Visibility of anatomical landmarks in the region of the mandibular third molar, a comparison between a low-dose and default protocol of CBCT.

Objective: Optimization of radiographic examinations is essential for radiation protection. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical applicability of a low-dose CBCT protocol as compared to the default for pre-surgical evaluation of mandibular third molars.

Material & Methods: Forty-eight patients (62 teeth) referred for pre-surgical mandibular third molar investigation were recruited after justification for CBCT.

Web-based educational programme for temporomandibular joint assessment with cone-beam computed tomography.

Objectives: To develop and evaluate an educational web-based programme for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) assessment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods: A web-based educational programme was designed for TMJ assessment using CBCT images. Fifteen CBCT cases of the TMJ (three-dimensional reconstructed volumes) and an assessment module based on image analysis criteria in the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) were added to the programme.

Evaluation of a low-dose protocol for cone beam computed tomography of the temporomandibular joint.

Objective: Evaluation of cone beam CT (CBCT) examination with a low-dose scanning protocol for assessment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Methods: 34 adult patients referred for CBCT imaging of the TMJ underwent two examinations with two scanning protocols, a manufacturer-recommended protocol (default) and a low-dose protocol where the tube current was reduced to 20% of the default protocol. Three image stacks were reconstructed: default protocol, low-dose protocol, and processed (using a noise reduction algorithm) low-dose protocol.

Dose distributions in adult and child head phantoms for panoramic and cone beam computed tomography imaging of the temporomandibular joint.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to map and compare the distributions of absorbed doses with Gafchromic film for panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examinations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by using adult and child phantoms.

Study Design: Gafchromic films were placed at 5 selected levels of anthropomorphic head phantoms of an adult and a child. Clinical protocols for panoramic and CBCT imaging of the TMJ were used for three 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional dental x-ray units.