Impacted Teeth Research Articles

Post Traumatic Impaction of Maxillary Deciduous Central Incisor: A Case Report

Background and Objectives: Primary tooth impaction is a rare phenomenon when compared to permanent teeth impaction, particularly in upper front teeth. The problem could be either a physical blockage of the eruption or a malfunction of the eruption process. Methods: This case study describes a 4-year-old girl who experienced incomplete eruption of her upper right baby front tooth due to an injury. The unerupted tooth was surgically removed. Regular check-ups were recommended to monitor the development of her teeth and ensure sufficient space for her permanent front teeth. Results: This case study describes an unusual situation where a baby's upper front tooth failed to erupt. that associated with trauma. That caused delay in progression of the permanent successor compared to the contralateral permanent central incisor. And by extracting the impacted primary tooth a path of eruption opened for the permanent successor tooth so it will accelerate the progression of erupting the permanent successor and mostly may erupt in the same time of the contralateral tooth. Conclusions: It's crucial to closely watch the eruption of permanent and deciduous teeth to spot and address any issues with tooth eruption early on. Keywords: Primary incisors, Childhood trauma, Impacted tooth.

Palatal canine impaction is associated with craniofacial shape in humans.

It is unclear whether palatal canine impaction is related to genetic or local/environmental factors. If a genetic origin is assumed, then it could be expected that palatal canine impaction is associated with overall craniofacial development. Within this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the craniofacial morphology of individuals with palatal canine impaction and compare it to a matched group of normal controls. The sample for this investigation comprised 404 individuals (232 females and 172 males). Half of these individuals presented with unilateral or bilateral palatal canine impaction confirmed clinically and radiographically. The other half were matched for sex and age with the first half and comprised individuals without tooth impaction, apart from third molars. The shape of the craniofacial structures was outlined on calibrated cephalometric images through 15 curves and 127 landmarks (11 fixed and 116 semi-landmarks). Shape configurations were superimposed using Procrustes Superimposition and the resulting shape coordinates were reduced into principal components for all subsequent analyses. The effect of palatal canine impaction on craniofacial shape was assessed with regression models, separately in females and males. All statistical tests were performed assuming a type-1 error of 5%. Individuals with palatally impacted canines appear to have a less convex face, a more brachyfacial skeletal pattern, and a sagittally extended premaxilla. In females effect sizes ranged between η2 = 0.136-0.397 (P < 0.05) and in males between η2 = 0.125-0.396 (P < 0.05, apart from the entire craniofacial configuration: P = 0.259). Palatal canine impaction was not confirmed through cone beam computer tomography images in all patients, however, in those cases, the treatment history confirmed the diagnosis. Palatal canine impaction is related to a distinct craniofacial shape in females and males. These findings allow for speculation that palatal canine impaction is affected by genetic pathways involved in overall craniofacial development.

Digital technology-assisted minimally invasive removal of odontoma with high impacted maxillary canine by double-fenestration technique: a case report.

Odontoma is a hamartoma or developmental malformation of dental tissues and often causes delayed or impacted permanent teeth. This paper reports a case of surgical removal of an odontoma that is closely attached to the labial bone plait and examines the extraction of accompanying high-impacted maxillary canine beside the nose and maxillary sinus. Digital technology was used in reconstructing a part of a patient's maxilla, odontoma, related teeth, and other adjacent anatomical structures, accurately determine the lesion boundary, and design an optimal surgical plan. The minimally invasive extraction of lesions and embedded teeth with a double-fenestration technique through the upper and lower paths not only preserved the continuity of the labial alveolar bone plate in the operative area and prevented postoperative bone collapse but also reduced the risk of maxillary sinus mucosal injury and perforation, improved surgical efficiency, and reduced the surgical trauma. These features were in line with the concept of minimally invasive alveolar surgery.

A clinical study of anterior maxillary impacted supernumerary teeth based on the classification of horizontal and vertical positions

A clinical study of anterior maxillary impacted supernumerary teeth based on the classification of horizontal and vertical positions

Correction of Impacted Maxillary Permanent Anteriors - A Case Report.

