فهرست مطالب leila khojastepour

Statement of the Problem:

 Eichner index is a dental index, which is based on the occlusal contacts between naturally existing teeth in premolar and molar regions. One controversial topic is the association between occlusal status and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and its associated degenerative bony changes.

Through the use of cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT), the current study sought to ascertain the relationship between the Eichner index and condylar bone alterations in TMD patients

In this retrospective study, the CBCT images of bilateral temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 107 patients with TMD were evaluated. The patients’ dentition was classified into three groups of A (71%), B (18.7%), and C (10.3%), according to the Eichner index. Radiographic indicators of condylar bone alterations, including as flattening, erosion, osteophytes, marginal sclerosis, subchondral sclerosis, and joint mice, were either present or absent and registered as 1 or 0, respectively. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the link between the condylar bony changes and the Eichner groups

According to the Eichner index, the most prevalent group was group “A”. The most prevalent radiographic finding was “flattening of the condyles” (58%). Condylar bony changes were found to be statistically related to age (p= 0.00). However, no significant relationship was found between sex and condylar bony changes (p= 0.80). There was a significant relationship between the Eichner index and condylar bony changes (p= 0.05).

Patients with greater loss of tooth supporting zones have more condylar bony changes.

Considering the late ossification potential of spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS), it can be used as a tool to estimate age in adolescents. The time of SOS fusion is known to vary in different populations.

This study aimed to assess the degree of SOS fusion in Iranian individuals, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan.

The CBCT images of 240 patients (126 females and 114 males), aged 6 - 25 years, were assessed regarding the degree of SOS fusion, based on a four-stage scoring system. Spearman’s correlation coefficient test and regression analysis were performed to assess the correlation between age and fusion stage. Mann-Whitney test was also applied to determine differences between males and females. Besides, Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess differences in the median values.

The SOS was completely open at the mean age of 7.63 years in females and 8.85 years in males. The mean age of partially fused SOS (stage 1) was eight years in females and 10 years in males. Besides, the mean age of completely fused SOS (stage 3) was 12 years in females and 16 years in males. The results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient test showed a significant positive relationship between age and the degree of SOS fusion in males and females (rs = 0.783, P < 0.001 in females and rs = 0.911, P < 0.001 in males).

The SOS closure degree can be applied for age estimation in the Iranian population. This study presented a method which is highly accurate for age estimation.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the osteoporotic condition and periodontitis in postmenopausal women.

Ninety‑four women aged 50–80 years were studied in this cross‑sectional study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebra BMD (LBMD), total hip BMD (HBMD), and neck of femur BMD (NBMD) was assessed using standardized dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry (DXA) (normal: T‑score ≥−1, osteopenic: −2.5 ≤ t‑score <−1, osteoporotic: T‑score <−2.5). Bleeding point index (BI), O’Leary plaque index (PI), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Cementoenamel junction, alveolar‑crest distance (CEJ‑AC) was measured from cone‑beam computed tomography images. Periodontitis severity was represented by CAL and CEJ‑AC distance. One‑way analysis of variance followed by Post hoc Tukey was performed for examining differences among the groups for different variables. Pearson correlation coefficient® and backward regression analysis were used to investigate the effect of confounding variables on CEJ‑AC as the dependent variable. Significance was considered at P < 0.05.

Mean CEJ‑AC was significantly higher in the osteoporotic and osteopenic groups compared to the normal group (P = 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CEJ‑AC and NBMD and LBMD (P < 0.001). The associations between LBMD and CEJ‑AC existed even after adjusting for confounding factors (P = 0.002). The differences in BI, PI, and CAL were not statistically different between the groups (P > 0.05).

Although osteoporosis is not the main cause of periodontitis, it can indirectly affect periodontal status by increasing CEJ‑AC. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis followed by early referral to a dentist for the treatment of potential existing periodontal diseases is important to avoid complications among postmenopausal women

Due to the close anatomic relationship between paranasal structures and NLC, the morphometric measure of the nasolacrimal canal (NLC) could be affected by the osteomeatal complex (OMC) anatomical variations. The present study aimed to assess the effect of OMC variations on the NLC morphometric features using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). 

