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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Dentistry and Oral Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2021) | Viewed by 62028

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Dr. Cosimo Nardi

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Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy
Interests: imaging; computed tomography; magnetic resonance imaging; artificial intelligence; radiomics; texture analysis; features; machine learning; deep learning; computer aided detection; biomedical engineering
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Dear Colleagues,

The correct performance of image acquisition is crucial to obtain adequate image quality of the dental and maxillofacial areas. In the field of two-dimensional imaging, the different curve morphologies of upper and lower dental arches require the execution of a curved rotational thick-layer tomography to be well represented. Maxillofacial area is made up of many bones, each of which can be observed; small foramen, dimples, processes, tuberosity, etc. In recent years, dental and maxillofacial imaging has significantly and quickly made progress, developing volumetric imaging techniques such as cone beam CT characterized by high spatial resolution and low radiation dose, which have never been seen before. All different branches of dentistry, as well as the study of middle ear and paranasal sinuses, have benefited from this technology progress. This Special Issue is focused on both imaging techniques that make it possible to correctly assess the above-mentioned complex anatomic areas and what we can achieve with dental, maxillofacial, and oral imaging techniques, in order to diagnose diseases and plan surgery. Cone beam CT remains a second-level examination that should be recommended in individual cases, however is the first volumetric imaging technique that can be performed for orthodontic, periodontics, and endodontics purposes, from diagnostic and protectionist points of view.

Finally, artificial intelligence is the latest frontier in medicine, paving new ways and methods for detecting diseases ranging from light alterations to cancers. Does artificial intelligence play a role in maxillo-facial imaging?

Dr. Cosimo Nardi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

panoramic radiography
cephalometry
cone beam CT
multislice CT
implantology
endodontics
periodontics
orthodontics
maxillofacial surgery
oral surgery
oral cancer
radiation dose
artificial intelligence

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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11 pages, 1161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Skeletal, Dentoalveolar, and Sagittal Airway Changes Induced by the Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Appliance (MARA) in Class II Malocclusion: A Retrospective Controlled Study on Lateral Cephalograms

by Maria Denisa Statie, Debora Franceschi, Felicita Pierleoni, Valeria Barone, Nenad Popovic, Cosimo Nardi, Lorenzo Franchi and Veronica Giuntini

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031484 - 29 Jan 2022

Viewed by 2472

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in skeletal, dentoalveolar, and airway dimensions induced by the mandibular anterior repositioning appliance (MARA) in the treatment of Class II malocclusion. A group of 24 Class II patients treated with MARA was evaluated with lateral cephalograms at the start (13.8 ± 2 years) and at the end of treatment (15.7 ± 1.9 years) and compared with a matched untreated Class II group of 20 subjects selected from the archive of the AOOF Legacy. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Student’s t-test. No significant differences were observed for the sagittal airway dimensions. The MARA group showed a significant improvement of Wits (−1.4 mm; p = 0.009) and ANB angle (−0.6°; p = 0.038), a reduction in the overjet (−1.9 mm; p = 0.001), of the overbite (−1.5 mm; p = 0.005), an improvement of molar relationship (1.8 mm; p = 0.000) and a proclination of the lower incisors (2.7°; p = 0.012). During active treatment, MARA did not produce significant favorable changes in the sagittal airway dimensions in Class II subjects when compared with untreated controls. Clinically, these findings highlighted that MARA was able to provide an effective correction of Class II malocclusion with favorable dentoskeletal changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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10 pages, 1192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Skeletal and Dentoalveolar Effects Induced by the Paolone-Kaitsas Appliance in the Treatment of Class II Malocclusion: A Controlled Retrospective Study on Lateral Cephalograms

by Camilla Gavazzi, Debora Franceschi, Felicita Pierleoni, Valeria Barone, Francesco Kaitsas, Maria Giacinta Paolone, Lorenzo Franchi and Veronica Giuntini