The maxillary anteriors play the most prominent role in an individual's aesthetics, speech, and majorly psychology. The impaction of maxillary anterior teeth can be a challenging orthodontic problem that can be managed by interceptive orthodontics in early mixed dentition. In this particular case report, interceptive orthodontics alone may not bring desirable results because two problems need to be dealt simultaneously, namely, intraosseous crowding and midline shift due to impaction on the affected quadrant. In the article, a novel approach is being discussed, where aesthetics of the child was compromised due to impacted rotated maxillary anteriors that were exposed using soft tissue laser and allowed to erupt by selective removal of primary and permanent first premolar teeth on the affected side alone, leading to spontaneous alignment of arch discrepancy and relative correction of midline shift. A unilateral serial extraction sequence (D-4-C) would be effective treatment of choice. This approach adds psychological benefit to the child by using soft tissue lasers and unilateral serial extraction.

Evaluating the Patterns of Impaction in Lower Third Molars and Associated Radiolucent Lesions: An Observational Cross-sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate radiolucent lesions associated with impacted lower third molars, focusing on their pathological diagnosis and the distribution of sex and age among the affected individuals. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid Dental University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2020 and August 2023. A total of 312 orthopantomography (OPGs) records were examined, covering 549 teeth. Data regarding impaction depth, ramus relationship, angulation classification, and the presence of lesions were analyzed. Out of 549 teeth studied, 103 exhibited radiolucent lesions. These lesions were more frequently observed in male patients compared to female patients, and in individuals aged ≤30 years compared to those aged >30 years, showing significant differences. Most impacted teeth were classified as impaction depth A, indicating a position at the same or higher level relative to the occlusal plane of the second molar. The study found significant associations between the pattern of lower third molar impaction and dental characteristics (impaction depth classification, ramus relationship, angulation classification, and tooth type) with age. There was no significant association between gender and dental characteristics, except for the presence of a lesion. Understanding the patterns of impaction and associated radiolucent lesions can help guide clinical decision-making regarding the management of impacted third molars, particularly in younger patients who may exhibit a higher risk of associated pathologies. How to cite this article: Alshalawi HS, Alkhamees SA, Almuqrin R, et al. Evaluating the Patterns of Impaction in Lower Third Molars and Associated Radiolucent Lesions: An Observational Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(8):790-793.

Prevalence of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction Cases on Panoramic Radiographs in 2022

Introduction: Tooth impaction is a condition when a tooth does not erupt, either partially or completely after the normal eruption time has passed. Mandibular third molars are one of the teeth most frequently impacted. Impacted third molars are classified according to Pell-Gregory and George Winter. Previous studies state that gender and age can influence impacted mandibular third molars. This study aims to determine the prevalence of cases of impacted mandibular third molars at the Dental and Oral Hospital of South Sumatra Province in 2022. Methods: This type of study is descriptive observational using 327 of the total population of 709 patient panoramic radiographs in 2022, and identified directly to see impacted mandibular third molars. Reliability testing was carried out using Cohen's Kappa analysis. Results: Evaluation of 327 panoramic radiographs containing impacted mandibular third molars showed that the most common age category was 16-25 years with 229 cases (70.03), based on gender, female 193 cases (59.03%) and male 134 cases (40.97%). Based on the Winter classification, mandibular impaction is most found in the mesioangular position in tooth 38 (55.97%), tooth 48 (49.65%). Based on the Pell and Gregory classification, most mandibular impactions are found in position II A in tooth 38 (42.66%), 48 (44.70%). Conclusion: The prevalence of cases of mandibular third molar impaction at the Dental and Oral Hospital of Sumatra Province was 46,12%, most commonly found in the 16-25 year age category,more frequently in women, and the position was mostly in the mesioangular category and position IIA. Keywords: Impaction, mandibular third molar, panoramic.

Integration of cone beam computed tomography for interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized dental imaging by providing precise three-dimensional visualization of hard tissue structures with minimal radiation exposure compared to conventional CT. This review explores the integration of CBCT in interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning across various fields of dentistry. CBCT offers versatile applications including assessment of impacted teeth, airway analysis, temporomandibular joint evaluation, detection of jaw pathologies, and precise diagnosis of dento-maxillofacial fractures. Its ability to generate static and rotational 3D images aids in surgical planning and treatment outcome prediction. Furthermore, CBCT plays a crucial role in orthodontics for localization of impacted teeth and evaluation of craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate. In periodontics and implantology, CBCT facilitates detailed assessment of periodontal structures, bone defects, and precise implant placement. Additionally, CBCT assists in maxillofacial prosthetics by enabling virtual surgical planning and custom prosthetic fabrication. This paper underscores CBCT as an indispensable tool in modern dental practice, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision, and patient outcomes across diverse clinical scenarios.

