submitted to x-radiation.

Ankylosis of Permanent First Molar: Diagnosis by Cone Beam Computed Tomography / Anquilosis del Primer Molar Permanente: Diagnóstico por Tomografía Computarizada con Haz Cónico

ABSTRACT: Ankylosis is an anomaly of tooth eruption characterized by the fusion of cementum and alveolar bone, and may affect from small regions to the entire root surface. Clinical assessment combined with imaging exams can aid diagnosis. Radiographic testing enables assessing only proximal regions of possibly affected roots. Whereas cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows a three-dimensional assessment of axial, coronal, and sagittal planes of all dental extension, eliminating thus overlapping images and helping to confirm the correct diagnosis. The present study contains a case report of a male patient with ankylosis in tooth 16 diagnosed by CBCT, aiming at providing information for dentists about this anomaly, its characteristics and situations in which CBCT should be indicated.

RESUMEN: La anquilosis es una anomalía de la erupción del diente caracterizada por la fusión de cemento y hueso alveolar, y puede afectar desde pequeñas regiones hasta toda la superficie de la raíz. La evaluación clínica combinada con los exámenes de imagen puede ayudar a diagnosticar esta anomalía. Las pruebas radiográficas permiten evaluar sólo las regiones proximales de las raíces posiblemente afectadas. La tomografía computarizada de haz de cono (CBCT) permite una evaluación tridimensional de los planos axial, coronal y sagital de toda la extensión dental, eliminando así las imágenes superpuestas y ayudando a confirmar el diagnóstico correcto. En el presente estudio se presenta un reporte de caso de un paciente con anquilosis en el diente 16 diagnosticado por CBCT, con el objetivo de proporcionar información para los dentistas sobre esta anomalía, sus características y situaciones en las que debe indicarse la CBCT.

Monostotic fibrous dysplasia: a case report with cone-beam computed tomography findings / Displasia fibrosa monostótica: relato de caso por meio de achados de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico

ABSTRACT Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibrous-osseous lesion in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous connective tissue and immature bone, affecting only one (monostotic) or several bones (polyostotic) and mainly occurring in children and young adults. When present in facial bones, the maxilla is more frequently involved than the mandible, which can cause facial asymmetry in addition to dental complications. In the image exams, the main characteristic of fibrous dysplasia is its unpolished glass appearance. Computed tomography is the ideal method for evaluating this lesion and its relationship with adjacent structures. The use of conventional radiography, due to the overlapping of anatomical structures, makes it difficult to delineate the extension of the lesion. The present study is aimed at guiding dentist-surgeons on the main imaging characteristics of fibrous dysplasia by describing a case of a female 10-year-old patient presenting with this lesion in the maxilla.

RESUMO A displasia fibrosa é uma lesão fibro-óssea benigna em que o osso normal é substituído por tecido conjuntivo fibroso e osso imaturo, podendo afetar um único osso (monostótica) ou vários ossos (poliostótica), ocorrendo principalmente em crianças e adultos jovens. Quando presente nos ossos faciais, a maxila é envolvida com mais frequência que a mandíbula, podendo causar assimetria facial, além de complicações odontológicas. Nos exames por imagem a característica principal da displasia fibrosa é a aparência de vidro despolido. A tomografia computadorizada é o método ideal para avaliação dessa lesão e relação com estruturas adjacentes. A radiografia convencional, devido a sobreposição de estruturas anatômicas, torna difícil a delimitação da extensão da lesão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar o relato de caso de um paciente do sexo feminino, 10 anos de idade, com presença de displasia fibrosa na maxila, objetivando orientar os cirurgiões-dentistas com relação às principais características imaginológicas dessa lesão.

