This study assessed the accuracy and reliability of tooth length measurements through axial, coronal and sagittal serial slices of CBCT volumes; conventional panoramic radiographs; and CBCT panoramic reconstructions to that of a digital caliper gold standard. Samples consisted of maxillary premolars collected from patients requiring extractions for routine orthodontic treatment. Extracted teeth were measured directly with digital calipers and images were digitally measured in Dolphin 3D software. Analysis of CBCT serial slices resulted in highly accurate and reliable tooth length measurements for all slice orientations compared to the gold standard. Conventional panoramic radiographs were relatively inaccurate, overestimating tooth lengths by 29%, while CBCT panoramic reconstructions underestimated lengths by 4%. CBCT serial slice volume analysis provides clinicians with greater measurement confidence, while panoramic radiographs, produced either by conventional means or reconstructed from 3-D volumes should be considered less accurate and reliable for the detection of mild root resorption. / Medical Sciences - Orthodontics

Os molares superiores são um dos grupos dentários que mais recebem tratamentos endodônticos e apresentam grande complexidade anatômica nos seus sistemas de canais radiculares. A presença de um canal mesiopalatino (MP) na raiz mesiovestibular é um achado bastante comum e a sua não detecção está relacionada com um alto índice de insucessos na terapia endodôntica. Recentemente, a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) vem ganhando destaque na avaliação do canal MP pela sua capacidade de fornecer informações detalhadas e em três dimensões, sendo considerada o melhor método de imagem para essa investigação in vivo. Desta forma, o objetivo desta tese foi pesquisar a prevalência e simetria do número de canais da raiz mesiovestibular em primeiros molares superiores homólogos, por meio da TCFC, assim como, analisar o uso dos filtros de refinamento de imagem para esta investigação. Para o primeiro objetivo, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa com 264 pacientes possuindo o primeiro molar superior bilateralmente. Foi encontrada simetria em 78,79% dos pacientes, sendo que o canal MP esteve presente bilateralmente em 67,42%. Do total de 528 dentes avaliados, 78% apresentaram o canal MP não havendo correlação da sua presença com sexo e faixa etária (p > 0,05). Para o segundo objetivo, 30 exames de TCFC foram avaliados com cinco diferentes filtros (Original, Smooth, Sharpen, Sharpen Mild, Angio Sharpen Low e Angio Sharpen High) além das imagens originais (sem filtro). Todos os filtros apresentaram altos índices de acurácia (> 83,3%), sensibilidade (> 90%) e especificidade (> 62%), sem diferença estatística (p > 0,05). Entretanto, quando o nível de certeza foi avaliado, os filtros Angio Sharpen High e Sharpen apresentaram os piores resultados, com diferença significativa para as imagens Originais (p <0,05). Os resultados das pesquisas conduzidas permitem concluir que o canal MP é uma condição altamente prevalente e a sua simetria bilateral é frequente. O emprego de filtros de imagem da TCFC não influenciou a detecção do canal MP, entretanto os filtros de maior realce devem ser evitados pois reduzem a certeza do diagnóstico. / The upper molars are the dental group that most receives endodontic treatments and presents great anatomical complexity of their root canal systems. The presence of a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) is a common finding and its non-detection is related to a high failure rate in endodontic therapy. Recently, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been highlighted in the MB2 evaluation for its ability to provide detailed and three-dimensional information, and is considered the best imaging method for such investigation in vivo. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to investigate the prevalence and symmetry of the root canal numbers from the mesiobuccal root of first homologous upper molars, as well as to evaluate the use of CBCT image filters for that purpose. For the first objective, a research was developed with 264 patients having the first upper molar bilaterally. Symmetry was found in 78.79% patients, and the MB2 was bilaterally present in 67.42%. Out the total of 528 teeth evaluated, 78% presented the MB2, with no correlation with sex and age group (p > 0.05). For the second objective, 30 CBCT scans were evaluated with five different filters (Original, Smooth, Sharpen, Sharpen Mild, Angio Sharpen Low and Angio Sharpen High) in addition to the original images (none filter). All filters presented high levels of accuracy (> 83.3%), sensitivity (> 90%) and specificity (> 62%), with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). However, when the level of certainty was evaluated, Angio Sharpen High and Sharpen filters presented the worst results, with significant difference for Original images (p < 0.05). The results of the conducted studies allow us to conclude that the MB2 is a highly prevalent condition and its bilateral simmetry is frequent. The use of CBCT image filters did not influence the MB2 detection, however higher enhancement filters should be avoided because they reduce the certainty of the diagnosis.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Deslocamentos de côndilos e ramos acompanhando a cirurgia de avanço mandibular foram descritos, mas a influência destas mudanças na instabilidade pós-cirúrgica ainda é pouco conhecida. Limitações na avaliação quantitativa de deslocamentos cirúrgicos pelos métodos tradicionais podem ser superadas através da tomografia cone beam e ferramentas de imagens tridimensionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as mudanças nas posições de côndilos, ramos e mento após cirurgia isolada de avanço de mandíbula. Foram realizadas tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (CBCT) antes da cirurgia (T1), 1 semana (T2) e 6 semanas após a cirurgia (T3) em 20 pacientes retrognatas com padrão normal ou horizontal (14 mulheres e 6 homens, idade média = 27,08 anos, variação de 13,9 a 53,7 anos) submetidos à osteotomia bilateral sagital do ramo para avanço mandibular, sete deles com mentoplastia como procedimento auxiliar. Modelos 3D computadorizados foram construídos e superpostos utilizando-se a base do crânio de T1 como referência. Para a superposição, utilizou-se um método automático que identifica e compara a escala de cinza dos voxels de duas estruturas tridimensionais, eliminando a necessidade de marcação de pontos anatômicos pelo operador. Após a combinação dos modelos das três fases, regiões anatômicas de interesse foram selecionadas, sendo analisadas separadamente. Distâncias entre as superfícies anatômicas foram computadas, no mesmo indivíduo, entre T1-T2, T2-T3 e T1-T3, exibindo as mudanças ocorridas com a cirurgia, após a remoção do splint cirúrgico, e a resultante total dos deslocamentos cirúrgicos, respectivamente. A navegação pelos modelos superpostos através dos métodos de visualização por mapas coloridos e semi-transparências permitiu a avaliação das direções de deslocamento das estruturas. Um deslocamento ântero-inferior do mento foi observado em todos os casos entre T1 e T2 (>4mm em 87,5%); entre T2 e T3 observou-se um movimento ântero-superior em 69% dos pacientes, e com algum componente posterior em 25% (<3mm). Entre T1-T3, observou-se um deslocamento ântero-inferior em 87,5% dos casos, e apenas anterior em 12,5% (>4mm em 80%). Considerando-se todas as direções de deslocamento, os côndilos apresentaram um movimento menor que 2mm em 77,5% (T1-T2) e 90% (T2-T3 e T1-T3) dos casos, enquanto os ramos deslocaram-se menos de 3mm em 72,5% (T1-T2) e menos de 2mm em 87,5% (T2-T3) e 82% (T1-T3) dos casos. Os côndilos apresentaram uma tendência de deslocamento látero-posterior com a cirurgia, e uma tendência oposta entre T2 e T3. Os ramos apresentaram tendência de deslocamento ínfero-latero-posterior com a cirurgia, mas súpero-medio-anterior entre T2 e T3. Entre T1-T3, as tendências foram médio-postero-superior nos côndilos e súpero-latero-anterior nos ramos. Importantes deslocamentos foram observados nos ramos e côndilos após o procedimento cirúrgico, mas as mudanças após a remoção do splint cirúrgico sugerem uma resposta adaptativa tendendo às posições pré-cirúrgicas. As mudanças no mento após seis semanas sugeriram adaptações aceitáveis na maioria dos casos. / Condyles and rami displacements following mandibular advancement surgery have been described, but these changes and bone remodeling/resorption influence on post-treatment instability are poorly understood at present. