Conventional Radiographic Techniques Research Articles

Comparison between conventional and digital radiography in assessing alveolar bone loss: An original research

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of conventional and digital radiography in assessing alveolar bone loss. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 50 participants (25 males and 25 females) between 25 and 45 years of age. The participants were screened for all clinical features of periodontitis. A series of conventional bitewing radiographs of right and left of both maxillary and mandibular posterior region (15,16,17,25,26,27,35,36,37,45,46,47) were taken for each of 50 patients by examiner 1. Similarly, a series of digital bitewing radiographs were taken by examiner 2 for each 50 patients by using RVG of Planmeca Dixi 2 B Series. In digital bitewing radiographs, the measurement was done by examiner 2, using Planmeca Dixi 2 B Digital Software, by dragging the cursor to make a line by joining the linear points. Bone level less than 2 mm from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was considered normal while above that was considered bone loss. In case of conventional bitewing radiographs, alveolar bone loss was measured by the same examiner by measuring the distance from the CEJ to the most apical level of crestal bone using a divider and transparent ruler. The above collected data of examiners 1 and 2 were handed over to examiner 3 for statistical evaluation. Results: Comparison of conventional and digital radiographic techniques in left maxilla, left and right mandible, and between maxilla and mandible in the total sample and in females aged 25–35 and 36–45 years yielded a significant correlation while comparison of the two techniques in the right maxilla and between maxilla and mandible in males yielded a nonsignificant correlation. Conclusion: Direct digital radiography provides an edge over conventional radiography in assessing the periodontal bone destruction.

Comparison of digital and conventional radiographic techniques

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between conventional and digital radiographic methods in the measurement of periapical lesions in primary molars and compares the time used to obtain the radiographic images between both methods. Material and methods: This crossover study included children between 4 to 8-year-old with periapical lesion in primary mandibular molars. Fifteen molars were randomly assigned firstly to receive conventional or digital periapical radiograph during the steps of endodontic treatment. The time to obtain the radiographic image was evaluated in seconds and compared by the Mann-Whitney test. The periapical lesions measurement (mm2) were performed by the Image J software and the degree of correlation of measurement between both techniques was evaluated by the Spearman correlation test. Data was analyzed using the GraphPad Prism software (α = 0.05). Results: A strong positive correlation between the measurement of lesions occurred on conventional methods in comparison with the measurement on digital methods (r2=0.778; p<0.0006); however, the time to obtain the radiographic images was shorter in the digital method (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The digital method had a shorter amount of time to obtain the images and strong correlation for the lesions measurement in comparison to the conventional method. Therefore, the digital radiograph method is preferable for use in children.

Attitude and practice of dental professionals towards using of advance radiographic technique: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Aim: To assess the attitude and practice of dental professionals towards using of advance Radiographic technique.Material and Methods: It is a descriptive Cross-sectional Questionnaire study. Sample size was 375 dental professionals including BDS, MDS and post graduate students who were present at the time of study and given their informed consent were included in study. The study was conducted in Tatya Saheb Kore Dental College and Research Center New Pargaon, Distt. Kolhapur, Maharashtra.Results: 141 (38%) of study participants strongly supports use of advance radiographic technique for the diagnosis of Dental diseases, while only 19 (5%) strongly disagrees55% of study participants thinks that mock drills for the demonstration of usage of advance radiographic technique in dentistry is very much needed. Majority of dental professional {202(54%)} were using both Conventional Radiographic technique and Advance Radiographic technique in combination.Conclusions: Attitude of Dental professionals towards advance radiographic technique is positive. Need of the hour is to increase the practice of advance radiographic technique for the better understanding of this area.

Comparison of digital and conventional radiographic techniques

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between conventional and digital radiographic methods in the measurement of periapical lesions in primary molars and compares the time used to obtain the radiographic images between both methods. Material and methods: This crossover study included children between 4 to 8-year-old with periapical lesion in primary mandibular molars. Fifteen molars were randomly assigned firstly to receive conventional or digital periapical radiograph during the steps of endodontic treatment. The time to obtain the radiographic image was evaluated in seconds and compared by the Mann-Whitney test. The periapical lesions measurement (mm2) were performed by the Image J software and the degree of correlation of measurement between both techniques was evaluated by the Spearman correlation test. Data was analyzed using the GraphPad Prism software (α = 0.05). Results: A strong positive correlation between the measurement of lesions occurred on conventional methods in comparison with the measurement on digital methods (r2=0.778; p&lt;0.0006); however, the&gt;&lt;0.006) ); however, the time to obtain the radiographic images was shorter in the digital method (p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: The digital method had a shorter amount of time to obtain the images and strong correlation for the lesions measurement in comparison to the conventional method. Therefore, the digital radiograph method is preferable for use in children.