Cone beam computed tomography in the diagnosis of dens invaginatus: case report / Tomografía computarizada de haz cónico en el diagnóstico de diente invaginado: presentación de un caso

The aim of this report is to present a case of dens invaginatus asymptomatic discovered after exam cone beam computed tomography. A 20-year-old patient attended the clinic Radiology to perform tomography to fracture research at the root of the tooth 15. However, the examination was observed the presence of a conoid supernumerary tooth between the tooth located roots 11 and 12, which had a hyperdense line to the apex of the root, representing the invagination of the enamel, dens invaginatus feature. It was also observed extensive hypodense image in the periapical region, with areas of external resorption both in supernumerary tooth as we ll as the roots of teeth 11 and 12. The treatment consisted of surgery for dens invaginatus extraction. The dentists should be aware of the imaginological characteristics of the anomalies that can affect the teeth/jaws, which can be discovered in tests for routine imaging and proper conduct for the treatment of patients.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar un caso dedens invaginatusasintomático descubierto en una tomografía computarizada de haz cónico. Un paciente de 20 años de edad acudió a la clínica radiológica para realizarse una tomografía producto una fractura radicular del diente 15. Sin embargo, en el exámen se observó la presencia de un diente supernumerario cónico localizado entre las raíces de los dientes 11 y 12, observando además una línea hiperdensa hacia el ápice de la raíz, que representa la invaginación del esmalte, característica propia de undens invaginatus.También se observó un área hipodensa en la región periapical, con áreas de reabsorción externa tanto en el diente supernumerario como en las raíces de los dientes 11 y 12. El tratamiento consistió en cirugía de extracción deldens invaginatus. Los dentistas deben conocer las características imagenológicas de las anomalías que pueden afectar a los dientes, las cuales pueden ser descubiertas en exámenes de rutina y también el protocolo adecuado de tratamiento de éstas.

Micro-CT evaluation of the radioprotective effect of resveratrol on the mandibular incisors of irradiated rats.

The purpose of this study was to perform a microcomputed tomographic evaluation of the radioprotective effect of resveratrol on the volume of mandibular incisors of irradiated rats. A second aim was to make a quantitative assessment of the effect of x-ray exposure on these dental tissues. Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups: control, irradiated control, resveratrol, and irradiated resveratrol. The resveratrol groups received 100 mg/kg of resveratrol, whereas the irradiated groups were exposed to 15 Gy of irradiation. The animals were sacrificed 30 days after the irradiation procedure, and their mandibles were removed and scanned in a microcomputed tomography unit. The images were loaded into Mimics software to allow segmentation of the mandibular incisor and assessment of its volume. The results were compared by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test, considering a 5% significance level. The irradiated groups showed significantly diminished volumes of the evaluated teeth, as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The resveratrol group presented higher values than those of the irradiated groups, and volumes similar to those of the control group. High radiation doses significantly affected tooth formation, resulting in alterations in the dental structure, and thus lower volumes. Moreover, resveratrol showed no effective radioprotective impact on dental tissues. Future studies are needed to evaluate different concentrations of this substance, in an endeavor to verify its potential as a radioprotector for these dental tissues.

Micro-CT evaluation of the radioprotective effect of resveratrol on the mandibular incisors of irradiated rats

Abstract The purpose of this study was to perform a microcomputed tomographic evaluation of the radioprotective effect of resveratrol on the volume of mandibular incisors of irradiated rats. A second aim was to make a quantitative assessment of the effect of x-ray exposure on these dental tissues. Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups: control, irradiated control, resveratrol, and irradiated resveratrol. The resveratrol groups received 100 mg/kg of resveratrol, whereas the irradiated groups were exposed to 15 Gy of irradiation. The animals were sacrificed 30 days after the irradiation procedure, and their mandibles were removed and scanned in a microcomputed tomography unit. The images were loaded into Mimics software to allow segmentation of the mandibular incisor and assessment of its volume. The results were compared by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test, considering a 5% significance level. The irradiated groups showed significantly diminished volumes of the evaluated teeth, as compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The resveratrol group presented higher values than those of the irradiated groups, and volumes similar to those of the control group. High radiation doses significantly affected tooth formation, resulting in alterations in the dental structure, and thus lower volumes. Moreover, resveratrol showed no effective radioprotective impact on dental tissues. Future studies are needed to evaluate different concentrations of this substance, in an endeavor to verify its potential as a radioprotector for these dental tissues.