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D imaging tools can now overcome conventional methods limitations in assessing surgical displacements. The aim of this study was to assess surgery and short-term post-surgery changes in the position of the condyles, rami and chin with the superimposition of 3D cone-beam CT models. Pre-surgery (T1), 1 week post-surgery (T2), and 6 week post-surgery (T3) CBCT scans were acquired for 20 retrognathic patients (14 females and 6 males, mean age = 27.08 years, range = 13.9-53.7 years) with short or normal face height who underwent a BSSO mandibular advancement. Seven patients also received a genioplasty as an adjunctive procedure. 3D models were built and superimposed through a fully automated voxel-wise method using the cranial base of the pre-surgery scan as reference. After combining the 3 models, anatomic regions of the chin, right and left condyle and ramus were selected and analyzed separately. Within-subject surface distances between T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 were computed, showing changes with surgery, after splint removal, and the total movement resultant, respectively. Color-coded maps and semi-transparent display of overlaid structures allowed the evaluation of displacement directions. After an antero-inferior chin displacement with surgery in all the cases (>4mm in 87.5%), 25% of the patients showed some kind of posterior movement (< 3mm), and 69% showed an antero-superior movement after splint removal. Comparing T1-T3, an antero-inferior (87.5% of the cases) or only inferior (12.5%) displacement was observed (>4mm in 80%). Considering all directions of displacement, the surface distance differences for the condyles and rami were small: 77.5% of the condyles moved <2mm with surgery (T1-T2), and 90% moved <2mm in the short-term (T2-T3) and in the total evaluation (T1-T3), while the rami showed a <3mm change with surgery in 72.5% of the cases, and a <2mm change in 87.5% (T2-T3) and in 82% (T1-T3). The condyles tended to move latero-posteriorly with surgery compared to a medio-anterior movement between T2-T3. The rami exhibited outward movements with surgery (infero-latero-posterior) and supero-medio-anterior displacements from T2-T3. The displacement tendencies between T1-T3 were medio-postero-superior in the condyles, and supero-latero-anterior in the rami. Expected displacements with surgery were observed and post-surgery changes suggested a short-term adaptive response toward recovery of condyle and ramus displacements. The changes on the chin following splint removal suggested an acceptable adaptation.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Deslocamentos de côndilos e ramos acompanhando a cirurgia de avanço mandibular foram descritos, mas a influência destas mudanças na instabilidade pós-cirúrgica ainda é pouco conhecida. Limitações na avaliação quantitativa de deslocamentos cirúrgicos pelos métodos tradicionais podem ser superadas através da tomografia cone beam e ferramentas de imagens tridimensionais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as mudanças nas posições de côndilos, ramos e mento após cirurgia isolada de avanço de mandíbula. Foram realizadas tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico (CBCT) antes da cirurgia (T1), 1 semana (T2) e 6 semanas após a cirurgia (T3) em 20 pacientes retrognatas com padrão normal ou horizontal (14 mulheres e 6 homens, idade média = 27,08 anos, variação de 13,9 a 53,7 anos) submetidos à osteotomia bilateral sagital do ramo para avanço mandibular, sete deles com mentoplastia como procedimento auxiliar. Modelos 3D computadorizados foram construídos e superpostos utilizando-se a base do crânio de T1 como referência. Para a superposição, utilizou-se um método automático que identifica e compara a escala de cinza dos voxels de duas estruturas tridimensionais, eliminando a necessidade de marcação de pontos anatômicos pelo operador. Após a combinação dos modelos das três fases, regiões anatômicas de interesse foram selecionadas, sendo analisadas separadamente. Distâncias entre as superfícies anatômicas foram computadas, no mesmo indivíduo, entre T1-T2, T2-T3 e T1-T3, exibindo as mudanças ocorridas com a cirurgia, após a remoção do splint cirúrgico, e a resultante total dos deslocamentos