Ameloblastoma with dystrophic calcification: A case report with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomographic images of calcification

This report presents a rare case of ameloblastoma with histopathologic and radiographic calcification, including 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. A 22-year-old woman had hard swelling on the right mandible. Panoramic and CBCT images showed multilocular radiolucencies with internal calcification foci in the right mandible. Three-dimensional images clearly showed varying-sized radiopacities within the lesion from various angles. A histopathologic examination showed central squamous differentiation and more densely packed peripheral palisading ameloblastic cells. Many areas of keratin pearls and calcifications were also seen. Four previous reports have described 5 cases of ameloblastoma showing histopathologic calcification. This might be the first report to present the calcification of ameloblastoma on panoramic and CBCT images, especially on 3-dimensional images.

Effect of Voxel Size on the Accuracy of Landmark Identification in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of voxel size on the accuracy of landmark identification in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images were obtained from 15 dry human skulls with two different voxel sizes; 0.39 mm and 0.10 mm. Three midline landmarks and eight bilateral landmarks were identified by 5 examiners and were recorded as three-dimensional coordinates. In order to compare the accuracy of landmark identification between large and small voxel size images, the difference between best estimate (average value of 5 examiners' measurements) and each examiner's value were calculated and compared between the two images. RESULT: Landmark identification errors showed a high variability according to the landmarks in case of large voxel size images. The small voxel size images showed small errors in all landmarks. The landmark identification errors were smaller for all landmarks in the small voxel size images than in the large voxel size images. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that landmark identification errors could be reduced by using smaller voxel size scan in CBCT images.

A comparative study of the deviation of the menton on posteroanterior cephalograms and three-dimensional computed tomography

PURPOSE: Facial asymmetry has been measured by the severity of deviation of the menton (Me) on posteroanterior (PA) cephalograms and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). This study aimed to compare PA cephalograms and 3D CT regarding the severity of Me deviation and the direction of the Me. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PA cephalograms and 3D CT images of 35 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery (19 males and 16 females, with an average age of 22.1±3.3 years) were retrospectively reviewed in this study. By measuring the distance and direction of the Me from the midfacial reference line and the midsagittal plane in the cephalograms and 3D CT, respectively, the x-coordinates (x1 and x2) of the Me were obtained in each image. The difference between the x-coordinates was calculated and statistical analysis was performed to compare the severity of Me deviation and the direction of the Me in the two imaging modalities. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in the severity of Me deviation was found between the two imaging modalities (Δx=2.45±2.03 mm, p<0.05) using the one-sample t-test. Statistically significant agreement was observed in the presence of deviation (k=0.64, p<0.05) and in the severity of Me deviation (k=0.27, p<0.05). A difference in the direction of the Me was detected in three patients (8.6%). The severity of the Me deviation was found to vary according to the imaging modality in 16 patients (45.7%). CONCLUSION: The measurement of Me deviation may be different between PA cephalograms and 3D CT in some patients.

The location of midfacial landmarks according to the method of establishing the midsagittal reference plane in three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of facial asymmetry

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of methods of establishing the midsagittal reference plane (MRP) on the locations of midfacial landmarks in the three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) analysis of facial asymmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients (12 male and 12 female; mean age, 22.5 years; age range, 18.2-29.7 years) with facial asymmetry were included in this study. The MRP was established using two different methods on each patient's CT image. The x-coordinates of four midfacial landmarks (the menton, nasion, upper incisor, and lower incisor) were obtained by measuring the distance and direction of the landmarks from the MRP, and the two methods were compared statistically. The direction of deviation and the severity of asymmetry found using each method were also compared. RESULTS: The x-coordinates of the four anatomic landmarks all showed a statistically significant difference between the two methods of establishing the MRP. For the nasion and lower incisor, six patients (25.0%) showed a change in the direction of deviation. The severity of asymmetry also changed in 16 patients (66.7%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the locations of midfacial landmarks change significantly according to the method used to establish the MRP.

