Cone Beam Computed Tomography Analysis of Posterior-Superior Alveolar Canal from a Fixed Reference Point: Implications for Sinus Floor Elevation Procedure through Lateral Approach.

Objective: Sinus floor elevation is commonly done in the maxillary posterior region prior to dental implant placement. This study primarily aimed at assessing the location of the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) canal on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and its relation to the alveolar ridge and maxillary sinus from a fixed reference point. Material and Methods: A total of 226 edentulous maxillary molar sites were included in this retrospective analysis. The distance from the PSAA to the sinus floor (SF), alveolar crest (AC) and a fixed reference point, that is, the roof of sinus (RS) were measured. The alveolar bone height (ABH), thickness of the crestal keratinized mucosa (CKM) and thickness of Schneiderian membrane (SM) were also evaluated. Results: 54 sites (23.89%) were excluded from the study. The SF, AC, RS and ABH values averaged at 11.91 mm ± 3.63 mm, 16.05 mm ± 3.96 mm, 25.32 mm ± 7.13 mm and 4.93 mm ± 4.27 mm respectively. SF and AC was higher in second molar than first molar region (p < 0.001), but RS did not show significant difference (p = 0.85). CKM and SM averaged at 2.02 mm ± 0.68 mm and 1.31 mm ± 0.81 mm respectively. Conclusion: The PSAA can be visualized in CBCT scans with a prevalence of 76.11% and may not be detected when adherent to the sinus membrane. This study stresses on the need for a CBCT, prior to sinus surgeries through lateral approach, to assess the PSAA.

Three-dimensional assessment of the mandibular lingual foramina with implications for surgical and implant therapy: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

Treatment planning for dental implants in the anterior mandible is often complicated by the presence of vascular structures. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence, location and morphology of the mandibular lingual foramen (LF) through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and contribute to its anatomical knowledge in an Indian population. A total of 400 mandibular anterior CBCT scans from 4 centers were included in this retrospective analysis. The vertical distance from alveolar crest (Hcre) and inferior border of mandible (Hinf) to the LF, horizontal distance from lingual canal to labial cortical plate (LC-CP), length of the lingual canal (LLC) and diameter of the LF were measured. Data was analysed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and compared between median and lateral LF. 14 (3.5%) scans were excluded due to non-visualization of LF. A lateral LF was detected in 149 scans (38.6%), predominantly in the canine region (61.7%). Hcre was significantly higher for median LF (16.35 ± 4.59 mm) than lateral LF (12.94 ± 3.92 mm) (p < 0.001), while Hinf did not show significant difference between median (11.38 ± 3.62 mm) and lateral (12.94 ± 3.92 mm) LF (p = 0.0032). The LC-CP, LLC and diameter of LF averaged at 5.05 ± 1.76 mm, 6.26 ± 1.82 mm and 0.88 ± 0.72 mm respectively. The LF can be visualized in CBCT scans with a prevalence of 96.5%. This study stresses on the need for a CBCT, prior to surgeries in anterior mandible to avoid excessive bleeding episodes.

Three-Dimensional Alveolar Bone Assessment of Mandibular First Molars with Implications for Immediate Implant Placement.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the alveolar dimensions of the mandibular molar using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for immediate implant placement. The width of buccal (WB) and lingual (WL) bone; width of interradicular bone 2 and 4 mm apical to the furcation and at the apex (IRB2, IRB4, and IRBA, respectively); and distance to the inferior alveolar nerve from the furcation (IAN-F) and mesial (IAN-M) and distal (IAN-D) roots were evaluated from CBCT records of 126 subjects (200 mandibular first molars). Mean WB (0.84 ± 0.39 mm) and WL (2.71 ± 1.17 mm) measurements showed significant differences (P = .003). Differences between IAN-F, IAN-M, and IAN-D measurements averaged at 14.14 ± 2.57 mm, 4.31 ± 1.06 mm, and 4.61 ± 1.02 mm, respectively. IRB2, IRB4, and IRBA dimensions were 1.93 ± 0.65 mm, 2.54 ± 0.9 mm, and 4.46 ± 1.91 mm, respectively. The findings of the study demonstrate the alveolar bone morphology of the mandibular first molar and the need for CBCT scans for proper treatment planning for immediate implant placement.

Personal Identification in Forensic Science Using Uniqueness of Radiographic Image of Frontal Sinus.

Frontal sinus pattern matching is a useful means of forensic identification. By the use of radiographs forensic scientists have recognized that there are diverse anatomical variations in the structure of the frontal sinus. Radiographs are a diagnostic tool, widely used in dental practices, hospitals and other health disciplines. Most health institutions possess the facility to store radiographs over long periods of time. Frontal sinus pattern matching technique can be applied in cases where ante mortem frontal sinus radiographs are available and dental matching cannot be carried out. Frontal sinus pattern matching technique may also be used to corroborate identifications based on other techniques such as fingerprints, teeth, or circumstantial evidence. The present study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of using the radiographic image of the frontal sinus for personal identification in studied population group. The results concluded that the appearance of the radiographic image of the frontal sinus is unique for each individual. On this evidence it is proposed that frontal sinus pattern matching can be used for personal identification when other methods have failed.