Simultaneous Osseo- and Odontointegration of Titanium Implants: Description of Two Cases in Human and Animal Models and Review of Their Experimental and Clinical Implications.

Two cases of calcified bone and dental tissue integration with titanium implants are presented, along with a review of the literature on their experimental and clinical implications. First, histological analyses of a titanium implant extracted from a patient with iimplant disease revealed the integration of both dental and bone tissue on the implant's surface. Secondly, a biocompatibility study in an animal model documented two implants in contact with tooth roots. Samples from both animal and human models demonstrated simultaneous osseointegration and dental tissue neoformation, with the latter attributed to the activity of cementoblasts. The literature review confirms the formation of cementum around dental implants in contact with teeth. Certain clinical reports have proposed the insertion of implants into bone sites containing impacted teeth as a conservative treatment alternative, avoiding the need for tooth extraction surgery and demonstrating the successful integration of teeth, bone, and dental implants. Furthermore, the documented natural formation of periodontal tissues around dental implants provided a foundation for tissue engineering studies aimed at realizing implant-bone relationships similar to those of natural bone-tooth structures. The primary challenges remain the long-term preservation of periodontal-like tissue formed on implants and the imparting of functional proprioceptive properties.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Socket Healing After Third Molar Germ Extraction: A Case Series Study Including Adolescents with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type I Treated with Bisphosphonates and Healthy Age-Matched Subjects

Bisphophonates (BPs) are widely used in Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) shows clinical usefulness in evaluating impacted teeth and adjacent structure relationships, extraction socket healing, bone mineral density (BMD) and BP-related jaw osteonecrosis (BRONJ). The aim of the study was to compare alveolar sockets and the adjacent bone area before and after third molar extraction in OI type I (OI-I) adolescents treated with BPs and age-matched healthy subjects (HSs) by CBCT. Methods: Five adolescents with genetically proven OI-I treated with BPs (three males and two females, mean age: 15.2 ± 1.78 years) and four age-matched healthy subjects (two males and two females, mean age: 15.5 ± 1.29 years) were included in this study. Eight Regions of Interest (ROIs) were evaluated: between 3.7 and 3.8 (ROI-1) and 4.7 and 4.8 (ROI-2); after 3.8 (ROI-3) and 4.8 (ROI-4); alveolar sockets 3.8 (ROI-5) and 4.8 (ROI-6); left (ROI-7) and right (ROI-8) cortical bone. Results: ROIs were evaluated on both sides of the mandible for all the subjects except one OI patient in which CBCTs were performed pre- and-post third molar extraction only on the right side. CBCT was performed 12.8 ± 4.60 and 11.5 ± 2.51 days before and 8.0 ± 1.41 and 7.7 ± 0.5 months after extraction in OI-I and HSs, respectively. BPs were discontinued 62.0 ± 36.5 months before extraction. None of the OI-I adolescents developed BRONJ. Statistically significant greater values were observed in OI-I for ROI-1 and -2 (p = 0.0464), ROI-3 and -4 (p = 0.0037) and ROI-7 and -8 (p = 0.0079) after extraction. Conclusions: This descriptive study confirms that, in OI-I adolescents treated with BPs, third molar extraction is safe, and socket healing occurs properly. In addition, it demonstrates that, if the same device and imaging conditions are used and comparisons to predetermined standard values are avoided, CBCT can be used to monitor BMD changes. The significant greater BMD observed for different ROIs in OI-I could reflect the increased secondary mineralization related to the BP-dependent reduction in bone turnover.

