The Ultimate Guide to Diagnostic Imaging of the Jaws: Techniques, Applications, and Benefits
the Jaws" by Robert P. Langlais, Olaf E. Langland, John W. Preece, Craig Miller, David C. Colvard - FAQs - Five unique frequently asked questions about diagnostic imaging of the jaws and their answers # Article with HTML formatting Diagnostic Imaging of the Jaws book pdf: A Comprehensive Guide for Dental Professionals
Diagnostic imaging of the jaws is a vital tool for dental professionals who need to assess, diagnose, plan, treat, and monitor various oral and maxillofacial conditions. It involves using different types of radiation or sound waves to create images or scans of the hard and soft tissues of the jaw region.
Diagnostic Imaging of the Jaws book pdf
There are many types of diagnostic imaging techniques for the jaws, each with its own principles, applications, benefits, and limitations. Some techniques are more widely used than others, depending on factors such as availability, cost, accuracy, safety, and patient preference.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of eight major diagnostic imaging techniques for the jaws: conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, nuclear medicine, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and comparison table. We will also introduce you to a book that covers these topics in more depth: "Diagnostic Imaging of the Jaws" by Robert P. Langlais, Olaf E. Langland, John W. Preece, Craig Miller, David C. Colvard.
Conventional Radiography
Conventional radiography, also known as plain radiography or x-ray, is the oldest and most common diagnostic imaging technique for the jaws. It involves using a source of ionizing radiation (x-rays) to penetrate the tissues and create a two-dimensional image on a film or a digital sensor.
Conventional radiography of the jaws can be classified into two main categories: intraoral and extraoral. Intraoral radiography refers to placing the film or sensor inside the mouth, while extraoral radiography refers to placing it outside the mouth.
Some examples of intraoral radiographs are periapical, bitewing, and occlusal. Some examples of extraoral radiographs are panoramic, cephalometric, and lateral oblique.
The indications for conventional radiography of the jaws include:
Detection of dental caries, periodontal disease, periapical lesions, root fractures, and other dental problems
Evaluation of tooth eruption, development, morphology, and position
Assessment of bone quality, quantity, and pathology
Identification of foreign bodies, calculi, cysts, tumors, and infections
Planning and monitoring of orthodontic, implant, surgical, and endodontic treatments
The contraindications for conventional radiography of the jaws include:
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary and with proper shielding)
Allergy or hypersensitivity to contrast agents (if used)
Presence of metallic implants or devices that may interfere with the image quality (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants)
The advantages of conventional radiography of the jaws include:
Wide availability and accessibility in most dental settings
Low cost and easy maintenance
High resolution and detail of hard tissues
Familiarity and acceptance by most patients and practitioners
The disadvantages of conventional radiography of the jaws include:
Exposure to ionizing radiation, which may pose health risks in the long term
Limited information and distortion of soft tissues
Superimposition and overlapping of anatomical structures
Possible errors and artifacts due to technique, processing, or storage
Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography, also known as computerized axial tomography (CAT) or simply CT scan, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional images or slices of the body. It involves rotating an x-ray tube and a detector around the patient and using a computer to reconstruct the images from the data collected.
Computed tomography of the jaws can be performed with different types of machines: conventional CT, spiral CT, multislice CT, or cone beam CT. The latter will be discussed separately in a later section.
The indications for computed tomography of the jaws include:
Evaluation of complex or extensive bone lesions, fractures, defects, or anomalies
Detection and localization of impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, or foreign bodies
Assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, anatomy, and function
Planning and monitoring of implant placement, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, or maxillofacial trauma management
Measurement of bone density and quality for osteoporosis screening or diagnosis
The contraindications for computed tomography of the jaws include:
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary and with proper shielding)
Allergy or hypersensitivity to contrast agents (if used)
Claustrophobia or inability to lie still for the duration of the scan (usually 10-20 minutes)
Presence of metallic implants or devices that may interfere with the image quality (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants)
The advantages of computed tomography of the jaws include:
High resolution and detail of both hard and soft tissues
Three-dimensional visualization and manipulation of the images
No superimposition or overlapping of anatomical structures
Better accuracy and reliability than conventional radiography for certain applications
The disadvantages of computed tomography of the jaws include:
Higher exposure to ionizing radiation than conventional radiography (depending on the type and settings the machine)
Higher cost and maintenance than conventional radiography
Limited availability and accessibility in some dental settings
Possible errors and artifacts due to motion, metal, or beam hardening
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI scan, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create images or scans of the body. It involves placing the patient inside a large cylindrical magnet and applying pulses of radio frequency energy to stimulate the hydrogen atoms in the tissues.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the jaws can be performed with different types of machines: standard MRI, open MRI, or functional MRI. The latter is used to measure brain activity and blood flow.
