Structured Abstract
Objectives
To introduce a new, fast, reliable, and free from software‐related bias method to predict three‐dimensionally the root position and angulation during and after orthodontic treatment. The final goal is to keep to a minimum the use of ionizing radiation by eliminating the necessity of multiple radiation exposure for checking root alignment.
Setting and Sample Population
Pre‐ and post‐treatment digital models and cone‐beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans from a patient were retrieved.
Material and Methods
The post‐treatment digital model (post‐model) was set as the reference; pre‐ and post‐treatment CBCT scans were pre‐aligned to the post‐model with a point set registration; iterative closest point algorithm was then employed for final adjustments. The accuracy of the proposed method was assessed by comparing the average distance between the expected root position setup with the true position of the roots, as from the post‐treatment CBCT.
Results
After crown superimposition, 3D colour maps showed that the accuracy of the root prediction was below 0.1 mm.
Conclusion
The proposed digital workflow allows to predict in an accurate and truly three‐dimensional way the final position of roots, when an initial CBCT is available, without the need of an extra X‐ray examination for the patient at the end of treatment. The limitation of the exposure to mid‐ and post‐treatment X‐rays is in accordance with the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle and it is even more relevant in growing patients.
Objectives: The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate and compare the risks and benefits of germectomy and delayed removal of third molars and develop a patient management algorithm for second molar eruption in syndrome/incompliant patients. Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed in the following databases; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Last search was done on July 2nd, 2018 including articles published from the last 18 years. The search aimed to identify all relevant studies written in English language. Gray literature was excluded. Risk of bias was evaluated with specific predetermined criteria. This systematic literature review was reported according to the PRISMA-P statement and was registered in the PROSPERO database with the following protocol ID: 104261. Results: Literature search war performed on July 2018 and updated on February 2019. A total of 1610 articles were screened. After abstract screening and discarding duplicates, 86 full-text articles were obtained and subjected to additional evaluation. Four articles were included in the review. Three studies were considered as having a medium risk of bias and one was assessed as at high risk. Due to the heterogeneity of presenting results and a very low number of included studies a quantitative analysis was not possible. Only qualitative analysis was made. Considering the limited number of studies included and the level of risk of bias there is no sufficient evidence to state the benefits of preventive removal of impacted third molars, especially in patients with poor oral hygiene due to intellectual disability. Early germectomy represents an elective approach of pathologic alteration of tooth germ; orthodontic issues meet appropriate indication for a delayed removal. Conclusions: Given the best evidence-based information regarding patients’ medical condition, we highlight the need to provide an ethical-based comprehensive approach in the diagnostic workflow and the assessment of treatment outcome.
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