Birgit Junfin Glass

Variations in adult cortical bone mass as measured by a panoramic mandibular index

This study defines a new radiomorphometric index of mandibular cortical bone mass, the panoramic mandibular index (PMI). Differences in the index in a population of 353 adult subjects, equally divided by sex, age (30 through 79 years), and racial group (black, Hispanic, white), were evaluated. The data were analyzed with respect to side, racial group, sex, age, and combinations of these variables. Blacks were found to have a greater mean PMI than Hispanics or whites, who were statistically similar. Age-related changes comparing younger and older age groups within each sex and racial group indicated a significant decrease in mean PMI with increasing age in black and Hispanic women. The mean PMI in white men increased with advancing age.

Xerostomia: Diagnosis and treatment planning considerations

Long-term xerostomia results in a poor prognosis for the remaining dentition, existing restorations, and denture acceptance. The dentist must be able to recognize xerostomia by the clinical signs and the potential for xerostomia on the basis of a medical history, since xerostomia may not always be the patients chief complaint. A literature review concerning the etiology, diagnosis, and management of xerostomia is presented.

Lipoma of the soft palate

Abstract This case report describes a common benign tumor that occurred in a rare intraoral location and suggests that the lesion be included as a rare possibility in the differential diagnosis of swellings of the soft palate.

The central plane of the image layer determined experimentally in various rotational panoramic x-ray machines

The location of the image layer with respect to how a patient is positioned in a rotational panoramic machine is very critical. At present, no simple method exists for routine testing of panoramic machines to verify that the image layer is where the manufacturer intended it to be. The purpose of this experiment was to locate the central plane of the image layer with respect to a reference point on various machines currently on the market. The data obtained from this study can be used for further evaluations of the consistency in the location of the image layer, first with the existing device and later with a test device that would be adaptable to these machines and serve as a quality-control device in assuring that the machines are functioning properly.

Melanin pigmentation in a mucoepidermoid tumor of a minor salivary gland.

A low-grade mucoepidermoid tumor rich in melanin has been reported. According to the collective personal experience of the authors and a literature review, such lesions are thought to be rare. It is not anticipated that melanocytic participation will alter the prognosis; however, only long-term followup and reports of any similar lesions of salivary gland will assist in clarifying the nature and significance of this lesion.

Cyst of the maxillary antrum. Report of an unusual case

The radiographic differences between the mucocele, mucous retention cyst, and odontogenic cysts of the maxillary sinus are reviewed. A case of an unusual cyst of the maxillary antrum is presented.

Comparison of image layer location among panoramic machines of the same manufacturer

The central plane of the image layer was located in several panoramic machines of the same manufacturer by making radiographs of a spherical test object placed in different positions. A round image indicated that the test object was at the central plane. The inconsistency of the location of the central plane in machines tested indicates the need for establishing a quality assurance test to verify image-layer location before patient exposure.

Medial sigmoid depression: A panoramic pseudoforamen in the upper ramus

A radiolucency resembling a foramen was observed on a number of panoramic radiographs in the upper ramus just below and slightly anterior to the sigmoid notch. The radiolucency may be unilateral or bilateral and does not correspond to the location of any known major foramina in this region. Eighty-eight skulls with mandibles were examined, and representative samples were photographed and radiographed in order to replicate this foramen-like radiolucency. The radiolucency corresponded to an osseous depression observable in some specimens in the medial portion of the ramus just below the sigmoid notch area. The incidence of this phenomenon in a study of 1,986 panoramic radiographs was also determined.

A new technique for imaging the temporomandibular joint with a panoramic x-ray machine. Part II. Positioning with the use of patient data

In the first article of this series, a new panoramic technique for visualization of the temporomandibular joint was described. In this article, it is shown that the patient positioning required for the implementation of this technique can be inferred from the gender, ethnicity, and bizygomatic width of the patient. Tables for estimating positioning in the Panoral panoramic machine have been derived from the analysis of data from 196 patients. Use of this approach eliminates the requirement for an additional submentovertex radiograph and the associated radiation dose to the patient.

Intercondylar dimension as a positioning factor for panoramic images of the temporomandibular region

The effect of rotating the patients head for optimum imaging of the temporomandibular region with the use of a panoramic radiographic machine with a continuous center of rotation (Panex-E) was studied. The result showed that the intercondylar distance influenced the amount of rotation necessary for that optimum image.