Analysis of Impacted Mandibular Second Premolar Finding Trough Panoramic Radiograph: A Case Report

Abstract: An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot erupt to its normal functional position after the development of the root. The mandibular second premolar is the third most impacted that can potentially cause problems in the tooth and surrounding structures. Panoramic radiography can detect and evaluate the impacted tooth, surrounding tissues, and possible pathologies including cysts and tumors. This study aimed to discuss the findings of impacted mandibular second premolar on panoramic radiograph. We reported a 13-year-old male patient who came to RSIGMP-UMI complaining of protruding upper front teeth and occasional food impaction in the right lower anterior molar area. Panoramic radiograph showed a vertical angulation of tooth 45, with the crown directed towards the occlusal line between teeth 46 and 44, and the apex directed towards the mandibular ramus border approaching the mandibular canal, with an inclination 0° and type I. Panoramic radiographs are essential in dentistry, particularly in orthodontic treatment. In this case, the radiograph revealed an impacted mandibular second premolar. Extraction of this tooth is often necessary for optimal treatment outcomes. However, in this case, the patient's parents were still hesitant to proceed with tooth extraction. Keywords: impacted teeth; second premolar teeth; panoramic radiography

Asymmetric outcomes in bilateral maxillary impacted tooth extractions: A case report

BACKGROUND The extraction of maxillary impacted teeth is a common procedure in oral surgery, frequently complicated by oroantral communications. For less-experienced clinicians, accurately assessing the difficulty and associated risks of maxillary third molar extractions remain a significant challenge. CASE SUMMARY We present a case involving disparate outcomes following bilateral extraction of maxillary third molars. Using cone-beam computed tomography and three-dimensional software, we conducted a digital assessment of the factors contributing to extraction difficulty and risk, controlling for potential confounders. Key variables analyzed included alveolar bone volume, bone quality, crown-root angulation, and maxillary sinus mucosal thickness. Additionally, we introduce the novel concept of "tegmen bone" to quantitatively evaluate the bone mass between the teeth and the maxillary sinus. This unique case, with differing outcomes on opposite sides of the same patient, provided an opportunity to minimize extraneous variables and focus on the local anatomical factors influencing the procedures, thereby improving the precision of our analysis. CONCLUSION This case highlights the potential utility of predictive analysis in guiding the management of complex tooth extractions.

Comprehensive Treatment of Impacted Teeth with Comprehensive Oral Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Thinking

Impacted teeth are a common disease in oral surgery, which can be caused by systemic factors and local factors, and the incidence of different genders, races and tooth positions is different. The clinical manifestation of impacted teeth is the absence of permanent teeth in normal position. Cone beam CT can accurately diagnose and locate impacted teeth. At present, surgical fenestration or direct extraction are often used to treat impacted teeth, but the treatment effect and prognosis are not ideal enough. In the process of oral clinical diagnosis and treatment, doctors began to adopt comprehensive diagnosis and treatment thinking to solve problems, and the key to improve the success rate of oral disease treatment is to make a clear diagnosis, reasonably evaluate the difficulty of treatment and adopt appropriate correction methods. This paper summarizes the research status of impacted teeth in recent years, focusing on the multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment of impacted teeth, in order to improve the clinical comprehensive diagnosis and treatment thinking of dentists and provide reference for accurate treatment of impacted teeth and reduction of complications in the treatment process.

Color Ranges and Distribution of Human Teeth: A Prospective Clinical Study.

This study investigated the in vivo color range of human teeth using a research-grade noncontact spectroradiometer, analyzing the effects of gender, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking, and oral hygiene. A total of 1004 participants were recruited at two research sites and stratified by gender, age, and ethnicity, and data on their dietary and oral habits were collected. Noninvasive color measurements of an upper central incisor were performed using a spectroradiometer and a fiber-coupled Xe-Arc light source. Color differences were computed using the CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color difference formulas, statistically analyzed, and interpreted through comparisons with 50:50% perceptibility (PT) and acceptability (AT) thresholds for dentistry. CIELAB and CIEDE2000 color coordinate values varied significantly. Female teeth appeared lighter and less yellow than men's. Age correlated with darker, more chromatic teeth, stabilizing only after Age 46. Significant ethnic differences were observed, particularly between African-American and Asian participants. Coffee consumption impacted teeth yellowness and chromaticity, while tea had no significant effect. Frequent tooth brushing led to lighter teeth, and tooth whitening considerably influenced color, emphasizing the effect of cosmetic dental treatments. Smoking showed minimal impact, with slight discoloration noted among light smokers compared to nonsmokers. Color coordinate values by gender, age, and ethnicity exhibited statistically significant differences and, in most cases, noticeable color differences. With exceptions, the dietary/oral habits of the patient had a significant impact on the color of human teeth. The findings from this study provide detailed information and understanding of the color range and distribution of human teeth, which can help enhance the esthetic outcome of dental care and, consequently, the patient's satisfaction.