Use of spherical coordinates to evaluate three-dimensional facial changes after orthognathic surgery

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the three-dimensional (3D) facial changes after orthognathic surgery by evaluating the spherical coordinates of facial lines using 3D computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 19-year-old girl was diagnosed with class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry. Orthognathic surgery was performed after orthodontic treatment. Facial CT scans were taken before and after orthognathic surgery. The patient had a menton deviation of 12.72 mm before surgery and 0.83 mm after surgery. The spherical coordinates of four bilateral facial lines (ramal height, ramal lateral, ramal posterior and mandibular body) were estimated from CT scans before and after surgery on the deviated and opposite side. RESULTS: The spherical coordinates of all facial lines changed after orthognathic surgery. Moreover, the bilateral differences of all facial lines changed after surgery, and no bilateral differences were zero. CONCLUSION: The spherical coordinate system was useful to compare differences between the presurgical and postsurgical changes to facial lines.

Deviation of landmarks in accordance with methods of establishing reference planes in three-dimensional facial CT evaluation

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the deviation of landmarks from horizontal or midsagittal reference planes according to the methods of establishing reference planes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 18 patients who received orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment were reviewed. Each CT scan was reconstructed by three methods for establishing three orthogonal reference planes (namely, the horizontal, midsagittal, and coronal reference planes). The horizontal (bilateral porions and bilateral orbitales) and midsagittal (crista galli, nasion, prechiasmatic point, opisthion, and anterior nasal spine) landmarks were identified on each CT scan. Vertical deviation of the horizontal landmarks and horizontal deviation of the midsagittal landmarks were measured. RESULTS: The porion and orbitale, which were not involved in establishing the horizontal reference plane, were found to deviate vertically from the horizontal reference plane in the three methods. The midsagittal landmarks, which were not used for the midsagittal reference plane, deviated horizontally from the midsagittal reference plane in the three methods. CONCLUSION: In a three-dimensional facial analysis, the vertical and horizontal deviations of the landmarks from the horizontal and midsagittal reference planes could vary depending on the methods of establishing reference planes.

Interobserver agreement on the diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the interobserver agreement on the detection of carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of panoramic radiographs acquired from 634 male patients of the age of 50 years or older. Having excluded carotids of no diagnostic quality, 1008 carotids from the panoramic radiographs of the patients were interpreted by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists independently for the presence of carotid artery calcifications. Statistical analysis was used to calculate the interobserver agreement. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was obtained for 932 carotids (92.4%). Inconsistent interpretation of 76 carotids (7.5%) between the two observers was found. Cohen's kappa value was 0.688 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The probability of a match between the two observers was substantially high.

Application of spherical coordinate system to facial asymmetry analysis in mandibular prognathism patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare asymmetric mandibular prognathism individuals with symmetric mandibular prognathism individuals using a new alternate spherical coordinate system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 47 computed tomographic images of patients with mandibular prognathism. The patients were classified into symmetric and asymmetric groups. Mandibular and ramal lines were analyzed using an alternate spherical coordinate system. The length as well as midsagittal and coronal inclination angle of the lines was obtained. The bilateral differences of the spherical coordinates of the facial lines were statistically analyzed in the groups. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups in bilateral difference of the length and midsagittal inclination angle of the lines (p<0.05). The bilateral difference of the length and midsagittal inclination angle of the lines has significant correlation with chin deviation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The new alternate spherical coordinate system was able to effectively evaluate facial lines. The bilateral difference of lengths and midsagittal inclination of the facial lines might contribute to the facial asymmetry in mandibular prognathism individuals.