cirúrgicos, respectivamente. A navegação pelos modelos superpostos através dos métodos de visualização por mapas coloridos e semi-transparências permitiu a avaliação das direções de deslocamento das estruturas. Um deslocamento ântero-inferior do mento foi observado em todos os casos entre T1 e T2 (>4mm em 87,5%); entre T2 e T3 observou-se um movimento ântero-superior em 69% dos pacientes, e com algum componente posterior em 25% (<3mm). Entre T1-T3, observou-se um deslocamento ântero-inferior em 87,5% dos casos, e apenas anterior em 12,5% (>4mm em 80%). Considerando-se todas as direções de deslocamento, os côndilos apresentaram um movimento menor que 2mm em 77,5% (T1-T2) e 90% (T2-T3 e T1-T3) dos casos, enquanto os ramos deslocaram-se menos de 3mm em 72,5% (T1-T2) e menos de 2mm em 87,5% (T2-T3) e 82% (T1-T3) dos casos. Os côndilos apresentaram uma tendência de deslocamento látero-posterior com a cirurgia, e uma tendência oposta entre T2 e T3. Os ramos apresentaram tendência de deslocamento ínfero-latero-posterior com a cirurgia, mas súpero-medio-anterior entre T2 e T3. Entre T1-T3, as tendências foram médio-postero-superior nos côndilos e súpero-latero-anterior nos ramos. Importantes deslocamentos foram observados nos ramos e côndilos após o procedimento cirúrgico, mas as mudanças após a remoção do splint cirúrgico sugerem uma resposta adaptativa tendendo às posições pré-cirúrgicas. As mudanças no mento após seis semanas sugeriram adaptações aceitáveis na maioria dos casos. / Condyles and rami displacements following mandibular advancement surgery have been described, but these changes and bone remodeling/resorption influence on post-treatment instability are poorly understood at present. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D imaging tools can now overcome conventional methods limitations in assessing surgical displacements. The aim of this study was to assess surgery and short-term post-surgery changes in the position of the condyles, rami and chin with the superimposition of 3D cone-beam CT models. Pre-surgery (T1), 1 week post-surgery (T2), and 6 week post-surgery (T3) CBCT scans were acquired for 20 retrognathic patients (14 females and 6 males, mean age = 27.08 years, range = 13.9-53.7 years) with short or normal face height who underwent a BSSO mandibular advancement. Seven patients also received a genioplasty as an adjunctive procedure. 3D models were built and superimposed through a fully automated voxel-wise method using the cranial base of the pre-surgery scan as reference. After combining the 3 models, anatomic regions of the chin, right and left condyle and ramus were selected and analyzed separately. Within-subject surface distances between T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 were computed, showing changes with surgery, after splint removal, and the total movement resultant, respectively. Color-coded maps and semi-transparent display of overlaid structures allowed the evaluation of displacement directions. After an antero-inferior chin displacement with surgery in all the cases (>4mm in 87.5%), 25% of the patients showed some kind of posterior movement (< 3mm), and 69% showed an antero-superior movement after splint removal. Comparing T1-T3, an antero-inferior (87.5% of the cases) or only inferior (12.5%) displacement was observed (>4mm in 80%). Considering all directions of displacement, the surface distance differences for the condyles and rami were small: 77.5% of the condyles moved <2mm with surgery (T1-T2), and 90% moved <2mm in the short-term (T2-T3) and in the total evaluation (T1-T3), while the rami showed a <3mm change with surgery in 72.5% of the cases, and a <2mm change in 87.5% (T2-T3) and in 82% (T1-T3). The condyles tended to move latero-posteriorly with surgery compared to a medio-anterior movement between T2-T3. The rami exhibited outward movements with surgery (infero-latero-posterior) and supero-medio-anterior displacements from T2-T3. The displacement tendencies between T1-T3 were medio-postero-superior in the condyles, and supero-latero-anterior in the rami. Expected displacements with surgery were observed and post-surgery changes suggested a short-term adaptive response toward recovery of condyle and ramus displacements. The changes on the chin following splint removal suggested an acceptable adaptation.

