BackgroundThe positions of the mandibular lingula and foramen have been set as indexes for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block and ramus osteotomies in orthognathic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical structures of mandibular ramus, especially the mandibular lingula and foramen, by analyzing the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) data of young adults. MethodsWe evaluated 121 sides of hemi-mandibular CBCT model of 106 patients (51 male and 55 female patients; 18 to 36 years old). All the measurements were performed using the 2- and 3-dimensional rulers of OnDemand3D® software.ResultsStatistical analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in the mandibular angle between the genders. The mandibular lingula was found to be located at the center of ramus in males, but a little posterior in relation to the center in females. The mandibular lingula was rarely located below the occlusal plane; however, the position of the mandibular foramen was more variable (84.3% below, 12.4% above, and 3.3% at the level of the occlusal plane).ConclusionsThe results of this study provide a valuable guideline for IAN block anesthesia and orthognathic surgery. CBCT can be considered effective and accurate in evaluating the fine structures of the mandible.

Featured Application: Novel technology of bone regeneration.Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, volumetric, radiographic, and histologic aspects of autogenous demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) combined with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) used for ridge preservation, compared to those of deproteinized bovine bone with collagen (DBBC). Following atraumatic extraction, the socket was filled with DBBC, DDM, or rhBMP-2/DDM. Scanned images of dental casts and cone beam computed tomographs (CBCT) were superimposed for the calculation of soft and hard tissue volume alteration. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of the height and width of the alveolar ridge were compared using CBCT images. After 4 months, bone specimens were harvested for histomorphometric assessment. Loss of hard and soft tissue volume occurred at 4 months after extraction and ridge preservation in all groups. No volumetric differences were detected among the three groups before and 4 months after ridge preservation. The reduction in the horizontal width at 5 mm was higher in the DBBC compared to the DDM. Histologically, approximately 40% newly formed bone was founded in rhBMP-2/DDM group. The autogenous dentin matrix used to fill the socket was as beneficial for ridge preservation as conventional xenografts. The combination of rhBMP-2 with dentin matrix also demonstrated appreciable volumetric stability and higher new bone formation compared to DDM alone and DBBC.

In this paper, we have developed novel pixel design of advanced fringe field switching (AFFS) mode with high transmittance and high reflectance for superior sunlight readability. These properties are achieved by high aperture pixel design and by reflective areas of metal embossing pattern on the gate area as well as data bus line with BM-less of color filter on the data bus line. We also achieved low surface reflectance with anti-reflective (AR) polarizer and high transmittance with DBEF polarizer. In this paper, we will show panel characteristics of 10.4-inch XGA tablet with improved indoor and outdoor images.