To analyze the reflecting effect of a bone defect on a radiolucent dental radiograph

Abstract

Abstract : To assess pathological changes during endodontic treatment, dental radiographs are very important. Particularly in clinical cases with a transparent round area at the apex of a tooth on a dental radiograph, such a radiograph is very useful for evaluation of changes in bone recalcification. In previous studies, many interesting results have been reported leading to much discussion on the absorption of artificial bone by dry bone. We considered that attention should be paid to the difference between normal bone and dry bone on radiographic images. Pathological bone lesions are generally filled with pus or organic tissue. The aim of this study was to analyze the reflecting effect of pus or organic tissue on radiolucent images in dental radiography. We created five types of bone defect in the cancellous bone of a cow. These defects were filled with saline or soft tissue. On radiolucent radiographs, the image of an unfilled defect was clear. In contrast it was difficult to identify the edge and outline of a filled defect. Usually a clinical apical lesion is filled with pus or granulation tissue. As a result it is necessary to pay careful attention to real images of apical lesions.