 This cross-sectional study consisted of CBCT images of 150 subjects in the case group with at least one OMC variation and 40 cases in the control group without any OMC variation within the age range of 18-50 years. The presence of the OMC variations, including agger nasi, nasal septum deviation, concha bullosa, Haller cells, paradoxical middle turbinate, and pneumatization of the uncinate process, was evaluated in each patient. The NLC morphometric measurements were performed and compared between the case and control groups. 

The middle anteroposterior diameter and middle sectional area of NCL were significantly higher in patients with OMC variations, as compared to that in the control group. The NLC volume was significantly higher in patients with agger nasi, nasal septum deviation, concha bullosa, and pneumatization of the uncinate process, as compared to that in the control group. Nonetheless, no significant difference in NLC angulation with the nasal floor or Frankfurt horizontal plane was observed in the presence of each OMC variation.

As evidenced by the obtained results, a higher volume of the canal was revealed in the presence of some of the OMC variations. Therefore, it can be suggested that OMC variations cannot be a predisposing factor in cases with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

 Injuries to the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves (IAN) through third molar surgery are common and complicated clinical problems. Juxta-apical radiolucency (JAR) is one of the new radiographic signs, suggestive of IAN damage.

 This study aimed to assess the relationship between JAR and IAN and to determine its effects on the cortical plate.

 In this cross-sectional study, after evaluating an initial sample of 450 cases, the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 20 patients with JAR were compared with those of 20 age-matched patients without JAR in the axial and multi-planar images. The relationship between JAR and IAN was evaluated, and thinning of the mandibular cortical plates was also investigated. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive tests and chi-square test in SPSS version 23.

 The relationship between JAR and IAN was statistically significant (P = 0.001). The cortical plates were perforated in 75% of cases with JAR as opposed to 45% of cases without JAR (P = 0.06). The relationship between the location of JAR and IAN was also significant (P = 0.004).

 Based on the present results, JAR was associated with IAN in most cases. Thinning of the cortical plates was observed in all cases of JAR.
 

Various pathologic conditions can affect the thickness of the roof of glenoid fossa (RGF). The relationship between the RGF thickness and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is not explicitly investigated. Considering the changes in RGF thickness, as a radiographic sign for TMD diagnosis, the phenom-enon may necessitate specific treatment and may influence the treatment course and results.

This research was designed to examine the relationship between TMD and RGF thickness changes compared to non-TMD group.

In this cross sectional analytic research CBCT images of 70 TMD patients (140 joints) and 70 non-TMD individuals (140 joints) as control group were evaluated for thickness of RGF and presence of discontinuity in RGF. The dis-tance between superior and inferior cortex of glenoid fossa was measured as RGF thickness. Inability to follow the course of cortex in any given image was considered as discontinuity. T-test, Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) were used for statistical analy-sis. In this study, p< 0.05 was considered meaningful.

The mean thickness of RGF in our non-TMD samples was 1.12 mm. RGF thickness was significantly increased in TMD patients compared non-TMD group (p= 0.00). This value was also greater in males. On the other hand, TMD patient showed a higher incidence of discontinuity in RGF, in comparison with non-TMD patients (p= 0.006).

the increased thickness of RGF can be considered as a sign of TMD, which may help in diagnosis of TMD. It seems that there is a direct relationship be-tween TMD and discontinuity of RGF.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Kvaal et al.’s method (1995) for dental age estimation of adult individuals in a sample of Iranian population. For this purpose, the accuracy of the regression formulas and M and W-L variables were studied. Pulp and tooth lengths and widths were measured on 100 digital panoramic radiographs. Then Kvaal’s M and W-L variables were computed and substituted in Kvaal’s formulas to evaluate their accuracies. The efficacy of these two variables in our population was assessed using a k-fold cross-validation technique for regression analysis. Principle component analysis was also performed to develop population-specific dental variables. Applying Kvaal’s regression formulas on multiple teeth in different jaws resulted in highly insensible estimations. In contrast, developing regression formulas based on Kvaal’s M and W-L variables yielded reasonable and sensible estimates especially for younger individuals; standard error of estimate (SEE) values ranged from 6.36-6.80 years. The models based on multiple teeth in different jaws performed similar. For young adults, the M and W-L variables anticipated accuracy rates lower than those of Kvaal’s reference study which were within an acceptable threshold for forensic application (SEE<10 years). Therefore, the two variables and not formulas are proper measurements for forensic age estimation in Iranian young adults. However, underestimation was predominant for the middle age and old age participants

