Clinical Dilemma and the Role of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of an Unusual Presentation of Central Odontogenic Tumor-A Case Report.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a detailed analysis of the dentition and of cortical and medullary bone free of superimposition inherent in radiographs, which are effortlessly plausible, easily available, and relatively inexpensive when compared with other cross-sectional imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This article presents a case report of a 23-year-old male patient with a complaint of a mass in the right side lower back tooth region for the past 2 and a half months, which had the unusual presentation of prominent exophytic growth masking the central odontogenic tumor, wherein the diagnostic performances of CBCT in unveiling the diagnostic challenge that led to the clinical dilemma is emphasized. Routine radiographs such as orthopantomogram, mandibular occlusal view were taken along with CBCT, which accentuated the precise diagnosis in this case. The lesion was surgically enucleated with curettage and extraction of the involved teeth. CBCT unveiled the classic multilocularity of ameloblastoma, which routine imaging failed to display. CBCT played a pivotal role in counteracting the diagnostic challenges faced and also in distinguishing it from a cystic lesion that was initially deceived by routine two-dimensional radiographs.

Analysis of time-dependent changes in Bitemarks on Styrofoam sheets.

CONTEXT: The scope of Bitemarks in forensic dentistry is widening as they help the forensic expert in identifying the perpetuator in medicolegal cases. The greatest challenge in Bitemarks analysis is the time-dependent changes produced in Bitemark patterns on various substrates at the scene of the crime. AIMS: To analyze the time-dependent changes in Bitemarks on Styrofoam sheets. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Single centered prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five subjects were randomly chosen, and dental casts prepared. Then test bites were registered on Styrofoam sheets, overlays prepared from these test bites on subsequent days (day 1, 2, 3, 4) and checked for matching accuracy. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA to compare the overlays from dental stone cast with test bites on Styrofoam sheets on subsequent days. RESULTS: The P value was found to be 1 which is statistically not significant implying that there were no significant time-dependent changes in the pattern of Bitemarks. CONCLUSIONS: There were no time-dependent changes in the pattern of Bitemarks on Styrofoam sheets hence they serve as better materials than Bitemarks on human skin or food substrates obtained from the scene of the crime.

Envelopment technique and topographic overlays in bite mark analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims and objectives of our study were to compare four sequential overlays generated using the envelopment technique and to evaluate inter- and intraoperator reliability of the overlays obtained by the envelopment technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental stone models were prepared from impressions made from healthy individuals; photographs were taken and computer-assisted overlays were generated. The models were then enveloped in a different-color dental stone. After this, four sequential cuts were made at a thickness of 1mm each. Each sectional cut was photographed and overlays were generated. Thus, 125 overlays were generated and compared. RESULTS: The scoring was done based on matching accuracy and the data were analyzed. The Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare four sequential overlays and Spearman's rank correlation tests were used to evaluate the inter- and intraoperator reliability of the overlays obtained by the envelopment technique. CONCLUSION: Through our study, we conclude that the third and fourth cuts were the best among the four cuts and inter- and intraoperator reliability were found to be statistically significant at 5% level that is 95% confidence interval (P < 0.05).

A comparative study of overlay generation methods in bite mark analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the best method of overlay generation out of the three methods, i.e., manual, photocopying, and computer assisted method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Impressions of maxillary and mandibular arches of 25 individuals participating in the study were made and dental study models were prepared. Overlay production was done by manual, photocopying, and computer assisted methods. Finally, the overlays obtained by each method were compared. RESULTS: Kruskal Wallis ANOVA H test was used for the comparison of manual, photocopying, and computer assisted overlay generation methods. H value being highest in case of computer assisted overlays, thus, making it the best method of overlay generation out of the three methods. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the method of computer assisted overlay generation is the best among the three methods used in our study.