Lúcio Mitsuo Kurita

Dental maturity as an indicator of chronological age: radiographic assessment of dental age in a brazilian population

Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the methods proposed by Nolla and by Nicodemo and colleagues for assessing dental age and its correlation to chronological age. Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 360 patients from the city of Fortaleza (CE, Brazil) aged 7-15 years were used to assess the associations between dental and chronological age. Data were submitted to statistical analysis using the BioEstat 2.0 (2000) software. Student-Neuman-Keuls test was performed and Pearsons correlation coefficients were calculated at 5% significance level. Results: When the Nolla method was applied, the mean difference between true and estimated age for males and females was underestimated. The use of the method proposed by Nicodemo and colleagues also resulted in underestimation, although it was more evident in male subjects. The correlation coefficients between chronological age and estimated dental age were high, with mean values ranging between 0.87 and 0.91 for males and between 0.84 and 0.93 for females. Conclusion: Although both methods proved to be reliable in estimating age, the use of correction factors is recommended.

Response of mice connective tissue to three different endodontic materials

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Bio and Portland cement (PC) and compare with those of ProRoot MTA. Polyethylene tubes were filled with materials and placed into dorsal subcutaneous connective tissue of Wistar albino rats. After 7, 30, and 60 days after the surgical procedure, the implants with the surrounding tissue were removed. Tissue samples were subjected to histological processing, and sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Sections were evaluated for the intensity of inflammation, predominant cell type, presence of fibrous capsule and granulation tissue. Data were submitted to Kruskal‐Wallis test at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05. No statistical differences were observed at any evaluated condition among tested materials (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between mean inflammatory scores, cell types and granulation tissue of the same material in different experimental periods (P < 0.05). Can be concluded that biocompatibility of MTA bio and PC were comparable with that of ProRoot MTA. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:311–315, 2013.

Clinical Aspects, Imaging Features, and Considerations on Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis Risk in a Pediatric Patient with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare hereditary condition caused by changes in collagen metabolism. It is classified into four types according to clinical, genetic, and radiological criteria. Clinically, bone fragility, short stature, blue sclerae, and locomotion difficulties may be observed in this disease. OI is often associated to severe dental problems, such as dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) and malocclusions. Radiographically, affected teeth may have crowns with bulbous appearance, accentuated constriction in the cementoenamel junction, narrowed roots, large root canals due to defective dentin formation, and taurodontism (enlarged pulp chambers). There is no definitive cure, but bisphosphonate therapy is reported to improve bone quality; however, there is a potential risk of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. In this study we report a case of OI in a male pediatric patient with no family history of OI who was receiving ongoing treatment with intravenous perfusion of bisphosphonate and who required dental surgery. In addition, we discussed the clinical and imaging findings and briefly reviewed the literature.

Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications among 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs of an adult Brazilian population

Background The aim of the present study was to analyze the epidemiological data of digital panoramic radiographs revealing suggestive images of carotid artery calcifications (CAC) from a Northeast Brazilian population. Material and Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted with 2,500 digital panoramic radiographs obtained from a single imaging reference center in Northeast Brazil. Images from individuals of both sexes and older than 18 years were included and those that did not cover the region of cervical vertebrae or presented low radiographic quality were excluded. Data were analyzed regarding prevalence, location (bilateral, right or left), sex, and age using the Chi-square test at the significance level of 5%. Results An amount of 96 (4%) patients presented suggestive images of CAC. The female sex (p=0.003) and individuals aged up to 70 years (p=0.002) were statically significant. 40.4% were found bilaterally, 37.6% on the right side (p<0.001) and 22% on the left side. Conclusions In conclusion, this study showed a low prevalence of suggestive images of CAC in digital panoramic radiographs from a Northeast Brazilian population. It was observed a higher prevalence of CAC associated with female sex, older patients, and right side location. Key words:Atherosclerosis, carotid artery, digital panoramic radiograph, prevalence.

Imaging Aspects Of The Mandibular Incisive Canal: A PROSPERO-Registered Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Studies

PURPOSE This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the mandibular incisive canal (MIC) studies using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS A PROSPERO-registered systematic review (#42017056619) was conducted following the PRISMA statements to summarize current knowledge on the CBCT aspects of the MIC. A search was performed in PubMeds Medline and Scopus databases, without date or language restrictions, using the algorithm {[(Interforaminal region) OR (mandibular incisive channel) OR (mandibular incisive nerve) OR (mental mandible) OR (anterior mandible) (cone beam computed tomography). Also, the references were crosschecked. The Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument and meta-analysis was used to evaluate the selected studies. RESULTS A total of 410 articles were found, and 25 studies were selected after a two-step selection process. The CBCT systems differed regarding field of view (FOV) (large, n = 3; medium, n = 2; small, n = 4; not informed, n = 16) and voxel size (0.15 to 0.4 mm). Geographically, the studies were distributed across four continents (South America, North America, Asia, and Europe), and there was a statistical significance of studies from the American and Asian continents (P < .0001). From 3,421 CBCT exams, the number of female patients was slightly higher than male, and the mean age ranged from 29.8 to 59.1 years. The overall mean prevalence of MIC was 89.6% ± 15.08%, and bilateral occurrence was statistically significant (P < .0001). The studies using a voxel size lower than 0.3 mm showed the highest mean prevalence (93.88%) in comparison with voxel size described as ≥ 0.3 mm (89.33%). Diameter (0.45 to 4.12 mm) and length (6.6 to 40.3 mm) showed great variability among the included studies. CONCLUSION In summary, the results of this systematic review evidenced a high worldwide prevalence of MIC. There was no prevalence of MIC in relation to sex, and its presence was mainly related to adults between the fourth and sixth decades of life. In addition, great heterogeneity of methodologies was observed.

Prevalence Of Maxillary Sinus Jaw Mucuous Cysts In University Dental Radiology Service

Background: Mucosal cyst of the maxillary sinus or antral pseudocyst is one of great importance injury, being the pathology that affects more the maxillary sinus. Their discovery, in most cases, it is for the interpretation of the images in routine panoramic radiography. Aims: The research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mucous cyst in maxillary sinus in radiology clinic at Ceara Federal University. Material and Methods: To this study conduction, were analyzed 1996 panoramic radiographs from a digital file obtained between April 2011 to April 2013 Results:. Aspects as gender, affected side and teeth absence next to the cyst in the respective quadrant were evaluated.It was observed in the sample the occurrence of 45 patients with suggested images of mucous cysts in maxillary sinus,making a prevalence of 2,25%. From them, 26 (57,8%)were female and 19 (42,2%) were male. 48 maxillary sinuswere affected with the wound, from which28 (58,3%) it was in the left side and 20 (41,7%) in the right site. Three patients presented the wound in both sides, what represents 6,7% of the affected patients. From those 48 Mucous retention cyst, 40 (83,3%) were not related to an edentulous area in ipsilateral quadrant and 8 (16,7%) were shown next to an edentulous area. Conclusion: The conclusion was that the cyst of retention mucous in the maxillary sinus had prevalence in males and in the left side of the maxillary sinus. It was not found a relation between the cyst and the edentulous area.