Automating Dental Condition Detection on Panoramic Radiographs: Challenges, Pitfalls, and Opportunities.

Background/Objectives: The integration of AI into dentistry holds promise for improving diagnostic workflows, particularly in the detection of dental pathologies and pre-radiotherapy screening for head and neck cancer patients. This study aimed to develop and validate an AI model for detecting various dental conditions, with a focus on identifying teeth at risk prior to radiotherapy. Methods: A YOLOv8 model was trained on a dataset of 1628 annotated panoramic radiographs and externally validated on 180 radiographs from multiple centers. The model was designed to detect a variety of dental conditions, including periapical lesions, impacted teeth, root fragments, prosthetic restorations, and orthodontic devices. Results: The model showed strong performance in detecting implants, endodontic treatments, and surgical devices, with precision and recall values exceeding 0.8 for several conditions. However, performance declined during external validation, highlighting the need for improvements in generalizability. Conclusions: YOLOv8 demonstrated robust detection capabilities for several dental conditions, especially in training data. However, further refinement is needed to enhance generalizability in external datasets and improve performance for conditions like periapical lesions and bone loss.

EVALUATION OF POSTOPERATİVE MORBİDİTY FOLLOWİNG OPERATIONS OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS WITH BONE RETENTION

This study is aimed to see how gender and whether tooth is placed on the right or left affected the length of the operation, edema, trismus, and discomfort after surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar. This prospective study was conducted in the Inonu University. The study included 104 mandibular wisdom tooth with bone retention. There were 55 females and 49 males among the 104 patients, with 53 left and 51 right impacted mandibular third molar. The operations were performed by the same surgeon in the same operating room. The time between the incision and the suture was determined and recorded as the operation time for each procedure. Before surgery, on the 2nd postoperative day, and on the 7th postoperative day, the patients were compared in terms of facial swelling impacted mandibular third molar, discomfort, and trismus. IBM SPSS V23 was used to evaluate the data. The left impacted mandibular third molar extraction takes longer than the right impacted mandibular third molar extraction. Tooth 38, which have a longer operation time, are more prone to swelling, discomfort, and trismus. When tooths are extracted, right-handed surgeons cause less postoperative morbidity 48. We recommend that both right-handed, left-handed surgeons operate in clinics that conduct impacted tooth extractions.

Radiographic Study of the Prevalence and Pattern of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars in a Northern Nigerian Population.

Background: The incidence of impacted mandibular and maxillary third molars has become a global public health concern. This study reports a radiographic prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars among a Nigerian population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in a Northern Nigeria population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oral Diagnostic Sciences Department of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. Digital diagnostic images of patients of record on Planmeca Promax® within the sampling frame and acquired during the two years under review, were included in the study. The images were analyzed on Planmeca Romexis 4.3.0 R software to identify relevant study variables. Descriptive statistics was done using SPSS for windows software version 23.0 (IBM, Chicago IL., USA). Also, Pearson’s Chi‑square (χ2) statistical test was applied while confidence interval and P-value were set at 95% and ≤0.05, respectively. Results: A total of 4,932 pantomographs were reviewed and 576 were selected for the study. There were 824 impacted mandibular third molars within the age range of 18-65 years (mean age±SD = 32.67±9.69). 297 (51.6%) were males, and 279 (48.4%) were females. The prevalence of impacted mandibular third molar was 16.71%. Impacted mandibular third molar occurred more frequently in the 26-35 years age range. The most frequent angle of impaction was horizontal, followed by mesioangular, and the least frequent angulation was distoangular. Conclusion: The prevalence and pattern of impacted third molars among Northern Nigeria population are almost similar to other racial populations with minor variations, and the prevalence decreases with increasing age. A proper radiographic evaluation of the patterns of third molars impaction is, therefore, essential to assist dental surgeons in making decisions with regard to surgical planning and treatment. Key Words: Impacted teeth, panoramic radiograph, third molar.

