Intraoral Radiographs Research Articles

Case-control Study: Comparative Evaluation of Bio active Glass (Novabone Putty) and Demineralized Freeze-dried Bone Allograft in the Treatment of Mandibular Furcation Defects.

The aim of this study was to compare a second-generation bioactive glass putty biomaterial (Novabone putty) against demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in mandibular grade II furcation defects. Fifteen systematically healthy individuals in the age range of 38-50 years were selected for this split-mouth study. Group I consisting of 15 sites, was treated with DFDBA and group II consisting of 15 sites was treated with Novabone putty (NB putty). The clinical parameters recorded at 0, 3 and 6 months included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), relative vertical attachment level (RVAL) and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL). Standardized intraoral periapical radiographs were taken at all 30 sites pre-and 6 months post-operatively. Probing pocket depth reduced significantly (p = 0.001) when baseline values were compared to 3 and 6 months postoperatively. In group II mean RVAL changed from 6.56 ± 1.44 at baseline to 4.80 ± 1.14 at 3 months and 4.80 ± 1.33 at 6 months which was found to be highly significant (HS) (p = 0.001). The mean RHAL also showed a significant difference when baseline values were compared to 6 months post-operatively in both the groups. With respect to defect depth and bone density, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Significant improvement of the clinical parameters were seen in both the groups. As both the groups showed increase in defect fill and bone density, it can be summarized that NB putty seems to have comparable regeneration property to that of DFDBA when used for mandibular grade II furcation defects. The ease of use and higher level of biological performance of second-generation bioactive glass putty make it an ideal graft material. How to cite this article: Sen A, Rajan P, Kumar V, et al. Case-control Study: Comparative Evaluation of Bio active Glass (Novabone Putty) and Demineralized Freeze-dried Bone Allograft in the Treatment of Mandibular Furcation Defects. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(7):696-702.

Men with HIV have increased alveolar bone loss

BackgroundPeriodontal health in men with HIV remains understudied, despite suggestions of associations between HIV infection and gingival pocketing, periodontal attachment loss, and gingival inflammation. As antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved the quality of life for people living with HIV (PLWH), aging-related risk factors and comorbidities, including periodontitis, have emerged. This study aims to assess alveolar bone height, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) cytokines, and periodontal disease activity in men with and without HIV.MethodsNinety-three men (50 HIV+, 43 HIV-) aged 35–70 years were recruited from Columbia University Irving Medical Center clinics. Periodontal examination, GCF collection, and intraoral radiographs were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted with t-tests for continuous variables and chi-squared tests for categorical variables.ResultsWhile no significant differences were observed in bleeding on probing, clinical attachment loss and pocket depths, men with HIV exhibited significantly greater alveolar crestal height on radiographs compared to men without HIV (HIV + 3.41+/-1.35 mm, HIV- 2.64+/-1.01 mm; p = 0.004), reflecting greater alveolar bone loss.ConclusionsMen living with HIV demonstrate increased alveolar bone loss compared to those without HIV, possibly mediated by elevated IL6 levels. These results underscore the importance of comprehensive oral health management in PLWH and highlight the need for further research understanding the mechanisms linking HIV infection, cytokine dysregulation, and periodontal health.

Publicly Available Dental Image Datasets for Artificial Intelligence.

