Aim: The aim of this study was to apply a novel noninvasive method to obtain high quality images by cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) that consistently allowed the determination of the dimensions of palatal masticatory mucosa, which is the main donor area for soft tissue and connective tissue grafts used in periodontics, implant dentistry, and oral surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients requiring palatal surgery participated. Thickness of the palatal tissue was measured at various points radiographically. At the time of the CBCT scanning, the patients wore acrylic measurement stent guides with radio-opaque markers at the measurement points. Results: The average thickness of the palatal mucosa was 2.96 mm in the canine area, 3.55 mm at the first premolar, 3.92 mm at the second premolar and 3.20 mm at the first molar. Statistically significant differences were observed as the distance from the gingival margin increased and the tissue over the premolars was found to be thicker than the other teeth. Conclusion: Cone-beam computerized tomography can be used as a noninvasive method accurately and consistently to determine the soft tissue thickness of the palatal masticatory mucosa at different locations on the palate.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the demographic, clinicopathologic and imaging features of dentigerous cysts (DCs) and to review the literature. Materials and Methods: In this study, between 2010 and 2012, we analyzed 18 DCs of 18 patients (9 female, 9 male) whose ages ranged from 13 to 61. Results: Of the 18 DCs, 33% were found in the maxilla and 67% in the mandible. The most common site for DC was the mandibular molar region, and the most frequently involved tooth was the mandibular third molar. About 67% of the cases were found in the right side and 33% in the left side of the jaws. In the 67% of cases, displacement was observed in the involved tooth and/or adjacent teeth. 44% of the DCs partially surrounded the crown (lateral variety) and 56% surrounded the crown of the tooth (central variety). About 39% of cases had symptoms such as pain, swelling and drainage. 6% of the cases were infected, and resorption in the involved tooth was detected. 6% of the cases, DC caused devitalization of the adjacent tooth. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that DCs occurred most frequently in the posterior region of the mandible and related to third molar tooth. The cysts had a tendency to displace associated and/or adjacent teeth. Panoramic radiography is important in finding out these cysts. Computed tomography is recommended for differential diagnosis, expansion and association with neighboring anatomical structures.

Objective: Establishing the correct diagnosis is key for the implementation of adequate therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity of ¹⁸ F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), in comparison with conventional radiographic imaging techniques (periapical/parallelism technique and panoramic radiographs), in the early detection of periradicular lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 256 maxillary and mandibular areas from eight patients were randomly selected for analysis using conventional radiographic techniques and PET/CT. The nuclear image acquisition protocol included scans from the top of the head to the middle third of the neck region. After analysis of the images obtained with different methods (periapical vs. panoramic radiography, and radiography vs. PET/CT). The number of images with positive findings for infection were compared using ANOVA (P ≤ 0.05). Results: There were no significant differences in the number of positive images between the two conventional radiographic techniques: Six (2.34% of the sample) and seven (2.73%) positive images were found among panoramic and periapical radiographs, respectively. Conversely, PET/CT yielded 39 (15.23% of the sample) images positive for infection, significantly higher number when compared with the two conventional radiographic techniques assessed. Conclusion: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed to be more effective than conventional radiography in the early detection of dental infection. These findings allow to suggest that the use of PET/CT in endodontics would significantly contribute to the early and accurate diagnosis of periradicular lesions.

Odontoma is the most common odontogenic tumor that is radiographically and histologically characterized by the production of mature enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp tissue. It grows slowly and has nonaggressive behavior. This case report presents clinical, radiological and pathological findings of bilateral complex odontoma that is rarely in literature in a 30-year-old female patient.

Focal cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is a benign fibro-osseous lesion which changes cancellous bone tissue with each fibrous tissue and cementum-like material, or both together. The teeth that are related to the lesion are vital, and FCOD is generally asymptomatic. FCOD is, usually, found during routine radiographic examination. The etiology and pathogenesis of FCOD are unknown. This lesion is evaluated to be a reactive or a dysplastic process in the periapical tissues. Radiologic images of FCOD change depending on the amount of mineralization. Radiological appearance of FCOD is either only complete radiolocent or only complete radio-opaque or mixed radiolucent, radio-opaque together. In this case report an FCOD is presented, which is located between the first premolar and the second molar on the left side mandible of a 60-year-old female patient. The lesion caused perforation and expansion of alveolar bone. The diagnosis, treatment and 1 year follow-up after surgery are reported.

Quick response (QR) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that are used to encode and decode information. QR code is an innovative approach in which patient details and radiographic interpretation can be encoded. These QR codes can be shared efficiently worldwide with easy authentication. QR code is a boost to early diagnosis and retrospective studies. Implementing QR code in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology will save time, eliminate paper work, and problems encountered in storage of patient details with radiographic interpretation and minimize manual efforts in retrieval of information.