OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of deciduous fused teeth and their inherited permanent-tooth performance type by using panoramic radiographs. METHODS: A total of 14 404 panoramic radiographs of 3- to 6-year-old children with deciduous dentition were collected from January 2023 to July 2024. The incidence of deciduous fused teeth was observed, and the abnormality of permanent teeth was recorded. SPSS 24.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of deciduous fused teeth was 3.06% (441/14 404). The order of dental position was as follows: mandibular deciduous incisors and cusp teeth fused (58.18%) > mandibular deciduous central and lateral incisors fused (30.91%) > maxillary deciduous central and lateral incisors fused (8.89%) > deciduous incisors and supernumerary teeth fused (2.02%). Deciduous fused teeth were found in 226 boys and 215 girls, with no significant difference between the sexes (P>0.05). We observed one pair (87.76%, 387/441) and two pairs (12.24%, 54/441) of fused teeth (54/441), respectively. A total of 287 pairs of fusion teeth on the right side more than 208 pairs on the left side, and the difference between them was statistically significant (P<0.01). More fusion teeth existed in mandibular deciduous teeth (443 pairs) than in maxillary ones (54 pairs), and the difference between them was statistically significant (P<0.01). More unilateral deciduous teeth (387 subjects) were found than bilateral ones (54 subjects), and the difference between them was statistically significant (P<0.01). Three types of deciduous fused teeth with inherited permanent teeth were observed as follows: 1) 49.49% (245/495) of inherited permanent teeth was absent, 2) 46.67% (231/495) of inherited permanent teeth was not absent, and 3) the number of fused permanent teeth accounted for 3.84% (19/495). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of deciduous fused teeth was 3.06%, mostly occurring in the lower anterior teeth region, with no gender difference. One pair of fused teeth is commonly observed, more often on the right than the left. These fusions occur more frequently in the mandible than the maxillary, and unilateral cases are more common than bilateral ones. Deciduous fused teeth had a certain impact on inherited permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists should pay attention to and closely observe whether any abnormality exists in the permanent dentition for early detection to prevent the harm caused by deciduous fused teeth.
Humans ; Tooth, Deciduous/abnormalities* ; Male ; Child ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Dentition, Permanent ; Radiography, Panoramic ; Fused Teeth/diagnostic imaging* ; Incisor/diagnostic imaging* ; Tooth, Supernumerary/diagnostic imaging* ; Incidence ; Mandible

OBJECTIVES: This study investigate the clinical and imaging features of Ewing sarcoma (ES) of the jaw. METHODS: Eight cases of pathologically diagnosed ES of the jaw from January 2010 to June 2022 were included in the study. Clinical and radiological features were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Among the eight cases, the mean age at onset was 29.4 years, and the male to female ratio was 7∶1. The predilecting site was the posterior part of mandible, accounting for 75% of the cases. The lesions often exhibited early numbness of the lower lip and lymphadenopathy. The main radiographic manifestation of mandibular lesions was ill-defined radiolucency, mixed with fibrous or brush-like tumor matrix, and soft tissue mass. The maxillary ES lesions mainly presented as lytic bone destruction accompanied by adjacent soft tissue mass. Periosteal ossification was rarely seen. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and imaging characteristics of ES in the jaw are helpful for its diagnosis.
Male ; Humans ; Female ; Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Radiography ; Mandible/pathology* ; Lip ; Bone Neoplasms

OBJECTIVES: Small animal maxillofacial models, such as non-segmental critical size defects (CSDs) in the rabbit mandible, need to be standardized for use as preclinical models of bone regeneration to mimic clinical conditions such as maxillofacial trauma. The objective of this study is the establishment of a mechanically competent CSD model in the rabbit mandible to allow standardized evaluation of bone regeneration therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three sizes of bony defect were generated in the mandibular body of rabbit hemi-mandibles: 12 mm×5 mm, 12 mm×8 mm, and 15 mm×10 mm. The hemi-mandibles were tested to failure in 3-point flexure. The 12 mm×5 mm defect was then chosen for the defect size created in the mandibles of 26 rabbits with or without cautery of the defect margins and bone regeneration was assessed after 6 and 12 weeks. Regenerated bone density and volume were evaluated using radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histology. RESULTS: Flexural strength of the 12 mm×5 mm defect was similar to its contralateral; whereas the 12 mm×8 mm and 15 mm×10 mm groups carried significantly less load than their respective contralaterals (P<0.05). This demonstrated that the 12 mm×5 mm defect did not significantly compromise mandibular mechanical integrity. Significantly less (P<0.05) bone was regenerated at 6 weeks in cauterized defect margins compared to controls without cautery. After 12 weeks, the bone volume of the group with cautery increased to that of the control without cautery after 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: An empty defect size of 12 mm×5 mm in the rabbit mandibular model maintains sufficient mechanical stability to not require additional stabilization. However, this defect size allows for bone regeneration across the defect. Cautery of the defect only delays regeneration by 6 weeks suggesting that the performance of bone graft materials in mandibular defects of this size should be considered with caution.
Animals ; Bone Density ; Bone Regeneration ; Cautery ; Mandible ; Rabbits ; Radiography ; Regeneration ; Transplants