A prospective randomized study on the efficacy of real-time dynamic navigation in deep horizontal mandibular third molar extractions

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of applying real-time dynamic navigation (RDN) in the extraction of deep horizontal mandibular impacted third molars, hypothesizing that RDN reduces surgical time and minimizes the risk of injury to adjacent anatomical structures.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 160 patients aged between 18 and 37 years with deep horizontal impaction of the mandibular third molar. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (receiving RDN-assisted extractions) or the control group (undergoing traditional extraction methods). Preoperative planning utilized cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and Mimics software for the accurate localization and segmentation of impacted teeth. Parametric data were analysed via an independent t test for intergroup comparisons, and significance was set to p < 0.05.ResultsIn the experimental group, an average of 11 ± 1 min was required for preoperative planning via RDN, which was not required in the control group. The setup of the navigation system took an average of 4 ± 1 min in the experimental group and 0 min in the control group. The experimental group demonstrated a significantly shorter average surgical time (22 ± 3 min) than did the control group (36 ± 3 min). The differences in the preoperative design time, surgical time, and complication rates between the two groups were statistically significant (p = 0.005). Additionally, the RDN group reported no complications related to adjacent tooth damage or nerve injury.ConclusionThe precision, safety, real-time guidance of RDN supports its use in complicated dental extractions, which would introduce a new era of oral and maxillofacial surgery.Graphical

Digital-assisted diagnosis and orthodontic management of an impacted mandibular lateral incisor: a case report

BackgroundThe impaction of mandibular lateral incisors presents significant aesthetic and functional challenges in orthodontics, including Bolton ratio discrepancies and anterior occlusal anomalies. The increasing preference for nonextraction treatment further complicates space management within the dental arch. However, the advent of digital-assisted orthodontic technologies, particularly advanced digital simulations, has revolutionized the precision and effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment planning. These technologies enable clinicians to strategically leverage natural jaw development and create the necessary space for the alignment of impacted teeth without resorting to extraction.Case presentationThis case report details the treatment of a 12-year-old male with an impacted mandibular lateral incisor, which resulted in both aesthetic concerns and functional impairments, alongside Class II malocclusion. By employing a digital-assisted diagnostic approach, including comprehensive digital simulations, we meticulously evaluated the feasibility of a nonextraction treatment plan. The strategy centred on harnessing the patient’s mandibular growth potential to expand the available space naturally. The treatment involved surgical exposure of the impacted tooth, followed by precise orthodontic traction guided by continuous digital monitoring. The integration of digital tools throughout the treatment process was crucial in achieving successful eruption and alignment of the impacted tooth, thus restoring optimal aesthetics and function without the need for extraction.ConclusionThis case highlights the transformative impact of digital-assisted technologies in the management of complex orthodontic cases, such as impacted mandibular lateral incisors. The successful integration of these advanced tools with a nonextraction treatment approach underscores their potential to significantly enhance clinical outcomes. Digital technologies not only improve the accuracy and effectiveness of treatment but also facilitate a multidisciplinary approach that elevates the standard of patient care in addressing complex orthodontic challenges.

Effects of Different Fields of View and Rotation Angles on Radiation Doses to Highly Radiosensitive Organs in Children Using Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a diverse 3D X-ray imaging technique that has enabled clear visualization of the teeth and surrounding structures. The most common diagnostic purpose of dental CBCT examination in children is ectopic eruption and impacted teeth, and a small field of view (FOV) is often used. Since it is difficult for children to control their body movements, reducing the rotation angle is effective. However, no studies have examined the effects of different rotation angles on radiation doses to highly radiosensitive organs in children using small FOVs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of small FOVs (4 × 4 cm and 6 × 6 cm) and rotation angles (360° and 180°) on doses that highly sensitize organs in children using dental CBCT. The entrance surface doses to lenses, thyroid lobes, parotid glands, and sublingual glands of a pediatric whole-body phantom were measured. By reducing the FOV from 6 × 6 cm to 4 × 4 cm, the dose to the sublingual gland could be significantly decreased. Additionally, by reducing the rotation angle from 360° to 180°, the lens dose can be decreased significantly. As the rate of dose reduction varies among organs, it is important to consider the relative positions of different organs with respect to the FOV and the trajectory of the X-ray tube.