Applications of Dentomaxillofacial Diagnostic Imaging in Different Specialties

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 7770

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Guest Editor
Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
Interests: dentomaxillofacial radiology; CBCT; digital radiology; implant radiology; micro CT; T rays and dentistry
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (DMFR) is one of the dental specialties recognized under different names and divisions all over the world. Diagnostic imaging techniques, specifically X ray imaging, have always been a tremendous asset in clinical dentistry. The use of various imaging techniques is essential in the field of restorative and endodontic treatment, periodontal assessment, prosthetic rehabilitation and surgical procedures including implant placement and orthodontics for different tasks. However, scientists have been searching for safer and comparable alternative imaging modalities to X-ray imaging due to increasing concerns regarding the radiation dose and economic limitations. Today, the imaging procedures utilized to assess oral and maxillofacial regions comprise intraoral imaging, dental panoramic imaging, cephalometric imaging, sialography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multislice medical computed tomography, ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Scintigraphy. In addition, visible light, optical coherence tomography, and terahertz imaging are other methods in use or under investigation. In recent years, 3D printing technology has become popular, which is a process whereby a given material is deposited in successive layers to create a 3D object. In dentistry, this technology involves three steps: digital data acquisition using a scanner and/or CBCT, data processing and design within a software application, and manufacturing through 3D printing. Furthermore, 3D-printing technology may be utilized for education and research purposes, and may be helpful to reduce the surgical time, operator bias, and the risk of procedural errors. In addition, applications of computer-aided and image-guided procedures with Haptic and Robotic devices are in progress. Recently, there has been much interest in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology is within the scope of these applications due to its compatibility with image processing methods. Further research in the field of AI will make great contributions to dental diagnostic imaging. It is expected that AI will help to reduce the daily workload of physicians as well as the rate of false diagnosis in dental practice. It should be kept in mind that diagnostic images obtained from the dentomaxillofacial region may also show part or the entire nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, airway, cervical vertebrae, and temporal bone. Incidental findings may require follow-up, and further treatment options may be identified in conjunction with clinical findings, including referral to a specialist not directly linked to the field of dentistry in certain cases. It is obvious that further research in the field of DMFR has the potential to make great contributions to dental and medical clinical practice. This Special Issue is designed for anyone who consults, performs, interprets, or uses dentomaxillofacial imaging procedures, including clinicians, specialists, ENT specialists, head and neck radiologists, and oral and maxillofacial radiologists.

Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Kamburoğlu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • radiology
  • DMFR
  • diagnostic imaging
  • dentistry

