The accuracy of 4 panoramic units in the projection of mesiodistal tooth angulations.

The purpose of this study was to compare the mesiodistal tooth angulations determined with a typodont/skull testing device with the images of mesiodistal tooth angulations from 4 contemporary panoramic units (OP 100, Cranex 3+, Orthophos, PM 2002 EC). A typodont testing device was constructed, and the true mesiodistal tooth angulations relative to an orthodontic archwire were determined with a 3-dimensional coordinate-measuring machine and custom-designed software. A human skull served as the matrix into which the typodont was fixed for imaging. The skull was repeatedly imaged and repositioned 5 times for each panoramic unit. The images were scanned and digitized with custom software to determine the image mesiodistal angulations. Results revealed that the majority of image angles from the 4 panoramic units were statistically significantly different from the true angle measurements. However, definite trends were noted among the panoramic units. For the maxillary teeth, the images projected the anterior roots more mesially and the posterior roots more distally, creating the appearance of exaggerated root divergence between the canine and the first premolar. For the mandibular teeth, the images projected almost all roots more mesially than they really were, with the canine and the first premolar the most severely affected. The largest angular difference for adjacent teeth occurred between the mandibular lateral incisor and the canine, with relative root parallelism projected as root convergence. It was concluded that the clinical assessment of mesiodistal tooth angulation with panoramic radiography should be approached with extreme caution and with an understanding of the inherent image distortions.     

影响曲面断层片上颌尖牙长轴角度的部分因素分析

目的 研究上颌尖牙区三维方向上多种因素变化对曲面断层片中牙长轴角度影响.方法 用干颅骨标本、模型牙制作模型模拟拔牙矫治后理想牙颌状态,从初始状态开始,依次改变右上尖牙的轴倾度、右上尖牙的转矩、上颌右侧弓形以及曲断选层位置,并在精确定位状态下分别拍摄颅骨模型的曲面断层片,测量右上尖牙牙长轴影像与固定参照平面的夹角.结果 尖牙实际轴倾度与曲断片牙长轴角度呈同方向变化;尖牙根颊向转矩使牙根影像趋于后倾,根腭向转矩使牙根影像趋于前倾;弓形尖圆时牙根影像趋于前倾,弓形方圆时牙根影像趋于后倾;选层位置靠后时牙根影像趋于前倾,选层靠前时牙根影像趋于后倾,二者相差1.8°.结论 曲面断层片所示的牙齿长轴角度受局部多种三维因素的共同影响,且具有一定的规律性.     

传统全景片和锥形束CT重建全景片测量牙轴近远中倾斜度的对比研究

目的 比较传统全景片和锥形束CT（CBCT）重建全景片用于测量牙轴近远中倾斜度的准确性。方法 收集15名个别正常志愿者的石膏模型,在模型上确定上下颌从左侧第一磨牙到右侧第一磨牙的牙体长轴和平面的标记点,制作放射显影装置,志愿者佩戴放射显影装置拍摄全景片和 CBCT片。分别在石膏模型、全景片和 CBCT重建全景片上测量牙轴近远中倾斜度。利用多元方差分析和 Dunnett-t检验比较3种测量方法的差异。结果 3种测量方法间的差异有统计学意义（P=0.00）。与模型测量相比,全景片组中12个牙位有2个牙位（上下颌第二前磨牙）测量结果的差异有统计学意义（P=0.00）,CBCT组12个牙位的差异均无统计学意义。结论 评价牙轴近远中倾斜度时,传统全景片存在一定误差, CBCT重建全景片是一种更为有效的评价手段。     

Near-end of treatment panoramic radiograph in the assessment of mesiodistal root angulation