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031165 - 23 Jan 2022

Viewed by 1539

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects induced by the Paolone-Kaitsas functional appliance (PK appliance) in the treatment of growing patients affected by Class II malocclusion. A group of 25 Class II patients, treated with the PK appliance followed by fixed appliances, was evaluated with lateral cephalograms at the start (9.6 ± 1.6 years) and at the end of treatment (13.0 ± 1.5 years), and was compared with a matched untreated Class II control group of 23 subjects selected from the web archive of the American Association of Orthodontists Foundation Craniofacial Growth Legacy. Statistical comparisons were performed with the Student’s t-tests. The treated group showed a significant decrease in SNA (−2.2°), ANB (−2.2°), and Wits appraisal (−3.4 mm), a significant increase in the SN-palatal plane angle (1.1°), and a significant improvement in overjet (−2.9 mm), overbite (−2.5 mm), and molar relationship (3.6 mm). The PK appliance produced favorable dentoalveolar and skeletal effects: it inhibited maxillary growth without effects on the mandible and it also induced a downward inclination of the palatal plane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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8 pages, 207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CBCT in Pediatric Dentistry: Awareness and Knowledge of Its Correct Use in Saudi Arabia

by Smita Singh Bhardwaj, Sara Alghamdi, Basim Almulhim, Abdullah Alassaf, Abdullah Almalki, Atul Bhardwaj and Ayoub Alzunaydi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12010335 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3940

Abstract

CBCT (Cone-beam computed tomography) is used for diagnosis, planning of treatment, and research. However, there are doubts and opinions regarding the use of CBCT for children and in pediatric dentistry. The knowledge about using this technique for pediatric patients is not clear to the dentists and some dental situations are still debated, therefore this study was done to understand the awareness and knowledge among dental practitioners and students across Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional and descriptive survey was done on 464 dental practitioners and students, and 21 questions were put forward to assess the knowledge and awareness. All questions were then critically analyzed individually and descriptively concluded with appropriate references. Our study revealed that still very few dental practitioners are aware about the latest advances and use of this technique in pediatric dentistry, and more awareness needs to be created. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

18 pages, 3011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Ancient Mesiodens Investigated by Cone Beam CT

by Laura Maria Beschiu, Bogdan Alin Craiovan, Stefan Popa, Dorel Micle, Lavinia Cosmina Ardelean and Laura Cristina Rusu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11703; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411703 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2391

Abstract

This article presents the complex case study of an ancient skeleton presenting a maxillary supernumerary tooth (mesiodens). The skeleton was found in an archaeological site in the western part of Romania and was dated back to the Eneolithic period, some 5500 years ago. The aim of this article is to analyze the mesiodens and the jaws in light of current knowledge regarding anomalies of dental development of past and present-time populations. The cranial remains were investigated from an orthodontic perspective through inspection and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. The occlusion was analyzed according to Angle’s classification and observations were made regarding the presence of calculus, dental wear, presence of caries, bone loss and ante-mortem tooth loss. Observations were made regarding tooth dimensions and comparisons were made with modern population. In this specific case, the mesiodens caused minimum disruption within the upper dental arch and the occlusion. Additionally, it did not have any negative impact on the adjacent teeth or cause any other complication. Judging by the analysis of the jaws, the presence of the mesiodens had little impact on the overall oral health of the person. As suggested by other findings in the scientific literature, the mesiodens is an anomaly found throughout all historical periods, from the oldest archaeological sites to present day. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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13 pages, 2016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Canal Transportation and Volumetric Dentin Removal Abilities of Ni-Ti Rotary File Systems in Curved Primary Root Canals: CBCT Study

by Aylin İslam, Gürkan Ünsal and Alaa Almashharawi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9053; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11199053 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3281

Abstract

Current improvements in nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary file systems have created a paradigm shift in the root canal therapy of primary teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to perform a comprehensive evaluation regarding the efficiencies of newly manufactured instruments for different parameters. The current study was conducted to evaluate the abilities of RaceEvo, R-Motion, ProTaper Gold (PTG) systems in curved primary root canals with regard to the patterns of canal transportation and volumetric dentin removal by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Two experimental sets were designed following the determination of experimental groups by using pre- and post-operative CBCT data: canal transportation and volumetric dentin removal. The highest amount of canal transportation was significantly detected in the PTG group in comparison to RaceEvo and R-Motion groups. When the mean values of volumetric dentin removal data were analyzed across all groups, the PTG group again exhibited the significantly highest value of dentin removal volumetrically, compared to RaceEvo, R-Motion and manual instrumentation groups. It is possible to state that R-Motion and RaceEvo rotary systems could be used as reliable alternatives without causing adverse mechanical effects and maintaining the original root canal anatomy of curved primary root canal systems compared with PTG rotary systems and manual instrumentation, with a high diagnostic sensitivity of CBCT in pediatric endodontics when the alternative methods are not adequate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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10 pages, 1424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Postpubertal Effects of the Rapid Maxillary Expansion and Facial Mask versus the Removable Mandibular Retractor for the Early Treatment of Class III Malocclusion: A Study on Lateral Cephalograms

by Veronica Giuntini, Matteo Camporesi, Valeria Barone, Matilde Marino Merlo, Cosimo Nardi, Debora Franceschi and Lorenzo Franchi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188393 - 10 Sep 2021