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry requires large and well-annotated datasets. However, the availability of public dental imaging datasets remains unclear. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of all publicly available dental imaging datasets to address this gap and support AI development. This observational study searched all publicly available dataset resources (academic databases, preprints, and AI challenges), focusing on datasets/articles from 2020 to 2023, with PubMed searches extending back to 2011. We comprehensively searched for dental AI datasets containing images (intraoral photos, scans, radiographs, etc.) using relevant keywords. We included datasets of >50 images obtained from publicly available sources. We extracted dataset characteristics, patient demographics, country of origin, dataset size, ethical clearance, image details, FAIRness metrics, and metadata completeness. We screened 131,028 records and extracted 16 unique dental imaging datasets. The datasets were obtained from Kaggle (18.8%), GitHub, Google, Mendeley, PubMed, Zenodo (each 12.5%), Grand-Challenge, OSF, and arXiv (each 6.25%). The primary focus was tooth segmentation (62.5%) and labeling (56.2%). Panoramic radiography was the most common imaging modality (58.8%). Of the 13 countries, China contributed the most images (2,413). Of the datasets, 75% contained annotations, whereas the methods used to establish labels were often unclear and inconsistent. Only 31.2% of the datasets reported ethical approval, and 56.25% did not specify a license. Most data were obtained from dental clinics (50%). Intraoral radiographs had the highest findability score in the FAIR assessment, whereas cone-beam computed tomography datasets scored the lowest in all categories. These findings revealed a scarcity of publicly available imaging dental data and inconsistent metadata reporting. To promote the development of robust, equitable, and generalizable AI tools for dental diagnostics, treatment, and research, efforts are needed to address data scarcity, increase diversity, mandate metadata completeness, and ensure FAIRness in AI dental imaging research.

Wide Restorative Emergence Angle Increases Marginal Bone Loss and Impairs Integrity of the Junctional Epithelium of the Implant Supracrestal Complex: APreclinical Study.

To assess the influence of the emergence angle on marginal bone loss (MBL) and supracrestal soft tissue around dental implants. In six mongrel dogs, the mandibular premolars and molars were extracted. After 3 months of healing, four dental implants were placed in each hemimandible. The implants were randomly allocated to receive one of four customized healing abutments, each with a different value of the restorative emergence angle: 20°, 40°, 60° or 80°. Intra-oral radiographs were taken after placing the healing abutments and at 6, 9, 16 and 24 weeks of follow-up. Then, micro-CT and undecalcified histology and synchrotron were performed. MBL over time was analysed with generalized estimating equations (GEEs) and adjusted for baseline soft-tissue thickness. From implant placement to 24 weeks, GEE modelling showed that the MBL at mesial and distal sites consistently increased over time, indicating MBL in all groups (p < 0.001). The model indicated that MBL varied significantly across the different restorative angles (angle effect, p < 0.001), with 80° showing the greatest bone loss. Micro-CT, histology and synchrotron confirmed the corresponding trends and showed that wide restorative angles (60° and 80°) impaired the integrity of the junctional epithelium of the supracrestal tissue. A wide restorative angle increases MBL and impairs the integrity of the junctional epithelium of the implant supracrestal complex.

Prevalence of Decay and Tooth Condition Changes Adjacent to Restored Dental Implants: A Retrospective Radiographic Study.

This study examined the association between a dental implant and changes in adjacent teeth over time. Electronic health records of 1818 patients who received a dental implant were retrospectively evaluated over 14 years (2005-2019) in a university setting. The status of the adjacent tooth and vertical and horizontal distance from the implant platform to adjacent teeth were determined using digital intraoral radiographs taken at baseline and the last follow-up visit (1-14 years, median 4 years). In total, 1085 dental implants were evaluated. There were 234 instances of a change in the adjacent tooth. Decay was observed in 83 (7.6%) of adjacent teeth; the mean time to development was 4 years (range 1-14 years). Approximately 9% of adjacent teeth received direct restorations, 4.8% received indirect restorations, 1% received endodontic root canal treatment, and 5.6% were extracted. The mean horizontal distance between the implant platform and the adjacent teeth was 3.56 mm; the mean vertical distance from the contact point to the alveolar crest on the tooth side was 6.2 mm at the first time of the reported decay on X ray. These distances did not significantly influence the occurrence of caries. The prevalence of interproximal contact loss was higher on the mesial of the implant crown at 63% compared with 20% on the distal side. This large retrospective analysis identified that teeth adjacent to a dental implant were at risk of decay and changes in their condition. In addition, the implant-to-tooth distance and inadequate emergence profile may contribute as caries risk factors in addition to hygiene and a high sugar level diet. These findings appear essential for clinicians when making treatment decisions and discussing outcomes with patients.

