Objectives: The aim of our study is to evaluate and compare the presence and severity of external root resorption in patients treated with either clear aligners (Invisalign) versus conventional fixed orthodontic appliances. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 203 patients, which includes 30 treated with Invisalign and 173 with fixed appliances. 60 cases (30 per group) were matched based on extraction status, treatment duration, gender, age, and malocclusion classification after inclusion criteria were applied. Radiographic evaluations were conducted with standardized periapical radiographs and Panoramic radiographs (OPG). Comparing radiographs taken before and after treatment allowed for the measurement of the extent of external root resorption. Results: In the matched cases, external root resorption was present in 92% of patients in the Invisalign group and 77% of patients in the fixed appliance group. Maxillary incisors were the most afflicted teeth, particularly in situations involving tooth extractions. The greatest percentage of root resorption (100%) was recorded in Class II malocclusion, which was followed by Class I (84%) and Class III (77%). Although Invisalign treatments demonstrated an increased incidence of root resorption, fixed appliances were associated with more severe root reduction. There were not significant distinctions between the groups, according to statistical analysis (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A frequent adverse effect of orthodontic treatments involving both fixed appliances and Invisalign is external root resorption. Root resorption was more common in Invisalign patients, but it was greater in fixed appliance cases. These results highlight the need for more expansive prospective studies to confirm these findings and enable clinicians minimize side effects associated with treatment.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, morphology, and influencing factors of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal in maxillary molars and the middle-mesial canal in mandibular molars using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: A total of 146 CBCT scans acquired between 2023 and 2025 were retrospectively analyzed at the Oral Radiology Division, King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital. Canal prevalence, morphometric dimensions, symmetry, and Vertucci configurations were recorded and correlated with age, sex, and voxel size. Results: MB2 canals were detected in 64.4% of maxillary first molars and 29.6% of second molars, while middle-mesial canals were found in 17.8% of mandibular first molars and 6.4% of second molars. Detection rates declined with increasing voxel size and patient age (p < 0.05). Bilateral symmetry was strong for MB2 (κ = 0.78) but moderate for mandibular canals (κ = 0.29). Vertucci Type I and II were most common in maxillary roots, and Type IV predominated in mandibular mesial roots. Conclusions: These findings confirm CBCT as a reliable tool for identifying complex canal systems and emphasize the importance of voxel resolution and anatomical understanding in enhancing endodontic diagnosis and treatment success.

Glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) have been previously documented in the literature as uncommon odontogenic cysts characterized by their aggressive nature and high recurrence rate. This study is aimed at documenting and analyzing the radiographic as well as the histopathological features of GOC in the mandible and correlating these characteristics to previously reported studies. This case series includes five male patients, aged between 32 and 50 years, who were interpreted using cone beam CT (CBCT) scans at the Oral Radiology Department of King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital between 2022 and 2023. All cases were reported histopathologically as GOC. The reported lesions were all located in the mandible, with three in the anterior region and two in the posterior region. Two lesions extended across the midline. Radiographically, two lesions were unilocular and three were multilocular, with straight, long septa intersecting at right angles to the outer border. The lesions exhibited well‐defined, corticated borders with scalloping between roots. Effects on adjacent structures included thinning of the buccal/lingual cortical plates, expansion, inferior displacement of the mandibular canal, and tooth displacement, and one case showed loss of lamina dura, root resorption, and cortical border perforation. The microscopic examination of each case is described. Finally, GOC presents radiographic features similar to other odontogenic and neoplastic lesions such as odontogenic keratocyst, ameloblastoma, lateral periodontal cyst, residual cyst, and central giant cell granuloma. Accurate diagnosis requires careful histopathological examination and long‐term follow‐up to confirm the diagnosis and monitor for potential recurrences.

