Calcification of the submandibular gland in a patient with chickenpox

The pneumonia virus of chickenpox is now known to cause scattered calcified foci in the lungs, however to our knowledge, recent literature has not discussed calcification in the salivary glands. A 15-year-old boy consulted the department of radiology because of a swelling on the right side of the submandibular area. Radiological assessment included an ultrasonography and computerized tomography scan of the neck area, which demonstrated intraparenchymal amorph calcification, with approximately 13 mm diameter in the right submandibular gland. General condition and oral intake was good without distress in the patient, and hence he was discharged on the seventh day of follow-up treatment

Radiographic evaluation of alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous patients

Objective: To evaluate the reduction of residual alveolar ridge height on panoramic radiographs and the differences between denture wearers and non-denture wearers. Materials and methods: The study consisted of 147 individuals (74 men and 73 women) [ 50 were denture wearers and 50 non-denture wearers (examination groups) and 47 of them were dentate (control group)]. Individuals having diseases impacting on bone were excluded. Vertical measurements were made at 15 sites (central incisors, first premolars and molars at the left and right of both jaws and the distance between the zygoma/ orbit). MANOVA (multi-variate analysis of variation) was used for the statistical analysis of the results. Results: There were significant differences between the alveolar ridge heights of dentate and edentulous groups (p < 0.001). Between the denture wearer and the non-denture wearer groups, there was significant difference in the lower jaw (p < 0.001), but no significant difference in the upper jaw (p = 0.635). There were also differences between men and women (p < 0.005) and upper and lower jaws at every measurement sites (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Reduction in residual alveolar ridge height was in close relation with gender, denture usage and edentulousness

Dentigerous cysts of the jaws: Clinical and radiological findings of 18 cases

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

CT Imaging of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign fibroosseous bone dysplasia that can involve single (monostotic) or multiple (polyostotic) bones. Monostotic form is more frequent in the jaws. It is termed as craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, when it involves, though rarely, adjacent craniofacial bones. A 16-year-old girl consulted for a painless swelling in the right posterior mandible for two years. Panoramic radiography revealed ground-glass ill-defined lesions in the three different regions of the maxilla and mandible. Axial CT scan (bone window) showed multiple lesions involving skull base and facial bones. Despite lesions in the skull base, the patient had no abnormal neurological findings. The lesion was diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia based on radiological and histopathological examination. In this paper, CT findings and differential diagnosis of CFD are discussed. CT is a useful imaging technique for CFD cases

Graft Necrosis Occurred After Iliac Crest Reconstruction After Mandibular Segmental Resection of Ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is an uncommon benign odontogenic neoplasm of the maxillofacial region constituting less than 1% of tumors of the oral cavity. Ameloblastomas have been categorized broadly into 3 biologic variants: cystic (unicystic), solid, and peripheral. Unicystic ameloblastoma is a rare and less aggressive variant of ameloblastoma. The aim of this report is to describe a case of cystic ameloblastoma treated with segmental resection and iliac graft reconstruction. The possible reasons of graft failure seen in our patient at the early stage of the healing were also discussed