This study aimed to assess maxillary sinus floor membrane thickness and ostium patency (OP) in patients undergoing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation for implant placement in the posterior maxilla. Mucosal thickening (MT) could be cause of post-operative complications in implant procedures; awareness of this incidence could help proper detection and further success of implantation. The CBCT scans of 620 implant candidates were examined and MT of ≥ 2 mm was considered pathological. The mucosal appearance, the OP as “patent” or “obstructed”, and unilateral or bilateral MT was assessed. Age, gender, smoking condition, and season were considered. Chi-square test was used to show the association between different variants in our study. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. An MT ≥ 2 mm was detected in 39.8% of patients; cases were mostly bilateral (56.3%) and detected during the winter (38.1%). There was a higher incidence among male patients (59.9%). Most participants who smoked had an MT ≥ 2 mm (70.8%). The irregular shape was the most prevalent appearance (43.5%). Ostium obstruction was observed in (55.7%) of sinuses with MT and was mostly seen as unilateral sinus involvement. The complete appearance had the highest risk of ostium obstruction (100%) and the round shape had the lowest (17.3%). The present study revealed that maxillary sinus MT was highly prevalent during the winter and among smokers and men. Complete and unilateral type of MT is associated with an increased risk of ostium obstruction. Therefore, the precise study of a CBCT scan could influence dental implant planning or necessitate special consideration.

Statement of the Problem: Ignoring anatomic variations may lead to iatrogenic injuries by surgeons.
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the course of infraorbital canal and maxillary sinus using cone beam computed tomography scans (CBCT).
One hundred and ninety two CBCT scans were reviewed for 384 infraorbital canals. The anatomic variants of infraorbital canals were classified into three types based on the protrusion degree of the infraorbital nerve from the maxillary roof into the sinus. Measurements were made on infraorbital canal as vertical distance from the infraorbital rim to the infraorbital foramen, the maximum horizontal distance from the infraorbital canal to the canine root, the maximum diagonal length of the nerve protruded in sinus, the maximum vertical distance from the center of the nerve to the sinus roof.
26.5% of infraorbital canals were entirely contained within the sinus roof. 50.3% of infraorbital canals were located below the roof but remaining juxtaposed to it. In 23.2%, the nerve canal descended into the sinus. The prevalence of type3 of infraorbital canal significantly increased from 14.8% in cases without an ipsilateral Haller cell to 29.1% when a Haller cell was present. The average distance between the infraorbital foramen and the infraorbital rim were increased proportionally to the degree of protrusion of the nerve course into the maxillary sinus (ANOVA p The infraorbital canal protrusion into the sinus is a common variation that must be considered during surgical procedures to avoid iatrogenic injury.

Statement of the Problem: The surgical procedure of dental implantation in anterior maxillary area may be limited by the shape and size of nasopalatine canal (NPC). CBCT imaging provides three–dimensional information for surgical planning.
This study is designed to evaluate the anatomy of NPC in a selected Iranian population.
In this cross sectional study, CBCT images of 301 patients were evaluated for NPC characteristics. Five linear measurements including width and length of NPC were performed on reformatted sagittal cross sections. The shapes of NPC were also classified in three groups according to Bronstein et al. classification in CBCT coronal cross sections. The effects of age and gender on measured dimension were assessed. Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA/Tukey HSD tests, chi-square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.
The study comprised 140 males (48.5%) and 161 females (53.5%) with mean age of 34.56±11.87. The mean length of NPC for men and women were 11.46 and 9.37 mm respectively, showing a significant statistical difference. Other dimensions of NPC and alveolar bone thickness were also greater in men with exception of buccal bone plate width in front of Stensen foramen (8.45±2.24 vs. 8.52±2.03 mm).Most of the cases showed Y-shape configuration. The diameter of oral opening of NPC (3.17±1.01 mm) was positively correlated with the patients age (r= 0.138, p= 0.01), while buccal bone over the oral opening of NPC (7.05±1.38) mm showed negative correlation with age (r= -0.199, p= 0.001).
All NPC dimensions are meaningfully greater in men except for buccal bone plate thickness in front of Stensen foramen. The type of canal has no effect on dimensions of the canal.

