whether the presurgical determination of proximity and position (buccal or lingual) of the canal utilizing CT has any usefulness in determining the surgical protocol or affect on postoperative morbidity.Key words: OMF, third molars, mandibular canal, inferior alveolar nerve.
Abbreviations and acronyms: ANZOMS = Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgeons; CT = computed tomography; IAN = inferior alveolar nerve; MC = mandibular canal.
This review article provides an overview of cone beam (CB) imaging technology and its role in orofacial imaging, including comparison with two-dimensional (2D) radiography and multislice computed tomography (MCT). The radiation dose levels of CB systems are discussed, with reference to those delivered by MCT and common dental 2D views. The large variation in dose levels delivered by CB systems and the importance of using ultra low-dose CB units are emphasized. Low-dose MCT protocols can be used. CB and MCT image quality are compared. CB is an essential technique that all dental and orofacial clinicians must be familiar with. Where ultra low-dose systems and protocols are used, CB imaging should be considered in day-to-day clinical practice. However, CB imaging is not the technique of choice in many clinical scenarios. Rather than replacing other modalities, CB imaging complements intraoral 2D radiography, panoramic radiography, MCT and other techniques including magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and nuclear medicine. MCT is a much more powerful and flexible modality and presently remains the technique of choice over CB imaging in many clinical scenarios. All radiologic examinations, including CB and MCT, should be comprehensively evaluated in entirety. The responsibilities and the radiological skill levels of clinicians involved in imaging as well as the associated ethical and medico-legal implications require consideration.
Radiologic interpretation is a complex process which involves the application of an appropriate algorithm in the study of radiologic images and the ability to understand the meaning and to weight the various findings, ultimately contributing to diagnosis. Prerequisites include the knowledge of orofacial radiologic anatomy and the various pathoses which may arise or manifest in this region of the body. An understanding of the strengths and limitations of the modality employed is also essential. The process of interrogating radiologic images for abnormalities varies, depending on the modality. This paper outlines the basic steps involved in the radiologic examination of abnormalities which affect the jaws, primarily in relation to plain 2-D imaging.
Two panoramic radiograph risk signs are significantly more likely to indicate contact on the CBCT scans: interruption of the white line and darkening of the root(s). Further research is required to develop CBCT prescription guidelines for surgical planning.
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