Advanced radiographic techniques for the detection of lesions in bone

Abstract

Radiographs in endodontics are of importance for the study and management of periapical lesions. With the development of advanced systems in traditional radiology, new and more accurate imaging techniques are constantly under investigation. Computerized tomography, magnetic resonance and real‐time echotomography have been introduced in recent years to the field of endodontics: they may have advantages over conventional techniques for the amount of detailed information they can provide on specific cases. This paper reviews these new imaging techniques with respect to their possible role in the diagnosis and management of periapical lesions.

Echographic Evaluation of Bone Lesions of Endodontic Origin: Report of Two Cases in the Same Patient

“…For all these reasons new techniques for obtaining more accurate imaging and more predictable interpretation of the images of periapical lesions are constantly being sought (1,7,8,12).…”

“…R adiographic images are routinely used in the field of Endodontics for the diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of periapical bone lesions (1). The possibility of making a distinction between cystic lesions and granulomas among lesions of endodontic origin may be important in the management of periapical pathosis and in predicting endodontic treatment (2).…”

Imaging in Endodontics: An Overview of Conventional and Alternative Advanced Imaging Techniques

“…In periapical images three-dimensional (3D) anatomy is compressed into a two-dimensional (2D) image -in other words 2D image of a 3D object is produced; and this greatly DOI: 10.5455/musbed.20130225092228 limits its diagnostic performance (3,4,6). The tooth and its surrounding structures are visualized in the horizontal (mesial-distal) and vertical (apical-coronal) plane, however the sagittal (buccal-lingual) plane (the third dimension) is not observed (5).…”

“…It was claimed that, with MRI, the roots of multi-rooted teeth might be differentiated, smaller branches of the neurovascular bundle entering apical foramina could be clearly identified, and the nature of periapical lesions could be determined as well as the presence, absence and/or thickening of the cortical bone (6,43). MRI may be used for the investigation of pulpal and periapical conditions, and the specification of the extent of the pathosis and the anatomic implications in surgical decision-making (6). MRI becomes the diagnostic technique of choice for the cases when an infective lesion like a periapical abscess is expanding fast in the jawbones and in corresponding soft tissues, degenerating into osteomyelitis (44).…”

Cone-beam computed tomography in endodontics

“…precludes an accurate appreciation of the spatial relationship of a tooth's roots to the surrounding anatomy and any associated periapical lesions (2). Furthermore, anatomical complexities and diseases affecting the dental hard tissues, such as resorption (3), as well as operative procedural errors (4) may not be appreciated if more accurate imaging are not used.…”