OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at comparing indices obtained from dental panoramic radiographs with bone densitometry results in the identification of individuals affected by osteoporosis/osteopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic mandibular, mental, antegonial, gonial and mandibular cortical indices calculated with basis on dental panoramic radiographs of postmenopausal women were compared with bone densitometry results, twice by one observer and once by a second observer. RESULTS: Significant differences were not found between the two measurements performed by the same observer, except for the antegonial index on the left side. Interobserver agreement for both sides was good. The variance analysis demonstrated statistically significant differences among groups (normal, osteopenia and osteoporosis) for all the indices evaluated. Differences were significant among all mean panoramic mandibular and mental indices. On the other hand, for the antegonial and gonial indices, only the normal group presented higher means as compared with the other groups (osteopenia and osteoporosis) which did not differ between themselves. CONCLUSION: The indices evaluated were reproducible; panoramic mandibular and mental indices presented the highest sensitivity in the detection of osteopenia/osteoporosis, however the panoramic mandibular index specificity was low. Although all the indices evaluated could identify low bone density, only the panoramic mandibular and mental indices could differentiate patients affected by osteopenia/osteoporosis.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, Panoramic radiography, Risk factors

In this case report we discuss the importance of panoramic x-ray as an auxiliary tool for the diagnosis, initial treatment and follow-up of patients with periodontal disease. The case presented involved an interdisciplinary approach between orthodontics and periodontics. A female patient with advanced periodontal disease was treated with the forced orthodontical eruption technique that resulted in bone and gingival growth at the end of the treatment. Placement of the implants and dental prostheses was also performed in an innovative approach of immediate prosthetic loading, i.e. implants and teeth placed within a 48 hours interval. These results indicate that our studies should continue since bone growth was obtained without a bone graft, the time of the treatment did not exceed 120 days, and that we may in future obtain further results that will contribute to surpass serious periodontal diseases without the need of several surgical stages, reducing the time of treatment, morbidity and costs.

Keywords: Periodontitis, Orthodontic extraction, Forced orthodontical eruption, Panoramic x-ray, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Dental implant

OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the reliability of digital panoramic radiography in the diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients under high-risk for development of carotid artery calcifications who had digital panoramic radiography were referred to undergo ultrasonography. Thus, 70 arteries were assessed by both methods. The main parameters utilized to evaluate the panoramic radiography reliability in the diagnosis of carotid artery calcifications were accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of this method as compared with ultrasonography. Additionally, the McNemar's test was utilized to verify whether there was a statistically significant difference between digital panoramic radiography and ultrasonography. RESULTS: Ultrasonography demonstrated carotid artery calcifications in 17 (48.57%) patients. Such individuals presented with a total of 29 (41.43%) carotid arteries affected by calcification. Radiography was accurate in 71.43% (n = 50) of cases evaluated. The degree of sensitivity of this method was 37.93%, specificity of 95.12% and positive predictive value of 84.61%. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between the methods evaluated in their capacity to diagnose carotid artery calcifications. CONCLUSION: Digital panoramic radiography should not be indicated as a method of choice in the investigation of carotid artery calcifications.

Keywords: Carotid artery calcification; End-stage renal disease; Panoramic radiography; Ultrasonography.

When it is necessary to evaluate dental structures, the typical method is to obtain intraoral or panoramic X-rays at specialized dental clinics. However, in the daily practice of head and neck radiology, or even general radiology, it is common to encounter clinical situations or examination findings related to dental problems that should not be ignored. Because such problems can often be responsible for the clinical complaints of patients, this review aims to assist radiologists in identifying and describing common dental conditions on computed tomography of paranasal sinuses, face, and neck. It is important for radiologists to have knowledge of dental arch anatomy and its relationships with facial structures, as well as of major dental pathologies, including periapical sclerotic lesions, odontogenic cysts, fistulas, and abscesses, together with knowledge of incidental findings without clinical repercussions, which should be easily identified and stressed by the radiologist when necessary. The imaging methods most commonly used in evaluation of paranasal sinuses and face are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Those methods allow radiologists to recognize and become familiar with the main dental findings. The description of such findings by a radiologist can lead to a change in treatment strategy.

Keywords: Dental arch/pathology; Periodontal diseases/diagnosis; Tomography, X-ray computed; Magnetic resonance imaging.