The aim of this systematic review is to critically evaluate the current evidence regarding diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in increasing the detectability of cracks and fractures in teeth. Literature was reviewed from PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Saudi Digital Library in January 2025. The searched keywords included "Cone-beam computed tomography", "CBCT", "Contrast agents", "Tooth cracks", and "Tooth fractures". Only articles in the English language were included. The final analysis included four publications that satisfied the eligibility requirements. The evidence indicates that CBCT imaging with contrast improves the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis. Enhanced sensitivity and specificity were over 80%. Contrast-enhanced CBCT successfully reduced artifacts and detected subsurface cracks, with accuracy gains ranging from 4.4 to 72.1%. Imaging protocols affected the performance, while using sodium iodide, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl alcohol, and ethyl acetate produced the best accuracy (100%, p < 0.01). In contemporary dentistry, contrast-enhanced CBCT is a promising development. The use of contrast-enhanced CBCT imaging could significantly improve the diagnostic precision of teeth cracks and fractures identification, which could lead to earlier detection and advanced treatment planning with better patient outcomes. How to cite this article: Sabban H, Abdel-Wahed N. Effectiveness of Contrast Agents in Cone-beam Computed Tomography for Diagnosing Tooth Cracks and Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Contemp Dent Pract 2025;26(5):519-525.

Background: Stafne’s bone defects (SBDs) are rare, intraosseous lesions not only localized in the mandible but also asymptomatic by default and found occasionally at radiographically investigations. The size and location of these defects can vary, although most are located in the posterior mandible. Since anterior variants are less frequently reported, diagnostic imaging is crucial for distinguishing SBDs from other diseases. This case series documents both familiar and unusual appearances, highlighting the diagnostic value of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the evaluation of SBDs. Case Presentation: This study evaluated four instances of SBDs using CBCT. In Case 1, a 48‐year‐old man without any clinical symptoms had a characteristic posterior SBD located beneath the inferior alveolar canal. Case 2 described a 28‐year‐old woman’s unusual anterior mandibular SBD, which was accompanied with scalloping and tooth diversion. In Case 3, a 59‐year‐old woman had a unique case of bilateral SBDs with combined buccal and lingual depressions. In Case 4, a 47‐year‐old man had a large anterior SBD with partial root exposure and fenestration. In all cases, CBCT interpreted detailed three‐dimensional imaging, assessing diagnosis and effective differentiation from other mandibular pathologies. Conclusions: CBCT proved to be essential in accurately diagnosing SBDs in every instance, particularly when it came to spotting unusual signs like anterior and bilateral lesions. The findings confirmed that SBDs are benign and typically do not require treatment. The improved radiographic capabilities of CBCT support the argument for conservative management strategies and improve diagnostic accuracy.

Background and Clinical Significance: Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) of the jaw is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder that primarily affects children and adolescents. Diagnosing CNO of the mandible can be challenging due to its rarity, and the clinical and radiographic findings overlap with those of other bone disorders. Case Presentation: This case series retrospectively presents four female pediatric patients (9–12 years old) diagnosed with mandibular CNO. The patients were treated at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2018 and 2024. Clinical features and radiographic and histopathological findings were evaluated. All cases had mandibular swelling and pain. Radiographic features consistently revealed mixed sclerotic and radiolucent lesions with bone expansion and periosteal reactions. Histopathological findings revealed viable bone interspersed with varying degrees of fibrous tissue. No evidence of bacterial colonies or inflammation was observed. This case series highlights the radiographic and histopathological features of CNO in the mandible of pediatric patients. The mixed radiographic features and variability of histopathological findings combined with the refractory nature of the lesions contribute to diagnostic complexity. Diagnostic challenges include differentiating CNO from other inflammatory and fibro-osseous conditions. The presence of recurrent episodes of pain, the formation of subperiosteal bone, periostitis, lysis of the cortical layer, expansion of the mandibular canal, and sterile bone biopsies with nonspecific inflammatory changes were related mainly to CNO. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for increased awareness and a multidisciplinary approach for accurate diagnosis and management of CNO. Conservative management, particularly in dental cases, avoids prolonged unnecessary use of antibiotics, and the prescription of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be followed.