Viewed by 4923

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of early treatment of Class III malocclusions with rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and facial mask (FM) versus the removable mandibular retractor (RMR) re-evaluated at a postpubertal observation on lateral cephalograms. All prepubertal patients with Class III malocclusion treated consecutively from 1986 to 2013 by means of RME/FM or RMR were analyzed. Twenty-nine patients treated with RME/FM therapy and 23 patients treated with RMR were selected. Lateral cephalograms were available at 3 time points, before treatment (T1), at the end of active treatment (T2), and at a postpubertal observation (T3). Statistical comparisons were performed with independent sample t tests or Mann–Whitney tests. During the T1–T3 interval, a significantly greater maxillary protraction (SNA +1.5 mm, p = 0.031) and significantly greater improvements in ANB and Wits appraisal (+1.9 degrees, p = 0.002, and +2.2 mm, p = 0.012, respectively) were recorded in the RME/FM group. No statistically significant changes could be found in vertical skeletal measurements. In the dentoalveolar region, the RME/FM group showed a significantly greater correction of the molar relationship (−1.5 mm, p = 0.021). Early treatment of Class III malocclusion with RME/FM protocol in comparison with RMR protocol showed a greater maxillary advancement and greater improvements in sagittal skeletal Class III relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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10 pages, 1587 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Panoramic Radiography Really a Key Examination before Chemo-Radiotherapy Treatment for Oropharyngeal Cancer?

by Carlo Bosoni, Michele Pietragalla, Davide Maraghelli, Vieri Rastrelli, Luca Giovanni Locatello, Isacco Desideri, Veronica Giuntini, Lorenzo Franchi and Cosimo Nardi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7965; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177965 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2454

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography (PAN) for the identification of infectious foci of the tooth and periradicular bone before definitive chemo-radiotherapy treatment for oropharyngeal cancer, using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) imaging as the reference standard. Materials and methods: 50 patients with oropharyngeal cancer who had performed both pre-treatment MSCT and PAN were retrospectively evaluated. Pre-radiotherapy MSCT showed 65 deep caries, 37 root remnants, 143 stage III periodontal diseases, and 77 apical periodontitis, for a total of 322 infectious foci. The same number of healthy teeth (control group) was selected via MSCT to be analysed by PAN. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy for PAN images with respect to MSCT imaging were examined. Results: PAN showed sensitivity, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 100% for deep caries, root remnants, and stage III periodontal disease, whereas there were 46.8%, 64.7%, and 72.1% apical periodontitis respectively. Conclusions: PAN did not show great diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of apical periodontitis, and therefore maxillofacial MSCT carried out before chemo-radiotherapy treatment should always be examined to identify dental and jaw diseases. Deep caries, root remnants, and stage III periodontal disease were perfectly detected on PAN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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25 pages, 10337 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Techniques, Tricks, and Stratagems of Oral Cavity Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

by Davide Maraghelli, Michele Pietragalla, Linda Calistri, Luigi Barbato, Luca Giovanni Locatello, Martina Orlandi, Nicholas Landini, Antonio Lo Casto and Cosimo Nardi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031473 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 18746

