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Aim: The aim of the study was to that assess the perceptions and understanding of dental practitioners in the provision of dental treatment to pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The study was a quantitative, cross-sectional type. A sample size of 200 dental practitioners were included in the study between the period of 6 months, i.e. June-December. A cluster sampling technique was employed covering four different dental institutes. A structured questionnaire was designed to assess the perception and understanding of dental practitioners in providing treatment to the pregnant women. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. Chi-square test was done to analyze the association of perception of dental practitioners in treating pregnant women in relation to gender. Results: A total of 200 dental practitioners filled the questionnaire out of which 43% (86) were males and 57% (114) were females. Eighty-two percent of the total participants said that it is safe to provide dental treatment during pregnancy, almost 90.4% of the total dentist interviewed was aware of the special position in which to place a pregnant woman on a dental chair. 85.5% of the study population do not prefer taking radiographs of a pregnant woman, 63% of the entire dentist surveyed prefers to use local anesthesia before any dental procedure on a pregnant patient. 96.5% care to educate their pregnant patient about improving dental health care. 59.5% of the dental practitioners said that they would consult the patient's gynecologist as a mandatory requirement before treating the patient. 57% of the dental practitioners answered with gingivitis. 70.5% agreed on scaling. The majority of the dentists prescribed paracetamol 85.5%. Conclusion: Little is known about the perception and utilization of dental practitioners in providing dental treatment to pregnant women in Pakistan. The present survey concluded that dental practitioners lack appropriate knowledge of X-rays and its effects, prescribing appropriate medications, consultation with patients' gynecologist as a mandatory requirement before provision of dental treatment and educating pregnant woman to seek dental care. There is a need to arrange continuous dental education programs for dental practitioners to gain updated knowledge when providing dental treatment to pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies reported that the mandibular cortical width (MCW) measured on dental panoramic radiographs (DPRs) was significantly correlated with bone mineral density. However, MCW is not a perfect index by itself, and studies suggest the added utility of mandibular cortical index (MCI). In this study, we propose a method for computerized estimation of mandibular cortical degree (MCD), a new continuous measure of MCI, for osteoporotic risk assessment. Methods: The mandibular contour was automatically segmented using an active contour model. The regions of interest near mental foramen were extracted for MCW and MCD determination. The MCW was measured on the basis of residue-line detection results and pixel profiles. Image features including texture features based on gray-level co-occurrence matrices were determined. The MCD were estimated using support vector regression (SVR). The SVR was trained using previously collected 99 DPRs, including 26 osteoporotic cases, by a computed radiography system. The proposed scheme was tested using 99 DPRs obtained by a photon-counting system with data of bone mineral density at distal forearm. The number of osteoporotic, osteopenic, and control cases were 12, 18, and 69 cases, respectively. The subjective MCD by a dental radiologist was employed for training and evaluation. Results: The correlation coefficients with the subjective MCD were −0.549 for MCW alone, 0.609 for the MCD by the features without MCW, and 0.617 for the MCD by the features and MCW. The correlation coefficients with the BMD were 0.619, −0.608, and −0.670, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for detecting osteoporotic cases were 0.830, 0.884, and 0.901, respectively, whereas those for detecting high-risk cases were 0.835, 0.833, and 0.880, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, our scheme may have a potential to identify asymptomatic osteoporotic and osteopenic patients through dental examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article was to review the literature and provide guidelines on the use of radiation protection for patients in the dental setting. There are limited published data on the effects of low radiation doses such as those used in dental radiology. Most of the evidence is subject to bias, with risk models extrapolated from higher dose models such as studies of the Hiroshima bomb survivors. However, the lack of evidence does not denote the absence of risk, as there is no established 'safe' level of radiation exposure. All imaging utilizing ionizing radiation carries a risk for the patient. Hence the patient benefits of imaging must outweigh the potential risk. All diagnostic imaging should adhere to three basic principles, these being justification, optimization and application of dose limits. This article discusses dose reduction techniques and shielding of sensitive organs, particularly the thyroid, during procedures such as intraoral imaging, orthopantomograms and imaging of the pregnant patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Odontologica Latinoamericana: AOL is the property of Acta Odontologica Latinoamericana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Radiographic differentiation of periapical lesions is always an inconclusive arena in endodontic diagnosis. This paper describes a case of periapical granuloma in the anterior maxilla of a 9 year old boy, which was provisionally misdiagnosed as a cyst because of its large size and tooth migrating ability. The lesion was treated by endodontic retreatment and periapical curettage. This paper supports the conjecture that radiographs being the commonest investigation used in general practice fails to differentiate between periapical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate fractal analysis as a tool to quantitatively determine the mandibular trabecular bone changes in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods: In the present study, fractal analysis was performed using ImageJ (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) program with box-counting method over panoramic radiographs of 25 patients (14 females and 11 males) with CRF and 26 healthy individuals (14 females and 12 males) as a control group. The fractal dimension (FD) values of the patients and healthy individuals were compared. In addition, average biochemical parameters [parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), product of Ca and P levels (CaxP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), vitamin D] of the patients with CRF, as measured during the 3 months before the panoramic radiographs, were compared with FD values. Results: According to the results, FD values of the patients with CRF were found to be statistically lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The average PTH levels of the patients with CRF were 416.16 ± 310.3 pgml-1; average Ca levels were 8.94 ± 1.2 mg dl-1; average P levels were 5.76 ± 1.7 mg d l 1; average CaxP values were 51.12 ± 15.03; average ALP levels were 83.44 ± 36.8 U H 1; and the average vitamin D values were 19.43 ± 9.7 ngml-1. In addition, there was no significant correlation between FD values and the biochemical parameters of the patients, and there was no correlation between age, gender and FD. Conclusions: The FD values of the patients with CRF were lower than those of the controls. This finding suggests that FD analysis might be a promising simple and cost-effective tool for evaluating trabecular bone structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Several methods of image acquisition are accessible in dentistry. There is no overall acceptable method for image digitization so all different types of images can be comparable. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of different methods of image digitization. Methods: This accuracy diagnostic test study used perceptibility curve test which first introduced by de Balder was applied. In this test a test object is used which is usually made by aluminum. Different levels of thickness and number of holes in the test object were necessary to have different levels of contrast. Images from film and CCD and digitized images by means of CCD scanners and digital camera were prepared. Nine observers assessed the images. Data collected was delivered to SPSS 13 software and for each image acquisition method, interclass correlation coefficience was computed and compared to the gold standard. Results: Mean sensitivity, specifity, positive and negative like hood ratios in dependence on material thickness and the background gray value were calculated. In regions of high optical density the sensitivity for the film images was highest (0.994) following by CCD (0.905), scanner (0.889) and camera (0.821). Difference between CCD images and scanner images was not significant. In dark regions of no dark holes the sensitivity was highest for film images (0.832) following by CCD (0.798), camera (0.714) and scanner (0.615) Difference between film and CCD images was not significant. Conclusion: The diagnostic quality of radiographic films was better than digital CCD sensors. For digitizing analog images scanners were better than digital cameras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: When none of digital systems and scanners is accessible and it is essential to have digitized images of conventional radiographs, digital cameras can be used. The Aim of this study was to investigate whether digital images obtained by different resolutions of a digital camera are matched to the original radiographs in evaluation of caries. Methods: In this diagnostic accuracy in vitro study the conventional radiographs of168 proximal surfaces of 84 teeth were produced, Then they were digitized with digital camera in three different resolutions; high (2048x1536), medium (1600x1200) and low resolution (480x460). Images were stored in Photoshop7.0 software, and were evaluated by5 observers to show the presence and depth of the caries. Cronbach's α calculated inter-observers agreement and in order to calculate the agreement with original conventional radiographs Kappa index was used. Results: In assessing the presence of caries, the agreement between low, medium and high resolutions with original radiographs were 0.286, 0.235 and 0 respectively. Also, assessing the depth of the caries agreement was reported0.21, 0.338 and 0.412 respectively. In most instances, there was a fair agreement between the different resolutions and original radiographs. The highest interobserver's agreement was reported in diagnosis of the presence of the caries with using high resolution (α=0.837) and the lowest inter-observer's agreement was reported in diagnosis of the depth of the caries with medium resolution (α=0.762).There was no significant difference reported in observations of different resolutions and original images. Conclusion: Using of high-resolution cameras did not show a significant difference with medium and low resolutions in caries evaluations. Therefore, considering the increase in the file size and difficulties in cameras selection, using of high-resolution digital cameras is not necessary in order to increase the diagnostic accuracy of digitized images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the capability of fractal analysis to discriminate the changes in the trabecular structure of interdental bone between individuals with healthy gingiva or moderate periodontitis using digital images.Methods: Two groups of patients were included according to the probing depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level. The first group (n = 50) consisted of individuals with healthy gingiva, whereas the other group consisted of patients with moderate periodontitis (n = 50). Periapical images obtained with a storage phosphor plate system during clinical examination were used for the fractal dimension (FD) calculations. Two rectangular regions of interest (ROIs) were placed at mandibular posterior interdental bone areas. The mean of the two ROIs was used to calculate mean FD by using the box-counting method. Student t test was used for the comparison of the FDs of the two groups (P = 0.05).Results: The mean FD of patients with periodontitis was 0.83, whereas it was 1.02 for the patients with healthy gingiva. A significant difference was obtained in the mean FD values of healthy individuals and patients with moderate periodontitis (P <0.05).Conclusion: Fractal analysis can quantitatively discriminate the trabecular integrity alterations induced by periodontitis and therefore can be recommended for the diagnosis and monitoring of changes in trabecular architecture associated with periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives: Dental implants create a revolution in dentistry and its success has been proved. One of the important steps in guarantying its success is accurate assessment, using imaging methods, before and after treatment. Limited number of studies on the preferred radiographical method in implant treatment have been done in Iran. The objective of this study aimed to assess the selected radiography techniques used by Ahvaz Dentists in implant treatment. Subjects and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical and cross sectional study, in which selected radiography method of 198 general and specialist dentist of Ahvaz in implant treatment, were examined. Analysis of data was done using SPSS.19 software. Results: Results show that of 198 participants, 70.2 % were males and 20.8 % were females. Their age range was between 26 to 57 yr, and most of them (36.87%) had work experiences between 5 to 10 yr. Selected radiography methods of dentists were in the following descending order: Panoramic and CBCT together; 40.4%, CBCT alone; 30.8%, panoramic alone; 21.7%, and other methods: 7.1%. There were significant correlations between selected radiography method and age and work experiences. But there were not any significant correlations between selected radiography method and specialist status and gender. Conclusion: The most common radiography method selected by dentist in this study was Panoramic and CBCT, which comes in concordance with similar studies conducted in Iran and other countries. Accordingly because of its in implant treatment design, education of dentist on use of this method is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stainless steel crowns (SSC) are extensively used in child patients. They are mainly used following the pulp therapy in deciduous teeth. They are also used in multi-surface restoration, as an abutment in space maintainers, correction of anterior tooth cross bite, restoration of hypoplasic teeth, etc. In permanent teeth, they are mainly used as interim restorations following root canal treatment in first molars prior to the eruption of permanent second molars. The main advantage of SSC is its limited chair side time, durability and ease of placement. Patients with conditions such as pregnancy and old age who cannot tolerate multiple and long appointments can greatly benefit from the use of SSC. Though SSC can be used by other dental specialties very effectively, its use seems to be limited to pediatric dentistry. Presented here are few adult cases in which SSC is given with good success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aromatase inhibitor (Al) use results in low estrogen levels, which in turn affect bone mineral density (BMD). Periodontitis, alveolar bone loss, and tooth loss are associated with low BMD. The goal of this study is to assess the prevalence of periodontitis and perceived oral health and evaluate salivary biomarkers in postmenopausal women who are survivors of early-stage (1 to IIIA) breast cancer (BCa) and receive adjuvant AI therapy. Methods: Participants included 58 postmenopausal women: 29 with BCa on AIs and 29 controls without BCa diagnoses. Baseline periodontal status was assessed