Statement of the Problem: Most of the soft tissue calcifications within the head and neck region might not be accompanied by clinical symptoms but may indicate some pathological conditions.
The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of mandibular region.
In this cross sectional study the CBCT images of 602 patients including 294 men and 308 women with mean age 41.38±15.18 years were evaluated regarding the presence, anatomical location; type (single or multiple) and size of soft tissue calcification in mandibular region. All CBCT images were acquired by NewTom VGi scanner. Odds ratio and chi-square tests were used for data analysis and p 156 out of 602 patients had at least one soft tissue calcification in their mandibular region (25.9%. of studied population with mean age 51.7±18.03 years). Men showed significantly higher rate of soft tissue calcification than women (30.3% vs. 21.8%). Soft tissue calcification was predominantly seen at posterior region of the mandible (88%) and most of them were single (60.7%). The prevalence of soft tissue calcification increased with age. Most of the detected soft tissue calcifications were smaller than 3mm (90%).
Soft tissue calcifications in mandibular area were a relatively common finding especially in posterior region and more likely to happen in men and in older age group.

Infection control in dental centers is affected by the persons’ attitude and knowledge about mechanisms of infection transmission. This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge and the attitude of Shiraz dentists about infection control during intraoral radiographies preparation.
In this cross-sectional, and analytical research, the attitude and the knowledge of 45 male and 25 female, randomly selected dentists, were obtained through completion of a researcher- planed questioner which its validity and reliability had been confirmed. Data were analyzed using Cronbach`s alpha, one-way ANOVA, student’s t-test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS (V.21).
The average of the dentists’ age was 40.59±10.72 and their average occupational experience was 13.49±9.75 years. The mean score obtained for knowledge about infection control during intraoral radiographic procedures was less than fifty percent of total obtainable score, and was assessed as weak knowledge. There was no significant difference in the level of knowledge between studied male and female dentists (P>0.05). In addition, no significant relationship was detected between level, age/experience, and the university of education (P>0.05). The attitude of the dentists about infection control during intraoral radiography preparation assessed as moderate to good level.
The results showed that the main reason for the present problems is insufficient knowledge of the dentists in related subjects. Therefore, the solution, which is recommended among dentists, is to raise their awareness and to change their attitudes and culture in order to improve their performance.

Differential diagnosis of bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is important, since it may play a role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunctions and joint symptoms. In addition, radiographic appearance of BMC may mimic tumors and/or fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and orientation of BMC based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
This cross-sectional study was performed on CBCT scans of paranasal sinuses of 425 patients. In a designated NNT station, all CBCT scans were evaluated in the axial, coronal and sagittal planes to find the frequency of BMC. The condylar head horizontal angulations were also determined in the transverse plane. T-test was used to compare the frequency of BMC between the left and right sides and between males and females.
Totally, 309 patients with acceptable visibility of condyles on CBCT scans were entered in the study consisting of 170 (55%) females and 139 (45%) males with a mean age of 39.43±9.7 years. The BMC was detected in 14 cases (4.53%). Differences between males and females, sides and horizontal angulations of condyle of normal and BMC cases were not significant.
The prevalence of BMC in the studied population was 4.53%. No significant difference was observed between males and females, sides or horizontal angulations of the involved and uninvolved condyles.