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference between the actual mesiodistal root angulation and the mesiodistal root angulation as measured on the panoramic radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A typodont dentition was set up into a Class I occlusion. Wire struts were placed on the buccal surface of each tooth to represent their long axes. The dentition was fixed into a natural skull for imaging. The radiographic and true mesiodistal angulation of each tooth to a horizontal reference plane (the arch wire) was measured using a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The mesiodistal root positions were then altered to a more mesial and then more distal position and the measurements were repeated. RESULTS: Only 26.7% of the radiographic root angulations were within the clinically acceptable angular variation range of +/-2.5 degrees . The greatest variation in the upper arch occurred in the canine-premolar area where the roots were projected as being more divergent. The greatest variation in the lower arch occurred in the lateral incisor-canine region where these roots were projected as being more convergent. The extent of radiographic distortion is statistically greater in the lower arch than in the upper arch in the ideal (P < or = .05) and distal (P < or = .01) root positions. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis is rejected. There is a clinically significant variation between the radiographic and the true root angulations recorded. Caution is advised when interpreting mesiodistal root angulation using this radiograph.     

Assessment of mesiodistal tooth angulation on the panoramic radiograph

Tilting of the head has been suggested as a potential source of error when the clinician assesses the angulation of teeth in the panoramic radiograph. If a reference line that could be stable in variations of head positioning during the radiographic exposure could be found, then the examination of the radiograph would be more accurate. We examined the effects of three different head positions on the panoramic image in ten volunteer patients. Our findings suggest that the upper and lower margins of the film are useful reference lines in estimating the mesiodistal angulation of six anteriors, and the mandibular plane is more useful in assessing the angulations of posterior teeth and canines.     

Localization of first permanent molars in lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs from early mixed dentition to early permanent dentition

Changes in position and mesiodistal angulations of maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars from early mixed dentition to early permanent dentition were measured on panoramic radiographs and compared with the values measured on lateral cephalometric radiographs. It was found that the maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars were uprighted gradually, drifted mesially and vertically, and that the changes in mesiodistal angulations were clearly on the panoramic radiographs in comparison with the cephalometric radiographs.     

Displaced premolars in panoramic radiography: fact or fallacy?

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference between premolar position visualized on panoramic radiographs (PRs) and lateral headfilms (LHs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of differences in the direction of crown angulation between PR and LH was assessed. Furthermore, brass wire markers with different sagittal and transverse angulations were placed in a dry skull. With the markers in place, LHs and PRs were taken. RESULTS: A difference in the direction of crown angulation of unerupted second premolars between PR and LH occurred in 19.5% of patients. The reason for the angulation differences is a buccolingual orientation of the tooth, which appears as a mesiodistal angulation on the PR. CONCLUSION: The null hypothesis was rejected since in one-fifth of the patients premolar projection differs between the panoramic radiograph and the lateral headfilm.     

Supernumerary deciduous teeth with multiple maxillary impacted mesiodens: A case report

Maxillary impacted mesiodens are frequently encountered in pediatric dentistry. Much research has been conducted concerning their incidence, position, and form. Supernumerary teeth erupting in the primary dentition with maxillary impacted mesiodens are very rare. In January 2011, a nine-year-old boy presented for dental treatment and was found to have supernumerary deciduous teeth. Upon panoramic radiography, multiple impacted mesiodens were found; therefore, computed tomography (CT) was performed for further examination. One month later, the boy was referred to our department for extraction of the deciduous supernumeraries and impacted mesiodens. We suspected that these supernumeraries, mesiodens, and remaining primary teeth would lead to problems with the eruption of the permanent teeth. Therefore, by ascertaining the exact position of the mesiodens and the successional permanent teeth using CT, extraction was performed under general anesthesia in March 2011 without any error. Six months postoperatively, panoramic radiographs showed no superfluous structure that appeared to be a tooth. We suggest that when multiple maxillary impacted mesiodens are found, their exact positions can be located using CT before extraction.     

