Identification, morphometry and volumetric analysis of the genial tubercles in radiographic and tomographic examinations

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the identification, morphometry and volumetric analysis of genital tubercles in radiographic and tomographic examinations. Methods: 15 dry human jaws were exposed to four stages. At first, they were exposed to two-dimensional radiographic and three-dimensional image examinations. In the second stage, the same image exams were performed on the mandibles with the genial tubers accentuated with barium sulphate. In the third stage, a gingival needle was inserted in the lingual foramen to perform the imaging exams. In the last stage, the genial tubercles were removed for imaging. The radiographs were evaluated by two radiologist dentists trained for morphological analysis. For the morphometric evaluation, the software ITK-snap® Version 3.6.0 was used. Results: As a result of the periapical radiographs, no changes were observed in the initial or final images. In addition, with the highlight of barium sulphate, it is noticed that the genial tubers increase the radiopacity of the symphysis region. In the occlusal radiographic images, changes were observed in each of the stages, since the position of the mandible during the examination shows the projections of the genial tubercles, and the two-dimensional examination is indicated for the evaluation of these anatomical structures. Conclusion: Cone beam computed tomography has, in a different way, the property of providing three-dimensional images rich in detail. Thus, it can be concluded that the periapical radiography of the lower incisors highlights the lingual canal, the occlusal radiography highlights the genial tubercles and tomography is the exam that presents the conditions to differentiate these structures.