OBJECTIVES: This study used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to categorize the relationships between the mandibular canal and the roots and investigated the prevalence of nerve damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through CBCT images, contact and three-dimensional positional relationships between the roots of the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal were investigated. With this data, prevalence of nerve damage according to the presence of contact and three-dimensional positional relationships was studied. Other factors that affected the prevalence of nerve damage were also investigated. RESULTS: When the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal were shown to have direct contact in CBCT images, the prevalence of nerve damage was higher than in other cases. Also, in cases where the mandibular canal was horizontally lingual to the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal was vertically at the cervical level of the mandibular third molar, the prevalence of nerve damage was higher than in opposite cases. The percentage of mandibular canal contact with the roots of the mandibular third molar was higher when the mandibular canal was horizontally lingual to the mandibular third molar. Finally, the prevalence of nerve damage was higher when the diameter of the mandibular canal lumen suddenly decreased at the contact area between the mandibular canal and the roots, as shown in CBCT images. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional relationship of the mandibular third molar and the mandibular canal can help predict nerve damage and can guide patient expectations of the possibility and extent of nerve damage.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Humans ; Mandibular Nerve ; Molar, Third* ; Paresthesia ; Prevalence

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), previously known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma, occurs commonly in the soft tissues in adult, but is rare in the maxillofacial region. It consists of undifferentiated mesenchymal tumor cells resembling histiocytes and fibroblasts. The purpose of this article is to report a case of UPS in the mandible. A 44-year-old patient presented with a painful growing mass in the mandible of two months' duration. Computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed an ill-defined heterogenous, hypermetabolic mass about 4 cm in size in the left mandible invading adjacent soft tissues. A left mandiblulectomy and reconstruction with a fibular free flap were performed. Immunohistochemical study gave a diagnosis of UPS. The patient was referred for adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical removal of the tumor.
Adult ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Diagnosis ; Electrons ; Fibroblasts ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Histiocytes ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous ; Humans ; Mandible* ; Sarcoma*

Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OS-CS) is characterized by linear bone dysplasia at the long bone radiographically and sclerotic change at the cranium. The purpose of this case report is to study the symptoms and treatments of osteomyelitis in a patient with OS-CS. A 41-year-old patient had pus discharge from a fistula at the mental region and increase in radiolucencies with sequestra in panoramic radiograph images. Computed tomography (CT) as well as radiograph images for the whole skeleton were taken. The patient was diagnosed with OS-CS. Sequestrectomy and fistulectomy were performed. The patient recovered and no relapse occurred within six months after surgery. For diagnosis of OS-CS, CT and additional radiograph images for the whole skeleton are required. Because of the increased bone density, this patient is prone to relapse after sequestrectomy. Therefore, the surgeon must minimize trauma with the least incision and exfoliation, and preoperative antibiotics.
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bone Density ; Bone Diseases, Developmental ; Diagnosis ; Fistula ; Humans ; Osteomyelitis* ; Osteosclerosis ; Recurrence ; Sclerosis* ; Skeleton ; Skull ; Suppuration