Ten-Year Follow-Up of Oral Implants in Bone With Limited Bucco-Oral Dimensions: A Prospective Case Series.

It has been suggested that 1-2 mm of bone width at the buccal and lingual aspect is required for a successful long-term implant outcome. Low levels of evidence support this minimum threshold of bone width. This prospective study aimed at evaluating the outcome of implants placed in alveolar ridges with limited bucco-oral dimensions. One-hundred implants (dia. 3.5 mm) were placed in 28 patients with narrow alveolar ridge dimensions (<4.5 mm width) without augmentation procedures and conventionally loaded. Intra-oral radiographs were taken at implant placement and abutment connection and at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 years of follow-up. At the 10-year follow-up (21 patients; 75 implants), full-mouth periodontal charting was performed, and the peri-implant keratinized tissue width and attachment type were recorded. Two calibrated periodontists analysed the peri-implant bone changes. After 10 years, all implants showed successful osseointegration and a cumulative survival rate of 100%. The implants were placed 0.85 mm ± 0.89 mm subcrestally. After 10 years, the marginal bone was located 1.59 ± 2.11 mm apical to the implant shoulder. Throughout this period of follow-up, the mean annual marginal bone loss was 0.094 mm. Furthermore, 84% of implants in 72% of patients presented with bleeding on probing. After 10 years of functional loading, implants placed in alveolar ridges with limited bucco-oral dimensions (≤4.5 mm) exhibited only minimum marginal bone loss.

Assessment of Risk Factors and Prognostic Predictors for Endo-Perio Lesions in Indian Cohorts: An Observational Study.

Endodontic and periodontal tissues exhibit a significant interrelationship, whereby pathologies affecting one tissue can precipitate the involvement of the other. The primary objective of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with endo-perio lesions (EPLs). The secondary objective was to assess the prognostic predictors for such lesions and the prevalence rate of EPLs involving both pulpal and periodontal tissues in Indian cohorts. A prospective observational study was conducted on 2170 teeth with EPLs in Indian adults aged > 18 years. A detailed history of smoking, tobacco chewing, and the development of EPLs was obtained from all patients. Detailed periodontal and endodontic examinations were conducted by two calibrated examiners. Intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAs) were obtained to diagnose EPLs. The chi-square test of association was used to analyze the association between independent and dependent variables, and the strength of association was presented by Pearsoncontingency coefficient (r). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify reliable factors for diagnosing EPLs. A statistical significance threshold of 0.05 was established. The prevalence of EPLs involving pulpal and periodontal tissues was 29.49%. Type 1 lesions (EPLs involving only pulpal tissue) were most commonly seen at 41-45 years of age, type 2 lesions (EPLs involving primary pulpal and secondary periodontal tissue), and type 3 lesions (EPLs involving only periodontal tissue) at 26-30 years of age, and type 4 lesions (EPLs involving primary periodontal and secondary pulpal tissue) at 31-35 years of age. The pulp was found to be non-vital in all cases of type 3 lesions, and faulty restoration or improper root canal treatment (RCT) was the main risk factor for such lesions. Occupational trauma was found to be the most common risk factor for type 3 and type 4 lesions. Smoking, age, tooth type, occlusal trauma, faulty restorations and RCT, presence of caries, periapical pathology, periodontitis, bone loss, and pulp vitality were significantly associated with EPLs. Pulp vitality and bone loss were two prognostic predictors of EPLs.

Immediate versus conventional loading in short and ultra-short implants: a protocol design.