Evaluation of temporomandibular joint disorders using cone beam computed tomography

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of segmental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting bony changes in condyle and thickness of roof of glenoid fossa in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The study group comprised of 10 temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients of either sex between the age group of 20-60 years diagnosed as TMDs by clinical evaluation using the research diagnostic criteria was considered. After the clinical examination, radiographic investigations were carried out which included digital OPG, transcranial radiograph and CBCT scan. TMJ Evaluation included: (a) bony changes of the condyle (flattening, erosion, sclerosis, osteophytes, resorption); (b) joint space (normal, increased, reduced, bony contact between the condyle and the mandibular fossa); and (c) bony changes of mandibular fossa (normal, sclerosis, erosion, resorption). The radiographic findings were statistically analysed.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Significant difference between OPG, transcranial and CBCT were found for the presence of erosion (P =0.000), thickness of roof of glenoid fossa (P =0.000), deformed contour (P =0.001), joint space (P =0.011), subchondral sclerosis (P =0.011), irregularity of articular surface and eminence (P =0.000), flattening (P =0.050). &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Using CBCT as imaging technique in our study to detect osseous changes in the TMJ was proved to be effective as compared to the conventional radiographic techniques, the results achieved with CBCT was 100%.The results obtained in our study prove to be a full proof one and it seems to promise to go one step closer to detect progression and severity of the osseous changes in the condylar head and mandibular fossa in patients with TMDs&lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Comparison of the accuracy of conventional and digital radiography in root canal working length determination: An in vitro study

Background. Digital radiography has widespread use in endodontics. Determining a correct working length is vital for a proper endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of conventional and digital radiographic techniques for root canal working length determination. Methods. After determining the real working lengths of 50 permanent maxillary central incisors (gold standard), the conventional (E- and F-speed films) and digital (CCD, PSP) images were obtained using the parallel technique. The mean registered working length of each modality was compared with the other and with the gold standard using one-way ANOVA at P<0.05. Results. No significant difference was found between the recorded working length values using the conventional and digital radiographic techniques (P=0.828). Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that there was no difference between the measurement accuracy of CCD, PSP and conventional imaging techniques in root canal working length determination.

Polycapillary optics for medical applications

Polycapillary optics can be designed for a wide variety of x-ray applications, including x-ray fluorescence for non-destructive materials analysis and diffraction applications such as protein crystallography. Of particular interest are medical applications, including the removal of Compton scattering with the resultant improvement in contrast and resolution in mammography, the production of monochromatic parallel beams for high-contrast imaging in clinical settings and the localization of radioactive tracers. A recent development is the use of polycapillary optics to improve beam coherence for x-ray phase imaging. Conventional radiographic techniques depend on attenuation, which provides only low contrast between soft tissues. Phase imaging can yield significantly higher contrast but requires spatially coherent beams. Conventional sources small enough to produce high coherence are necessarily low power, requiring long exposures. Polycapillary optics employed to create a small secondary source from high power sources have been shown to yield strong phase effects. Polycapillary optics can also be combined with other x-ray optics. A combination of a toroidally bent crystal with a polycapillary optic has been shown to produce enhanced resolution in a magnified image. Another x-ray imaging technique which does not rely on the small attenuation contrast is the capture of coherently scattered radiation, for which polycapillary optics could be used as angular filters to collect the beam, resulting in a map of tissue or material type.

Influence of lower limb rotation on hindfoot alignment using a conventional two-dimensional radiographic technique.

Rotation is one of the variables explaining lack of reproducibility in assessing hindfoot alignment. The hypothesis for this study was that a mathematical model predicts how this modifies radiographic hindfoot alignment measurements. A cadaveric lower limb, disjointed at knee level, was used. Sagittal and coronal planes were fixed using a custom clamp. Standard AP views were shot every five degrees and measured hindfoot alignments were compared to theoretical values obtained from a mathematical simulation. Hindfoot angle was 7.04° at 0° rotation and 2.11° at -90°. Intra-class and inter-investigator correlation was 0.863. The t-test showed no significant difference (p=0.73). Intra-investigator correlation was 0.957. The R2 correlation index was 0.852. The mathematical model accurately predicted the variations of the hindfoot angle which was maximum when the foot was aligned with the X-rays source. It then decreased when the foot rotated away, following a parabolic curve.

