Retrospective Cone Beam Computed Tomography Research Articles

Impact of Maxillomandibular Sagittal Variations on Upper Airway Dimensions: A Retrospective Cross-sectional CBCT Evaluation.

This study aimed to analyze the upper airway dimensions in adult patients with different anteroposterior (sagittal) skeletal malocclusions (class I, II, and III) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 90 CBCT records from adult subjects who were categorized into three skeletal groups based on their ANB values: Class I (n = 30), class II (n = 30), and class III (n = 30) and were evaluated. The following upper airway measurements were considered: oropharyngeal airway volume, hypopharyngeal airway volume, pharyngeal airway volume, oropharyngeal airway length, hypopharyngeal airway length, pharyngeal airway length, the most constricted site of the pharyngeal airway, and the most constricted cross-sectional area (MIN-CSA) of the pharyngeal airway. Additionally, the volume of the intraoral airway was determined. Pearson's correlation test was employed to evaluate the relationship between age and upper airway dimensions. Significant differences in upper airway volume were found among skeletal groups in the hypopharyngeal (p = 0.034) and pharyngeal (p = 0.004) regions, with class III patients showing larger volumes compared to class II. Oropharyngeal (p = 0.044) and pharyngeal (p = 0.011) lengths were shorter in class III than in class I. In contrast, the narrowest cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway was larger in class III compared to class II (p = 0.003) and class I (p = 0.032). Class III patients had a significantly greater intraoral space volume than class II patients (p = 0.036). The present study found significant differences in upper airway dimensions among adults with varying maxillomandibular sagittal relationships. Class III patients had larger hypopharyngeal and pharyngeal volumes, but shorter oropharyngeal and pharyngeal lengths compared to other classes. The narrowest pharyngeal area was larger in class III, with gender and age also influencing airway dimensions. These findings underscore the need to consider skeletal relationships, gender, and age in airway assessments. Accordingly, these factors can help clinicians better understand the correlation between airway dimensions and jaw position for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning of orthodontic and surgical interventions. How to cite this article: Aldhorae K, Ishaq R, Alhaidary S, et al. Impact of Maxillomandibular Sagittal Variations on Upper Airway Dimensions: A Retrospective Cross-sectional CBCT Evaluation. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(10):955-962.

Determination of pharyngeal airway space volumes and their correlation with gender and age: A retrospective CBCT study

An analysis of full skull cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 180 patients to measure the upper airway volumes and analyze correlations with age and gender is of interest. Results showed that 45% of patients had reduced airway volume, 21.7% had increased volume, and 33.3% had normal volumes. Male patients had significantly higher volumes of the nasopharyngeal (NPV) and total upper airway volume (TV) values, with a notable age-related decrease in oropharyngeal (OPV). The study highlights gender and age as significant factors influencing airway volumes.

Investigation of the Bifid Mandibular Canal Prevalence in the Central Anatolian Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study

Aim: This study aims to retrospectively examine cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images obtained for various reasons to determine the prevalence of bifid mandibular canal (BMC) in the Central Anatolian population. Material and Method: A total of 518 mandibular canals (right and left sides evaluated separately) from 259 CBCT images (145 female, 114 male) that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. BMCs were categorized as retromolar canal, forward canal, dental canal, and buccolingual canal. Individuals were grouped into age ranges of 15-34, 35-54, and 55-75 years. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. The data were then compared based on side (right/left), gender, and age. Results: BMC was observed in 35.9% of the total participants. The most common subtype was the forward canal (Type 3) at a rate of 41.9%, followed by the retromolar canal at 35.4%, the dental canal at 31.1%, and the buccolingual canal at 26.8%. While there was no significant difference in BMC prevalence by gender, the prevalence was found to be higher in the second age group. Conclusion: In conclusion, regardless of subtype, determining the presence of BMC in patients undergoing mandibular procedures is extremely important for informing the clinician, especially to avoid complications such as local anesthesia failure, postoperative paresthesia, or bleeding. If present, it should be noted in the CBCT report.