Comparison of palatal bone height in different facial morphological patterns by cone beam computed tomography

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the relationship between palatal bone height and facial types using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Methods: The study sample consisted of 110 CBCT images. Subjects aged 18 to 35 years old were classified as brachyfacial, mesofacial and dolichofacial, according to SN.GoGn angle, measured in cephalometric analysis with Nemotec 3D software. Three observers evaluated the bone height of the palate in the anterior region, at the level of the maxillary first premolars. The measurements were performed in sagittal and coronal views, in median and paramedian regions of the palate, also using Nemotec 3D software. Measurements were repeated after 15 days on 25% of the sample to analyse intra and interobserver agreements by CCI test. Analysis of variance was performed to calculate statistical differences between the bone heights of the three facial types, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The correlation level of intra-observer agreement was excellent. No significant differences were observed between the palatal bone height in the region of first premolars and the different facial types (p>0.05). Conclusions: Based on CBCT evaluations, there is no association between palatal bone height and facial morphological patterns.

2D and 3D imaging of the relationship between maxillary sinus and posterior teeth

Aim: To compare the qualitative and quantitative information yielded by imaging modalities on the evaluation of the relationship between the maxillary sinus and the apices of posterior teeth. Methods: Three oral radiologists examined 109 panoramic radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained from a digital archive. A total of 1,875 apices were classified according to their topographic relationship in both imaging modalities. Agreements between the two imaging techniques were examined statistically. The evaluation was repeated in 25% of the sample to statistically evaluate the intraobserver agreement, with a 30-day interval. Results: The values found in the Kappa test for qualitative assessment and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for quantitative assessment showed nearly perfect and excellent correlation, respectively. Regarding the correlation between the two images, the Kappa test in the quality assessment showed a slight correlation between the palatal roots of the right first molars and second molars. Moreover, the quantitative evaluation by ICC showed poor agreement for the palatal roots of the left first molar and second molar, as well as for the buccomesial of the right second molars and for the buccodistal of the left second molars.Conclusions: There is low correlation between panoramic radiography and CBCT when roots are in contact or above the maxillary sinus floor. A high level of agreement was observed when roots are below the maxillary sinus floor.

Effect of Different Tube Potential Settings on Caries Detection using PSP Plate and Conventional Film.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoral Phosphor Stimulable Plate digital system and intraoral film using different tube settings on incipient proximal caries detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five blocks, with five teeth each, were radiographically examined using phosphor plates and F-speed films. The images were acquired in 07 different tube potentials from 50-80 kV. The films were digitized. Three oral radiologists scored the images for the presence of caries using a 5-point rating scale. The areas under ROC curve were calculated. The influence of tube kilovoltage was verified by ANOVA and pair wise comparisons performed using Tukey test. RESULTS: Mean ROC curve areas varied from 0.446-0.628 for digital images and 0.494-0.559 for conventional images. The tube setting of 70 kV presented the best result both for digital and conventional images. Considering the image type separately, 70 kV scored highest followed by 75 and 65 kV for digital images (p=0.084). For conventional image modality, even though 70 kV presented the best result, it did not differ significantly from 80 kV, not differing from 60 and 55 kV, which did not differ from 75, 65 and 50 kV (p=0.53). CONCLUSION: Phosphor plate digital images seem to be more susceptible to tube setting potential variations then digitized film images.

Utilización del prototipado rápido en la odontología / The use of rapid prototyping in dentistry