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the canal transportation of two single-file engine-driven systems, Neoniti and Reciproc, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods and Materials: Forty-five non-calcified roots with mature apices and apical curvature of 15-30 degrees were selected from extracted human maxillary molars for this study. Samples were randomly divided into two groups (n=20) and a control group (n=5) and canal preparation with either system was performed according to manufacturer's instructions. Pre- and post-instrumentation CBCT images were captured and the amount of canal transportation within the files was calculated at levels of 3, 4, and 5 mm from the apex. The independent sample t-test was used to analyze the statistical significance between the two groups. The level of significance was defined at 0.05.
Reciproc created more canal transportation compared to Neoniti in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions. The difference between the two systems was statistically significant in all evaluated distances from the apex (P Neoniti and Reciproc systems have significant difference in terms of creating canal transportation. Reciproc created more canal transportation in buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions.

Haller cells are located between the maxillary sinus, the lower asped of orbit the ethmoid bulla, the lateral aspect of uncinate process and medial aspect of infraorbital channel. The definitive diagnosis is difficult due to location and it is based on radiological images, especially maxillary sinus CT scan. Haller cells are not pathologic thenselves, but narrowing of the infundibulum and ostium of the maxillary sinus and the presence of these cells may cause symptoms such as chronic rhino sinusitis, recurrent sinusitis, headache, swelling of the eyes and mucocele. Therefore, it is useful to determine the prevalence of these cells in common radiographs such as panoramic radiographs and to improve the knowledge of dentists and surgeons in this field.
In this cross sectional study panoramicradiographs of 935 patients including 367 male and 568 female subjects were evaluated in3 age groups (under 18, between 18 and 45 and above 45 years old) based onAhmad Mansour protocols for the presence and characteristics of Hallercells. (Single or multiple round oval or tear shaped radiolucencies with welldefined borders which are located medial to infraorbital canal). Data were analyzed using frequency table, odds ratio (OR) and Chi-Square test.
Haller cells were observed in 11.1% of these images (104 cases). The cells were observed in women more frequently than men; 12% of women (68 cases) against 9.8% of men (36 cases), but this difference was not statistically significant. Haller cells are most prevalent in the age group over 45years (P=0.001). The unilateral and multilocular Haller cells were observed more often than other forms (45 cases, 4.8%) and sinusitis was significantly more prevalent in those who had Haller cells (P=0.039).
Although CT scan is the standard method for detection of Haller cells, but panoramic radiograph scan also provide good images for diagnosis of Haller cells. So, taking Haller cells as one of the visible and landmarks in the panoramic will help dentists in the differential diagnosis of orofacial pain.

Knowledge about incidence of subluxation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and related probable predisposing factors can help in preventing or decreasing its sequella. This study was designed to clinically evaluate the incidence and the effect of factors such as age and sex on the expression of TMJ subluxation among students in Shiraz, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 800 randomly selected students, aging from 7 to 18 years old in Shiraz. The students were examined clinically and an examination sheet completed. Final diagnosis of subluxation was based on sudden jerky movement and exit of condyle from glenoid fossa upon mouth opening. Data were analyzed with Chi-Square test. The incidence of subluxation in studied population was 33.1% and 1.67 times more prevalent in the female than the male students. The incidence was not meaningfully related to age. Also 72.8% of involved cases were symptomatic. Tenderness in Temporalis muscle was the most prevalent symptom. Subluxation is a common finding among school children of Shiraz.Girls are more prone to develop subluxation. The incidence of subluxation was not related to the age. The, related symptoms, however will increase by age

Mental foramen (MF) is an important anatomic landmark in dentistry and knowledge about its variable locations (L) and type of emergence (TE), has an effect on the sufficiency of local anesthesia and safety of surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the L and TE of this radiographic landmark as well as the presence of accessory MF, by means of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods and Materials: In this cross sectional study, a total of 156 CBCT images were retrieved from the archive of a private radiology clinic and were then evaluated for the position of MF and its TE and the existence of accessory foramina in the body of mandible. The extracted information was compared in both genders, in both sides of mandible and among three different age groups (20-29, 30-44 and 45-59 years). The Pearson chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Second premolar was the most common anterolateral L of MF; in general, 48.7% of right and 51.9% of left MFs were located at the apex of second premolar. Anterior and straight ET were more common in right and left side, respectively. Accessory MF was present in only 8 (5.1%) of cases. The possible presence of accessory MF should not be overlooked for avoiding the occurrence of a neurosensory disturbance during surgery and implant insertion