Os molares superiores são um dos grupos dentários que mais recebem tratamentos endodônticos e apresentam grande complexidade anatômica nos seus sistemas de canais radiculares. A presença de um canal mesiopalatino (MP) na raiz mesiovestibular é um achado bastante comum e a sua não detecção está relacionada com um alto índice de insucessos na terapia endodôntica. Recentemente, a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) vem ganhando destaque na avaliação do canal MP pela sua capacidade de fornecer informações detalhadas e em três dimensões, sendo considerada o melhor método de imagem para essa investigação in vivo. Desta forma, o objetivo desta tese foi pesquisar a prevalência e simetria do número de canais da raiz mesiovestibular em primeiros molares superiores homólogos, por meio da TCFC, assim como, analisar o uso dos filtros de refinamento de imagem para esta investigação. Para o primeiro objetivo, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa com 264 pacientes possuindo o primeiro molar superior bilateralmente. Foi encontrada simetria em 78,79% dos pacientes, sendo que o canal MP esteve presente bilateralmente em 67,42%. Do total de 528 dentes avaliados, 78% apresentaram o canal MP não havendo correlação da sua presença com sexo e faixa etária (p > 0,05). Para o segundo objetivo, 30 exames de TCFC foram avaliados com cinco diferentes filtros (Original, Smooth, Sharpen, Sharpen Mild, Angio Sharpen Low e Angio Sharpen High) além das imagens originais (sem filtro). Todos os filtros apresentaram altos índices de acurácia (> 83,3%), sensibilidade (> 90%) e especificidade (> 62%), sem diferença estatística (p > 0,05). Entretanto, quando o nível de certeza foi avaliado, os filtros Angio Sharpen High e Sharpen apresentaram os piores resultados, com diferença significativa para as imagens Originais (p <0,05). Os resultados das pesquisas conduzidas permitem concluir que o canal MP é uma condição altamente prevalente e a sua simetria bilateral é frequente. O emprego de filtros de imagem da TCFC não influenciou a detecção do canal MP, entretanto os filtros de maior realce devem ser evitados pois reduzem a certeza do diagnóstico. / The upper molars are the dental group that most receives endodontic treatments and presents great anatomical complexity of their root canal systems. The presence of a second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) is a common finding and its non-detection is related to a high failure rate in endodontic therapy. Recently, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been highlighted in the MB2 evaluation for its ability to provide detailed and three-dimensional information, and is considered the best imaging method for such investigation in vivo. Thus, the aim of this thesis was to investigate the prevalence and symmetry of the root canal numbers from the mesiobuccal root of first homologous upper molars, as well as to evaluate the use of CBCT image filters for that purpose. For the first objective, a research was developed with 264 patients having the first upper molar bilaterally. Symmetry was found in 78.79% patients, and the MB2 was bilaterally present in 67.42%. Out the total of 528 teeth evaluated, 78% presented the MB2, with no correlation with sex and age group (p > 0.05). For the second objective, 30 CBCT scans were evaluated with five different filters (Original, Smooth, Sharpen, Sharpen Mild, Angio Sharpen Low and Angio Sharpen High) in addition to the original images (none filter). All filters presented high levels of accuracy (> 83.3%), sensitivity (> 90%) and specificity (> 62%), with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). However, when the level of certainty was evaluated, Angio Sharpen High and Sharpen filters presented the worst results, with significant difference for Original images (p < 0.05). The results of the conducted studies allow us to conclude that the MB2 is a highly prevalent condition and its bilateral simmetry is frequent. The use of CBCT image filters did not influence the MB2 detection, however higher enhancement filters should be avoided because they reduce the certainty of the diagnosis.