Nuevas técnicas van acompañando la evolución de la odontología y buscan superar obstáculos presentes en la actualidad. El prototipado rápido (PR) fue insertado en el medio odontológico con el propósito de auxiliar procedimientos, minimizar riesgos y disminuir el tiempo quirúrgico. A partir de exámenes tomográficos y de resonancia magnética, son creados diseños asistidos por medio de un computador específico, luego de ello son transformados en un lenguaje propio, para que a partir de ahí, estos diseños sean transformados en objetos físicos en 3 dimensiones (prototipos), fieles al modelo inicial hecho en la computadora. Existen muchas técnicas para la confección de los modelos 3D, variando el tipo de material que se añadirá, por el proceso de adición en capas. Muchas son las áreas beneficiadas por el PR; sin embargo, cirugia, implantología, prótesis y ortodoncia, asimilaron más los principios de esta técnica la cual está ayudando de manera significativa en su práctica diaria. Los beneficios del PR son numerosos, sea en la disminución de riesgos quirúrgicos, precisión de maniobras, disminución de tiempo transoperatorio, estética en los procedimientos y hasta en la comunicación entre el cirujano dentista y el paciente. Las desventajas de la técnica incluyen el elevado costo inicial y un considerable tiempo de preparación del prototipado. Lo que se viene observando es que el PR se está convirtiendo cada vez más de uso cotidiano odontológico y sus beneficios superan algunas desventajas aún persistentes...

New techniques have been accompanying the development of dentistry and seek to overcome obstacles present nowadays. The Rapid Prototyping (RP) was inserted into the dentistry in order to assist procedures, minimize risk and reduce the surgical time. From Computed Tomography exams and Magnetic Resonance, are been created design assisted by a specific computer, then processed in its own language; so from there, such designs are transformed into physical objects in 3 dimensions (prototype), trusted in the initial model created in the computer. There are many techniques for production of 3D models, varying the type of material that will be added by the process of adding layers. Many areas were benefited by the PR, however Surgery, Implantology, Orthodontics and Prosthodontics, absorbed the principles of this technique which is helping significantly in their daily practice. The benefits of PR are undisputed, whether in the reduction of surgical risks, precision maneuvers, and gain time in the trans-operative period, cosmetic procedures and in the communication between the dentist and the patient. The disadvantages of the technique are also reported as high initial cost and considerable time preparing the prototype. What has been observed is that this PR is becoming increasingly present in the dental practice and the benefits are overcoming some disadvantages still persistent...

La tomografía computarizada cone beam en la ortodoncia, ortopedia facial y funcional / Cone beam computed tomography use in orthodontics, functional facial orthopedics

La Tomografía Computarizada Cone Beam (TCCB) es una tecnología en rápido desarrollo que proporciona imágenes de alta resolución espacial del complejo craneofacial en tres dimensiones (3D). Durante la última década, el número de publicaciones relacionadas a la TCCB en la literatura se ha incrementado de manera significativa, pero la cuestión fundamental es si esta tecnología conduce a mejores resultados. La TCCB y su aplicación en la ortodoncia es muy importante ya que esta nueva tecnología va evolucionando cada vez más rápido y nuevas imágenes se necesitan para responder algunos casos como los de recidiva. La imagen tomográfica nos va permitir tener una visión diferente comparando con las imágenes convencionales, y esta visión va de la mano con los movimientos realizados para la corrección de la maloclusión o desproporción facial...

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a rapidly evolving technology that provides high spatial resolution of the craniofacial complex in three dimensions (3D). During the last decade, the number of publications related to CBCT in the literature has increased significantly, but the fundamental question is whether this technology leads to better results. CBCT and the application in orthodontics is very important as this new technology evolves ever faster and new images are needed to answer some cases, for example cases of recurrence. The tomographic image will allow us to give a different view compared to conventional images, and this view goes hand in hand with the movements for correcting malocclusion or facial disproportion...

Digital panoramic radiography for diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: CBCT as the gold standard.

Three-dimensional imaging modalities have been reported to be more accurate than panoramic radiographs (PR) for the assessment of bone components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). No exact prior information is available that demonstrates which specific limitations occur in terms of TMJ diagnosis when using PR for this purpose. This study aimed to assess the clinical validity of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) when diagnosing morphological disorders of the TMJ using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the gold standard. A sample composed of TMJ images (N = 848), including 212 DPR and 212 CBCT images obtained from the same patient, was used to assess any morphological changes in the TMJ. Four appraisers diagnosed all of the DPR images, whereas the CBCT images were used to establish the gold standard. The reliability of each appraiser's response pattern was analyzed using the Kappa test (κ), and diagnostic tests were performed to assess each appraiser's performance using a significance level setting of 5% (α = 0.05). Reliability of each appraiser's response pattern compared to the gold standard ranged from a slight-to-moderate agreement (0.18 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45); and among the different appraisers, the response pattern showed a fair agreement (0.22 ≤ κ ≤ 0.39). Diagnostic tests showed a wide range among the different possible morphological changes diagnosed. DPR does not have validity when diagnosing morphological changes in the TMJ; it underestimates the radiological findings with higher prevalence, and thus, it cannot be used effectively as a diagnostic tool for bone components within this region.