with: 1) periodontal probing depth (PD); 2) bleeding on probing (BOP); and 3) attachment loss (AL). Demographic and dental utilization information was gathered by questionnaire. Linear regression modeling was used to analyze the outcomes. Results: Mo differences were found in mean PD or number of teeth. The Al group had significantly more sites with BOP (27.8 versus 16.7; P= 0.02), higher worst-site AL (5.2 versus 4.0 mm; P<0.01), and more sites with dental calculus (18.2 versus 6.4; P<0.001) than controls. Linear regression adjusted for income, tobacco use, dental insurance, and previous radiation and chemotherapy exposure demonstrated that AI use increased AL by >2 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 3.92). Median salivary osteocalcin and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly higher in the AI group than the control group. Conclusion: This first investigation of the periodontal status of women initiating adjuvant AI therapy identifies this population as having an increased risk for periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Contrast, sharpness, enhancement, and density can be changed in digital systems. The important question is to what extent the changes in these variables affect the accuracy of caries detection. Materials and Methods: Forty eight extracted human posterior teeth with healthy or proximal caries surfaces were imaged using a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) sensor. All original images were processed using a six-step method: (1) applying "Sharpening 2" and "Noise Reduction" processing options to the original images; (2) applying the "Magnification 1:3" option to the image obtained in the first step; (3) enhancing the original images by using the "Diagonal/" option; (4) reviewing the changes brought about by the third step of image processing and then, applying "Magnification 1:3"; (5) applying "Sharpening UM" to the original images; and (6) analyzing the changes brought about by the fifth step of image processing, and finally, applying "Magnification 1:3." Three observers evaluated the images. The tooth sections were evaluated histologically as the gold standard. The diagnostic accuracy of the observers was compared using a chi-squared test. Results: The accuracy levels irrespective of the image processing method ranged from weak (18.8%) to intermediate (54.2%), but the highest accuracy was achieved at the sixth image processing step. The overall diagnostic accuracy level showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.0001). Conclusion: This study shows that the application of "Sharpening UM" along with the "Magnification 1:3" processing option improved the diagnostic accuracy and the observer agreement more effectively than the other processing procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the perforation rate of intraoral barriers for a direct digital sensor according to the barrier application. Methods: Four types of plastic barriers with different thicknesses and one type of latex finger cot were applied using six modified techniques. The perforations in barrier samples of six groups were examined by a water pressure test. The differences in the perforation rates among the six barrier applications were calculated. Results: The least perforation occurred in Group 4 (0.08-mm-thick single barrier, 22%) and the most in Group 1 (0.04-mm-thick single barrier, 58%). An ANOVA test revealed statistical differences in the perforation rate among the groups (p = 0.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.326-0.403). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to propose and evaluate textural entropy as a parameter for bone healing assessment. Material and methods: One hundred and twenty radiographs with loss of bone architecture were investigated (a bone defect was circumscribed - ROI DEF). A reference region (ROI REF) of the same surface area as the ROI DEF was placed in a field distant from the defect, where a normal, trabecular pattern of bone structure was well visualized. Data of three time points were investigated: T0 - immediately after the surgical procedure, T1 - 3 months post-op, and T2 - 12 months post-op. Results: Textural entropy as a parameter describing bone structure regeneration was selected based on Fisher coefficient (F) evaluation. F was highest in T0 (3.4) and was decreasing later in T1 (1.7) and T2 (1.0 - means final lack of difference in the structure to reference bone). Textural entropy is a measure of structure disarrangement which in a bone defect region attains minimal value due to structural homogeneity, i.e. low complexity of the texture. The calculated parameter in the investigated material revealed a gradual increase inside the bone defect (p < 0.05), i.e. increase of complexity in a time-dependent manner starting from immediate post-op (T0 = 2.51; T1 = 2.68) up to most complex 1 year post-operational (T2 = 2.73), reaching the reference level of a normal bone. Conclusions: Textural entropy may be useful for computer assisted evaluation of bone regeneration process. The complexity of the texture corresponds to mature trabecular bone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To systematically review the relationship between the fractal dimension (FD) on jaw bones and skeletal bone mineral density (BMD), focusing on the different methodologies and results in the existing literature. Methods: An electronic literature search was performed to identify articles that evaluated the relationship between the mandibular and maxillary FD and BMD up to February 2014. After selecting the articles, a hierarchical clustering analysis was performed to verify the dissimilarity of the studies. The following variables were grouped into clusters, and assessed for reliability of the cluster distribution: kind of study, method for calculating FD, relationship between FD and low BMD, digital imaging, and kind of dental radiography. The relative frequencies of the categories of variables were calculated and compared. Results: Only 15 studies were selected and three clusters were obtained. Most articles were in the third cluster, and primarily consisted of clinical studies that used the box-counting method to calculate FD on panoramic radiographs. A significant association was found for the variable relationship between FD and low BMD and the clusters. Most of the clinical studies were performed on trabecular bone, but three studies found differences in FD between individuals with normal mandibular cortex and individuals with cortical porosity. Conclusions: The kind of study, method for calculating FD, relationship between FD and low BMD, and imaging modality should be better standardized to minimize the controversies found in published studies. The performance of FD on the cortical and trabecular bone for osteoporosis screening deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT, also referred to as C-arm computed tomography [CT], cone beam volume CT, or flat panel CT) is a medical imaging technique of X-ray CT where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone.[1] CBCT systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. CBCT is capable of providing sub-millimeter resolution in images of high diagnostic quality, with short scanning times (10-70 s) and radiation dosages reportedly up to 15-100 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. Increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a three-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. The aim of this article is to sensitize the Prosthodontist to CBCT technology, provide an overview of currently available maxillofacial CBCT systems and review the specific application of various CBCT display modes to clinical Prosthodontic practice. A MEDLINE search for relevant articles in this specific area of interest was conducted. The selected articles were critically reviewed and the data acquired were systematically compiled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Menopausal changes expose an individual towards risk of various pathologies during midlife transition. This study aimed to investigate the possible association of bone mineral density ( BMD) with periodontal parameters in early postmenopausal Indian women. Methods In 78 dentate postmenopausal female patients periodontal examination was performed including clinical attachment loss, pocket depth, plaque index and sulcular bleeding index. Alveolar crestal height was measured on proximal surfaces of all posterior teeth except third molars with the help of bitewing radiographs. Patient's BMD was assessed with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between BMD and periodontal parameters. Results Pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and alveolar crestal height were found to have negative and statistically significant ( P = −0.000 each) correlation with T-score, with the value of Pearson's correlation coefficient being −0.474, −0.426, and −0.419 respectively. Number of teeth lost due to periodontitis was not significantly correlated with T-score ( P > 0.05). Results of anova and the post-hoc Tukey test revealed a statistically significant difference of mean clinical attachment loss, pocket depth and alveolar crestal height for the osteoporotic versus osteopenic group and the osteoporotic versus normal group. However, between the osteopenic and normal group, the differences of mean were statistically nonsignificant ( P > 0.05). Body mass index was found to have a weakly positive ( r = 0.376) and statistically significant ( P = 0.001) correlation with T-score. Conclusions Bone mineral density is an important risk indicator for periodontitis in postmenopausal women. Number of teeth lost due to periodontitis is not significantly affected by the BMD of the early postmenopausal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To gather baseline data about different prosthodontic treatments provided by the dental practitioners belonging to various specialties of dentistry, residing in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: A total of 150 self-designed-structured anonymous questionnaire in English language were included. The questionnaire comprised of three sections which included questions regarding the age, gender, years of experience and type of dental practice, the number of patients treated in a month by the GDP for different dental prosthesis and questions regarding the perceived change in the provision of dental prosthesis. Descriptive statistics and analysis of the collected data was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 (SPSS, Chicago, Illinios, USA). RESULTS: Alarge number of respondents (84.6%) reported that the number of complete denture prosthesis provided to the patients were either increasing or not changing. A total of 81.4% reported activity in RPDs to be either "increasing" or "not changing".With regard to the prosthesis supported by implants, very low number of respondents reported this practice was declining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assessed the effectiveness of three antimicrobial mouthrinses in reducing microbial growth on photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plates. Materials and Methods: Prior to performing a full-mouth radiographic survey (FMX), subjects were asked to rinse with one of the three test rinses (Listerine®, Decapinol®, or chlorhexidine oral rinse 0.12%) or to refrain from rinsing. Four PSP plates were sampled from each FMX through collection into sterile containers upon exiting the scanner. Flame-sterilized forceps were used to transfer the PSP plates onto blood agar plates (5% sheep blood agar). The blood agar plates were incubated at 37°C for up to 72 h. An environmental control blood agar plate was incubated with each batch. Additionally, for control, 25 gas-sterilized PSP plates were plated onto blood agar and analyzed. Results: The mean number of bacterial colonies per plate was the lowest in the chlorhexidine group, followed by the Decapinol, Listerine, and the no rinse negative control groups. Only the chlorhexidine and Listerine groups were significantly different (p=0.005). No growth was observed for the 25 gas-sterilized control plates or the environmental control blood agar plates. Conclusion: The mean number of bacterial colonies was the lowest in the chlorhexidine group, followed by the Decapinol, Listerine, and the no rinse groups. Nonetheless, a statistically significant difference was found only in the case of Listerine. Additional research is needed to test whether a higher concentration (0.2%) or longer exposure period (two consecutive 30 s rinse periods) would be helpful in reducing PSP plate contamination further with chlorhexidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective Fractal and multifractal analysis are useful additional non-invasive methods for quantitative description of complex morphological features. However, the quantitative and qualitative assessment of morphologic changes within human gingival cells and tissues are still unexplored. The aim of this work is to assess the structural gingival changes in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis ( GCP), before and after scaling and root planing ( SRP) by using fractal and multifractal analysis. Material and Methods Twelve adults with untreated chronic periodontitis were treated only by SRP. At baseline and after SRP, gingivomucosal biopsies were collected for histopathological examination. Fractal and multifractal analysis of digital images of the granular, spinous and basal and conjunctive layers structure, using the standard box-counting method was performed. The fractal dimension was determined for cell membrane, nuclear membrane of cell and nucleolus membrane of cell. Results In GCP a higher fractal dimension corresponds to a higher geometric complexity of cells contour, as its values increase when the contour irregularities increase. The generalized fractal dimensions were determined for the conjunctive layer structure of patients with GCP and patients with GCP and SRP. The fractal and multifractal analysis of gingival biopsies confirmed earlier findings that SRP reduces gingival injury in patients with GCP. Conclusion It has been shown that fractal and multifractal analysis of tissue images as a non-invasive technique could be used to measure contrasting morphologic changes within human gingival cells and tissues and can provide detailed information for investigation of healthy and diseased gingival mucosa from patients with GCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. CBCT is capable of providing sub-millimetre resolution in images of high diagnostic quality, with short scanning times (10-70 seconds) and radiation dosages reportedly up to 15 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. Increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a 3-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. This article provides an overview of currently available maxillofacial CBCT systems and reviews the specific application of various CBCTdisplay modes to clinical dental practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare digital techniques for evaluating dental enamel de-/remineralization. Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted molars were subjected to a process of de- and remineralization. Radiographs were taken before and after each stage. These radiographs were evaluated by the conventional method and were then scanned and analyzed either with or without the use of image enhancement. Moreover, the gray levels (GLs) of the affected areas were measured. Results: All methods exhibited low sensitivity and identical levels of specificity (99.4%). Analysis of the grayscale levels found statistically significant differences between the initial radiographs (P < 0.05). The mean GL of the carious group was significantly lower than that of the remineralized group. The GL did not differ significantly between the initial and final radiographs of the remineralized group, although the mean of the first group was lower than that of the second, which demonstrated that the remineralization process restored the normal density of the dental enamel. Conclusion: Measurement of the mean GL was sufficiently sensitive to detect small alterations in the surface of the enamel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Radiographs are used extensively in dentistry to supplement the clinical examination of the patients. Technical advances in X-ray equipment and imaging systems have allowed significant reduction in radiation doses of patients during intraoral and extraoral radiography. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of dental professionals of northern India regarding dose-reduction techniques and radiographic equipment. Methods The survey covered 370 dentists in the states of Punjab and Haryana in northern India. Information on the demographic characteristics of the dentists, radiographic equipment, techniques, and radiation protection was obtained with a 30-point questionnaire. Results The respondents knowledge concerning the technical details of their equipment was limited, with 82.3% not being aware about the kilovoltage peak of their machine. Up to 10.8% dentists were not aware about the speed of film. The most preferred technique for periapical radiography was the bisecting angle technique, which was used by 94.1% dentists. Conclusion In the present study the results indicate that for minimizing any unnecessary radiation, attempts should be made to improve dentists' knowledge about radiation-dose-reduction techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study analyzed how different implanted materials affected the healing of alveolar defects using fractal dimension (FD) computation taken from radiographs. Methods: 236 patients with bone defects in the upper/lower jaw were selected to this study and treated with: algae derived hydroxyapatite (AHA), bovine bone mineral (BBM), beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA), biological active glass (BAG), autogenous bone grafts (ABG), reference group (REF) — intact bone. 22 patients with bone defects where the bone substitute was not introduced made NON group. The results were monitored using intraoral x-ray imaging. Results: FD varied with the different biomaterials throughout the time of observation and reflected individual character of bone remodeling. Fractal analysis of intact and augmented bone during observation showed higher FD for the intact bone in comparison with the biomaterials site. Conclusions: Fractal techniques can be a descriptor of bone substitutes. On the basis of the differences in the dynamics of alteration between different bone substitute materials we can distinguish two groups of them. Visible changes in the structure emerge earlier in places of implantation of BBM and TCP in comparison to the group of biomaterials constituting more stable patterns of radiotexture: AHA, BAG, SHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Several studies have shown that parity is associated with oral health problems such as tooth loss and dental caries. In Japan, however, no studies have examined the association. The purpose of this study was to determine whether parity is related to dentition status, including the number of teeth present, dental caries and filled teeth, and the posterior occlusion, in a Japanese population by comparing women with men. Methods A total of 1,211 subjects, who participated both in the Japan Public Health Center-Based (JPHC) Study Cohort I in 1990 and the dental survey in 2005, were used for the study. Information on parity or number of children was collected from a self-completed questionnaire administered in 1990 for the JPHC Study Cohort I, and health behaviors and clinical dentition status were obtained from the dental survey in 2005. The association between parity or number of children and dentition status was analyzed, by both unadjusted- for and adjusted-for socio-demographic and health behavioral factors, using a generalized linear regression model. Results Parity is significantly related to the number of teeth present and n-FTUs (Functional Tooth Units of natural teeth), regardless of socio-demographic and health behavioral factors, in female subjects. The values of these variables had a significantly decreasing trend with the rise of parity: numbers of teeth present (p for trend = 0.046) and n-FTUs (p for trend = 0.026). No relationships between the number of children and dentition status were found in male subjects. Conclusion Higher-parity women are more likely to lose teeth, especially posterior occluding relations. These results suggest that measures to narrow the discrepancy by parity should be taken for promoting women's oral health. Delivery of appropriate information and messages to pregnant women as well as enlightenment of oral health professionals about dental management of pregnant women may be an effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Precise preoperative implant planning and its exact intraoperative transfer are crucial for successful implant-supported rehabilitation of partially or completely edentulous patients. In the present pilot study, optical laser scanning was used to evaluate deviations between three-dimensonal computer-assisted planned and actual implant positions by indirect methods. Material and Methods: Five patients receiving a total of 15 implants were included in this study. The used planning software was SimPlant 12.0 (Materialise Dental, Leuven, Belgium) to visualize the implant positions, and with an appropriate guided surgery protocol (Navigator™, Biomet 3i, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA) implant positions were implemented via tooth-supported stereolithografic surgical guides. All implants (Osseotite™, Biomet 3i) were inserted in a flapless approach and immediately provided with prefabricated temporary splinted restorations. Intraoral pickup impressions were taken postoperatively, and the implant positions of the master casts were compared with presurgical casts. Implant replica deviations were evaluated by three-dimensional optical laser scanning providing distances and angulations between implant replicas. Results: Overall, the postsurgical implant replica positions were found to deviate from the positions in the preoperative cast by a mean of 0.46 ± 0.21 mm (range: 0.09-0.85 mm). Positional deviations were 0.27 ± 0.19 mm (range: 0.04-0.60 mm) along the x-axis representing the buccal-lingual directions, 0.15 ± 0.13 mm (range: 0.0-0.34 mm) along the y-axis representing the ventrodorsal direction, and 0.28 ± 0.19 mm (range: 0.02-0.59 mm) along the z-axis representing cranial and apical directions. Rotational deviations amounted to 14.04 ± 11.6° (range: 0.09-36.47°). Conclusions: The results of this pilot study demonstrate precise transfer of implant replica position by means of simulated guided implant insertion into a preoperative cast and a postoperative cast obtained from impressioning. Further studies are needed to identify appropriate evaluation techniques and mechanisms to increase the transfer precision of three-dimensional planning and guiding systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Medial lemniscus T2 hyperintensity (MLH) has been recently demonstrated as potential imaging marker for small vessel disease (SVD). Our purpose in this study is to improve accuracy of regions of interest (ROI) analysis for this imaging finding. METHODS AND METHODS Two neuroradiologists retrospectively reviewed 103 consecutive outpatient brain MRI. Medial lemniscus signal in dorsal pons was evaluated; visually on FLAIR and with ROI on T2. Original MRI interpretations were divided into three categories; SVD, multiple sclerosis (MS), and nonspecific WM changes (non). RESULTS Thirty-seven patients had SVD, 14 patients had MS, 52 had Non. Visual MLH was seen exclusively with SVD and was generally bilateral. Patients with visual MLH belonged to advanced SVD by imaging and clinical parameters. Compared to visual data, ROI analyses of MLH has been known to be compounded by false positives and negatives at low threshold (20% of adjacent to normal brainstem signal). With application of higher ROI threshold (25%), false positives were eliminated but false negatives increased. ROI analyses of MLH by experienced neuroradiologist were more reliable. CONCLUSION MLH seen on high threshold ROI analysis is a reliable