Comparative Measurement of Mesiodistal Width of Six Anterior Maxillary and Mandibular Teeth in Rajasthan Population

The purpose of the study was to determine the mesiodistal width of six anterior teeth for better esthetics and good tooth arrangement in a cross section of Rajasthan population. The mesiodistal dimension of central, lateral incisor and canine on right and left sides was measured in 250 males and 250 females, these readings were used to determine the mean, minimum and maximum maxillary/mandibular teeth ‘anterior ratio’, difference in mesiodistal width, combined mean mesiodistal width, the number and percent of similar teeth of maxilla and mandible. It was observed from the present study that there is variation in mesiodistal width in right and left sides signifying that the anterior teeth are not mirror images of one another. Male subjects have greater mesiodistal width than female subjects and right side dominates in most of the readings indicating that mesiodistal width is greater on right side than on left side. Percentage variability and sexual dimorphism are also important findings of this study. This study can prove helpful in replacement of artificial teeth of prosthesis in this cross section of population.     

Mesiodistal root angulation using panoramic and cone beam CT

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the panoramic projection can accurately determine mesiodistal root angulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A plaster study model of the dentition of each of five patients was prepared. A radiographic stent containing radiopaque markers was fabricated for each of the models. Panoramic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken on each patient with the radiographic stent seated on the dentition. Root angulations for each of the radiographic images were measured and compared. RESULTS: Root angulation was measured by three independent individuals and good reliability between measurements was demonstrated. Compared to plaster model measurements (the gold standard), the CBCT scan produced very accurate measurements of root angulation. Compared to CBCT images, panoramic projections did not provide reliable data on root angulation. CONCLUSION: Panoramic images did not accurately represent the mesiodistal root angulations on clinical patients.     

Head positioning and projection errors in submentovertex radiographic analysis

This study examined the changes seen on the submentovertex radiograph when the head is not extended sufficiently. A human dry skull supported on a cephalostat was used to simulate head extension. The range of rotation tested was an under-rotation of the skull of 30 degrees to an over-rotation of 10 degrees in intervals of 5 degrees. The measured variables were the intercondylar axis angles, corpus lengths and condylar widths. The relationships between skull rotation and changes in these variables were determined. Three selected landmarks, the spinosa points (right and left) and the pogonion point of each radiograph were located and compared spatially with the same points on the ideal radiograph. The results showed that variation in skull rotation affects both linear and angular measurements significantly (P < 0.01). Landmarks further away from the axis of rotation are affected by distortion more than those nearer to it.     

曲面断层片和锥形束CT对上颌阻生尖牙的定位分析

目的:通过对曲面断层片中上颌阻生尖牙近远中向和垂直向的影像学分区,判定其与锥形束CT (cone-beam computed tomography, CBCT)中相应尖牙唇腭侧位及相邻恒切牙根吸收之间的关系。方法:对68例患者的94颗上颌阻生尖牙进行曲面断层片的拍摄和CBCT扫描。将曲面断层片中上颌阻生尖牙近远中向牙尖所处的位置分为5区(Ⅰ区-Ⅴ区),将牙冠所处的垂直向高度分为3部分(牙冠段,根中段,根尖段),其唇腭侧位置和相邻恒切牙的根吸收情况则由CBCT判定。结果:曲面断层片中上颌阻生尖牙近远中向的区域定位与CBCT中相应阻生牙的唇腭侧位之间有显著相关(P＜0.001),唇侧阻生的尖牙常出现在曲面断层片中的Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ区域,正中牙槽阻生的多在Ⅳ区域,腭侧阻生的常在Ⅴ区域,而垂直向的分段与之无显著相关。CBCT中相邻恒切牙的根吸收常发生在Ⅳ、Ⅴ区域和根中段、根尖段。曲面断层片中阻生尖牙近远中向和垂直向的区域划分均与CBCT中相邻恒切牙的根吸收之间有统计学意义(P＜0.05)结论:利用曲面断层片中上颌阻生尖牙近远中向的区域定位可以预测其唇腭侧位和相邻恒切牙的根吸收,垂直向的分段可用来判断相邻恒切牙的根吸收,而不可推测其唇腭侧阻生情况。     

