Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Veterinary Dentistry

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in imaging dogs and cats for diagnostic dental veterinary applications. CBCT scans of heads of six dogs and two cats were made. Dental panoramic and multi-planar reformatted (MPR) para-sagittal reconstructions were created using specialized software. Image quality and visibility of anatomical landmarks were subjectively assessed by two observers. Good image quality was obtained for the MPR para-sagittal reconstructions through multiple teeth. The image quality of the panoramic reconstructions of dogs was moderate while the panoramic reconstructions of cats were poor since the images were associated with an increased noise level. Segmental panoramic reconstructions of the mouth seem to be useful for studying the dental anatomy especially in dogs. The results of this study using human dental CBCT technology demonstrate the potential of this scanning technology in veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the moderate image quality obtained with the CBCT technique reported here seems to be inferior to the diagnostic image quality obtained from 2-dimensional dental radiographs. Further research is required to optimize scanning and reconstruction protocols for veterinary applications.

Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of Alveolar Bone Destruction in Adult Rats Using CBCT

“…Authors suggested that the moderate image quality obtained with the CBCT technique seemed to be inferior to the diagnostic image quality obtained from 2-dimensional dental radiographs. 14 Analogous to our findings, authors found CBCT to perform very good for the assessment of dentomaxillofacial structures and periodontal disease. 15,16 We obtained high-quality and high-definition images of rat teeth.…”

Assessment of Apical Periodontitis in Dogs and Humans: A Review

“…61,65,78 Recently, adaption of cone-beam CT for panoramic and parasagittal reconstructions in dogs and cats was found to be inferior to conventional dental radiography however the study did not evaluate the diagnostic value of cone-beam CT in relation to apical periodontitis. 106 In one study, cone-beam CT was found to have a sensitivity (proportion of positives correctly identified) of 0.91, specificity (proportion of negatives correctly identified) of 1, positive predictive value (the likelihood that a positive result is true) of 1, a negative predictive value (the likelihood that a negative result is true) of 0.46, and an accuracy (the proportion of true positives and true negatives identified) of 0.92. By comparison periapical radiography was found to have a sensitivity of 0.77, specificity of 1, a positive predictive value of 1, a negative predictive value of 0.25 and an accuracy of 0.78.…”

Characteristics of bone fractures and usefulness of micro–computed tomography for fracture detection in rabbits: 210 cases (2007–2013)

“…Computed tomography can be used to obtain more detailed imaging information for fracture evaluation in dogs and cats. [7][8][9] Micro-CT involves use of a microfocal source (range in slice thickness, 30 to 150 µm), and 2-D or 3-D spatial resolution is possible independent of patient body position. 5,6 However, CT cannot be used to detect small orthopedic lesions in smaller companion animal species such as rodents and rabbits, and the need for anesthesia to keep patients motionless during the scanning process makes CT even less suitable for these species.…”