After tooth extraction, inevitable resorption of the postextraction socket occurs. Placing an immediate implant does not fully preserve the bone integrity of the socket. Preservation techniques cannot avoid alveolar resorption. In residual atrophies, bone augmentation techniques are necessary for subsequent rehabilitation with implants. The aim of this study was to propose a protocol of immediate loading in short implants as an alternative to bone augmentation techniques, comparing the immediate versus conventional loading, evaluating peri-implant bone loss, the biological and prosthetic complications, the survival of the implant and prosthesis and the patient satisfaction after one year. This study consists of a randomized controlled clinical trial. For implant planning, periapical intraoral radiographs and Cone Beam Computed Tomography will be used. All patients will receive Straumann Group® (Basel, Switzerland) titanium-zirconia implants with a 4.1mm or 4.8mm diameter and a 4 mm or 6 mm length. The expected results show similar or even minor bone loss, biological and prosthetic complications, identical or even better survival of the short implants with immediate loading, and greater satisfaction. Short implants demonstrate similar survival to conventional length implants, with comparable or even minor biological and prosthetic complications and bone loss. Immediate loading gives satisfactory results similar to conventional loading, with similar biological and prosthetic complications, and generally depends on poor hygiene levels. Bone loss is even less, and the satisfaction increases.

Effect of postoperative 660-nm low-level laser therapy on the radiographic crestal bone loss of fresh-socket dental implants.

Although the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in soft tissue healing have been demonstrated, the effects of laser on bone have remained controversial. This study investigated the impact of postoperative 660-nm LLLT on the radiographic crestal bone loss of fresh-socket dental implants. Thirty patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for tooth extraction and placement of fresh-socket implants were selected and assigned to two groups: laser (intervention) and no-laser (control) groups. Immediately after tooth extraction, the implant was inserted into the tooth socket. 660-nm LLLT was immediately started after surgery and was repeated three times per week for two weeks. Bone quantification at the implant site was assessed using periapical intraoral radiographs and computerized software immediately after surgery and after six months. This study showed a statistically significant difference in mean bone resorption between the mesial and distal aspects of the two groups, with lower bone resorption in the laser group compared to the no-laser group. The results of this study suggest that LLLT can effectively reduce bone resorption in fresh-socket implant placement. This might indicate the positive effect of LLLT on bone resorption reduction.

A clinical approach in the management of endodontic-periodontal lesions of endodontic origin: Two case reports with 2-year follow-up

Abstract The term “endodontic-periodontal” (endo-perio) lesions describe lesions with the involvement of pulpal tissues and the periodontium of a tooth. These cases regarding the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of teeth are challenging for the clinician. The aim of this article was to discuss two cases of endo-perio lesions in molars with large periapical radiolucencies. Two healthy male individuals came with a chief complaint of pain during chewing. During clinical examination, a deep periodontal pocket of 10 mm and 7 mm, respectively, was noticed in both cases, and large periapical radiolucencies extended to the apical region were confirmed by the intraoral periapical radiographs. Evaluation of the symptoms together with the clinical findings determined the diagnosis endo-perio lesion of endodontic origin and accordingly the decision for the management. The successful treatment outcome with the periodontal healing in both cases was observed soon 40 days after orthograde root canal treatment. Conservative endodontic therapy was the key to the healing of the periapical tissues in endo-perio lesions of endodontic origin. The clinical approach as well as the 2-year follow-up of those compromised endo-perio lesions showed that endodontic therapy resulted in the healing, whereas no periodontal therapy was performed and the initial decision-making was confirmed.

Alveolar bone loss is a significant contributor to tooth loss in dentate HIV+ patients: A retrospective study.

The study objectives were to determine tooth loss prevalence and to investigate the relationship between tooth loss and potential risk factors among adult dentate HIV+ patients on newer antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. Health records of 450 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals were surveyed. Eighty-eight records of dentate HIV+ individuals with full-mouth periodontal charting and intra-oral periapical radiographs were identified. We collected data on demographics, systemic risk factors, oral health, and HIV disease measures. Caries exposure and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were radiographically assessed. Eighty-eight percent of patients showed tooth loss. Patients with ABL ≥15% had a higher number of missing teeth (p<.01). Stepwise regression analyses indicated that tooth loss was positively associated with age (β=0.45, p<.01) and ABL (β=0.39, p<.01). By contrast number of years on ART was negatively associated with tooth loss (β=-0.28, p<.05). Tooth loss remains prevalent among HIV+ patients, and periodontal disease is a significant contributor. The number of years on ART seem to improve oral health behavior and reduce tooth loss.

