SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and location of maxillary sinus septa prior to dental implant therapy in different age groups by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and identify the most helpful orthogonal plane for this purpose. CBCT scans of 200 patients were selected. The final sample was divided into four groups according to age: (1) 30-39 y.o.; (2) 40-49 y.o.; (3) 50-59 y.o.; (4) +60 y.o. Three calibrated examiners assessed the presence and location (anterior, middle, posterior) of sinus septa using all orthogonal slices. The prevalence of septa per region and plane was compared by chi-square test. Among 359 maxillary sinuses evaluated, it was observed at least one septum in 163 sinuses (45.4 %). Overall, the anterior region was the most prevalent. However, when the age groups were considered, the anterior region was only the most prevalent in groups 2 and 3. The middle and posterior regions were more prevalent in groups 4 and 1, respectively. In conclusion, the prevalence of maxillary sinus septa in patients who were candidate to dental implant therapy was notably high. It was observed that the anterior region of the sinus was the most prevalent and the axial slice was the most representative.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la prevalencia y localización del septo del seno maxilar antes del tratamiento con implantes dentales en diferentes grupos etarios, por medio de la Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico (TCHC). Fueron seleccionadas TCHC de 200 pacientes. La muestra final fue dividida en cuatro grupos de acuerdo con la edad: (1) 30-39 años; (2) 40-49 años; (3) 50-59 años y (4) +60 años. Tres examinadores calibrados evaluaron la presencia y localización (anterior, media o posterior) del septo del seno maxilar usando todas las secciones ortogonales. La prevalencia del septo por región y plano fue comparada mediante el test x-cuadrado. Entre los 359 senos maxilares evaluados, fue observado por lo menos un septo en 163 senos (45,4 %). Generalmente la región anterior fue la más prevalente. Sin embargo, cuando fueron considerados los grupos etarios, solamente la región anterior fue la más prevalente en los grupos 2 y 3. Las regiones media y posterior fueron las más prevalente en los grupos 4 y 1, respectivamente. La prevalencia del septo del seno maxilar en pacientes que son candidatos a tratamiento con implantes dentales fue notablemente alta. Se observó que la región anterior fue la más prevalente siendo las secciones axiales las más representativas.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade de diagnóstico de imagens de TCFC para detecção de lesões de cárie utilizando parâmetros de exposição diferentes. Métodos: Sessenta dentes humanos extraídos foram selecionados e digitalizados usando o sistema Kodak 9000 3D TCFC, com as seguintes combinações de parâmetros de exposição: 74 kV, 10 mA; 74 kV, 12 mA; 74 kV, 8 mA70 kV, 10 mA; 70 kV, 12 mA; 70 kV e 8 mA; 70 kV, 6,3 mA. Dois observadores avaliaram as imagens para a presença de cárie utilizando o CS 3D Imaging Software. Cada observador pontuou as superfícies proximais de cada dente em uma escala de 5 pontos. Os escores foram comparados com cortes histológicos, utilizados como padrão-ouro. A precisão para detecção de lesões de cárie foi analisada para cada combinação de parâmetros de exposição e avaliada por meio de análise da curva ROC. Resultados: Os valores médios para as áreas sob as curvas ROC para cada combinação de parâmetro de exposição variou de 0,35-0,60. Não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os protocolos 1, 2, 4, 6 e 7. No entanto, os protocolos 3 e 5 diferem de todos os protocolos. Conclusão: Embora o protocolo de dose mais elevada foi o mais eficiente para a detecção da cárie proximal, o protocolo de dose mais baixa deverá ser escolhido com base no princípio ALADA.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of study was to evaluate the diagnostic quality of CBCT images for caries lesions detection using different exposure parameters. Methods: Sixty extracted human teeth were selected and scanned using Kodak 9000 3D CBCT system, with the following exposure parameters combinations: 74 kV, 10mA; 74 kV, 12mA; 74 kV, 8 mA; 70 kV, 10 mA; 70kV, 12 mA; 70 kV e 8 mA; 70 kV, 6.3 mA. Two observers evaluated the images for caries presence using CS 3D Imaging Software. Each observer scored the proximal surfaces of each tooth on a 5-point scale. The scores were compared to histological sections used as gold standard. Accuracy for caries lesion detection was assessed for each exposure parameter combination and evaluated by means of ROC curve analysis. Results: The mean values for the areas under the ROC curves for each exposure parameter combination varied from 0.35 to 0.60. There was no statistical significant difference among protocols 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7. However, protocols 3 and 5 differed from all protocols. Conclusion: Although the highest dose protocol was the most efficient for proximal caries detection, the lowest dose protocol should be chosen based on the ALADA principle.