Statement of the Problem: Anatomic variation can potentially impact the surgical safety. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of ostiomeatal complex variations based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of the patients seeking rhinoplasty. In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 281 patients including 153 female and 128 male with Mean±SD age of 26.97±7.38 were retrieved and analyzed for presence of variations of ostiomeatal complex and mucosal thickening. All CBCT images were acquired by NewTom VGi scanner with 15×15 field of view, as a part of preoperative recording of patients seeking rhinoplasty in an otolaryngology clinic. Chi- square test and Odds ratio were used for statistical analysis of the obtained data and p< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Agger nasi cells which were seen in 93.2% of the cases were the most common anatomic variation. It was followed by Haller cells (68%), concha bullosa (67.3%), uncinate process variations (54.8%), nasal sepal deviation (49.5%) and paradoxical curvature of middle turbinate (10%). Mucosal thickening were detected in 60.7% of the studied cases. Ostiomeatal complex variations and mucosal thickening are considerably prevalent among the patients seeking rhinoplasty. This study also revealed that CBCT evaluation of paranasal sinuses has comparable result in delineation of the sinonasal anatomy.

Introdouction:The styloid process(SP) has the potential for calcification and ossification. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different patterns of elongation and calcification of the SP. In this cross-sectional study, 400 digital panoramic radiographs taken for routine dental examination in the dental school of Shiraz University were evaluated for the radiographic features of an elongated styloid process (ESP). The apparent length of SP was measured with Scanora software on panoramic of 350 patient who met the study criteria, (204 females and 146 males). Lengths greater than 30mm were consider as ESP. ESP were also classified into three types based on Langlais classification (elongated, pseudo articulated; and segmented). Data were analyzed by the Chi squared tests and Student’s t-tests. ESP was confirmed in 153 patients including 78 males and 75 females (43.7%). The prevalence of ESP was significantly higher in males. 53.8% of males and 36.8% of female patients has ESP (P value < 0.05). ESP was also significantly more common in the older age group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the occurrence of unilateral and bilateral ESP (p > 0.05).Type I and Type II ossification pattern had almost equal frequency (42.5% and 43.8% respectively) ESP and calcification of stylohyoid ligament can be easily detected in panoramic radiograghs and is more common in older patients.

Introdouction: The aim of this study was to compare information regarding pharyngeal airway sizes in adolescent subjects with different malocclusion classes obtained from lateral cephalograms and 3–dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. In this prospective cross-sectional study, CBCT scans and lateral cephalograms of 35 subjects, taken within one week, were included. Measurements of the pharyngeal airway area from the lateral cephalograms and airway volume from the CBCT scans were analyzed using one-way ANOVA; post-hoc tests were used for comparison of the airway area and volume in different malocclusion classes. A linear regression of the airway area to volume was performed to discern associations and determine correlation coefficients. Descriptive statistics for airway dimensions were determined. No significant differences were detected between the sexes for any measurement; therefore, all data were combined. Regression analysis showed that for every mm2 increase in airway area, there was a corresponding 11.94- mm3 increase in mean airway volume. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests demonstrated significant differences in airway area and volume between the three malocclusion classes (p < 0.001). The highest mean airway area and volume was observed in class III malocclusion, followed by classes I and II malocclusion. Pharyngeal airway area, as measured on the lateral cephalogram, concurs with volumetric data. However, accurate determination of airway volume and shape is achieved by 3D imaging, owing to great variability in the shape of the pharyngeal air space.