Influence of gingival phenotype on crestal bone loss at implants

PurposeThe aim of this long-term cohort study in periodontally compromised patients with implants was to analyze the correlation between gingival phenotype and peri-implant crestal bone loss, and between clinical measures and gingival phenotype.MethodsImplant-supported single crowns and bridges were used to rehabilitate 162 implants in 57 patients. Patients were examined over a 2 to 20-year period on a recall schedule of 3 to 6 months. In addition to recording clinical parameters, intraoral radiographs were taken at baseline (immediately after superstructure insertion) and at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. Patients were differentiated into phenotype 1 with thin, scalloped gingiva and narrow attached gingiva (n = 19), phenotype 2 with thick, flat gingiva and wide attached gingiva (n = 23), or phenotyp 3 with thick, scalloped gingiva and narrow attached gingiva (n = 15).ResultsThe mean peri-implant crestal bone loss during the first 12 months was 1.3 ± 0.7 mm. Patients with gingival phenotype 1 had a significantly greater rate of increased crestal bone loss at implants (p = 0.016). No significant differences were present in subsequent years. The prevalence of mucositis at all implants was 27.2%, and the prevalence of peri-implantitis 9.3%. Univariate analyses indicated a significantly higher peri-implantitis risk in patients with gingival phenotype 2 (p-OR = 0.001; p-OR = 0.020). The implants of patients with phenotype 2 had significantly greater probing depths (1st year p < 0.001; 3rd year p = 0.016; 10th year p = 0.027; 15th year p < 0.001). Patients with gingival phenotype 3 showed no significantly increased probing depths, signs of inflammation and crestal bone loss.ConclusionsPatients with a gingival phenotype 1 have greater crestal bone loss at implants during the first year of functional loading. Patients with gingival phenotype 2 had significantly greater probing depth at implants and risk of peri-implantitis.

Iliac crest vertical block grafts -placing outside or inside the bone contour: A cohort study.

Challenging defect configurations and dimensions arise from severe, localized vertical alveolar ridge defects caused by trauma or prior surgery. This study aims to analyze three-dimensional bone gain, assess marginal bone stability in such defect configurations, and evaluate the impact of grafting outside the bone contour on the overall outcome, with a focus on iliac crest block grafts as a valid treatment option. The prospective cohort study evaluated patients who required vertical block grafting due to localized bone defects in the maxilla or mandible and who had received iliac grafts. Three-dimensional bone gain was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) after 3 months of bone healing for each treated site and implant position. A comparison between bone grafts inside and outside the bone contour was conducted. Marginal bone stability was measured using intraoral radiographs during routine annual follow-up visits. Seventy patients with 89 treated sites were evaluated. After 3 months of graft healing, the mean vertical bone gain was 11.03 ± 3.54 mm, the mean horizontal bone gain was 7.18 ± 2.00 mm, and the mean graft length was 28.19 ± 11.01 mm. A total of 217 implants were placed in the augmented regions. On implant level, a mean vertical bone gain of 10.44 ± 3.44 mm and a mean horizontal bone gain of 6.54 ± 1.86 mm were measured. Over a 43-month observation period, mesial and distal marginal bone loss averaged 0.44 ± 0.92 mm and 0.49 ± 1.05 mm, respectively. Eight implants were diagnosed with periimplantitis, resulting in the loss of four implants, while no early implant losses were reported. Within the limitations of this study, vertical bone grafts with iliac crest block grafts were found to be a dependable treatment option for dental implant placement, and placing block grafts outside the bone contour did not lead to inferior outcomes.

Real-world diagnostic potential of bacterial biomarkers of canine periodontitis.