Assessment of Condylar Changes in Patients with Degenerative Joint Disease of the TMJ After Stabilizing Splint Therapy: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the TMJ can impact patients' quality of life and complicate orthodontic treatment. Stabilizing splints are a common conservative treatment in managing TMDs symptoms, although their long-term effects on condylar morphology are poorly studied. This study aimed to assess the impact of stabilizing splints on condyle morphology using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with various stages of DJD. Forty-two condyles with pre- (T1) and post- (T2) splint therapy scans were analyzed. CBCT scans were sectioned into sagittal and coronal slices for condyle classification and measurement. T1 and T2 CBCTs were superimposed before linear and area measurements at different poles. Our results indicate that condyles in the normal group remain unchanged after splint therapy. The majority of subjects in the degenerative groups remained in the same classification group: six out of fourteen degenerative-active patients became degenerative-repair, while three out of twenty-two degenerative-repair patients progressed to degenerative-active. There is no significant remodeling of condylar width pre- and post-splint therapy. On average, there is more bone deposition than reduction in condylar height after splint therapy, although individual variation exists. Stabilizing splints offer a low-risk intervention for managing DJD and may contribute to favorable adaptive changes in the condyles.

Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary Incisors Teeth in a Sample of Yemeni Population Using Two Classification Systems: A CBCT Study

Objective: To determine the root and canal morphology of permanent maxillary central and lateral incisors in a sample of Yemeni population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective CBCT analysis of 400 maxillary anterior teeth from a Yemeni adults (18-50 years) was conducted. Image evaluation in sagittal, axial, and coronal planes using Ez3D-i software assessed root number, canal orifice number, canal number, and canal configuration based on Vertucci's and Ahmed's classifications. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were employed (p < 0.05). Results: All incisors exhibited a single root and canal with a single orifice. The predominant canal configuration was Type 1 according to both Vertucci's (93.5%) and Ahmed's (93.8%) classifications. Type 5 (bifurcation at the apex) was observed in 6.25% (Vertucci) and 6.0% (Ahmed) of cases, while Type 3 (canal division and reunion) was rare (0.25% Vertucci, 0.2% Ahmed). Conclusion: Permanent maxillary central and lateral incisors in the Yemeni population primarily demonstrate a single root and canal. Although variations in canal configuration exist, they are infrequent.

Classifying the internal anatomy of anterior teeth in the Yemeni population using two systems: a retrospective CBCT study.

A precursor for effective root canal treatment (RCT) is a complete understanding of the internal anatomy of teeth. In this study, the authors aimed to classify the root canal morphology of anterior teeth in the Yemeni population and identify gender-based variations among them. In addition, the symmetry among adjacent quadrants was also evaluated. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 2935 anterior teeth, 1502 maxillary, and 1433 mandibular were analyzed for root canal morphology and symmetry. Comparison between groups and among different genders was done using the Chi-square test. All the maxillary teeth were single-rooted and had a predominantly 1TN1 (Vertucci Type I) canal morphology. In addition to 1TN1, the presence of 1TN1-2-1 (Vertucci type III) and 1TN1-2-1-2-1 (not classified NC according to Vertucci) morphologies were noticed in the maxillary canines. Among the mandibular anteriors, the canal morphologies identified include 1TN1 in majority of the scans followed by 1TN2-1 (Vertucci II), 1TN1-2-1, 1TN1-2 (Vertucci V), 1TN1-2-1-2 (Vertucci VII) was seen only in incisors and newer canal types like 1TN2-1-2-1 (NC Vertucci) and 1TN1-2-1-2-1 (NC Vertucci) was seen in canines and lateral incisors. Two roots were only seen in the mandibular canines and classified as 2TN1-2 (NC Vertucci). Variations in root and root canal morphologies were seen among both genders. However, the results were not significant. All the maxillary teeth except 0.8% were bilaterally symmetrical. In mandible, symmetry ranged between 84.5 and 86.5%. In conclusion, single-rooted teeth with 1TN1 classification are most commonly seen in all the anterior teeth. Gender-based differences were non-significant, and bilateral symmetry was high. Ahmed et al. classification could precisely represent the root canal morphology in two rooted teeth.

