The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a digital radiograph registration and subtraction software for a sensitive and reliable assessment of the progress of chronic apical periodontitis. Ninety cases of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis have been studied. In each case, a preoperative radiograph was taken, root canals were prepared, and a Ca(OH)2 paste was placed in the root canals. Radiographic control and replacement of Ca(OH)2 paste took place at 15-day intervals. The root canals were obturated 1.5 months after the first appointment. Recall radiographs were taken 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months after the obturation. All radiographs were taken for each case under constant conditions by using a direct digital radiography system. In each case, the preoperative, postoperative, and control and recall radiographs were digitally registered and pairwise subtracted. The resulting images were further processed by using contrast enhancement and pseudocoloring methods. Changes to the periapical tissue structure were easily detectable by using the above-mentioned methodology, even during short time intervals.
Bone resorption of the alveolar crest is a phenomenon that is observed as a consequence of periodontal surgical treatment without significant differences between the two techniques. Furthermore, both surgical techniques lead to satisfactory clinical results, indicating that bone removal during periodontal surgical treatment is not always necessary.
This article presents a novel virtual teeth drilling system designed to aid dentists, dental students, and researchers in getting acquainted with teeth anatomy, the handling of drilling instruments, and the challenges associated with drilling procedures during endodontic therapy. The system is designed to be used for educational and research purposes in dental schools. The application features a 3D face and oral cavity model constructed using anatomical data that can be adapted to the characteristics of a specific patient using either facial photographs or 3D data. Animation of the models is also feasible. Virtual drilling using a Phantom Desktop (Sensable Technologies Inc., Woburn, MA) force feedback haptic device is performed within the oral cavity on 3D volumetric and surface models of teeth, obtained from serial cross sections of natural teeth. Final results and intermediate steps of the drilling procedure can be saved on a file for future use. The application has the potential to be a very promising educational and research tool that allows the user to practice virtual teeth drilling for endodontic cavity preparation or other related d research tool that allows the user to practice virtual teeth drilling for endodontic cavity preparation or other related research tool that allows the user to practice virtual teeth drilling for endodontic cavity preparation or other related procedures on high-detail teeth models placed within an adaptable and animated 3D face and oral cavity model.Mr.
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