Introdouction: The purpose of the present study was to determine the possible relationship between gonial angle size and three mandibular morphometric parameters, namely, panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), and antegonial notch depth (AD), in digital panoramic radiographs. PMI, MCW, and AD were calculated in digital panoramic radiographs of 370 dentulous adult subjects with a mean age of 44.2 years and a mean number of remaining teeth of 23.49 ± 7.71. The differences between the mean values of measured parameters were compared between males and females, among various age groups, and between subjects with low and high gonial angles (gonial angle of ≤120 and ≥125, respectively). The correlation between gonial angle size, PMI, MCW, and AD was also evaluated. T-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation test were used for statistical analysis. A P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. PMI, AD, and MCW(Mandibular Cartical Width) were significantly higher in subjects with low gonial angle (LGA) than those with high gonial angle (HGA). PMI, AD, and MCW were also significantly higher in males than those in females. Significantly negative correlations between the gonial angle and PMI, AD, and MCW were also observed. The mandibular radiomorphometric parameters of PMI, AD, and ACW are related to sex and gonial angle size.

Introdouction:The study aimed to compare the accuracy of proximal caries detection by dental practitioners using two different systems, direct digital system and conventional films, under routine environmental conditions. Eleven extracted human posterior teeth were mounted on wax frames and were exposed using the direct digital system and conventional films. Seventy-four dental practitioners evaluated these images for proximal caries. No environmental conditions were dictated. The dental practitioners’ evaluations were compared with histopathological sections that were used as the gold standard. There were no statistically significant differences in the dental practitioners’ ability to detect caries using the direct digital and conventional systems (P=0.548).No significant differences were found between groups based on the level of the dental practitioners’ work experience (P=0.167). Dental practitioners work well with both direct digital and conventional systems in the diagnosis of proximal caries, although the routine environmental condition is not the ideal one. Further, this ability is so basic that it is not influenced by the level of the dental practitioner’s experience.Therefore, we recommend that digital systems be considered for use in dental offices.

Statement of the Problem: Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare anomaly of uncertain origin which may play a role in some defects in temporomandibular joints. Since it may be misinterpreted as fractures or tumors in condylar area, proper diagnosis will help to prevent unnecessary treatments. A comprehensive knowledge about BMC may help to understand the developmental course of condyle and temporomandibular joints more clearly. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of bifidity of condyle in a selected population in Iran by employing dental panoramic view. Panoramic views of 1000 individuals (767 female, 233 male individuals) were assessed for bifidity. The patients were over 18 years old and had attended the radiology department of Shiraz dental school from September 2012 to March 2013. A total of 35(3.5%) case of bifidity was detected. Unilateral form was much more prevalent (32 unilateral cases versus 3 bilateral). The left-side bifidity was 3 times more prevalent than the right side. A large number of bifid condyles (63%) have shown symptoms of temporomandibular joint pain or click or both. The prevalence of bifidity in our population was about 3.5%, which was significantly high compared to the other published reports. Symptoms (click and pain) were also much more detected in our study.

The present study aimed to assess the nature and prevalence of incidental findings in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of oral and maxillofacial patients. In this cross-sectional study, 773 CBCT samples were retrieved from archives of a private oral and maxillofacial radiology center. Any findings that were not related to the reason of CBCT request was recorded in forms designed originally for this study. 475 patients out of 773 had at least one incidental finding. It composed about 60% of the patients. The largest frequency of incidental findings were cases of periapical lesions. (n = 189), followed by mucous thickening of maxillary sinus (n = 170), retained root (n = 32), impaction and 3rd molar (n = 26). Other incidental findings were torus (n = 25), dental anomalies (n = 13), vertical root fracture (n = 5), intra bony lesion and periapical pathosis (n = 4) and the lowest frequency was sialoliths (n = 1). About half of the subjects have had at least one incidental finding, so the precise review of the CBCT images seems to be necessary.

To report the association of pulp calcification with that of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using digital panoramic dental radiographs. Digital panoramic radiographs of patients referred from the angiography department were included if the patient was under 55 years old and had non-restored or minimally restored molars and canines. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist evaluated the images for pulpal calcifications in the selected teeth. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of panoramic radiography in predicting CVD were calculated. Out of 122 patients who met the criteria, 68.2% of the patients with CVD had pulp chamber calcifications. Pulp calcification in panoramic radiography had a sensitivity of 68.9% to predict CVD. This study demonstrates that patients with CVD show an increased incidence of pulp calcification compared with healthy patients. The findings suggest that pulp calcification on panoramic radiography may have possibilities for use in CVD screening.