Odontoma is an asymptomatic slow-growing odontogenic tumor. It is usually found by chance in the maxilla or mandible on radiography, or when it deforms the adjacent teeth. It is commonly found in patients who are 30 years of age or younger. We report our encounter with an odontoma within a dentigerous cyst found incidentally in a 56-year-old man. He presented with abnormal fullness in the right infraorbital area of the cheek. During the evaluation of the mass, we incidentally detected the odontogenic tumor within a dentigerous cyst in the patient's maxilla. Under general anesthesia, complete surgical drainage of the infraorbital cystic mass was performed. Enucleation of the odontogenic tumor and a bone grafting from the iliac bone were also performed. The final diagnosis was odontoma. After 2 years of follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence of the tumor. In case of odontogenic tumors, even in old patients, it is important to suspect an odontoma. When odontoma accompanies a dentigerous cyst, surgical excisional biopsy should be performed to rule out malignancy. In case of a large bony defect after enucleation, autogenous bone grafting is essential for reconstruction.
Alveolar Bone Grafting ; Anesthesia, General ; Biopsy ; Bone Transplantation ; Cheek ; Dentigerous Cyst ; Diagnosis ; Drainage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Middle Aged ; Odontogenic Tumors ; Odontoma ; Radiography ; Recurrence ; Tooth

A 2-month-old female Holstein calf and a 5-month-old female Japanese black calf presented with gingival vascular hamartoma located in the interdental space between the second and third mandibular incisors in the right and left mandibles, respectively. On radiographic or computed tomographic images, osteolytic changes appeared within the mandibular bones adjacent to the masses. The masses were removed along with affected mandibular bone by using unilateral rostral mandibulectomy. After surgery, both cases exhibited a normal appetite and grew normally, with no cosmetic changes or recurrences. Unilateral rostral mandibulectomy can be applied for invasive gingival vascular hamartomas associated with osteolytic changes.
Animals ; Appetite ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cattle ; Female ; Hamartoma ; Humans ; Incisor ; Infant ; Mandible ; Mandibular Osteotomy ; Radiography ; Recurrence

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the location and the shape of the mandibular lingula in skeletal class I and III patients using panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample group included 190 skeletal class I patients and 157 class III patients. The location of the lingula in relation to the deepest point of the coronoid notch was classified into 3 types using panoramic radiographs. The shapes of the lingulae were classified into nodular, triangular, truncated, or assimilated types using cone-beam computed tomographic images. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test. RESULTS: The tips of the lingulae were at the same level as the coronoid notch in 75.3% of skeletal class I patients and above the coronoid notch in 66.6% of class III patients. The positions of the lingulae in relation to the deepest point of the coronoid notch showed statistically significant differences between class I and class III patients. The most common shape was nodular, and the least common was the assimilated shape. Although this trend was not statistically significant, the triangular shape was more frequently observed in class III patients than in class I patients. CONCLUSION: The locations and the shapes of the mandibular lingulae were variable. Most of the lingulae were at the same level as the coronoid notch in skeletal class I patients and above the coronoid notch in skeletal class III patients. The nodular and assimilated-shaped lingulae were the most and the least prevalent, respectively.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Humans ; Mandible ; Mandibular Nerve ; Radiography, Panoramic