The objective of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of bacterial biomarkers by comparing the performance of molecular detection assays with clinical assessments of dog's oral health performed by veterinarians. Supragingival and subgingival plaque samples were collected from 127 client-owned dogs, pre-booked for procedures under general anesthesia, visiting veterinary practices in the United States. DNA was extracted and bacterial biomarkers quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Gingivitis and periodontitis were recorded by a trained clinician using the Weighted Gingivitis Periodontitis Score which involved assessing the buccal surfaces of 18 teeth while under general anesthesia. Intraoral dental radiographs of the left and right mandibular first molar teeth were also obtained. These data were then used to establish the diagnostic performance of the molecular assay to detect periodontitis. An initial conscious, visual oral examination performed by the veterinarian identified 67.7% of dogs as having periodontitis, but examination under general anesthesia indicated a higher proportion (86.6%). Analysis of supragingival plaque samples collected by veterinarians from conscious and unconscious dogs demonstrated the assay had an accuracy of 77.7 to 80.9%, a sensitivity of 77.6 to 81.0%, and a specificity of 80.0%. Use of this molecular screening tool in conscious dogs has the potential to improve early periodontal disease detection and support veterinary decision making, ultimately improving the oral health of dogs and consequently their quality of life.

About the necessary thickness of stationary shield in X-ray dental rooms

In the paper, based on the analysis of scientific information regarding the parameters and characteris-tics of radiation fields for three dental X-ray procedures (intraoral radiographs, panoramic radiographs on orthopantomographs and computed tomography), the required thickness of stationary shields for rooms with different X-ray equipment is calculated. It has been shown that in most cases, in rooms where intraoral and panoramic radiographs are taken, conventional 20 mm thick plasterboard interior room partitions provide the necessary protection to comply with the dose limit for the population in the adjacent room. For the rooms where dental examinations are carried out using computed tomographs additional lead shield up to 1.5 mm thick is required depending on the conditions and the category of protected persons in the adjacent room.

Comparative evaluation of the accuracy of six different apex locators in working length determination of molars using intraoral periapical radiographs: An in vivo study.

One of the crucial steps in endodontic treatment is determining the working length (WL). There are various methods for performing this procedure, one of which is an electronic apex locator (EAL) measurement. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of six EALs, i.e.. Root ZX, Root ZX Mini, Propex PiXi, Innvopex-1, Woodpex III, and Raypex 6 for WL estimation in the mandibular first molars. The study included 180 root canals with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, divided into six groups using different apex locators. WL determination was compared with intraoral periapical radiographs. Results were categorized as accurate, short, or long. The data were statistically analyzed. ROOT ZX had an accuracy of 96.7%, Root ZX Mini had an accuracy of 93.3%, PiXi had an accuracy of 90.0%, Innvopex-1 had an accuracy of 90.0%, Woodpex III had an accuracy of 86.7%, and Raypex 6 had an accuracy of 83.4%, respectively. There was a statistically nonsignificant difference between groups (P < 0.05). Newly developed apex locators, such as the Innvopex-1, have shown accuracy comparable to well-established EALs like the Root ZX. This highlights the importance of conducting more extensive, large-scale research to confirm and validate their effectiveness.

Radiographic assessment of the peri-implant site.

While peri-implant mucositis relies solely on clinical parameters, radiological assessment becomes indispensable for diagnosing peri-implantitis. Intraoral radiography, with its simplicity of application, low radiation exposure, and adequate representation of peri-implant structures, stands out as the standard of care for both immediate and follow-up assessments. Standardization by custom-made radiologic splints allows for excellent comparability with previous images and allows for the determination of even small changes in contour and density of the peri-implant bone. Furthermore, other radiographic modalities like panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) may provide useful features for specific patients and clinical cases while also showing innate limitations. Beyond the assessment of the marginal peri-implant bone level as the crucial parameter of clinical relevance, radiologic assessment may reveal various other findings related to the prosthetic restoration itself, the precision of its fit to the implant, and the peri-implant soft and hard tissues. Since such findings can be crucial for the assessment of peri-implant health and the implants' prognosis, a systematic diagnostic evaluation pathway for a thorough assessment is recommended to extract all relevant information from radiologic imaging. This article also provides an overview of the clinical and chronological indications for different imaging modalities in peri-implant issues.