Digital panoramic radiography for diagnosis of the temporomandibular joint: CBCT as the gold standard

Three-dimensional imaging modalities have been reported to be more accurate than panoramic radiographs (PR) for the assessment of bone components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). No exact prior information is available that demonstrates which specific limitations occur in terms of TMJ diagnosis when using PR for this purpose. This study aimed to assess the clinical validity of digital panoramic radiography (DPR) when diagnosing morphological disorders of the TMJ using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as the gold standard. A sample composed of TMJ images (N = 848), including 212 DPR and 212 CBCT images obtained from the same patient, was used to assess any morphological changes in the TMJ. Four appraisers diagnosed all of the DPR images, whereas the CBCT images were used to establish the gold standard. The reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern was analyzed using the Kappa test (κ), and diagnostic tests were performed to assess each appraiser’s performance using a significance level setting of 5% (α = 0.05). Reliability of each appraiser’s response pattern compared to the gold standard ranged from a slight-to-moderate agreement (0.18 ≤ κ ≤ 0.45); and among the different appraisers, the response pattern showed a fair agreement (0.22 ≤ κ ≤ 0.39). Diagnostic tests showed a wide range among the different possible morphological changes diagnosed. DPR does not have validity when diagnosing morphological changes in the TMJ; it underestimates the radiological findings with higher prevalence, and thus, it cannot be used effectively as a diagnostic tool for bone components within this region.

Aspectos tomográficos de ameloblastoma multicístico de células granulares: relato de caso / Computed tomography imaging features of multicystic granular cell ameloblastoma: a case report

O ameloblastoma multicístico é uma variante clínica do ameloblastoma, muitas vezes localmente agressivo, com significante aumento de morbidade e mortalidade. O ameloblastoma é frequentemente assintomático, sendo identificado incidentalmente durante exames odontológicos de rotina. Trata-se de uma lesão de crescimento lento e persistente, podendo ser notada, em alguns casos, uma expansão gradual da mandíbula, produzindo assimetria facial. Ameloblastomas raramente apresentam um comportamento maligno. A avaliação clínica inclui uma revisão cuidadosa da história clínica do paciente, bem como exame físico da cabeça e pescoço. Modalidades de imagens radiográficas são úteis para localizar a lesão, avaliar suas dimensões e os efeitos sobre as estruturas adjacentes. O manejo da lesão representa um desafio para todos os profissionais envolvidos na área de cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as características tomográficas de um ameloblastoma multicístico de células granulares em um paciente do sexo masculino, leucoderma, de 40 anos de idade...

Multicystic ameloblastoma is a clinical variant of ameloblastoma. It is often locally aggressive with significant impact on patient morbidity and mortality. Ameloblastoma is often asymptomatic and is usually detected as an incidental finding during routine dental examinations. It presents slow and persistent growth; in some cases a gradual expansion of the jaw producing facial asymmetry may be noticed . Although the occurrence is rare, ameloblastomas can exhibit malignant behavior and metastasize. Clinical evaluation includes careful review of the patient's medical history and physical examination of the head and neck region. Radiographic imaging techniques are useful for locating the lesion, estimating its dimensions and assessing its effects on adjacent structures. Management of ameloblastoma is a challenge for all involved in the field of head and neck surgery. The aim of this paper was therefore to describe the tomographic features of a multicystic granular cell ameloblastoma in a 40-year-old white male patient...