PURPOSE: In the age of X-ray computed tomography (CT) and digital volume tomography (DVT), with their outstanding post-processing capabilities, indications for planar radiography for the study of the dentition of ancient Egyptian mummies may easily be overlooked. In this article, the advantages and limitations of different approaches and projections are discussed for planar oral and maxillofacial radiography using portable digital X-ray equipment during archaeological excavations. Furthermore, recommendations are provided regarding projections and sample positioning in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 55 specimens, including 19 skeletonized mandibles, 14 skeletonized skulls, 18 separate mummified heads, and 4 partially preserved mummies were imaged using portable digital X-ray equipment in the course of archaeological excavations led by the University of Basel in the Valley of the Kings between 2009 and 2012. Images were evaluated by 2 authors with regard to the visibility of diagnostically relevant dental structures using a 4-point grading system (Likert scale). RESULTS: Overall, the visibility of diagnostically relevant dental structures was rated highest by both authors on X-ray images acquired using a dental detector. The tube-shift technique in the lateral projections of mandibular dentition achieved the second-best rating, and lateral projections achieved the third-best rating. CONCLUSION: Conventional planar digital X-ray imaging, due to its ubiquity, remains an excellent method–and often the only practicable one–for examining the skulls and teeth of ancient Egyptian mummies under field conditions. Radiographic images of excellent diagnostic quality can be obtained, if an appropriate methodology regarding the selected projections and sample placement is followed.
Dentition ; Head ; Mandible ; Mummies ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; Radiography ; Skeleton ; Skull ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Tooth

Odontomas are considered a type of odontogenic hamartoma, and are generally reported not to exceed 3 cm in diameter. Some authors have referred to odontomas with a diameter exceeding 3 cm as giant odontomas. As hamartomas, giant odontomas generally show no signs or symptoms, but if they perforate the mucosa to become exposed in the oral cavity, oral and maxillofacial infections can result. Surgical removal and a histopathological examination may also be required to differentiate them from osteomas, cemento-osseous dysplasia, or mixed odontogenic tumors. This report presents the case of a 28-year-old woman with a giant odontoma in the right mandibular third molar area. Based on a review of the literature published since 2010, only 11 cases of “giant” or “large” odontomas have been reported, most of which were of the complex odontoma type. It was confirmed that they tend to occur in the right posterior mandible.
Adult ; Female ; Hamartoma ; Humans ; Mandible ; Molar, Third ; Mouth ; Mucous Membrane ; Odontogenic Tumors ; Odontoma ; Osteoma ; Radiography

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the effect of the distributional relationship between dental roots and the mandibular bone on single mandibular bone fractures, which are common craniofacial fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study in Seoul, Korea. Patients with single mandibular fractures in the symphysis, parasymphysis, body, and angle area, with tooth structure involvement were included. The control group included patients with simple, bone-level lacerations without fractures. In total, 94 patients (72 males and 22 females) were included in the treatment group, and 125 (71 males and 54 females) were included in the control group. The height of the mandibular bone and the dental root were measured with panoramic radiography. The central incisor represented the symphysis area, the canine represented the parasymphysis area, the first molar represented the body area, and the second molar represented the angle area. RESULTS: In the treatment group, symphysis fractures occurred in 16 patients (17%), parasymphysis fractures in 36 patients (38%), body fractures in 17 patients (18%), and angle fractures in 25 patients (27%). The ratios of the dental roots to the total height of the mandibular bone in the treatment group were 30.35%, 39.75%, 39.53%, and 36.27% for symphysis, parasymphysis, body, and angle areas, respectively, whereas in the control group, they were 27.73%, 39.70%, 36.76%, and 35.48%. The ratios of the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: The results show that the higher ratio of the dental root to the height of the mandibular bone increases the fracture risk.
Fractures, Bone* ; Humans ; Incisor ; Korea ; Lacerations ; Male ; Mandible ; Mandibular Fractures ; Molar ; Radiography, Panoramic ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Tooth ; Tooth Root

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of panoramic imaging in measuring the right and left gonial angles by comparing the measured angles with the angles determined using a lateral cephalogram of adult patients with class I malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The gonial angles of 50 class I malocclusion patients (25 males and 25 females; mean age: 23 years) were measured using both a lateral cephalogram and a panoramic radiograph. In the lateral cephalograms, the gonial angle was measured at the point of intersection of the ramus plane and the mandibular plane. In the panoramic radiographs, the gonial angle was measured by drawing a line tangent to the lower border of the mandible and another line tangent to the distal border of the ascending ramus and the condyle on both sides. The data obtained from both radiographs were statistically compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the gonial angle measured using the lateral cephalograms and that determined using the panoramic radiographs. Further, there was no statistically significant difference in the measured gonial angle with respect to gender. The results also showed a statistically insignificant difference in the mean of the right and the left gonial angles measured using the panoramic radiographs. CONCLUSION: As the gonial angle measurements using panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalograms showed no statistically significant difference, panoramic radiography can be considered in orthodontics for measuring the gonial angle without any interference due to superimposed images.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion ; Mandible ; Orthodontics ; Radiography, Panoramic