Abstract This study aimed at verifying the correlation among angulation of the articular eminence (AE), shape of the condyle and its degenerative bone diseases (DBDs), according to age and sex, through Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Five hundred and twenty-eight temporomandibular joints (TMJ) were evaluated. The condyles were classified as: flat, convex, angled and rounded, and the AE angulation was measured. The DBDs evaluated were osteophytes, flattening, erosion, subcortical cysts and spinal sclerosis. There was no difference in the mean angulations in relation to age group (p>0.05). In age groups of 60-69 years (p=0.003) and 70 years or over (p=0.021), the angulation was higher in males. There was an association between DBD and sex (p=0.047), in that the prevalence was higher in females. Differences in AE angles were not observed in condyles with one or no DBDs (p>0.05). However, the presence of two or more DBDs led to a decrease in the angle (p<0.05). Angled condyles showed higher AE angulations than the flat and convex types (p<0.01). In conclusion, the AE inclination is influenced by DBD and condyle shape; an association of two or more bone diseases in the condyle, or its flat or convex anatomy, results in a decrease in the angulation.

Em 1998, o Ministério da Saúde estabeleceu as Diretrizes de Proteção Radiológica em Radiodiagnóstico Médico e Odontológico, visando garantir a qualidade nos procedimentos prestados à população e assegurar a proteção radiológica aos profissionais da saúde. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a situação dos consultórios odontológicos quanto às especificações técnicas preconizadas e às medidas de proteção adotadas, utilizando-se um questionário com itens sobre equipamentos, técnicas e proteção radiológica. O universo foi composto pelos cirurgiões-dentistas do município de Aracaju, Sergipe, que executam o exame radiográfico como rotina, sendo a amostra final de 103 profissionais. Dentre os resultados encontrados, destacam-se o alto índice de profissionais que desconhecem as normas atuais (64,1%) e as especificações técnicas de seus equipamentos (51,5% desconhecem a quilovoltagem e 57,3%, a miliamperagem), como também aqueles que utilizam o método visual de revelação (67%). Como condutas positivas, 62,1% dos pesquisados fazem uso da técnica do paralelismo e 98,1% utilizam a proteção plumbífera no paciente. Com isso, conclui-se que apesar de uma minoria conhecer as Diretrizes de Proteção, algumas medidas estão sendo corretamente adotadas; todavia, uma melhor conscientização se faz necessária.

In 1998, the Brazilian Ministry of Health established the Guidelines for Protection in Medical and Odontological Radiography, aimed at ensuring the quality of radiological procedures provided to the population as well as radiological protection for the health professionals. The purpose of this study was to verify the current situation in the dental offices with regard to the technical specifications and the adopted protective measures, using a questionnaire including questions about equipments, techniques and radiological protection. The investigated universe consisted of the surgeon dentists of the city of Aracaju using radiographic examination as a routine, resulting in a final sample of 103 professionals. The results showed that a high percentage of these professionals ignore the current norms (64,1%) as well as the technical specifications of their equipment (51,5% ignored the peak kilovoltage and 57,3% the milliamperage of their equipment), besides examining the radiographs visually (67%) As positive behaviors, the paralleling technique was preferred by 62,1% and the lead apron was used by 98,1%. We conclude that, despite the limited knowledge about the Guidelines, some measures are being correctly adopted but that the dentists have to be more aware of the necessary protective measures.

Em 1998, o Ministério da Saúde estabeleceu as Diretrizes de Proteção Radiológica em Radiodiagnóstico Médico e Odontológico, visando garantir a qualidade nos procedimentos prestados à população e assegurar a proteção radiológica aos profissionais da saúde. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a situação dos consultórios odontológicos quanto às especificações técnicas preconizadas e às medidas de proteção adotadas, utilizando-se um questionário com itens sobre equipamentos, técnicas e proteção radiológica. O universo foi composto pelos cirurgiões-dentistas do município de Aracaju, Sergipe, que executam o exame radiográfico como rotina, sendo a amostra final de 103 profissionais. Dentre os resultados encontrados, destacam-se o alto índice de profissionais que desconhecem as normas atuais (64,1%) e as especificações técnicas de seus equipamentos (51,5% desconhecem a quilovoltagem e 57,3%, a miliamperagem), como também aqueles que utilizam o método visual de revelação (67%). Como condutas positivas, 62,1% dos pesquisados fazem uso da técnica do paralelismo e 98,1% utilizam a proteção plumbífera no paciente. Com isso, conclui-se que apesar de uma minoria conhecer as Diretrizes de Proteção, algumas medidas estão sendo corretamente adotadas; todavia, uma melhor conscientização se faz necessária.

In 1998, the Brazilian Ministry of Health established the Guidelines for Protection in Medical and Odontological Radiography, aimed at ensuring the quality of radiological procedures provided to the population as well as radiological protection for the health professionals. The purpose of this study was to verify the current situation in the dental offices with regard to the technical specifications and the adopted protective measures, using a questionnaire including questions about equipments, techniques and radiological protection. The investigated universe consisted of the surgeon dentists of the city of Aracaju using radiographic examination as a routine, resulting in a final sample of 103 professionals. The results showed that a high percentage of these professionals ignore the current norms (64,1%) as well as the technical specifications of their equipment (51,5% ignored the peak kilovoltage and 57,3% the milliamperage of their equipment), besides examining the radiographs visually (67%) As positive behaviors, the paralleling technique was preferred by 62,1% and the lead apron was used by 98,1%. We conclude that, despite the limited knowledge about the Guidelines, some measures are being correctly adopted but that the dentists have to be more aware of the necessary protective measures.