The indications for magnetic resonance imaging of the jaws include:
Evaluation of soft tissue lesions, tumors, infections, or inflammation
Detection and characterization of salivary gland disorders, such as sialolithiasis, sialadenitis, or sialadenosis
Assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, anatomy, and function
Planning and monitoring of surgical or radiotherapy treatments for oral and maxillofacial cancers
Diagnosis of nerve injuries or neuropathies affecting the trigeminal nerve or its branches
The contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging of the jaws include:
Presence of metallic implants or devices that may interfere with the magnetic field or cause heating, movement, or malfunction (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, shrapnel)
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary and with proper shielding)
Allergy or hypersensitivity to contrast agents (if used)
Claustrophobia or inability to lie still for the duration of the scan (usually 20-40 minutes)
The advantages of magnetic resonance imaging of the jaws include:
No exposure to ionizing radiation
High resolution and detail of soft tissues
Three-dimensional visualization and manipulation of the images
No superimposition or overlapping of anatomical structures
Better contrast and differentiation than computed tomography for certain applications
The disadvantages of magnetic resonance imaging of the jaws include:
Higher cost and maintenance than computed tomography or conventional radiography
Limited availability and accessibility in some dental settings
Poor resolution and detail of hard tissues
Possible errors and artifacts due to motion, metal, or susceptibility
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, also known as ultrasonography or sonography, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images or scans of the body. It involves placing a probe or transducer on the skin and emitting sound waves that reflect off the tissues and are captured by the same probe.
Ultrasound of the jaws can be performed with different types of probes: linear, curved, or endocavitary. The latter is inserted into the mouth or nose to obtain images from inside.
The indications for ultrasound of the jaws include:
Evaluation of soft tissue lesions, tumors, infections, or inflammation
Detection and characterization of salivary gland disorders, such as sialolithiasis, sialadenitis, sialadenosis, or malignancy
Assessment of lymph node enlargement or metastasis
Guidance for biopsy, aspiration, drainage, or injection procedures
Diagnosis of vascular anomalies or malformations
The contraindications for ultrasound of the jaws include:
Absence of acoustic window (e.g., due to bone, air, metal)
Poor image quality due to obesity, edema, scarring, or calcification
Lack of expertise or experience by the operator
The advantages of ultrasound of the jaws include:
No exposure to ionizing radiation
Low cost and easy maintenance
Real-time and dynamic visualization of the tissues
Portable and accessible in most dental settings
Safe and well-tolerated by most patients
The disadvantages of ultrasound of the jaws include:
Poor resolution and detail of hard tissues
Operator-dependent and subjective interpretation
Limited penetration and field of view
Possible errors and artifacts due to shadowing, reverberation, or enhancement
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine, also known as radionuclide imaging or scintigraphy, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses radioactive substances to create images or scans of the body. It involves injecting, inhaling, or swallowing a radiopharmaceutical agent that emits gamma rays and is taken up by the tissues according to their metabolic activity.
Nuclear medicine of the jaws can be performed with different types of machines: planar scintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), or positron emission tomography (PET). The latter is usually combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) to provide anatomical information.
The indications for nuclear medicine of the jaws include:
Evaluation of bone metabolism, turnover, and pathology
Detection and localization of osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or bone tumors
Assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, anatomy, and function
Planning and monitoring of implant placement, bone grafting, or orthognathic surgery
Staging and follow-up of oral and maxillofacial cancers
The contraindications for nuclear medicine of the jaws include:
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary and with proper shielding)
Breastfeeding (unless the radiopharmaceutical agent is compatible or discontinued)
Allergy or hypersensitivity to radiopharmaceutical agents (rare)
Presence of metallic implants or devices that may interfere with the image quality (e.g., dental restorations, braces)
The advantages of nuclear medicine of the jaws include:
No exposure to ionizing radiation from external sources (only from internal sources)
Functional and metabolic visualization of the tissues
Three-dimensional visualization and manipulation of the images (with SPECT or PET)
Better sensitivity and specificity than conventional radiography or computed tomography for certain applications
The disadvantages of nuclear medicine of the jaws include:
Higher cost and maintenance than conventional radiography or ultrasound
Limited availability and accessibility in some dental settings
Poor resolution and detail of soft tissues
Possible errors and artifacts due to motion, scatter, or attenuation
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Cone beam computed tomography, also known as CBCT scan, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses x-rays to create three-dimensional images or scans of the jaws. It involves rotating an x-ray tube and a detector around the patient in a cone-shaped beam and using a computer to reconstruct the images from the data collected.