Vertical measurements for planning palatal mini-implants in lateral radiography and cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare palatal bone height measurements in the region of first premolars for planning palatal mini-implant insertion on conventional lateral radiography (CLR), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and reformatted virtual lateral radiography (VLR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ten images of CLR, VLR, and CBCT from the same patient were used. Linear measurements corresponding to the relevant dimension of available bone on upper first premolar site were performed between the hard palate floor and the nasal floor. The Friedman test compared the measurements of all imaging modalities. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICC values showed excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreement. VLR examination resulted in measurements statistically different from both CBCT and CLR images (P < 0.05), being underestimated when compared with these techniques, and the values found on CLR did not show statistically significant differences from the CBCT images (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The measurements for planning palatal mini-implants at the level of first premolars are comparable on CLR and multiplanar reconstructions of CBCT, whereas underestimated in reformatted examinations (VLR).

Prevalence of C-shaped root canal in a Brazilian subpopulation: a cone-beam computed tomography analysis.

The aim of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to evaluate the prevalence and configurations of C-shaped canals in permanent mandibular second molars among members of a Brazilian subpopulation. CBCT exams of 214 patients (406 teeth) were evaluated for: presence of C-shaped root canals, number of canals and direction of the root grooves (buccal or lingual). Of the 214 CBCT images examined, 192 showed intact bilateral molars, which were used to analyze the distribution of unilateral and bilateral occurrences of C-shaped canals. The prevalence of these canals was correlated with gender and age, and the number of canals was correlated with the direction of the root grooves using the chi-squared test (α = 0.05). The prevalence of C-shaped canals was 15.3%. This prevalence did not differ with gender or age. Most of the C-shaped molars had three (43.5%) or two (37.1%)canals; 69.4% of the C-shaped canals were grooved in the buccal direction; 68.3% of the C-shaped cases were unilateral. In conclusion, there was a significant prevalence of C-shaped canals in the mandibular second molars of the population studied; the C-shaped canal system varied in configuration, with a higher prevalence of three and two canals and unilateral occurrence; CBCT is a useful tool for endodontic diagnosis and treatment.

Oblique or orthoradial CBCT slices for preoperative implant planning: which one is more accurate?

AIM: To assess which slice inclination would be more accurate in measuring sites for implant placement: the oblique or the orthoradial slice. METHODS: Five regions of eight edentulous mandibles were selected (incisor, canine, premolar, first molar and second molar). The mandibles were scanned with a Next Generation i-CAT CBCT unit. Two previously calibrated oral radiologists performed vertical measurements in all the selected regions using both the oblique and orthoradial slices. The mandibles were sectioned in all the evaluated regions in order to obtain the gold standard. The Wilcoxon signed rank test compared the measurements obtained in the oblique and orthoradial slices with the gold standard. RESULTS: The bone height measurements for the first and second molar regions using the orthoradial slices were statistically different from the gold standard. CONCLUSIONS: Using the orthoradial slices to obtain cross-sectional images may offer insufficient accuracy for implant placement in the posterior region...

Prevalence of C-shaped root canal in a Brazilian subpopulation: a cone-beam computed tomography analysis

The aim of this study was to use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to evaluate the prevalence and configurations of C-shaped canals in permanent mandibular second molars among members of a Brazilian subpopulation. CBCT exams of 214 patients (406 teeth) were evaluated for: presence of C-shaped root canals, number of canals and direction of the root grooves (buccal or lingual). Of the 214 CBCT images examined, 192 showed intact bilateral molars, which were used to analyze the distribution of unilateral and bilateral occurrences of C-shaped canals. The prevalence of these canals was correlated with gender and age, and the number of canals was correlated with the direction of the root grooves using the chi-squared test (α = 0.05). The prevalence of C-shaped canals was 15.3%. This prevalence did not differ with gender or age. Most of the C-shaped molars had three (43.5%) or two (37.1%) canals; 69.4% of the C-shaped canals were grooved in the buccal direction; 68.3% of the C-shaped cases were unilateral. In conclusion, there was a significant prevalence of C-shaped canals in the mandibular second molars of the population studied; the C-shaped canal system varied in configuration, with a higher prevalence of three and two canals and unilateral occurrence; CBCT is a useful tool for endodontic diagnosis and treatment.