Three-Dimensional Modeling and Quantitative Assessment of Mandibular Volume in Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED)-a genetic disorder-is characterized by severe tooth deficiency. We compared the mandibular volume and the sagittal and horizontal mandibular widths between patients with ED (ED group) and individuals without tooth deficiency (control group) using three-dimensional modeling. We hypothesized that the mandibular volume differs in ED cases owing to congenital tooth deficiency. Materials and Methods: We used previously obtained cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 13 patients with ED. The control group data comprised retrospective CBCT images of patients of similar age and sex with a skeletal relationship of class 1. Further, using the three-dimensional image analysis software, the tooth crowns were separated from the mandible, the mandible was reconstructed and the gonion-to-gonion distance in the mandible was marked, the distance to the menton point was measured, and the distance between the two condyles was measured and compared with the control group. Results: Overall, 46.2% and 53.8% of the participants were men and women, respectively. In the ED group, the mean age of the participants was 15.46 (range, 6-24) years, and the mean number of mandibular teeth was 4.62. Notably, the edentulous mandible volume of the ED group (27.020 mm3) was statistically significantly smaller than that of the control group (49.213 mm3) (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the marked points. For data analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Conclusions: It has been considered that mandible volume does not develop in ED cases because of missing teeth. Modern practices, such as the CBCT technique and three-dimensional software, may be effective in identifying the true morphologic features, especially in patients with genetic syndromes affecting the maxillofacial structure.

Evaluation of Palatal Thickness for the Placement of MARPE Device among a Cohort of Iraqi-Kurdish Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare palatal thickness in adults for the placement of mini-implants for miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) appliances using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish people. CBCT scans from 68 Kurdish patients, aged between 18 and 30 years, were assessed retrospectively. Of these, 37 were males and 31 were females. The measurements were performed at 3 mm from the mid-palatal suture. T-zone was selected for the anterior points, at the level of the palatal cusps of 2nd premolars, and the posterior point at the level of mesio-palatal cusps of 1st molars bilaterally. Palatal thickness of males and females bilaterally, as well as anterior and posterior areas, were measured and compared. An independent t-test was applied for comparison for normally distributed data, and the Mann-Whitney test was utilized for nonnormally distributed data. Additionally, Bonferroni correction was implemented for p-value adjustment. The mean palatal thickness at the anterior area was 6.06 mm for males, 6.17 mm for females on the right side, 5.94 mm for males, and 5.99 mm for females on the left side. The mean palatal thickness at the posterior area was almost the same for both genders (4.40 mm for males and 4.44 mm for females) on the right side, 4.35 mm for males, and 4.54 mm for females on the left side. Statistically, no significant difference was recorded between males and females, as well as right and left sides in both anterior and posterior regions; however, a very highly statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded when comparing total thickness, including both hard and soft tissue, between anterior and posterior regions. CBCT proves a highly effective modality in assessing palatal thickness and suggesting ideal locations for orthodontic mini-screw placement. Our examination of palatal thickness in a sample of Iraqi-Kurdish individuals revealed no statistical difference between genders or sides, but significant variations were noted between anterior and posterior thicknesses. Comprehensive clinical and pre-expansion CBCT evaluations are crucial for precisely determining the optimal placement of MARPE devices in each patient, ensuring successful outcomes.

Correlation between TMJ Space Alteration and Disc Displacement: A Retrospective CBCT and MRI Study.

This study aims to determine if a large anterior and reduced posterior/superior joint space is highly predictable for disc displacement. From patients with temporomandibular disorders symptoms, fifty-two experimental joints and fourteen control joints were included. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to calculate posterior-to-anterior (P-A) and superior-to-anterior (S-A) joint space ratios, while disc position was determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One-way analysis of covariance test and receiver operating characteristics analysis were carried out. The results showed that among the 52 experimental joints, 45 were diagnosed as disc displacement and 7 as normal disc positions (N). All 14 control joints showed normal disc positions. The P-A ratio was 1.46 ± 0.21, 0.99 ± 0.23, and 0.86 ± 0.30 in the control, N, and DD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The S-A ratio was 1.80 ± 0.27, 1.44 ± 0.33, and 1.08 ± 0.35 in the control, N, and DD groups, respectively (p < 0.001). When an altered P-A ratio and/or S-A ratio are observed on the CBCT, the diagnosis of disc displacement is quite predictable with high sensitivity and specificity.

Dental Age Estimation by Assessing the Pulp Volume of Five Teeth in a Peruvian Population Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images

Dental age estimation is very important for individual identification in criminal and civil forensic investigations. One of the methods for age estimation is studying age related changes in pulp volume of teeth. The objective of the current study was to estimate dental age from the pulp volume of five different categories of teeth of a Peruvian sample using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospective CBCT records of 231 patients [females (134), males (97), age: 12-60 years] were included in the study, categorized into five different age groups (12-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 years and older). Dental pulp volume of five categories of teeth(upper canines, left upper central incisors, left upper first molars, lower left first premolars, first molars) were analyzed using Romexis® 5.3.3.5 software for each patient. There was a reduction in the pulp volume of upper right and left canine with age. The pulp volume was lowest in people aged 60 years and over. Linear regression analysis of the pulp volume and chronological age showed a coefficient of determination of 30%, suggesting a weak correlation. A weak correlation between dental pulp and age is derived. But, a robust large homogenous sample of teeth in future for different age groups may establish a reliable regression equation.