radiologic marker in predicting SVD. ROI analysis of MLH should be performed by an experienced neuroradiologist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk factors play an important role in an individual's response to periodontal infection. Identification of these risk factors helps to target patients for prevention and treatment, with modification of risk factors critical to the control of periodontal disease. Shifts in our understanding of periodontal disease prevalence, and advances in scientific methodology and statistical analysis in the last few decades, have allowed identification of several major systemic risk factors for periodontal disease. The first change in our thinking was the understanding that periodontal disease is not universal, but that severe forms are found only in a portion of the adult population who show abnormal susceptibility. Analysis of risk factors and the ability to statistically adjust and stratify populations to eliminate the effects of confounding factors have allowed identification of independent risk factors. These independent but modifiable, risk factors for periodontal disease include lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. They also include diseases and unhealthy conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and low dietary calcium and vitamin D. These risk factors are modifiable and their management is a major component of the contemporary care of many periodontal patients. Genetic factors also play a role in periodontal disease and allow one to target individuals for prevention and early detection. The role of genetic factors in aggressive periodontitis is clear. However, although genetic factors (i.e., specific genes) are strongly suspected to have an association with chronic adult periodontitis, there is as yet no clear evidence for this in the general population. It is important to pursue efforts to identify genetic factors associated with chronic periodontitis because such factors have potential in identifying patients who have a high susceptibility for development of this disease. Many of the systemic risk factors for periodontal disease, such as smoking, diabetes and obesity, and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, are relatively common and can be expected to affect most patients with periodontal disease seen in clinics and dental practices. Hence, risk factor identification and management has become a key component of care for periodontal patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate whether the initial healing of apical radiolucencies 1 year after root canal treatment could be quantitatively identified by the change in fractal dimension ( FD) values for the eventually completely healed cases. Methodology Twenty-six patients with successful root canal treatment were recruited. All teeth were associated with complete healing either before or at 1 year following treatment (six of 26) or still undergoing healing at 1 year after treatment but completely healed thereafter (20 of 26). Two radiographs were selected for the same patient, one taken before treatment and the other taken 1 year after treatment. Eight regions of interests ( ROIs) were selected from each radiograph, two as the experimental group located close to the infected root apex, two as the control group in the healthy bone and the other four in the healthy bone ensuring the image quality. Results Based on the FD values of the four ROIs in the healthy bone, the two radiographs were confirmed to have been taken with similar projection angles and exposure. The FD values were shown to significantly increase ( P = 0.006) and decrease ( P = 0.000) around the root apex and the neighbouring region of the apical lesion, respectively. Conclusion Changes in fractal dimension values may serve as a necessary condition to quantitatively indicate the initial healing status 1 year after root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of present article was to review the classifications suggested for assessment of the jawbone anatomy, to evaluate the diagnostic possibilities of mandibular canal identification and risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury, aesthetic considerations in aesthetic zone, as well as to suggest new classification system of the jawbone anatomy in endosseous dental implant treatment. Material and Methods: Literature was selected through a search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases. The keywords used for search were mandible; mandibular canal; alveolar nerve, inferior; anatomy, cross-sectional; dental implants; classification. The search was restricted to English language articles, published from 1972 to March 2013. Additionally, a manual search in the major anatomy and oral surgery books were performed. The publications there selected by including clinical and human anatomy studies. Results: In total 109 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. The classifications suggested for assessment of the jawbone anatomy, diagnostic possibilities of mandibular canal identification and risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury, aesthetic considerations in aesthetic zone were discussed. New classification system of the jawbone anatomy in endosseous dental implant treatment based on anatomical and radiologic findings and literature review results was suggested. Conclusions: The classification system proposed here based on anatomical and radiological jawbone quantity and quality evaluation is a helpful tool for planning of treatment strategy and collaboration among specialists. Further clinical studies should be conducted for new classification validation and reliability evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of present article was to review impacted mandibular third molar aetiology, clinical anatomy, radiologic examination, surgical treatment and possible complications, as well as to create new mandibular third molar impaction and extraction difficulty degree classification based on anatomical and radiologic findings and literature review results. Material and Methods: Literature was selected through a search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases. The keywords used for search were mandibular third molar, impacted mandibular third molar, inferior alveolar nerve injury third molar, lingual nerve injury third molar. The search was restricted to English language articles, published from 1976 to April 2013. Additionally, a manual search in the major anatomy and oral surgery journals and books was performed. The publications there selected by including clinical and human anatomy studies. Results: In total 75 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. Impacted mandibular third molar aetiology, clinical anatomy, radiographic examination, surgical extraction of and possible complications, classifications and risk factors were discussed. New mandibular third molar impaction and extraction difficulty degree classification based on anatomical and radiologic findings and literature review results was proposed. Conclusions: The classification proposed here based on anatomical and radiological impacted mandibular third molar features is promising to be a helpful tool for impacted tooth assessment as well as for planning for surgical operation. Further clinical studies should be conducted for new classification validation and reliability evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives of the investigation were to describe changes in mandibular bone structure with aging and to compare the usefulness of cortical and trabecular bone for fracture prediction. Materials and methods: From 1968 to 1993, 1,003 women were examined. With the help of panoramic radiographs, cortex thickness was measured and cortex was categorized as: normal, moderately, or severely eroded. The trabeculation was assessed as sparse, mixed, or dense. Results: Visually, the mandibular compact and trabecular bone transformed gradually during the 24 years. The compact bone became more porous, the intertrabecular spaces increased, and the radiographic image of the trabeculae seemed less mineralized. Cortex thickness