Diagnosis of Odontogenic Maxillary Sinusitis by Cone-beam Computed Tomography: A Critical Review

INTRODUCTION

This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the current applications of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and other imaging modalities in diagnosing odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS). Furthermore, the clinical operation procedures of radiography modalities in OMS diagnosis were summarized, with the goal of assisting clinicians in improving OMS diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice.

METHOD

A comprehensive review of researches that discussed the applications of radiography modalities in the diagnosis of OMS was conducted. Pertinent information was evaluated and organized for this review.

RESULTS

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers a superior, high-resolution, and three-dimensional view of the maxillary tooth-bone-sinus complex compared to conventional radiography modalities. It enables a better understanding and classification of the spatial relationships between root apices/periapical lesions and maxillary sinus. The use of CBCT, combined with the advantages of other radiography modalities and proper image interpretation, is indispensable to enhance OMS diagnostic accuracy and mitigate the risk of missed or misdiagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The significance of CBCT in the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial conditions has garnered widespread recognition. It provides highly precise diagnostic information and classification basis for OMS. The clinical operation procedures for imaging examination are essential in ensuring the consistency and reliability of the diagnosis.

Systematic review on forensic craniofacial reconstruction. I. facial soft-tissue thickness

Forensic anthropologists are traditionally interested in facial approximations and reconstruction of physiognomies of individuals from past populations and creation of lifelike features onto unknown skulls retrieved from forensic or bioarchaeological contexts. Present review article examines the significance of facial soft-tissue thickness (FSTT) in craniofacial reconstruction by revisiting the studies published in the recent past decade (2010-21). The searches for published articles mentioning the FSTT and related topics over these years were performed using the following search engines: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 325 research articles were identified using different keywords, out of which 84 studies were found relevant for systematic review presented in this article. The selected studies were further analyzed based on the adopted study design, radiographic modality used for estimating FSTT, and generated databases and their advantages and limitations. Out of 84 relevant articles, 30 articles presented databases for sex, age, and ethnicity-dependent variations in soft tissue thickness measurements. Finally, 17 studies reporting sexual dimorphic variations in FSTT values estimated in supine or upright postured individuals (aged 18-90 years and above) were considered for meta-analysis. This article gives a decisive outlook on research trends in FSTT estimations, its contributions in refining craniofacial reconstruction technology, and identifying where we lack and where we can improve.