Phase imaging using focused polycapillary optics

Conventional radiographic techniques depend on attenuation, which provides low contrast between soft tissues. However, X rays can accumulate large differential phase delays even in weakly absorbing materials. This can produce significantly higher contrast. One technique for taking advantage of phase effects, propagation-based phase imaging, can yield marked edge enhancement but requires spatially coherent intense sources. Microfocus sources have sizes on the order of tens of microns but necessarily are low power and hence require long exposures. In this project, X-ray optical and computational techniques were explored to develop both edge-enhancement and phase imaging using a large spot conventional source. A polycapillary optic was employed to create a small secondary source from a large spot rotating anode X-ray generator. The secondary spot created by the focusing polycapillary optic was 114 µm ± 50 µm. Images of a 1.6 mm polyethylene rod were taken at varying distances from the optic. Edge enhancement was observed with a maximum edge-enhancement-to-noise ratio of 6.5. Insect images were also acquired and analyzed. Phase reconstructions were computed using two different approaches, weak attenuation and phase attenuation duality. Pure phase images were successfully reconstructed from the phase contrast images by employing the weak attenuation model.

Tasas retrospectivas de crecimiento del coral hermatípico Montastrea annularis (Scleractinia: Faviidae) en arrecifes al sur del Golfo de México

Coionies of Montastrea annularis were collected from 10 m deptb at Triangulo Oeste; Alacran, Cayo Arcas, Cayo Arenas, Isla Verde and Anegada de Adentro coral reefs, in tbe soutb of the Gulf of Mexico. Growth rates were determined retrospectively, using tbe conventional radiographic technique (sclerochronology). Contact prints witb good defmition of tbe growth bands were obtained from 53 colonies. The general averages per year showed tbe lowest growth rate for 1972 (0.72 cm/yr) and the highest for 1991 (1.02 cm/yr), witb an average of 0.86 cm/yr for the 53 colonies. Thls·growth rate is similar to those reported for tbe same speeies and depth in otber Atlantic sites.

Human tooth and root canal morphology reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging.

Background and aimsVisualization of the internal and external root canal morphology is very important for a successful endodontic treatment; however, it seems to be difficult considering the small size of the tooth and the complexity of the root canal system. Film-based or digital conventional radiographic techniques as well as cone beam computed tomography provide limited information on the dental pulp anatomy or have harmful effects. A new non-invasive diagnosis tool is magnetic resonance imaging, due to its ability of imaging both hard and soft tissues. The aim of this study was to demonstrate magnetic resonance imaging to be a useful tool for imaging the anatomic conditions of the external and internal root canal morphology for endodontic purposes.MethodsThe endodontic system of one freshly extracted wisdom tooth, chosen for its well-known anatomical variations, was mechanically shaped using a hybrid technique. After its preparation, the tooth was immersed into a recipient with saline solution and magnetic resonance imaged immediately. A Bruker Biospec magnetic resonance imaging scanner operated at 7.04 Tesla and based on Avance III radio frequency technology was used. InVesalius software was employed for the 3D reconstruction of the tooth scanned volume.ResultsThe current ex-vivo experiment shows the accurate 3D volume rendered reconstruction of the internal and external morphology of a human extracted and endodontically treated tooth using a dataset of images acquired by magnetic resonance imaging. The external lingual and vestibular views of the tooth as well as the occlusal view of the pulp chamber, the access cavity, the distal canal opening on the pulp chamber floor, the coronal third of the root canals, the degree of root separation and the apical fusion of the two mesial roots, details of the apical region, root canal curvatures, furcal region and interradicular root grooves could be clearly bordered.ConclusionsMagnetic resonance imaging offers 3D image datasets with more information than the conventional radiographic techniques. Due to its ability of imaging both hard and soft dental tissues, magnetic resonance imaging can be successfully used as a 3D diagnostic imaging technique in dentistry. When choosing the imaging method, dental clinicians should weight the benefit-risk ratio, taking into account the costs associated to magnetic resonance imaging and the harmful effects of ionizing radiations when cone beam computed tomography or conventional x-ray are used.