Nonionizing diagnostic imaging modalities for visualizing health and pathology of periodontal and peri-implant tissues.

Radiographic examination has been an essential part of the diagnostic workflow in periodontology and implant dentistry. However, radiographic examination unavoidably involves ionizing radiation and its associated risks. Clinicians and researchers have invested considerable efforts in assessing the feasibility and capability of utilizing nonionizing imaging modalities to replace traditional radiographic imaging. Two such modalities have been extensively evaluated in clinical settings, namely, ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another modality, optical coherence tomography (OCT), has been under investigation more recently. This review aims to provide an overview of the literature and summarize the usage of USG, MRI, and OCT in evaluating health and pathology of periodontal and peri-implant tissues. Clinical studies have shown that USG could accurately measure gingival height and crestal bone level, and classify furcation involvement. Due to physical constraints, USG may be more applicable to the buccal surfaces of the dentition even with an intra-oral probe. Clinical studies have also shown that MRI could visualize the degree of soft-tissue inflammation and osseous edema, the extent of bone loss at furcation involvement sites, and periodontal bone level. However, there was a lack of clinical studies on the evaluation of peri-implant tissues by MRI. Moreover, an MRI machine is very expensive, occupies much space, and requires more time than cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) or intraoral radiographs to complete a scan. The feasibility of OCT to evaluate periodontal and peri-implant tissues remains to be elucidated, as there are only preclinical studies at the moment. A major shortcoming of OCT is that it may not reach the bottom of the periodontal pocket, particularly for inflammatory conditions, due to the absorption of near-infrared light by hemoglobin. Until future technological breakthroughs finally overcome the limitations of USG, MRI and OCT, the practical imaging modalities for routine diagnostics of periodontal and peri-implant tissues remain to be plain radiographs and CBCTs.

Radiographic Errors in Intraoral Periapical Radiographs

Background: Radiographs are considered as pivotal aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning of various Oro-dental pathologies. Changes in the quality of radiographs may lead to misinterpretation, which results in incorrect diagnosis and treatment planning. The technical and processing errors can largely influence the radiographic interpretation. Both paralleling and bisecting angle techniques can have both technical and manual errors. Aims: To estimate the frequency of radiographical errors in conventional radiographs taken by undergraduate dental students. Materials And Method: Thousand (1000) dental radiographs taken by undergraduate students were examined. Patient's age ranged between 5 -75 years. X- ray films were examined on X-ray film viewer and were classified according to type of errors and anatomical distribution. Results: The study aimed to identify common faults encountered during routine radiography. The most frequently observed error was Improper Vertical Angulation. Interns performed better in obtaining radiographs compared to Final year students. Keywords: Radiographic errors, Dental students, Bisecting angle technique.

Comparison of the Extent of Root Resorption in Maxillary Anterior Teeth Retracted using Regular Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADS) Versus Conventional Anchorage Methods: A Retrospective Study

Aim The aim of this study will be to compare the amount of root resorption of maxillary anterior retracted with anterior TADs,regular TADs and without skeletal anchorage.  Materials and methods: Samples for the study will be the patients undergone orthodontic treatment at the Department of Orthodontics,K.V.G. Dental College and Hospital, Sullia Sample size of 45 patients will be divided in to 3 groups . ,Group 1 consists of patients treated with anterior TADs, Group2 consists of patients treated with regular TADs and Group 3 consists of patients treated without skeletal anchorage for retraction of maxillary anteriors. Root resorption will be measured by comparing pretreatment and post treatment intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR) radiographs.  Result- The study meticulously compared root resorption levels among three groups: Conventional, Anterior Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), and Posterior TADs. Anterior TADs exhibited the highest mean root resorption, significantly higher than both Conventional and Posterior TADs. Statistical analyses confirmed these differences, highlighting the impact of anchorage method on root resorption. Pairwise comparisons and confidence intervals further supported the findings, emphasizing the nuanced variations observed.