increased up to the age of 50 and decreased significantly thereafter. At all examinations, the sparse trabeculation group had more fractures (71-78 %) than the non-sparse group (27-31 %), whereas the severely eroded compact group showed more fractures than the less eroded groups only in 1992/1993, 24 years later. Sparse trabecular pattern was associated with future fractures both in perimenopausal and older women (relative risk (RR), 1.47-4.37) and cortical erosion in older women (RR, 1.35-1.55). RR for future fracture associated with a severely eroded cortex increased to 4.98 for cohort 1930 in 1992/1993. RR for future fracture associated with sparse trabeculation increased to 11.43 for cohort 1922 in 1992/1993. Conclusion: Dental radiographs contain enough information to identify women most at risk of future fracture. Clinical relevance: When observing sparse mandibular trabeculation, dentists can identify 40-69 % of women at risk for future fractures, depending on participant age at examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Panoramic images can be obtained using film-based conventional techniques and digital imaging systems. Compared with conventional film-based techniques, digital panoramic imaging systems have some advantages such as dose reduction, image manipulation, saving time and elimination of the need for toxic processing chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of filtered digital panoramic radiographs for assessment of interproximal caries in comparison to bitewing radiography. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive/analytical study 608 interproximal surfaces, from the mesial surface of the first premolar to the distal surface of the second molar, were evaluated on filtered digital panoramic radiographs and conventional bitewing radiographs for interproximal caries by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 using kappa and Wilcoxon statistical analyses and calculation of reliability coefficient and Spearman's correlation coefficient at 95% significance level. Results: There were statistically significant differences in frequency distribution of caries between the two techniques (p value = 0.002) and also between frequency distribution of diagnostic agreement between these two techniques (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the diagnostic accuracy of filtered digital panoramic radiography is significantly lower than that of conventional bitewing radiography for detection of interproximal caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Treatment planning, an essential component of clinical practice, has received little attention in the dental literature and there appears to be no consistent format being followed in the teaching and development of treatment plans within dental school curricula. No investigation, to our knowledge, has been carried out to explore the subject of treatment planning since the advent of electronic health record ( EHR) use in dentistry. It is therefore important to examine the topic of treatment planning in the context of EHRs. Methods This paper reports on how 25 predoctoral dental students from two U.S. schools performed when asked to complete diagnosis and treatment planning exercises for two clinical scenarios in an EHR. Three calibrated clinical teaching faculty scored diagnosis entry, diagnosis-treatment (procedure) pairing, and sequencing of treatment according to criteria taught in their curriculum. Scores were then converted to percent correct and reported as means (with standard deviations). Results Overall, the participants earned 48.2% of the possible points. Participants at School 2 earned a mean of 54.3% compared with participants at School 1, who earned 41.9%. Students fared better selecting the appropriate treatment (59.8%) compared with choosing the correct diagnoses (41.9%) but performed least favorably when organizing the sequence of their treatment plans (41.7%). Conclusion Our results highlight the need to improve the current process by which treatment planning is taught and also to consider the impact of technology on the fundamental skills of diagnosis and treatment planning within the modern educational setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of osteoporosis has evolved beyond low bone mineral density to include impaired bone morphology and matrix properties. As such, the subsequent bone density insufficiencies extend beyond the skeletal risks of fracture and have implications for oral health management patients. As our population ages there is a worldwide increase in the risk of decreased bone mineral density and its subsequent morbidity. This makes age an independent risk factor for fracture and decreased bone mineral density. Multiple examinations and diagnostic tests are currently used in combination to develop an algorithm to assess osteoporotic risk. Oral health care professionals should follow these principles and caution should be used in applying a single independent assessment to determine a patient's osteoporotic or bone metabolism risk. Therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis are often divided into nonpharmacological interventions and pharmacological therapies. The periodontist and other oral health care professionals should have a full understanding of the therapeutic options, benefits and implementation of preventive therapies. Bone turnover is a coupled event of bone formation and bone resorption and it is the imbalance of this homeostasis that results in osteoporosis. Based on this uncoupling of bone resorption and formation, osteoporosis or decreased bone mineral density and osteopenia, may be a risk factor for alveolar bone loss in periodontitis. The role of prevention and maintenance with a history of periodontitis and oesteopenia extends beyond biofilm control and should include management of bone mineral density. The chronic periodontal infection in a patient with osteopenia may place the patient at greatly increased risk for alveolar bone loss, gingival recession and root caries. A key component in the management is the oral health professional's knowledge of the interrelationship between skeletal health and periodontal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous scientific studies assert the existence of hormone-sensitive periodontal tissues. Tissue specificity of hormone localization, identification of hormone receptors and the metabolism of hormones are evidence that periodontal tissues are targets for sex steroid hormones. Although the etiologies of periodontal endocrinopathies are diverse, periodontal pathologies are primarily the consequence of the actions and interactions of sex steroid hormones on specific cells found in the periodontium. This review provides a broad overview of steroid hormone physiology, evidence for the periodontium being a target tissue for sex steroid hormones and theories regarding the roles of sex steroid hormones in periodontal pathogenesis. Using this information, a teleological argument for the actions of steroid hormones in the periodontium is assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the trabecular pattern on panoramic radiographs to predict age- related osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Thirty-one postmenopausal osteoporotic women and 25 postmenopausal healthy women between the ages of 50 and 88 were enrolled in this study. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar vertebrae and femur were calculated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and panoramic radiographs were obtained. Fractal dimension (FD) was measured using the box counting method from 560 regions of interest (51x51 pixels) in 6 sites on the panoramic radiographs. The relationships between age and BMD and between FD and BMD were assessed, and the intraobserver agreement was determined. Results: There was a significant difference in the FD values between the osteoporotic and normal groups (p<0.05). There was a significant difference in the FD values at three sites in the jaws (p<0.05). Age was significantly correlated with the BMD measurements, with an odds ratio of 1.25. However, the FD values were not significantly correlated with the BMD measurements, with an odds ratio of 0.000. The intraobserver agreement showed relatively higher correlation coefficients at the upper premolar, lower premolar, and lower anterior regions than the other sites. Conclusion: Age was an important risk factor for predicting the presence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. The lower premolar region was the most appropriate site for evaluating the FD value on panoramic radiographs. However, further investigation might be needed to predict osteoporosis using an FD value on panoramic radiographs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the thickness of wax and acrylic that provides a radiographic density similar to that of the human cheek. Methods: An intraoral film radiograph of the human cheek including a 40 x 30 x 3 mm reference aluminium block was recorded under standardized conditions in 61 subjects. Radiographic density was measured by a densitometer in ten randomly selected sites of the film to serve as the gold standard for density values of the cheek soft tissues. Thereafter, the density of series of radiographs of two tissue-simulating materials--wax and acrylic--in systematically increasing thicknesses (wax, 1.5-30 mm; acrylic, 2-40 mm) plus the reference block were measured and compared with the gold-standard values. Results: The radiographic density of wax with a thickness of 13-17 mm or acrylic with a thickness of 14.5 mm corresponded to the average density of the human cheek. Conclusion: The soft tissues of the average human cheek can be simulated with 13-17 mm wax or 14.5 mm acrylic in in vitro radiographic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by reduction in bone mass and micro architectural changes in the bone, which leads to increased bone fragility. The gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis is the measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Periodontal disease is a chronic destructive disease which can occur in adults, young people and children. Periodontal pathogens cause inflammation of the gingiva which is called gingivitis. When periodontal tissue destruction and alveolar bone loss happen, it is called periodontitis. Since both osteoporosis and periodontal diseases are bone destructive diseases, it has been hypothesized that osteoporosis could be a risk factor for the progression of periodontal disease. The aim of this study is to review the articles assessing the relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis Materials and Methods: In this review, articles were selected from PubMed between January of 1998 and June 2010. Amongst 508 articles identified from the electronic search, 17 articles were selected for a full-text reading based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Among the 17 studies focused on, 11 studies showed a positive relation between osteoporosis and periodontal disease and the six remaining studies found no significant relation between osteoporosis and periodontal disease. Conclusion: These data indicate a greater propensity to lose alveolar bone in subjects with osteoporosis, especially in subjects with preexisting periodontitis. This would indicate that osteoporosis or low systemic BMD should be considered a risk factor for periodontal disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dentistry have identified the importance of providing outcomes related to the appropriate use of this innovative technology to practitioners, educators, and investigators. To assist in determining whether and what types of evidence exist, the authors conducted PubMed, Google, and Cochrane Library searches in the spring of 2011 using the key words "cone beam computed tomography and dentistry." This search resulted in over 26,900 entries in more than 700 articles including forty-one reviews recently published in national and international journals. This article is based on existing publications and studies and will provide readers with an overview of the advantages, disadvantages, and indications/contraindications of this emerging technology as well as some thoughts on the current educational status of CBCT in U.S. dental schools. It is the responsibility of dental educators to incorporate the most updated information on this technology into their curricula in a timely manner, so that the next generation of oral health providers and educators will be competent in utilizing this technology for the best interest of patients. To do so, there is a need to conduct studies meeting methodological standards to demonstrate the diagnostic efficacy of CBCT in the dental field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of conventional and bone-condensing implantation techniques and time (6 and 12 months after implantation) on levels of marginal bone surrounding implants and to assess the level of agreement between measurements made using digitized intraoral images and film. The study group consisted of 14 healthy patients (9 female, 5 male; age range, 23-59 years; mean age, 41.1 years) with 28 single-tooth dental implants. In each patient, an implant was placed on one side using a conventional technique and on the opposite side using a bone-condensing technique. Film radiographs were taken at 6 and 12 months following implant placement and were digitized at 300 dpi and 600 dpi using a laser scanner. All scanned images were stored as both TIFF and JPEG files. A single observer twice measured distal and mesial marginal bone loss from film and digitized images. At the mesial site, there was a significant main effect of time (6 and 12 months after implantation) on the measurement of bone loss, F(1, 26) = 6.08, P = .02, but no significant main effect of implantation technique, F(1, 26) = 1.56, P = .223, and no significant interaction between time and technique, F(1, 26) = 2.09, P = .160. Similarly, at the distal site, there was a significant main effect of time on the measurement of bone loss, F(1, 26) = 14.1, P = .001, but no significant main effect of implantation technique, F(1, 26) = 1.21, P = .281. However, in contrast to the mesial site, there was also significant interaction between technique and time on the distal site, F(1, 26) = 4.974, P = .035. Intraobserver intraclass correlation coefficients and repeatability measurements showed high agreement for all image types. The bone-condensing technique resulted in greater marginal bone loss. Marginal bone measurements made using digitized intraoral images and conventional film showed high levels of agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

- The objective with this study was to search for and to analyze the presence of scientific papers, guidelines, and recommendations in dental literature regarding which radiographs should be prescribed after a dento-alveolar trauma. We know from earlier that guidelines and recommendations are available in general in dental traumatology. The International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) has earlier developed guidelines for the management of dental trauma cases in general. There are also recommendations about useful intraoral radiographic methods when caries and periodontal disease are studied. An additional objective was to provide some guidelines for general practitioners about the most accurate radiographic examination immediately after a dento-alveolar trauma using intraoral radiographs or a common extraoral imaging method. Because radiographs are an important diagnostic tool for establishing a correct differential diagnosis after a trauma, radiographic guidelines and recommendations are of importance to be able to start the correct treatment. PubMed Central, Cochrane and World Wide Web were searched and the identified existing guidelines for different intraoral radiographic methods in dentistry were analyzed and found to be very few. Those that were identified were in general not so detailed and specific. In conclusion, we found an explicit need for more detailed guidelines regarding which intraoral and other dental radiographs should be prescribed initially in dental traumatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]