EOS-Imaging

The application spectrum of the EOS imaging acquisition system is versatile. It is especially useful in the diagnostics and planning of corrective surgical procedures in complex orthopedic cases. The application is indicated when assessing deformities and malpositions of the spine, pelvis and lower extremities. It can also be used in the assessment and planning of hip and knee arthroplasty. For the first time physicians have the opportunity to conduct examinations of the whole body under weight-bearing conditions in order to anticipate the effects of a planned surgical procedure on the skeletal system as a whole and therefore on the posture of the patient. Compared to conventional radiographic examination techniques, such as x-ray or computed tomography, the patient is exposed to much less radiation. Therefore, the pediatric application of this technique can be described as reasonable.

Endodontics in motion: new concepts, materials and techniques 2. The use of cone-beam computed tomography in endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning

Systems for cone-beam computed tomography make a high-quality 3D reconstruction of dentomaxillofacial structures possible, without exposing the patient to excessive doses of radiation. Due to its 3D nature cone-beam computed tomography is superior to conventional dental radiographic imaging methods for many aspects of endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. There are multiple indications for the use of cone-beam computed tomography scans in endodontics, including detection of periapical lesions or root fractures and the exploration of the root canal anatomy and its deviations. Depending on conditions, a judicious decision will always have to be made with regard to the radiographic technique to be applied. Primary in that respect must be the means by which the most accurate diagnostic image can be achieved with the lowest possible dose of radiation. Making a cone-beam computed tomography scan is justified only when the required diagnostic information cannot be achieved adequately using lower dose conventional dental radiographic imaging techniques.

Accuracy of conventional and digital radiography in detecting external root resorption.

External root resorption (ERR) is associated with physiological and pathological dissolution of mineralized tissues by clastic cells and radiography is one of the most important methods in its diagnosis. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the accuracy of conventional intraoral radiography (CR) in comparison with digital radiographic techniques, i.e. charge-coupled device (CCD) and photo-stimulable phosphor (PSP) sensors, in detection of ERR. This study was performed on 80 extracted human mandibular premolars. After taking separate initial periapical radiographs with CR technique, CCD and PSP sensors, the artificial defects resembling ERR with variable sizes were created in apical half of the mesial, distal and buccal surfaces of the teeth. Ten teeth were used as control samples without any resorption. The radiographs were then repeated with 2 different exposure times and the images were observed by 3 observers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17 and chi-squared and Cohen's Kappa tests with 95% confidence interval (CI=95%). The CCD had the highest percentage of correct assessment compared to the CR and PSP sensors, although the difference was not significant (P=0.39). It was shown that the higher dosage of radiation increases the accuracy of diagnosis; however, it was only significant for CCD sensor (P=0.02). Also, the accuracy of diagnosis increased with the increase in the size of lesion (P=0.001). Statistically significant difference was not observed for accurate detection of ERR by conventional and digital radiographic techniques.

3D Cone Beam CT analysis of osteophytic neoformations in the temporomandibular joint

Aim: The aim is to show the usefulness of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the study of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), especially if by CT scans reveal the presence of osteophytic growths otherwise not visible with conventional radiographic techniques. Materials and Methods: Osteophyte is the medical term for a bone formation attempt to increase the articular surface of the load, it is the attempt to repair what the articulation performs to compensate for a bone defect or damage joint surfaces due to arthritis or trauma. Results: The examination CBCT allows accurate morphological analysis of articular surfaces in the three planes of space TMJ, not previously possible with traditional two-dimensional X-ray methods. The analysis highlights both the changes on surfaces such as cortical erosions, flattening, sclerosis, osteophytes and joint space narrowing, and changes in mineralization of bone considered. Conclusions: In Ra patients, the TMJ is commonly affected, but the diagnosis is often delayed due to lack of symptoms. In these cases, an CBCT provides the clinician with the advantage of highlighting condylar lesions as small scale and allows to establish appropriate therapy at an early stage, reducing complications for these patients.

Posttreatment diagnosis of caries under fixed restorations: A pilot study

Conventional radiographic techniques are insufficient for detecting caries under fixed restorations or for acquiring clear images of the disease. Advanced radiographic techniques such as cone beam computerized tomography may be a solution. The purpose of this study was to assess the viability of detecting and characterizing caries under complete-ceramic and metal-supported crowns by using cone beam computerized tomography. A grade 6 carious molar tooth according to the International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria was selected. The tooth was prepared, and 3 different crowns were fabricated in a dental laboratory: yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramic, lithium disilicate ceramic, and metal ceramic. The crowns were placed on the prepared tooth, and each specimen was subjected to cone beam computerized tomography. Opacity values were recorded and evaluated with 2-way ANOVA. Multivariate comparisons (Tukey was performed to assess the mean gray value differences of the materials between caries and dentin, and the Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the mean gray value differences between caries and dentin for each material (α=.05). Carious borders and cavities were detected under the 3 ceramic crown specimens with a cone beam computerized tomography radiographic technique. The statistical analysis of the radiopacity mean gray value was at the borderline of significance for the specimen radiographies. Significant differences were found with respect to materials, location, and the interaction between these 2 factors (P<.001). Cone beam computerized tomography can be used as a posttreatment diagnostic technique for detecting caries under high atomic numbered crowns and partial fixed dental prostheses.