An evaluation of factors associated with persistent primary teeth

The aim of the present study was to investigate the reasons for the persistence of primary teeth and also use panoramic radiography to determine the characteristics of persistence teeth. Four-hundred and twenty-six panoramic radiographies, which diagnosed one or more retained primary teeth, were selected from 100,577 panoramic radiographic image files from nine clinics and six different cities in Turkey. The selected radiographies were evaluated to determine the reasons for the persistence of primary teeth; furthermore, this study analyzed the characteristics of the retained primary teeth including tooth type, number, location, and root resorption, and whether, or not, the primary teeth showed evidence of pathological conditions, such as periodontal problems, caries, ankylosis, infra-occlusions, or tipping of the adjacent permanent teeth. Six hundred and seventy-seven retained primary teeth were determined in 426 patients (148 males and 278 females). Retained primary teeth were found most frequently in the mandible rather than the maxilla and the left side was more frequently affected than the right side. Level 1 was found as a most frequently encountered root resorption level. Within the limitation of the present study, the most common type of persistent primary teeth seen on the dental arch were mandibular primary second molars, followed by maxillary primary canines. The most frequent reason for the persistence was the congenital absence of successors to the primary teeth, followed by impaction of the successor teeth.     

Accuracy of linear and angular measurements on panoramic radiographs taken at various positions in vitro

The accuracy of measurement of tooth length and angulation on dental panoramic tomograms (DPTs) is thought to be highly dependent on head positioning technique. A model representing the dentition and the functional occlusal plane was designed using an acrylic framework and stainless steel wires. The aim was to investigate whether varying the position of the model affects the linear and angular measurements on DPTs. Four different positions were investigated: initial position representing natural head posture (NHP) (T1); lateral right cant of the occlusal plane (T2); lateral left cant of the occlusal plane (T3); and tilting the occlusal plane up anteriorly (T4). On each DPT, four sets of measurements were recorded: (1) Vertical linear measurements of the stainless steel pins and ratio calculations of the 'crown' and 'root' segments (represented by the wire above and below the occlusal plane, respectively); (2) angular measurements of the pins relative to the occlusal plane; (3) angular measurements of the pins relative to a constructed reference line; and (4) angular measurements of pins relative to each other in the same segment. The results showed a significant error (P < 0.05) in all measurements when the occlusal plane was tilted up anteriorly by 8 degrees. A lateral cant of the occlusal plane by less than 10 degrees without an upward anterior rotation showed no significant effect on the measurements. This would suggest that there is some tolerance of variation in head position.     

The reliability of crown-root ratio, linear and angular measurements on panoramic radiographs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of crown and root length, crown-root ratio and angular measurements of teeth relative to constructed reference lines and to other teeth in the same region on consecutive (T1 and T2) panoramic radiographs (OPGs). This retrospective study employed 20 cases; ten with five implants in each jaw (age range between 20 and 60 years) and ten with a full permanent dentition (age range between 12 and 16 years). The consecutive pairs of OPGs ranged from 6 months to 3 years apart. Four variables were measured and compared: 1) the crown or coronal segment length and the root or apical segment length; 2) the crown-root ratio; 3) the angulations of teeth and implants relative to specific reference lines in each jaw; 4) the angle between teeth and implants in the same sextant. The results revealed that comparisons of measurements taken of the same structures at T1 and T2, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between vertical linear measurements. The crown-root ratios and coronal-apical segment ratios too, showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Whereas, angulations of teeth or implants relative to respective reference lines showed significant differences (p=0.001) for some of the teeth. These differences, however, were less than 5 degrees; a clinically acceptable range. Angles measured between teeth or implants in the same sextant showed no significant differences (p>0.05). These results seem to support the hypothesis, therefore, that the linear vertical measurements, ratio calculations and angular measurements can be used to compare crown and root lengths, crown-root ratios and tooth angulations on OPGs taken of the same patient at different times with consistent accuracy.     

