Evaluation of a metal artifact reduction algorithm and an adaptive image noise optimization filter in the estimation of peri-implant fenestration defects using cone beam computed tomography: an in-vitro study

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of metal artifact reduction (MAR) and adaptive image noise enhancer (AINO) in CBCT imaging on the detection accuracy of artificially created fenestration defects in proximity to titanium and zirconium implants in sheep jaw.

Methods

Six zirconium and 10 titanium implants were planted on mandibular jaws of three sheep, and artificial defects were created. All images were obtained with a standard voxel size (0.150 mm³) and with 4 scan modes: (1) without MAR/without AINO; (2) with MAR/without AINO; (3) without MAR/with AINO; and (4) with MAR/with AINO during CBCT scanning. A total of 60 CBCT scans were produced.

Results

For all types of implants, intra- and inter-observer kappa values were the highest for MAR filter. The scan mode of with MAR filter was found to have the highest area under the curve (AUC), whereas the scan mode of without both MAR and AINO filters was found to have the lowest AUC values with statistical significance (p?≤?0.05). Titanium implants were found to have higher AUC values than zirconium (p?≤?0.05).

Conclusion

Both MAR module and AINO filters enhance the accuracy of the detection of peri-implant fenestrations; however, the use of MAR filter solely can be recommended for detection of peri-implant fenestrations.

     

Dental students' ability to assess gingival health status with DAAGS software

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of dental students at different levels of education (Basic, Preclinic, and Clinic groups) to assess the level of gingival health status by using the Development of Ability to Assess Gingival Status (DAAGS) computer software program designed according to the Oral Rating Index (ORI) criteria. Two hundred and thirteen dental students at three levels of dental education voluntarily participated in three DAAGS tests in which they judged twenty-four photos. The three groups were first- and second-year dental students (Basic), third- and fourth-year dental students who had not yet participated in the clinical periodontology course (Preclinic), and fifth-year dental students who had completed the clinical periodontology course (Clinic). A gold standard of each photo was shown after completing Test 1, and then Test 2 was conducted immediately. Two weeks later, the third test was performed. Analyses of differences among the groups and between the tests for each groups were carried out by using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon Sign Rank tests, respectively. Students were asked to evaluate the DAAGS by written survey. Most of the students had a positive opinion. There were significant differences among the groups for correct and irrelevant answers and overall ability (p<0.001). The Basic group showed a significant (p<0.01) improvement between Test 1 and Test 2. This improvement was greater than Preclinic students and almost equal to Clinic students. The findings from this study indicate that the DAAGS software can serve as a useful instructional tool for education.     

Turkish dental students' and dentists' ability to assess gingival health status with DAAGS software

The aim of this study was to compare the ability of final-year Turkish dental students and dentists to assess the level of gingival health status by using the Development of Ability to Assess Gingival Status (DAAGS) computer program. Forty-eight students in their final year of dental education and 240 dentists participated in DAAGS tests in which they judged twenty-four photos. The participants were organized into one group of students and five groups of dentists: those who graduated in the last five years, in the last six to ten years, in the last eleven to fifteen years, in the last sixteen to twenty years, and twenty and/or more years ago. A gold standard of each photo was shown to participants after they completed test 1; then, test 2 was conducted immediately. Participants were asked to evaluate the DAAGS by written survey. There were significant differences between the parameters of two tests for all groups. Significance levels differed for each group and both tests considering correct answers, reproducibility, irrelevant answers, and overall ability. The findings from this study indicated that the DAAGS software is easier for more recently graduated dentists to use.     

A challenging problem that concerns the aesthetic surgeon: postoperative nausea and vomiting

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are among the most common adverse events in the postoperative period. This is especially disastrous in aesthetic surgery; it may cause hematoma, wound dehiscence, and patient dissatisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PONV after aesthetic surgery procedures, and to determine the risk factors for PONV. Two hundred and twelve patients undergoing the most common aesthetic surgical procedures were included into this study. Female gender, surgical site, and history of PONV were found to be significant risk factors, however, postoperative opiate use and history of motion sickness were not found to be significant risk factors for PONV. Those undergoing trunk surgery procedures appeared to be at higher risk than were those undergoing head and neck surgery procedures. Also, ondansetron was found to be more affective than metoclopramide. Risk factors for PONV must be questioned preoperatively. Patients with risk factors are good candidates for prophylaxis. As a result of the effective prevention of PONV, postoperative patient comfort and satisfaction should be more improved.     

Survey of Turkish practice evaluating the management of postdural puncture headache in the obstetric population (1)

Many surveys and meta-analysis concerning the management of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) in the obstetric population were published in the literature. Therefore, we aimed to determine the current practice and ideas in the management of PDPH in the Turkish obstetric population and to provide awareness of the responders about new solutions with a survey. The response rate was 70%. The management strategies against accidental dural puncture during epidural insertion were to leave the catheter in situ as a spinal catheter (36%, n = 28) or to re-site it at a different level (64%, n = 50). Although these results might reflect the current practice of this small sample, in order to follow the changes in these strategies and to catch almost a standard approach for the prevention and management of PDPH which is a serious complication affecting morbidity in this particular population, further surveys including most of the centers are required.