Abstract

The oral cavity constitutes a complex anatomical area that can be affected by many developmental, inflammatory, and tumoural diseases. MultiSlice Computed Tomography (MSCT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) currently represent the essential and complementary imaging techniques for detecting oral cavity abnormalities. Advanced MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion-weighted imaging (DCE-PWI) has recently increased the ability to characterise oral lesions and distinguish disease recurrences from post therapy changes. The analysis of the oral cavity area via imaging techniques is also complicated both by mutual close appositions of different mucosal surfaces and metal artifacts from dental materials. Nevertheless, an exact identification of oral lesions is made possible thanks to dynamic manoeuvres and specific stratagems applicable on MSCT and MRI acquisitions. This study summarises the currently available imaging techniques for oral diseases, with particular attention to the role of DWI, DCE-PWI, and dynamic manoeuvres. We also propose MSCT and MRI acquisition protocols for an accurate study of the oral cavity area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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15 pages, 1324 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Vibrational Imaging Techniques for the Characterization of Hard Dental Tissues: From Bench-Top to Chair-Side

by Giovanna Orsini, Giulia Orilisi, Valentina Notarstefano, Riccardo Monterubbianesi, Flavia Vitiello, Vincenzo Tosco, Alessia Belloni, Angelo Putignano and Elisabetta Giorgini

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11953; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411953 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3202

Abstract

Currently, various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction, microcomputed tomography, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, are available to study the structural or elemental features of hard dental tissues. In contrast to these approaches, Raman Microspectroscopy (RMS) has the great advantage of simultaneously providing, at the same time and on the same sample, a morpho-chemical correlation between the microscopic information from the visual analysis of the sample and its chemical and macromolecular composition. Hence, RMS represents an innovative and non-invasive technique to study both inorganic and organic teeth components in vitro. The aim of this narrative review is to shed new light on the applicative potential of Raman Microspectroscopy in the dental field. Specific Raman markers representative of sound and pathological hard dental tissues will be discussed, and the future diagnostic application of this technique will be outlined. The objective and detailed information provided by this technique in terms of the structure and chemical/macromolecular components of sound and pathological hard dental tissues could be useful for improving knowledge of several dental pathologies. Scientific articles regarding RMS studies of human hard dental tissues were retrieved from the principal databases by following specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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7 pages, 411 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential Imaging Capability of Optical Coherence Tomography as Dental Optical Probe: A Mini-Review

by Ramadhan Hardani Putra, Nobuhiro Yoda, Eha Renwi Astuti and Keiichi Sasaki

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 11025; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112211025 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2312

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been emerging in the dental field as an alternative diagnostic imaging for “optical probes” owing to its micro-meter resolution and non-invasiveness. This review aims to answer the following question: what is the imaging capability of OCT to visualize the subgingival area? Online searches were performed on PubMed and SPIE digital library databases, followed by a manual screening of references listed in relevant studies. The feasibility and imaging performance of OCT to visualize the subgingival area, including the periodontal, peri-implant, and crown margins, are discussed. All of the literature reviewed in this study demonstrated that OCT has the ability to visualize periodontal, including hard and soft tissues, and peri-implant conditions with high resolution. Gingival sulcus depth, periodontal pocket, and calculus deposition can also be depicted. However, clinical evidence that support the imaging capability of OCT as a dental optical probe to visualize subgingival area is lacking. Limited availability, portability, and usability of OCT for clinical experiments in dentistry, particularly for the subgingival area, might be contributed to its limitations. Hence, further development of handheld OCT systems and controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm the imaging capability of OCT reported in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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14 pages, 7992 KiB

Open AccessReview

Basic Knowledge and New Advances in Panoramic Radiography Imaging Techniques: A Narrative Review on What Dentists and Radiologists Should Know

by Rossana Izzetti, Marco Nisi, Giacomo Aringhieri, Laura Crocetti, Filippo Graziani and Cosimo Nardi

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 7858; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11177858 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 15222

Abstract

Objectives: A panoramic radiograph (PAN) is the most frequently diagnostic imaging technique carried out in dentistry and oral surgery. The correct performance of image acquisition is crucial to obtain adequate image quality. The aim of the present study is to (i) review the principles of PAN image acquisition and (ii) describe positioning errors and artefacts that may affect PAN image quality. Methods: Articles regarding PAN acquisition principles, patient’s positioning errors, artefacts, and image quality were retrieved from the literature. Results: Head orientation is of the utmost importance in guaranteeing correct image acquisition. Symmetry, occlusal plane inclination, mandibular condyles localization, cervical spine position, aspect of upper teeth root apexes, exposure parameters, and metal and motion artefacts are factors that greatly affect the image quality of a successful PAN. Conclusions: Several factors are the basis for PAN performance; therefore, a systematic approach that takes into account correct patient positioning and preparation is strongly suggested to improve overall examination quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging Techniques for Oral and Dental Applications)

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