Distortions in panoramic radiographs

This study was designed to investigate the factors affecting linear distortion in orthopantomography A test model was constructed with metallic rods positioned to simulate maxillary teeth from the first permanent molar to the lateral incisor. In addition to examining the effects of varying the tilts of the test rods in a mesiodistal or bucco-palatal direction, spatial position changes (sagittal displacement, transverse displacement and horizontal rotation) of the test model were evaluated by determining the magnification changes in the width and length of the test rods. Results showed that significant errors occurred with all variations in magnification when test rods were inclined buccopalatally (p < 0.001) at or exceeding 5 degrees relative to the true perpendicular, and for spatial positioning errors (p < 0.05) at or exceeding +/- 5 degrees and +/- 5 mm. Bucco-palatally inclined objects in the lateral incisor-canine region were particularly susceptible to large changes in horizontal magnification. Linear measurements and clinical assessments from panoramic radiographs should therefore be undertaken cautiously. To minimise errors in orthopantomography, it is important to position the patient in the focal trough precisely according to the manufacturer's specification.     

Evaluation of X-ray beam angulation for successful twin canal identification in mandibular incisors

This study was undertaken to determine the most effective horizontal beam angulation for the diagnosis of twin canals in mandibular incisors. Two hundred extracted mandibular incisor teeth, in groups of four, were aligned in the form of a lower dental arch and radiographed using a beam alignment device at 10° intervals between 0° and 50° from both right and left sides. Five observers with varying degrees of experience were asked to assess the number of canals in each of the four teeth from these radiographs. A further radiograph of each individual tooth was taken at 90° through the mesio-distal plane to identify the number of twin canals present. A random sample of 10% of the radiographs were viewed for a second time 3 months later to assess intra-observer variation. The 20° right and 30° left horizontal beam angulations showed significantly more accurate diagnosis of twin canals than the ortho-radial view (0°) by all five observers. Analysis of the inter-observer results suggests that the experienced viewers were no better but more consistent at identifying twin canals in mandibular incisors.     

The effect of head rotation on cephalometric radiographs

The aim of this study was to identify the potential projection errors of lateral, postero-anterior (PA) and submentovertex (SMV) cephalometric radiographs due to head rotation in the vertical z-axis. For this investigation, a complete human dry skull of an adult was used. The skull was rotated from 0 to +/-14 degrees at 2 degree intervals. A vertical axis, the z-axis, was used as the rotational axis to expose 15 lateral and 15 PA cephalometric radiographs. The skull was tilted on each side, again at 2 degree intervals, to expose the 15 SMV films. A series of linear and angular measurements was carried out on all cephalograms.The results revealed that horizontal linear and angular measurements between the horizontal planes on lateral cephalograms were subject to changes from 16.1 to 44.7 per cent with a 14 degree rotation of the head position. For PA cephalograms, again horizontal linear measurements, particularly mandibular length, were subject to a projection error of up to 34.9 per cent with head rotation. On the other hand, projection errors were within the 3-4 per cent limit for SMV radiography.The findings indicate that: (1) linear measurements and the measurement of angles between the horizontal planes are likely to be affected by head rotation in lateral cephalograms, (2) angular measurements demonstrate smaller variations with changing rotation of the head in PA cephalograms, (3) SMV radiographs are less vulnerable to head rotation. Vertical linear measurements of lateral cephalograms and angular measurements of PA radiographs are more reliable in minimizing the projection errors associated with head rotation.     

Crown angulation measured by laser scanner

The aim of this study was to measure the crown angulation of Japanese subjects with normal occlusion using a laser scanner to minimize human error. Twenty study models with normal occlusion were scanned by laser scanner. Crown angulations of each tooth in scanned 3D dental images were measured according to Andrews’ procedure. In Andrews’ procedure, a plane was established along the mesiodistal contact points of each tooth. The crown angulations of each tooth were measured by projecting the facial axis of the clinical crown (FACC) and a vertical line from the occlusal plane, and the mean and standard deviation were calculated. In maxillary teeth, the canine crown angulation was highest at about 7°, thus indicating a mesial tip, which was seen in all teeth except the second molar. In mandibular teeth, the second molar crown angulation was highest at about 7°, thus indicating a mesial tip, and only the lateral incisor exhibited slight distal tip, while all the remaining teeth exhibited mesial tip. Standard deviations for the maxillary and mandibular teeth ranged from 2.5° to 8°. The standard deviation of the maxillary and mandibular second molars was particularly large.