Muralidhar Mupparapu

CBCT-based bone quality assessment: are Hounsfield units applicable?

CBCT is a widely applied imaging modality in dentistry. It enables the visualization of high-contrast structures of the oral region (bone, teeth, air cavities) at a high resolution. CBCT is now commonly used for the assessment of bone quality, primarily for pre-operative implant planning. Traditionally, bone quality parameters and classifications were primarily based on bone density, which could be estimated through the use of Hounsfield units derived from multidetector CT (MDCT) data sets. However, there are crucial differences between MDCT and CBCT, which complicates the use of quantitative gray values (GVs) for the latter. From experimental as well as clinical research, it can be seen that great variability of GVs can exist on CBCT images owing to various reasons that are inherently associated with this technique (i.e. the limited field size, relatively high amount of scattered radiation and limitations of currently applied reconstruction algorithms). Although attempts have been made to correct for GV variability, it can be postulated that the quantitative use of GVs in CBCT should be generally avoided at this time. In addition, recent research and clinical findings have shifted the paradigm of bone quality from a density-based analysis to a structural evaluation of the bone. The ever-improving image quality of CBCT allows it to display trabecular bone patterns, indicating that it may be possible to apply structural analysis methods that are commonly used in micro-CT and histology.

Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Long-Term Conservative Management: A Topic Review

Degenerative joint disease (DJD), a common osteoarthritic problem encountered in clinical practice presents as a chronic debilitating disease resulting in altered joint structure due to degradation and loss of articular cartilage, along with changes in the subchondral bone and other soft tissues. DJD is a frequent finding in the Temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Consequently, a good understanding of the use of a diagnostic algorithm will lead to a better control of DJD in the TMJ. The etiopathogenesis of osteoarthritis is complex, and it is associated with multiple risk factors. The condition progresses slowly through different phases with periods of remission and activity finally reaching the burnout phase. Conservative management forms the cornerstone for the treatment of most of these cases. This review attempts to acquaint the dentist with the diagnosis, pathogenesis and general characteristics of the disease while highlighting and updating them with the current conservative treatment algorithms in order to assist in the formulation of a treatment plan for these patients.

Review of the complications associated with treatment of oropharyngeal cancer: a guide for the dental practitioner.

OBJECTIVES Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Focus on risk factors, improved diagnostic methods and effective management strategies have made it possible to successfully treat OPC. However, the 5-year survival rate has not improved for several years due to multiple treatment complications, tissue morbidity, loss of function, and diminished quality of life. Survivors are faced with complications like oral mucositis, hyposalivation, osteoradionecrosis, tissue fibrosis, morbidity from jaw resection, disfigurement, and loss of function that further diminish quality of life. The aim of this review is to highlight major complications associated with treatment of OPC via a literature search and review of available options for identification and management of these complications. DATA SOURCES Relevant publications on oral complications of OPC therapy were thoroughly reviewed from the literature published between the years 1988 and 2012. We evaluated reported incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for oral complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for OPC. The authors conducted an electronic search using English language databases, namely PubMed Plus, Medline (Pre-Medline and Medline), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (evidence-based medicine), Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, A ccessScience, Embase, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews Multifile, Google Scholar, ISI Journal Citation Reports, and Ovid Multi-Database. CONCLUSION We identified the most common complications associated with the treatment of oral cancers. Based on the information gathered, there is evidence that survival of OPC extends beyond eradication of the diseased tissue. Understanding the potential treatment complications and utilizing available resources to prevent and minimize them are important. Caring for OPC survivors should be a multidisciplinary team approach involving the dentist, oncologist, internist, and social worker to improve the currently stagnant 5-year survival rate of OPC. More emphasis on improved quality of life after elimination of the cancer will ultimately improve OPC survivorship.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor: systematic review with analysis of 72 additional cases from Mumbai, India

OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical and imaging findings of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT). This article also attempts to determine the prevalence of KOTs and orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) in the western Indian population and to compare demographic and radiographic findings of KOT of our cohort with that of the rest of the world. STUDY DESIGN Relevant publications on KOT were reviewed from the published literature from 1976 to March 2012. Data regarding the 72 additional cases from Mumbai also were analyzed. RESULTS Sixty-five reports were identified for this systematic review. The findings were divided into 4 global groups for analysis. The prevalence of KOT was 0.0173% and that of OOC 0.0012%. Male sex, mandible, and the unilocular variation were predominant for the additional cases. CONCLUSIONS The characterization of the KOT lesions was accomplished, taking into consideration the variations to the western Indian population.

Temporomandibular disorder in a patient with pseudoxanthoma elasticum: a case report and review.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of elastic fibers and ectopic mineralization. Cutaneous manifestations are a hallmark of this disease and organs that may be affected by the disease process include cardiovascular, central nervous system, ocular and gastrointestinal systems. Oral manifestations of PXE have been previously reported as intramucosal nodules observed on various intraoral surfaces. We present a case of a 46-year-old female with PXE diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with TMD coexisting with PXE in the scientific literature.

Radiology series: Cone beam computed tomography: The fundamentals of image reconstruction and anatomy

This review is the first of series of CBCT. Multiplanar reconstructions for continuing education in three dimensional head and neck anatomy. This review gives the reader the needed anatomical references and clinical relevance for accurate interpretation of CBCT anatomy. The information is useful to all dental clinicians. All images are labeled and complete with legends. Only bone window settings are used for display of the CBCT images. The selected slices are displayed at a resolution of 300 micrometers.