PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the diagnostic performance of panoramic and occlusal radiographs in detecting submandibular sialoliths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients (20 cases and 20 controls) were included in this retrospective study. Cases were defined as subjects with a submandibular sialolith confirmed by computed tomography (CT), whereas controls did not have any submandibular calcifications. Three observers with different expertise levels assessed panoramic and occlusal radiographs of all subjects for the presence of sialoliths. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement were assessed using the kappa test. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and the diagnostic odds ratio of panoramic and occlusal radiographs in screening for submandibular sialoliths were calculated for each observer. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity values for occlusal and panoramic radiographs all ranged from 80% to 100%. The lowest values of sensitivity and specificity observed among the observers were 82.6% and 80%, respectively (P=0.001). Intraobserver and interobserver agreement were higher for occlusal radiographs than for panoramic radiographs, although panoramic radiographs demonstrated a higher overall accuracy. CONCLUSION: Both panoramic and occlusal radiographic techniques displayed satisfactory diagnostic performance and should be considered before using a CT scan to detect submandibular sialoliths.
Humans ; Mass Screening ; Multidetector Computed Tomography ; Odds Ratio ; Radiography, Dental ; Radiography, Panoramic ; Retrospective Studies ; Salivary Gland Calculi* ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: To analyze the relative position of the mandibular foramina (MnFs) in patients diagnosed with skeletal class III malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) images were collected from 85 patients. The vertical lengths of each anatomic point from the five horizontal planes passing through the MnF were measured at the coronoid process, sigmoid notch, condyle, and the gonion. The distance from the anterior ramus point to the posterior ramus point on the five horizontal planes was designated the anteroposterior horizontal distance of the ramus for each plane. The perpendicular distance from each anterior ramus point to each vertical plane through the MnF was designated the horizontal distance from the anterior ramus to the MnF. The horizontal and vertical positions were examined by regression analysis. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed the heights of the coronoid process, sigmoid notch, and condyle for the five horizontal planes were significantly related to the height of the MnF, with the highest significance associated with the MnF-mandibular plane (coefficients of determination (R2): 0.424, 0.597, and 0.604, respectively). The horizontal anteroposterior length of the ramus and the distance from the anterior ramus point to the MnF were significant by regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The relative position of the MnF was significantly related to the vertical heights of the sigmoid notch, coronoid process, and condyle as well as to the horizontal anteroposterior length of the ascending ramus. These findings should be clinically useful for patients with skeletal class III mandibular prognathism.
Colon, Sigmoid ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Malocclusion ; Mandibular Nerve ; Mandibular Osteotomy ; Prognathism* ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted

PURPOSE: Sufficient area in the interforaminal region is required for dental implant placement, and the anterior loop of the mandibular canal is located within the limits of this area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and extent of the anterior loop in a Brazilian sample population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images from 250 patients (500 hemimandibles) obtained for various clinical indications were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the presence and length of the anterior loop. The length of the anterior loop was then compared based on gender, age, and the side of the mandible. The data were analyzed using the Pearson chi-square test and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: An anterior loop was identified in 41.6% of the cases, and its length ranged from 0.25 mm to 4.00 mm (mean, 1.1±0.8 mm). The loop had a greater mean length and was significantly more prevalent in males (p=0.014). No significant differences were found between the right and left sides regarding length (p=0.696) or prevalence (p=0.650). CONCLUSION: In this study, a high prevalence of the anterior loop of the mandibular canal was found, and although its length varied greatly, in most cases it was less than 1 mm long. Although this is a prevalent anatomical variation, safety limits for the placement of implants in this region cannot be established before an accurate evaluation using imaging techniques in order to identify and preserve the neurovascular bundles.
Anatomic Variation ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Dental Implants ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Male ; Mandible ; Prevalence

One of the most common oral surgical procedures is the extraction of the lower third molar (LTM). Postoperative complications such as paresthesia due to inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury are commonly observed in cases of horizontal and vertical impaction. The present report discusses a case of a vertically impacted LTM associated with a dentigerous cyst. An intimate contact between the LTM roots and the mandibular canal was observed on a panoramic radiograph and confirmed with cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) cross-sectional cuts. An orthodontic miniscrew was then used to extrude the LTM prior to its surgical removal in order to avoid the risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury. CBCT imaging follow-up confirmed the success of the LTM orthodontic extrusion.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Dentigerous Cyst ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Mandibular Nerve ; Molar, Third* ; Oral Surgical Procedures ; Orthodontic Extrusion ; Paresthesia ; Postoperative Complications