Alveolar bone defects around mandibular anterior teeth in Class I, II, and III malocclusions: a retrospective CBCT evaluation

Background: The aim of this study was to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate alveolar defects of mandibular anterior alveolar bone in three different types of malocclusion with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) by an observational cross-sectional study.

Comprehensive positional and morphological assessments of the temporomandibular joint in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion: a retrospective CBCT study

BackgroundCondyle-fossa relationships in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion remain unclear. Therefore, this study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the position and morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion.MethodsIn this cross-sectional retrospective study, CBCT images from 90 adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion and 30 controls were analysed. Adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion were divided into different groups based on (1) sex (male and female), (2) sides (right and left), (3) age (early, middle, and late adolescence), and (4) vertical skeletal patterns (hyperdivergent, normodivergent, and hypodivergent). Morphology of the condyle and fossa as well as condylar position, was compared among groups. Data were collected and submitted for statistical analysis. This study adheres to STROBE guidelines.ResultsRegarding the intergroup comparisons, there were significant differences in TMJ position and morphology between the skeletal Class III malocclusion with different vertical skeletal patterns and control groups (P < 0.05). Within groups, condyle-fossa relationships differed significantly according to sex, age, and vertical skeletal patterns (P < 0.05); however, the mean values were not statistically different between left and right sides in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion.ConclusionsOur findings can be used clinically and radiographically to evaluate the condyle and glenoid fossa features in adolescents with skeletal Class III malocclusion, providing a basis for better TMD diagnosis and orthodontic treatment.

Accessory infraorbital foramen location using cone-beam computed tomography.

Accessory infraorbital foramen (AIOF) can change the normal course of emerging branches of the infraorbital nerve and blood vessels exiting the infraorbital foramen (IOF). This study aimed to examine the AIOF, number of foramina, and their position in relation to IOF using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). We performed a retrospective CBCT assessment of hospital records between January 2018 and August 2022. The CBCT of 507 patients were examined to extract information on the prevalence, number, position, linear distance from the IOF, and diameter of AIOF in relation to demographic factors. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the prevalence of AIOF. Mean and standard deviation were used to calculate the linear distance and diameter of the AIOF, respectively. The AIOFs, its distribution, and number were compared between sexes and sides using the chi-square test. The independent t-test and Mann-Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the mean difference between the sexes and sides. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. In this current study, the prevalence of AIOF was 7.1% (36 of the 507 patients). Additionally, the current study examined the number of foramina using a single foramen on each side and double foramina located bilaterally at a distance from the AIOF to the IOF. The mean AIOF diameter was also studied, and the AIOF position with respect to the IOF on CBCT was superomedial or inferomedial. There were no statistically significant associations between any of the parameters assessed in this study when comparing sex and sides. A greater number of patients with AIOF presented with a single foramen and unilateral occurrence, without a statistically significant difference. The AIOF was most commonly located superomedial to the IOF.

Evaluation of localization of the mandibular lingula in children: A retrospective CBCT study

This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical localization of mandibular lingula in children aged between 6 and 18. In this study, 192 children were included. Patients were divided into three groups according to the age range as follows: aged 6 to 9, aged 9 to 13 and aged 14 to 18. cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used for linear measurements. Six reference points were measured to lingula in the study: posterior, anterior and inferior aspect of the ramus, sigmoid notch, occlusal plane and distal aspect of the first molar . In children aged 6–9 years, 10–13 years and 14–18 years; mean distances to the distal surface of the mandibular first molar were 23.27 mm, 28.71 mm, 36.26 mm, respectively. The lingula moved in a superior direction with age. Mean distance to the occlusal plane were 0.575 mm, 0.96 mm, 2.61 mm in patients aged 6–9 years, 10–13 years, 14–18 years; respectively. Mean distances from the sigmoid notch among children at 6–9 age, 10–13 age and 14–18 age were found to be 14.49 mm, 17.81 mm and 19.62 mm; respectively. Mandibular lingula was nearly the same level with occlusal plane aged between 6 and 14 (0.77 mm). In children 14–18 aged, lingula was approximately 2.61 mm above the occlusal plane. The parameters were found to be different in gender. It was found that the measurements were higher in males.

Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the proximity between the incisive canal and maxillary central incisors during anterior retraction: a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography study.

To elucidate the relationships and factors affecting the proximity between the incisive canal (IC) and maxillary central incisors and to predict the probable outcomes after anterior tooth retraction using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospective CBCT data taken before and after maxillary anterior retraction in 36 patients were used in this study. The incisive canal length (ICL), maxillary central incisor length (TL), angles between the palatal plane and axes of the maxillary alveolar border (θ1), IC (θ2), and maxillary central incisor (θ3), retraction distance (TDE), distance from the maxillary central incisors to the IC (D), cross-sectional area of the IC (CSA), and volume of the IC were evaluated. Comparison of the parameters between contact and noncontact groups were examined. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the probable outcome prediction. All parameters significantly decreased after anterior retraction, except for the ICL. Eighteen roots in 12 patients contacted the IC. The θ1, θ2, θ3, and D values at all levels were significantly lower, whereas the TDE, midlevel and oral opening CSA, and volume were significantly higher in the contact group compared with the noncontact group. The larger the pretreatment θ1 and θ3 were, the higher was the chance of incisors not contacting the IC. Maxillary central incisors not contacting the IC after anterior retraction was positively associated with larger degrees of pretreatment maxillary alveolar bone angle and maxillary central incisor angle.

Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Microstructure around Impacted Maxillary Canines Using Fractal Analysis in Dravidian Population: A Retrospective CBCT Study

The aim of this study was to assess alveolar bone microstructure around impacted maxillary canines derived from fractal analysis. The present study was a retrospective cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) study. In total, 61 scans (25 males, 36 females; age range - 12-28 years) were analyzed. About 64 × 64-pixel regions of interest (ROI) in the maxillary alveolar process containing trabecular bone between the premolars were selected. ImageJ software was utilized to process images and bone density was assessed by determining bone surface area (BSA) and bone marrow surface area (BMSA) for the impacted and nonimpacted sides separately. Selected fractals were plotted in a histogram using box-counting method and the results were tabulated. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant differences between the groups and gender differences. For both buccally and palatally impacted maxillary canines, BSA was increased, BMSA decreased in the region of the impacted canine and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05) in both genders. Bone fractal dimension (FD) values were greater in the region of the impacted canine for both buccally (1.47 > 1.21) and palatally (1.53 > 1.43) displaced canines, while bone marrow FD values were greater in the region of the nonimpacted canine for both buccally (1.37 > 1.28) and palatally displaced canines (1.41 > 1.33). Females had significantly higher BMSA than males around impacted canines (p <0.05). Denser bone microstructure was noted around impacted canines when compared with fully erupted canines. No gender-related differences were noted for BSA, whereas BMSA was higher in females implying lower bone density when compared with males. Retrospective evaluation of bone microstructure surrounding unerupted/impacted canines can provide analytical information about treatment prognosis and anchorage considerations. With FD analysis of CBCT images, BSA and BMSA can be measured and bone density estimated in a reliable manner.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Supernumerary Premolars in a Non-Syndromic Turkish Children Between 6-18 Years of Age: A Retrospective CBCT Study

Background: The prevalence and characteristics of supernumerary premolars in non-syndromic Turkish children between 6-18 years of age was investigated in this retrospective study through CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) analysis. Methods: CBCT images of 48 patients with at least one supernumerary premolar were evaluated in 1012 images of patients referred between 2015 and 2020. The localization, number, eruption state, shape, the position of supernumerary premolar, concomitant other dental anomalies, associated complications, and the presence of resorption on the nearest adjacent teeth were recorded. The statistical analysis of possible associated factors with resorption was performed by the Chi-square test and Logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of supernumerary premolars was 4.7%. A total of 107 supernumerary premolars in 48 patients with mean age of 15.02  2.24 were analyzed. Compared to single supernumerary premolar, multiple supernumerary premolars were more prevalent (62.5%). The concomitant dental anomalies such as pulp stones, mesiodens were observed in fifteen patients (31.2%). Most of the supernumerary premolars were impacted, supplemental shaped and vertical position. The most common complication associated with supernumerary premolars was root resorption (56.4%) of neighborhood teeth. Supernumerary premolars with immature roots induced significantly higher resorption percentages than only crown ones (P = 0.002). Also, the root resorption of adjacent teeth due to supernumerary premolars was significantly higher in children over 13 years of age (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence and three-dimensional radiographic characteristics of supernumerary premolars in non-syndromic Turkish children offer valuable information to the literature and highlight the possible complications.

