Surveying the landscape of diagnostic imaging in dentistry's future: Four emerging technologies with promise.

Background: Advances in digital radiography for both intraoral and panoramic imaging and cone-beam computed tomography have led the way to an increase in diagnostic capabilities for the dental care profession. In this article, the authors provide information on 4 emerging technologies with promise.

Types Of Studies Reviewed: The authors feature the following: artificial intelligence in the form of deep learning using convolutional neural networks, dental magnetic resonance imaging, stationary intraoral tomosynthesis, and second-generation cone-beam computed tomography sources based on carbon nanotube technology and multispectral imaging.

Sensitivity and Specificity of MRI versus CBCT to Detect Vertical Root Fractures Using MicroCT as a Reference Standard.

Introduction: Vertical root fracture (VRF) in root-canal-treated teeth frequently results in tooth loss, partly because VRFs are difficult to diagnose and when detected the fracture is often beyond the point of preservation with surgical intervention. Nonionizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has demonstrated the ability to detect small VRFs, but it is unknown how its diagnostic capabilities compare with the current imaging standard for VRF detection, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This investigation aimed to compare the sensitivity and specificity between MRI and CBCT for detecting VRF, using micro-computed tomography (microCT) as a reference.

Minimal Detectable Width of Tooth Fractures Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Method to Measure.

Introduction: Vertical root fracture (VRF) in root canal-treated (RCT) teeth is a common cause of pain, bone resorption, and tooth loss. VRF is also difficult to diagnose and measure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to identify VRF due to beneficial partial volume averaging, without using ionizing radiation.

Evaluation of transverse maxillary growth on cone-beam computed tomography images.

This study aimed at quantifying the annual transverse growth of the maxilla using skeletal landmarks in three different regions on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. CBCT scans taken before and after orthodontic treatment of 100 child and adolescent patients (50 male, 50 female) without maxillary transverse deficiencies were used to determine the transverse linear distances between the greater palatine foramina (GPFd), the lateral walls of the nasal cavity (NCd), and the infraorbital foramina (IOFd). We found that all distances increased significantly with growth in both genders (p < 0.

The effect of rotary instrumentation on dentin thickness in the danger zone of the MB2 canal of maxillary first molars.

The aim of this study was to measure the initial and remaining dentin thickness in the danger zone of the second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal of maxillary first molars after rotary instrumentation using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. After determining initial dentin thickness, each sample was subjected to a standardized protocol of rotary instrumentation files: ProTaper Gold Sx Orifice Opener (maximum depth of 7 mm); Vortex Blue 15.04, 20.

Buccal alveolar bone changes following rapid maxillary expansion and fixed appliance therapy.

Objectives: To assess factors that may be associated with buccal bone changes adjacent to maxillary first molars after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and fixed appliance therapy.

Materials And Methods: Pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) cone-beam computed tomography scans were obtained from 45 patients treated with RME and preadjusted edgewise appliances. Buccal alveolar bone thickness was measured adjacent to the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary first molar 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction, and anatomic defects were recorded.

Applying synthetic radiography to intraoral tomosynthesis: a step towards achieving 3D imaging in the dental clinic.

Objectives: A practical approach to three-dimensional (3D) intraoral imaging would have many potential applications in clinical dentistry. intraoral tomosynthesis (sIOT) is an experimental 3D imaging technology that holds promise. The purpose of this study was to explore radiography as a tool to improve the clinical utility of the images generated by an sIOT scan.

Accuracy and Reliability of Root Crack and Fracture Detection in Teeth Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to aid in determining the presence and extent of cracks/fractures in teeth because of better contrast without ionizing radiation. The objectives were to develop MRI criteria for root crack/fracture identification and to establish reliability and accuracy in their detection.

Methods: MRI-based criteria for crack/fracture appearance was developed by an MRI physicist and a panel of 6 dentists.

Characterization and preliminary imaging evaluation of a clinical prototype stationary intraoral tomosynthesis system.

Purpose: Technological advancements in dental radiography have improved oral care on many fronts, yet diagnostic efficacy for some of the most common oral conditions, such as caries, dental cracks and fractures, and periodontal disease, remains relatively low. Driven by the clinical need for a better diagnostic yield for these and other dental conditions, we initiated the development of a stationary intraoral tomosynthesis (s-IOT) imaging system using carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source array technology. Here, we report the system characterization and preliminary imaging evaluation of a clinical prototype s-IOT system approved for human use.

Alternative cone-beam computed tomography method for the analysis of bone density around impacted maxillary canines.

Introduction: Genetic and environmental etiologic factors have been described for maxillary canine impaction, except for the trabecular bone characteristics in the impacted area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface area and fractal dimension of the alveolar bone on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of patients with maxillary impacted canines.

Methods: The sample comprised preorthodontic treatment CBCT images of 49 participants with maxillary impacted canines (31 unilateral and 18 bilateral).

MRI for Dental Applications.

Imaging of hard and soft tissue of the oral cavity is important for dentistry. However, medical computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), nor MRI enables soft and hard tissue imaging simultaneously. Some MRI sequences were shown to provide fast soft and hard tissue imaging of hydrogen, which increased the interest in dental MRI.

Fibro-Osseous and Other Lesions of Bone in the Jaws.

Fibroosseous lesions in the jaws have similar histologic and radiographic features. Despite their similarity, management varies significantly. In this article, common fibroosseous lesions and key radiographic features are described.

Role of MRI for detecting micro cracks in teeth.

Objectives: To evaluate the limit of tooth crack width visualization by two MRI pulse sequences in comparison with CBCT.

Methods: Two extracted human teeth with known crack locations and dimensions, as determined by reference standard microCT, were selected for experimental imaging. Crack location/dimension and the presence of common dental restorative materials such as amalgam were typical of that found clinically.

Ex vivo evaluation of new 2D and 3D dental radiographic technology for detecting caries.

Objectives: Proximal dental caries remains a prevalent disease with only modest detection rates by current diagnostic systems. Many new systems are available without controlled validation of diagnostic efficacy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of three potentially promising new imaging systems.