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) allows effective 3D imaging in dentistry. CBCT consists of a planar detector and a x-ray source that rotate once around patient`s head. The x-ray beam is cone-shaped and is directed through the whole volume of interest. All the data needed are obtained during a single rotation of the source and detector. This rotation takes from several to several tens of seconds, and during this time the CBCT captures several hundred of 2D images. They represent different points of view on the region of interest and are later reconstructed to form a 3D data set. The biggest advantage of CBCT is that it can produce 3D image using at radiation doses similar to those of conventional diagnostic methods used in dentistry (Pauwels et al., 2010). In the experimental part of our experiment, we address one of the biggest weaknesses of CBCT - patient movement during scanning which has a major impact on the image quality and is currently the main limiting factor in the further development of this technology. In the first part of our experiment, we recorded movements of patients and CBCT scanner using a high speed camera and subsequently analyzed the data in MatLab program. Significant level of patient motion as well as motion of CBCT scanner was demonstrated. Motion was highest at the...

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Radiographic examination is an essential facet of dental implant therapy, and the success of this therapy depends on a suitable treatment based on adequate clinical and radiographic information. International organisational bodies have published guidelines on the use of radiographic imaging during implant therapy, but since the cone beam computed tomography modality became available, a need for the development of comprehensive imaging guidelines to limit the misuse of this modality became necessary. There is a lack of stringency regarding the recommendations and guidelines on radiographic imaging modalities used during implant therapy. This is due to variations in practice, experience, and socioeconomic factors. The most recent published global guidelines and recommendations and their relevance to dental implant therapy are described in this chapter.

The location of mental nerve has been extensively studied anatomically and radiographically. This systematic review aims to summarize the common location of mental foramen (MF) as well as its anatomical variation, the accessory mental foramen (AMF). The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were both searched for the available study until Jan 2020. The database search yield 2766 study of which 47 were included in this study according to the inclusion criteria. The study concludes that in general the position of the mental foramen is between area distal to the first premolar root apex and the long axis of the apex of second premolar in 82% to 90% according to panoramic and CBCT studies reported until 2020 respectively. Importantly, AMF incident has been found in 8.3% of the population, according the all of the CBCT studies included in this systematic review.

The morphology of the craniofacial complex is prone to alterations resulting from a wide range of external factors. In the first part of the presented thesis, we analysed the influence of slow long- term changes of the environment and population genome by comparing historical (11-12th century AD) and contemporary skulls using cephalometric X-ray images. The second part focuses on the effects of orthodontic treatment on bone thickness in relevant areas, with the analysis being based on Cone Beam computed tomography. A comparison of the palatal angle of 115 historical and 75 contemporary skulls revealed a statistically significant decrease of this parameter. The follow-up of 58 patients utilizing three- dimensional diagnostic imaging measurements before and after treatment revealed a statistically significant decrease in vestibular bone thickness, without changes of total alveolar width. Our analysis revealed a substantial bone response to respective forces, with relevant clinical implications - respecting the anatomical limits of the range of motion is essential to achieve therapeutic success and to avoid alveolar defects. Keywords: 3D imaging, CBCT, cephalometry, orthodontics, dentistry

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Previously, many studies have used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to detect and confirm the exact location of the MB2 canal in maxillary molars. It is now considered the gold standard, as it allows clinicians to visualize complex anatomical structures and to perform endodontic treatment safely. However, in the context of this study, the prevalence and location of the MB2 in maxillary first and second permanent molars among the Libyan population is limited. The aim of this in vivo study is to describe the prevalence and location of the MB2 in the mesiobuccal root of first and second maxillary molars and to describe a methodology to enable its geometric location in the Libyan population using CBCT imaging.