This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Suomalainen, A. Articles by Peltola, J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Suomalainen, A. Articles by Peltola, J.

The 3DX multi image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice

¹ Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; ² Suomen Terveystalo Hammaslaseri, Helsinki, Finland; ³ Department of Oral Radiology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Finland

*Correspondence to: Anni Suomalainen, Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO Box 263 (Kasarmikatu 11-13), FI-00029 HUS, Finland; Email: anni.suomalainen{at}hus.fi

Received 31 December 2004; revised 21 December 2005; accepted 28 December 2005

Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of 3DX multi-image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice.

Methods: Images of 198 examinations performed with a 3DX device during a 6 month period in a private dental practice were evaluated retrospectively for the benefit of additional information compared with panoramic or intraoral radiographs.

Results: The main indication for the use of 3DX micro-CT was planning of dental implant placement in 49% of the examinations. Diagnosis or exclusion of dental infection or peri-implantitis represented 28% of the examinations and tooth, root or foreign body localization represented 13%. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging and cyst or tumour diagnosis represented 7.5% and 2.5% of the examinations, respectively. In implant planning and tooth, root or foreign body localization examinations, the required information was obtained in every case except three implant planning examinations, in which the exact measurements were hampered by artefacts caused by root fillings and retrograde fillings or metal posts. When compared with conventional radiography, additional radiographic information was obtained in 51% of the micro-CT examinations performed to confirm or exclude dental infection or peri-implantitis. Micro-CT also showed the bone structure of TMJs precisely.

Conclusions: The 3DX micro-CT device visualizes bony anatomical structures precisely, which makes it a reliable tool for, for example, planning of implant treatment. The device is highly suitable for diagnosing dental infections. Dental restorations may cause disturbing artefacts and in 4.5% of the examinations the small imaging area resulted in re-examination.

Keywords: diagnostic imaging; radiography,; dental,; digital; X-ray computed tomography (CT); dentistry,; operative