Our subjective evaluation of image validity clarified 3DX as being superior to MDCT. Taken together with the low skin dose we previously reported for 3DX, the results demonstrate 3DX to be beneficial for imaging diagnosis of hard tissues in the maxillofacial region.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) thickness and condyle morphology and the influence of the number of remaining teeth and age. Methods: Cone beam CT data sets from 77 asymptomatic European patients were analysed retrospectively in this study. The thinnest area of RGF was identified among the sagittal and coronal slices on a computer screen; distance measurement software was used to measure the thickness. Moreover, we applied a free digital imaging and communications in medicine viewer for classification of condyle head type. It was also used to analyse any relation between RGF thickness and the number of remaining teeth. We performed a correlation analysis for RGF, age and missing teeth. Finally, we investigated combining sagittal condyle morphological characterization with coronal condyle morphology in relation to the number of joints and RGF thickness. Results: The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed no significant differences in RGF thickness among any of the coronal condyle head morphology groups (p . 0.05). There were significant differences in the thinnest part of RGF in relation to the sagittal plane for condyle morphological characterization, because we observed increased RGF thickness in joints with osteoarthritis features (p , 0.05). There is a non-significant correlation between the thinnest part of the RGF and the number of remaining teeth (p . 0.05). Conclusions: We found that the RGF thickness is unaffected by the coronal condyle head morphology and the number of remaining teeth. Osteoarthritic changes (sagittal condyle morphology) have an effect on RGF. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (

These results suggest that bone thickness measurements of the RGF by 3DX imaging was effective.

LLLT enhanced the stability of mini-implants placed in rat tibiae and accelerated peri-implant bone formation by increasing the gene expression of BMP-2 in surrounding cells.

The width and morphology of the mandible with impacted teeth and the location of the mandibular canal at the third molar region could be clearly determined using cross-sectional CBCT images.