Assessment of Root Canal Anatomy of Maxillary and Mandibular Canine Teeth: a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

To investigate the root canal anatomy of permanent maxillary and mandibular canines in a Turkish subpopulation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospective CBCT data of 300 patients admitted to our clinic between 2016 and 2018 were screened and evaluated. A total of 235 patients, 100 males and 135 females, aged 14-76 years (mean age 37.27±13.40) were included in this study. A total of 191 (44,8%) maxillary canine teeth and 235 (55,2%) mandibular canine teeth were examined. The number of roots and root canal morphology according to Vertucci’s classification, the presence of accessory canals, and the position of the apical foramen of the root were analyzed. The effect of gender and age on the incidence of root canal morphology was also investigated. The majority of the teeth had a Type I canal configuration in both maxillary canines (100%) and mandibular canines (92,8%). In the mandibular canines the other canal patterns found were Type III (6,8%), and Type II (0,4%). Apical foramen was centrally positioned in the majority of the teeth, 70,2% and 66,8% in maxillary and mandibular canines, respectively. The occurrence of two roots in mandibular canines was 3,8% and the root canal separation was found 53,8% and 46,2% in the middle and cervical third of the root, respectively. No significant statistical difference was observed effect of gender and age on the incidence of the root canal morphology and the position of the apical foramen. Due to the diverse morphology and the potential presence of a second canal for canine teeth among the Turkish subpopulation, dentists should perform endodontic treatments with greater care. CBCT is an accurate tool for the morphological assessment of the root canals.

Relationship between alveolar-bone morphology at the mandibular incisors and their inclination in adults with low-angle, skeletal class III malocclusion—A retrospective CBCT study

ObjectiveTo quantitatively study the effect of the labial inclination of the mandibular central incisors on the surrounding cortical and cancellous-bone morphology among patients with low-angle, skeletal class III malocclusion, by using cone-beam computed-tomography (CBCT) imaging.Materials and methodsThe CBCT images of 60 patients with low-angle, skeletal class III malocclusion were divided into lingual-inclination, upright, and labial-inclination groups. The height of the alveolar bone and the thickness and area of the cortical, cancellous, and total alveolar bone were measured separately on each side of the mandibular central incisors.ResultsThe thickness of the labial cortical bone from 6 mm below the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the root apex; the thickness of the labial cancellous bone at the root apex; the total thickness of the alveolar bone at the root apex; the area of labial cortical bone; the total area of labial alveolar bone; and the height of the labial alveolar bone were highest in the labial-inclination group (all P<0.05). All these variables were positively correlated with the labial inclination of the mandibular central incisors (all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences between the groups for any of the measurements on the lingual side of the teeth (P>0.05).ConclusionThe morphology of the alveolar bone on the labial but not the lingual side of the mandibular central incisors was statistically significantly correlated with the labial inclination of those teeth in patients with low-angle, skeletal class III malocclusion.

Morphological Assessment of TMJ Spaces, Mandibular Condyle, and Glenoid Fossa Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Retrospective Analysis.

Background The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is included in the category of ginglymoarthrodial synovial joints. The mandibular condyle plays a vital part in the development of the craniofacial complex. Hence, the evaluation and assessment of the condylar volume and its morphology are of utmost importance. Aim The aim of this research was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging modality to evaluate the morphology of the mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa in a selected population and document any morphometric changes. Setting and Design It is an observational study. Materials and Methods A retrospective CBCT analysis was performed on 119 patients. The length, width, height, linear measurements of the joint spaces (anterior, posterior, and superior), volume of the condyle, and roof of glenoid fossa thickness were evaluated on both the left and right sides in both males and females. Results The height, width, and length of mandibular condyle were significantly increased in males on both sides. Except for the left anterior space, all other spaces were significantly larger in males. Overall, the volume of the condyles in males was significantly increased on both sides. Conclusion CBCT can be a valuable diagnostic aid in the evaluation of various dimensions, joint spaces, and condylar volume in different planes and thus, can be a useful predictor in the assessment of treatment outcomes of disorders affecting the TMJ.