Three dimensional evaluation of impacted mesiodens using dental cone beam CT / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to analyze the position, pattern of impacted mesiodens, and their relationship to the adjacent teeth using Dental cone-beam CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two dental cone-beam CT images with 81 impacted mesiodenses were selected from about 2,298 cone-beam CT images at Chonnam National University Dental Hospital from June 2006 to March 2009. The position, pattern, shape of impacted mesiodenses and their complications were analyzed in cone-beam CT including 3D images. RESULTS: The sex ratio (M : F) was 2.9 : 1. Most of the mesiodenses (87.7%) were located at palatal side to the incisors. 79% of the mesiodenses were conical in shape. 60.5% of the mesiodenses were inverted, 21% normal erupting direction, and 18.5% transverse direction. The complications due to the presence of mesiodenses were none in 43.5%, diastema in 19.4%, tooth displacement in 17.7%, delayed eruption or impaction in 12.9%, tooth rotation in 4.8%, and dentigerous cyst in 1.7%. CONCLUSION: Dental cone-beam CT images with 3D provided 3-dimensional perception of mesiodens to the neighboring teeth. This results would be helpful for management of the impacted mesiodens.

Stenosis of calcified carotid artery detected on Panoramic Radiography / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the luminal stenosis of the internal carotid artery with calcification detected on panoramic radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used fifty carotid arteries of 36 dental patients whose panoramic radiograph and computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed the presence of carotid artery calcification. A neuroradiologist interpreted CTA to determine the degree of stenosis of the internal carotid arteries. The degree of stenosis was stratified in four stages; normal (no stenosis), mild stenosis (1-49%), moderate stenosis (50-69%) and severe stenosis (70-99%). RESULTS: Among the fifty carotid arteries with calcification detected on both panoramic radiography and CTA, 20carotid arteries (40%) were normal, 29 carotid arteries (18%) had mild stenosis, 1 carotid artery (2%) had moderate stenosis, and there was none with severe stenosis. CONCLUSION: Sixty percent of the carotid arteries with calcification detected on both panoramic radiography and CTA had internal luminal stenosis, and two percent had moderate stenosis. When carotid atheroma is detected on panoramic radiograph, it is possible that the dental patient has luminal stenosis of the internal carotid artery.

A comparative study on radiopacity of root canal sealers / 대한치과보존학회지

This study was performed to assess the radiopacity of a variety of root canal sealers according to the specification concerning root canal sealers. Ten materials including Tubli-Seal(TM), Kerr Pulp Canal Sealer(TM), AH 26(R), AH plus(R), AH plus jet(TM), Ad sea l(TM), Sealapex(TM), NOGENOL(TM), ZOB seal(TM), Epiphany(TM) and dentin were evaluated in this study. In the first part, densitometric reading of an each step of aluminum step wedge on occlusal film was performed at different voltage and exposure time. In the second part, ten specimens were radiographed simultaneously with an aluminum step wedges on the occlusal films under decided condition. The mean radiographic den sity values of the materials were transformed into radiopacity expressed equivalent thickness of aluminum (mm Al). The following results were obtained. 1. Among the various conditions, the appropriate voltage and exposure time that meet the requirement density was 60 kVp at 0.2 s. 2. All of the materials had greater radiopacity than 3 mm Al requirement of ANSI/ADA specification No. 57 (2000) and ISO No. 6876 (2001) standards. 3. The radiopacity of materials increased as thickness of materials increased. 4. The mm Al value of each specimen at 1mm in thickness has a significant difference in the statistics. It suggests that root canal sealers have a sufficient radiopacity that meet the requirement.

Reference dose levels for dental periapical radiography in Chonnam Province / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To establish reference doses of periapical radiography in Chonnam Province, Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The target-skin distances were measured for dental patient's 1235 exposures including 345 mandibular molar areas. Each periapical radiation exposure was simulated with exactly the same patients exposure parameters and the simulated radiation doses were measured utilizing Mult-O-Meter (Unfors Instruments, Billadal, Sweden). The measurements were done in 44 dental clinics with 49 dental x-ray sets in Chonnam Province for one or two weeks at each dental clinic during year 2006. RESULTS: The third quartile patient surface doses were 2.8 mGy for overall periapical exposures and 3.2 mGy for periapical mandibular molar exposures. CONCLUSION: The third quartile patient surface doses in Chonnam Province can be used as a guide to accepted clinical practice to reduce patient radiation exposure for the surveyed reference doses were below the recommended dental periapical radiography dose of 7 mGy by IAEA.