Cone beam computed tomography of the jaws can be performed with different types of machines: small field-of-view (FOV), medium FOV, or large FOV. The FOV refers to the size and shape of the area that is scanned.
The indications for cone beam computed tomography of the jaws include:
Evaluation of complex or extensive bone lesions, fractures, defects, or anomalies
Detection and localization of impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, or foreign bodies
Assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, anatomy, and function
Planning and monitoring of implant placement, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, or maxillofacial trauma management
Measurement of airway dimensions and obstruction
The contraindications for cone beam computed tomography of the jaws include:
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy (unless absolutely necessary and with proper shielding)
Allergy or hypersensitivity to contrast agents (if used)
Claustrophobia or inability to lie still for the duration of the scan (usually 10-20 seconds)
Presence of metallic implants or devices that may interfere with the image quality (e.g., pacemakers, implants)
The advantages of cone beam computed tomography of the jaws include:
High resolution and detail of hard tissues
Three-dimensional visualization and manipulation of the images
No superimposition or overlapping of anatomical structures
Lower exposure to ionizing radiation than conventional CT (depending on the type and settings of the machine)
Better accuracy and reliability than conventional radiography for certain applications
The disadvantages of cone beam computed tomography of the jaws include:
Higher exposure to ionizing radiation than conventional radiography (depending on the type and settings of the machine)
Higher cost and maintenance than conventional radiography or ultrasound
Limited availability and accessibility in some dental settings
Poor resolution and detail of soft tissues
Possible errors and artifacts due to motion, metal, or beam hardening
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical coherence tomography, also known as OCT scan, is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses infrared light to create images or scans of the body. It involves shining a low-coherence light source on the tissue and measuring the echo time delay and intensity of the reflected light.
Optical coherence tomography of the jaws can be performed with different types of machines: time-domain OCT, frequency-domain OCT, or swept-source OCT. The latter is the most advanced and fastest type.
The indications for optical coherence tomography of the jaws include:
Evaluation of soft tissue lesions, tumors, infections, or inflammation
Detection and characterization of dental caries, enamel defects, or cracks
Assessment of periodontal disease, gingival recession, or attachment loss
Monitoring of healing and regeneration after surgical or nonsurgical treatments
Diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases, such as lichen planus, leukoplakia, or erythroplakia
The contraindications for optical coherence tomography of the jaws include:
Absence of optical window (e.g., due to blood, pus, saliva, or plaque)
Poor image quality due to scattering, absorption, or reflection of light
Lack of expertise or experience by the operator
The advantages of optical coherence tomography of the jaws include:
No exposure to ionizing radiation or sound waves
Low cost and easy maintenance
High resolution and detail of soft tissues
Real-time and dynamic visualization of the tissues
Noninvasive and painless procedure
The disadvantages of optical coherence tomography of the jaws include:
Poor resolution and detail of hard tissues
Limited penetration and field of view
Operator-dependent and subjective interpretation
Possible errors and artifacts due to noise, speckle, or motion
Comparison Table
The following table summarizes and compares the main features, benefits, and limitations of each diagnostic imaging technique for the jaws.
Technique
Principle
Indications
Contraindications
Advantages
Disadvantages
Conventional Radiography
X-rays create a two-dimensional image on a film or a digital sensor.
Detection and evaluation of dental problems, tooth eruption, bone quality, and pathology.
Pregnancy, allergy to contrast agents, presence of metallic implants or devices.
Wide availability, low cost, high resolution of hard tissues, familiarity and acceptance by patients and practitioners.
Exposure to ionizing radiation, limited information and distortion of soft tissues, superimposition and overlapping of structures, possible errors and artifacts.
Computed Tomography (CT)
X-rays create cross-sectional images or slices of the body.
Evaluation of complex or extensive bone lesions, fractures, defects, or anomalies, detection and localization of impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, or foreign bodies, assessment of TMJ disorders, planning and monitoring of implant placement, bone grafting, orthognathic surgery, or maxillofacial trauma management, measurement of bone density a