An osteolytic lesion with a small central area of mineralization and sclerotic borders was discovered incidentally in the clivus on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of a 27-year-old male patient. This benign appearance indicated a primary differential diagnosis of non-aggressive lesions such as fibro-osseous lesions and arrested pneumatization. Further, on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the lesion showed a homogenously low T1 signal intensity with mild internal enhancement after post-gadolinium and a heterogeneous T2 signal intensity. These signal characteristics might be attributed to the fibrous tissues, chondroid matrix, calcific material, or cystic component of the lesion; thus, chondroblastoma and chondromyxoid fibroma were added to the differential diagnosis. Although this report was limited by the lack of final diagnosis and the patient lost to follow-up, the incidental skull base finding would be important for interpreting the entire volume of CBCT by a qualified oral and maxillofacial radiologist.
Adult ; Chondroblastoma ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Cranial Fossa, Posterior ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Fibroma ; Humans ; Incidental Findings ; Lost to Follow-Up ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Skull Base ; Skull Base Neoplasms

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a benign odontogenic tumor with a potentially aggressive and infiltrative behavior. KCOT is most commonly occurred in mandible and demonstrate a unilocular, round, oval, scalloped radiolucent area, while large lesions may appear multilocular. An important characteristic of KCOT is its propensity to grow in an antero-posterior direction within medullary cavity of bone causing minimal expansion. Definitive diagnosis relies on histological examination. In this report, a KCOT that had an expansion both buccal and lingual cortical bone is described including its features in computed tomography and ultrasonographic exams. The lesion was removed surgically via an intraoral approach under local anesthesia and histologically reported as a KCOT.
Anesthesia, Local ; Mandible ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Odontogenic Tumors ; Pectinidae ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder principally characterized by cutaneous basal cell carcinomas, multiple keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and skeletal anomalies. This syndrome may be diagnosed early by dentist because keratocystic odontogenic tumors are usually one of the first manifestations of the syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment are of utmost importance in reducing the severity of long term sequelae of this syndrome. This report presents a rare event of Gorlin-Goltz syndrome occurring in a 39-year-old male and his 8-year-old daughter. The clinical and investigative features of this familial disorder has been described in detail.
Adult ; Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Child ; Dentists ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Nuclear Family ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Odontogenic Tumors

Transmigration of an impacted tooth through the symphyseal suture is a rare and special developmental anomaly of unknown etiology that is unique to the mandibular canine. Maxillary canine transmigration is even rarer. Transmigrated canines are particularly significant due to the aesthetic and functional importance. A maxillary lateral incisor crossing the mid-palatal suture has never been reported in the literature. The aim of this report is to present the first case of simultaneous transmigration of a lateral incisor and canine in the maxilla. The paper also reports four unusual cases of unilateral canine transmigration in the maxilla and mandible and successful eruption of one of the transmigrated mandibular canines following orthodontic traction. Etiology of transmigration and its clinical considerations are also discussed.
Cuspid ; Incisor ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Sutures ; Tooth Migration ; Tooth, Impacted ; Traction

Hyperdontia or supernumerary teeth without associated syndrome is a rare phenomenon, as supernumerary teeth are usually associated with cleft lip and palate or other syndromes such as Gardner's syndrome, cleidocranial dysplasia, and so on. Five patients with supernumerary teeth visited our department. They had no familial history or other pathology, certain treatment protocols was modified due to the presence of supernumerary teeth. Non-syndromic supernumerary teeth, if asymptomatic, need to have periodical radiographic observation. If they showed no variation as they impacted in the jaw, careful examination is necessary because they may develop into pathological status such as dentigerous cysts. The importance of a precise clinical history and radiographic examination for patients with multiple supernumerary teeth should be emphasized.
Cleft Lip ; Cleidocranial Dysplasia ; Clinical Protocols ; Dentigerous Cyst ; Gardner Syndrome ; Humans ; Jaw ; Palate ; Tooth, Impacted ; Tooth, Supernumerary

A 9-year-old girl visited our hospital, complaining of a rapid-growing and rigid swelling on the left posterior mandibular area. Panoramic radiograph showed a moderately defined multilocular honeycomb appearance involving the left mandibular body. CT scan revealed an expansile, multilocular osteolytic lesion and multiple fluid levels within cystic spaces. Bone scan demonstrated increased radiotracer uptake and angiography showed a highly vascularized lesion. The lesion was suspected as aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) and preoperative embolization was performed, which minimize the extent of operation and the surgical complication. The lesion was treated by surgical curettage and lateral decortication with repositioning. No additional treatment such as a surgical reconstruction or bone graft was needed. Early diagnosis of ABC is very important and appropriate treatment should be performed considering several factors such as age, surgical complication, and possibility of recurrence.
Aneurysm ; Angiography ; Bone Cysts ; Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal ; Child ; Curettage ; Early Diagnosis ; Embolization, Therapeutic ; Humans ; Mandible ; Recurrence ; Transplants