Effectiveness of18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan in the early detection of periradicular lesions

Objective: Establishing the correct diagnosis is key for the implementation of adequate therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity of 18 F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), in comparison with conventional radiographic imaging techniques (periapical/parallelism technique and panoramic radiographs), in the early detection of periradicular lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 256 maxillary and mandibular areas from eight patients were randomly selected for analysis using conventional radiographic techniques and PET/CT. The nuclear image acquisition protocol included scans from the top of the head to the middle third of the neck region. After analysis of the images obtained with different methods (periapical vs. panoramic radiography, and radiography vs. PET/CT). The number of images with positive findings for infection were compared using ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There were no significant differences in the number of positive images between the two conventional radiographic techniques: Six (2.34% of the sample) and seven (2.73%) positive images were found among panoramic and periapical radiographs, respectively. Conversely, PET/CT yielded 39 (15.23% of the sample) images positive for infection, significantly higher number when compared with the two conventional radiographic techniques assessed. Conclusion: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed to be more effective than conventional radiography in the early detection of dental infection. These findings allow to suggest that the use of PET/CT in endodontics would significantly contribute to the early and accurate diagnosis of periradicular lesions.

A three-dimensional study of variations in root canal morphology using cone-beam computed tomography of mandibular premolars in a South Indian population.

Conventional radiographic techniques being two dimensional, has its restrictions and is confined to limited diagnostic value. However, the incorporation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) gives a three dimensional insight to the tooth morphology and leads to better evaluation and treatment management. The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the root canal morphology of mandibular pre-molars in South Indian Population using CBCT radiographic technique. One thousand and eighty six and 814 fully erupted mandibular first and second premolars respectively were scanned using CBCT to evaluate the canal morphology according to Vertucci and Gulabiwala's classification. The most common configuration in mandibular first and second premolars was Vertucci's Type I(83.81% and 93.48% respectively) followed by Type V (11.97% and 3.5% respectively). South Indian population presented Type IV ertucci's canal morphology as the most common in mandibular first and second pre-molars followed by Type V. CBCT scanning poses a greater advantage in assessing the complexity of root canal morphology and planning an appropriate endodontic treatment for the same.

Digital radiography-A cutting edge in the dental practice: A survey

Objective : To compare radiographic technique used by general dental practices i.e. comparison between the use of digital radiography and conventional radiography&to determine the reasons for any difference in numbers. Method : A survey was conducted to study the use of conventional and digital radiographic techniques among 200 general dental practitioners in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The questionnaire was designed with precise with multiple choice answers for ease of statistical evaluation. Respondents were invited to choose only one response that best suited their clinical attitude. Results : A total of 200 questionnaires that were sent out. The survey showed that 65.37% used conventional radiography and 35.62 used digital radiography primarily in their routine practice. Conclusion : The dental practitioners showed favourable inclination towards digital mode of imaging as far as intraoral radiographs is concerned

The Story of a Missing Tooth: A Case Report

The displacement of an impacted third molar, either a root fragment, the crown, or the entire tooth is a complication that rarely occurs during exodontia. Although the complication is well known, reported cases in the dental literature are sparse. We report here an unusual accidental displacement of a mandibular third molar crown into the parapharyngeal space in an adult male patient. As a result if a complication does occur during third molar extraction such in our case, dentists should immediately refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and should not try to remove the displaced root without proper assurance. This is imperative for being able to evaluate the condition of the tooth preoperatively, select adequate instruments and technique, and take good care during extraction and prevent the risk of hemorrhage, neurologic injury, and further displacement of the tooth. Localization with images and proper surgical methods are the keys to retrieving the displaced fragment successfully. In combination with clinical examination, conventional and advanced radiographic techniques were utilized in order to locate the crown for retrieval surgery. This report not only describes the location, but also the surgical removal of an accidentally displaced mandibular third molar displaced in the parapharayngeal space, two weeks after first attempt of extraction.