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

10 pages, 1365 KiB  
Article
A Morphometric Evaluation of the Mandibular Condyle, Coronoid Process, and Gonial Angle: Age and Gender Differences in CBCT Imaging
by Mehmet Emin Dogan, Burcu Nur Turkoglu and Ilhan Şengul
Diagnostics 2025, 15(12), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15121459 - 8 Jun 2025
Viewed by 461
Abstract
Background: It has been suggested that the mandible may differ according to gender. The fact that the mandible and the anatomical structures on it show various changes with age and gender differences is important in gender and age determination. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Background: It has been suggested that the mandible may differ according to gender. The fact that the mandible and the anatomical structures on it show various changes with age and gender differences is important in gender and age determination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric variation in the condyle and coronoid processes and the gonial angle, which are anatomical structures forming the mandible, with gender and age. Methods: Cone beam CT images of 141 individuals (78 female, 63 male) were used in this study. The images of all patients were obtained with the same X-ray device; the images were obtained at 70 kVp, 10 mA, and a 32 s exposure time in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Images displayed with 0.3 mm voxel with the IRYS 15.0 program were examined in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes, and measurements were taken. The gonial angle, coronoid notch, condyle height, condyle–coronoid distance, and sigmoid notch depths were evaluated. Results: The average age of 141 individuals was 43.21 ± 15.96 years, and 55.3% of them were female and 44.7% were male. The mean right gonial angle in females (128.66 ± 5.50°) was significantly higher than in males (125.68 ± 5.10°) (p < 0.005). Similarly, the mean left gonial angle in females (128.84 ± 5.97°) was significantly higher than in males (125.26 ± 4.89°) (p < 0.005). The sigmoid notch depth was found to be greater in men, with an average of 13.88 ± 2.46 mm, while in women, it had an average of 13.13 ± 1.80 mm, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.005). The relationship between the two sides’ coronoid notch height, sigmoid notch depth, condyle height, and condyle–coronoid distance and age groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.005). Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate that the male mandible may have a longer condyle, a narrower gonial angle, and a wider sigmoid notch depth than that of females. It has been observed that ramus measurements such as condyle length and sigmoid notch depth may be important in gender discrimination, and the male mandible exhibits larger values in these parameters. No differences in parameters were observed between age groups. Full article
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12 pages, 4172 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Mesiobuccal Canal Configuration, the Interorifice Distance, and the Root Lengths of the Permanent Maxillary First Molars with Cone Beam Computed Tomography
by Mehmet Ozgur Ozemre, Hazal Karslıoglu and Kıvanc Kamburoglu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2703; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232703 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1262
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the mesiobuccal root canal configuration (MB RCC), the interorifice distance (IOD) and the corresponding root and other root lengths of the permanent maxillary first molars; Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were acquired [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the mesiobuccal root canal configuration (MB RCC), the interorifice distance (IOD) and the corresponding root and other root lengths of the permanent maxillary first molars; Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were acquired between 2020 and 2023 for different purposes unrelated to this study. Overall, 1550 CBCT images were retrospectively evaluated. A dentomaxillofacial radiologist with 15 years of experience evaluated the CBCT images and performed the measurements; Results: According to the MB RCC, there was no statistically significant difference between the Vertucci type II and Vertucci type IV groups in terms of the mean age and sex distribution (p = 0.694 and p = 0.273). There was no statistically significant difference in the IOD between the MB RCC groups (p = 0.755). Moreover, according to the MB RCC, there was no statistically significant difference between the Vertucci type II and Vertucci type IV groups in terms of the mesiobuccal, distobuccal, palatinal, and mean root lengths (p > 0.05); Conclusions: There was no association between the IOD and the type of RCC in the maxillary first molars. New studies conducted by collecting data from different centers to explore the different morphological features of maxillary first molars and detect their anatomical differences will provide more reliable and accurate results. Full article
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11 pages, 3929 KiB  
Article
The Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners in Maxillary Defects with Different Model Variations
by Sema Murat, Burcu Batak, Özge Aydoğ and Caner Öztürk
Diagnostics 2024, 14(21), 2368; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14212368 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1323
Abstract
Background: Advances in digital technology and intraoral scanners (IOSs) have the potential to enable accurate digital impressions for patients with maxillary defects. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of IOSs in completely and partially edentulous models with maxillary defects. Methods: Three polyurethane [...] Read more.
Background: Advances in digital technology and intraoral scanners (IOSs) have the potential to enable accurate digital impressions for patients with maxillary defects. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of IOSs in completely and partially edentulous models with maxillary defects. Methods: Three polyurethane models—one completely edentulous (CE) and two partially edentulous, following Aramany classifications I (ACI) and II (ACII)—were created using stereolithography. These models were scanned with a desktop scanner to create reference models. Ten scans were performed using three different intraoral scanners (TRIOS 3, Primescan, and Virtuo Vivo). The IOS datasets were analyzed to assess trueness and precision using a two-way ANOVA and multiple-comparison tests with Bonferroni corrections (α = 0.05). Results: Both the model type and the IOS significantly influenced trueness and precision. The interaction between the model type and the IOS was found to be statistically significant (trueness: p = 0.001; precision: p = 0.005). The highest trueness was observed in the ACII model scanned with TRIOS 3 and Primescan. TRIOS 3 and Primescan also exhibited the highest precision in the ACII model. For Virtuo Vivo, there were no significant differences among the models (p = 0.48). Conclusions: Although intraoral scanners (IOSs) demonstrated significant differences in trueness when used in completely and partially edentulous models with maxillary defects, these differences may be considered clinically insignificant. Full article
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10 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of External Apical Root Resorption in Cases with Extraction and Non-Extraction Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
by Ramazan Berkay Peker and Pamir Meriç
Diagnostics 2024, 14(20), 2338; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14202338 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 2315
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate external apical root resorption (EARR) in cases with extraction and non-extraction fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: Ninety subjects were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: 43 with extraction treatment and [...] Read more.
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate external apical root resorption (EARR) in cases with extraction and non-extraction fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: Ninety subjects were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: 43 with extraction treatment and 47 with non-extraction orthodontic treatment. EARR was measured using the crown-to-root ratio of the maxillary and mandibular incisors and canines on panoramic radiographs taken at the beginning (T0) and end of the treatment (T1). The Bonferroni corrected Z test was used for multiple comparisons. Results: There were 24 (55.8%) individuals in the extraction group and 12 (25.5%) in the non-extraction group, with a minimum of one tooth with severe resorption. There was no resorption in 0% of individuals in the extraction group and five (10.6%) individuals in the non-extraction group. There was a statistically significant correlation between the groups and the degree of resorption (p = 0.008). When the maxillary and mandibular teeth in the extraction group were compared, a significant difference was found in all degrees of resorption except for mild resorption. Conclusions: There was a significant difference in EARR between the extraction and non-extraction treatment groups, with maxillary incisors showing more resorption in the extraction treatment. Full article
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18 pages, 7920 KiB  
Article
Optimal Training Positive Sample Size Determination for Deep Learning with a Validation on CBCT Image Caries Recognition
by Yanlin Wang, Gang Li, Xinyue Zhang, Yue Wang, Zhenhao Zhang, Jupeng Li, Junqi Ma and Linghang Wang
Diagnostics 2024, 14(18), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14182080 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1457
Abstract
Objectives: During deep learning model training, it is essential to consider the balance among the effects of sample size, actual resources, and time constraints. Single-arm objective performance criteria (OPC) was proposed to determine the optimal positive sample size for training deep learning [...] Read more.
Objectives: During deep learning model training, it is essential to consider the balance among the effects of sample size, actual resources, and time constraints. Single-arm objective performance criteria (OPC) was proposed to determine the optimal positive sample size for training deep learning models in caries recognition. Methods: An expected sensitivity (PT) of 0.6 and a clinically acceptable sensitivity (P0) of 0.5 were applied to the single-arm OPC calculation formula, yielding an optimal training set comprising 263 carious teeth. U-Net, YOLOv5n, and CariesDetectNet were trained and validated using clinically self-collected cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images that included varying quantities of carious teeth. To assess performance, an additional dataset was utilized to evaluate the accuracy of caries detection by both the models and two dental radiologists. Results: When the number of carious teeth reached approximately 250, the models reached the optimal performance levels. U-Net demonstrated superior performance, achieving accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-Score, and Dice similarity coefficients of 0.9929, 0.9307, 0.9989, 0.9590, and 0.9435, respectively. The three models exhibited greater accuracy in caries recognition compared to dental radiologists. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the positive sample size of CBCT images containing caries was predictable and could be calculated using single-arm OPC. Full article
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