Reference dose levels for dental panoramic radiography in Anyang City / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To measure dose-width product (DWP) values used for dental panoramic radiography in Anyang city, Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six panoramic dental radiographic sets (17 analogue panoramic sets and 19 digital panoramic sets) in 36 dental clinics in Anyang city were included in the study. Each patient's panoramic exposure parameters were simulated and the panoramic radiation doses were measured at the secondary collimator using a Mult-O-Meter (Unfors Instruments, Billdal, Sweden) at each dental clinic during 2006. The third quartile DWP was determined from 310 surface dose measurements on adult. RESULTS: The third quartile DWP for adult panoramic radiograph was 106.7 mGy mm. For analogue and digital panoramic radiograph, 3/4 DWP were 116.8 mGy mm and 72 mGy mm respectively. The overall third quartile DWP of panoramic radiography was 106.7 mGy mm. CONCLUSION: The measured 3/4 DWPs were higher than the 3/4 DWP of 65 mGy mm recommended by NRPB. Dentists who are operating above the reference dose should lower their panoramic exposure doses below the recommended reference value by changing the exposure parameters and/or their panoramic equipments.

Mandibular canal branches supplying the mandibular third molar observed on cone beam computed tomographic images: Reports of four cases / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

Bifid mandibular canal can be an anatomic variation. This condition can lead to complication when performing mandibular anesthesia or during extraction of lower third molar, placement of implants and surgery in the mandible. Four patients underwent preoperative imaging for extraction of third molars using CBCT (CB Mercuray, Hitachi, Japan). The axial images were processed with CBworks program 2.1 (CyberMed Inc., Seoul, Korea). The branches for supplying the lower third molar were identified mainly on cross-sectional and panoramic images of CBCT. Since the location and configuration of mandibular canal variations are important in any mandibular surgical procedures, we report 4 cases of bifid mandibular canal with panoramic and the CBCT images.

The angulation and the position change of the planned implant after tomographic imaging / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To measure the differences of the splint pin angulation and the position of the planned implant site after conventional tomographic analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The angulation and the location of the metal splint pin retained in acrylic stent were compared with the corrected angulation and the location of the implant fixture on the 331 tomographic images. RESULTS: The stent pins were located buccal in 40%, lingual in 10% to the corrected implant site after analysis of the conventional tomographic image. The angle and the location of the maxillary splint pin were mainly directed buccal on incisor and canine regions. The angle and the location of the splint pins in premolar and molar regions needed less corrections in both maxilla and mandible. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the use of tomographs was essential for successful dental implant planning.

Three dimensional CT analysis of facial asymmetry / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the range of normal facial asymmetry using three-dimensional CT and to develop a simple method of diagnosis of facial asymmetry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty eight adults with normal occlusion (16 males and 12 females; mean age 24 years and 1 month) were selected, whose faces were assessed to be symmetric by an orthodontist. Three-dimensional reconstructions were obtained utilizing spiral CT scans and an oral and maxillofacial radiologist evaluated nineteen anatomic landmarks in three-dimensional coordinates. Facial asymmetry index of each landmark was caluculated. RESULTS: The range of normal facial asymmetry of each landmark was identified using mean and standard deviation of facial asymmetry index. CONCLUSION: The range of normal facial asymmetry identified in this study may be used as a diagnostic standard for facial asymmetry analysis.

The survey of the surface doses of the dental x-ray machines / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate variability of doses with same exposure parameters and evaluate radiographic density according to the variability of doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight MAX-GLS (Shinhung Co, Seoul, Korea), twenty-one D-60-S (DongSeo Med, Seoul, Korea), and eleven REX-601 (Yoshida Dental MFG, Tokyo, Japan) dental x-ray machines were selected for this study. Surface doses were measured under selected combinations of tube voltage, tube current, exposure time, and constant distance 42 cm from the focal spot to the surface of the Multi-O-meter (Unfors Instruments, Billdal, Sweden). Radiographic densities were measured on the films at maximum, minimum and mean surface doses of each brand of x-ray units. RESULTS: With MAX-GLS, the maximum surface doses were thirteen to fourteen times as much as the minimum surface doses. With D-60-S, the maximum surface doses were three to eight times as much as the minimum surface doses. With REX-601, the maximum surface doses were six to ten times as much as the minimum surface doses. The differences in radiographic densities among maximum, mean, and minimum doses were significant (p< 0.01). CONCLUSION: The surface exposure doses of each x-ray machine at the same exposure parameters were different within the same manufacturer's machines.

Screening panoramic radiographs in a group of patients visiting a Health Promotion Center / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of radiological findings from screening panoramic radiographs and verify the validity of the panoramic radiography for screening purposes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six thousand one hundred and sixty panoramic radiographs taken from the patients visiting the Health Promotion Center of CNUH were selected for this retrospective study. Panoramic radiographs were examined into the following pathologic conditions : the presence of periodontal bone loss, dental caries, periapical radiolucencies, retained roots, impacted supernumerary teeth, impacted third molars, odontoma, cystic lesions other than radicular cyst, sialoliths, and mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesions. Number of pathologic conditions and Prevalence values were recorded. RESULTS: The prevalences of pathologic conditions were 72.9% of periodontal bone loss, 32.2% of dental caries, 11.9% of periapical radiolucencies, 10.8% of retained roots, 0.4% of root fracture, 1.0% of impacted supernumerary teeth, 1.0% of impacted third molars, 0.06% of odontoma, 0.08% of cystic lesion other than radicular cyst, 0.2% of prolonged retention of deciduous tooth, 0.1% of sialolith, and 0.04% of mixed radiopaque and radiolucent lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Although the panoramic radiograph should not be used to replace intraoral radiographic and clinical examinations, this study showed that many dental pathologic conditions could be detected on panoramic radiographs. The panoramic radiograph might serve as a diagnostic aid in dental health evaluation programs.

Skin entrance dose for digital and film radiography in Korean dental schools / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to compare skin entrance dose of digital radiography with that of film radiography and to show the dose reduction achievement with digital systems at 11 dental schools in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty six intraoral radiographic systems in 11 dental schools were included in this study. Digital sensors were used in 33 systems and film was used in 13 systems. Researchers and the volunteer visited 11 dental schools in Korea. Researchers asked the radiologic technician (s) at each school to set the exposure parameters and aiming the x-ray tube for the periapical view of the mandibular molar of the volunteer. The skin entrance doses were measured at the same exposure parameters and distance by the technician for each system with a dosimeter (Multi-O-Meter : Unfors instruments, Billdal, Sweden). RESULTS: The median dose was 491.2micronGy for digital radiography and 1, 205.0 microGy for film radiography. The skin entrance dose in digital radiography was significantly lower than that of film radiography (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fifty-nine percent skin entrance dose reduction with digital periapical radiography was achieved over the film radiography in Korean dental schools.

A case of necrotizing sialomataplasia: consideration on cause, bone change, and incidence / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is a rare, benign, self-limiting lesion, but it mimics carcinoma both clinically and histologically. Authors present a case of NS on the right posterior hard palate in a 16-year-old boy. This case showed underlying erosive bone change on CT images. We supposed this lesion resulted from the local anesthesia for dental treatment. Presented NS is the only one case from approximately 1, 500 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (0.07%) at Chonnam National University Hospital during the period from 1999 to 2004.