Advantages and Limitations of a Diagnostic Imaging 3-D X-ray Technique

Radiological imaging by means of a three-dimensional cone beam x-ray technique allows for a precise planning of a surgical intervention and informing of the patient about the specific risks involved. Some examples for the application of this technique in the various fields of dentistry are as follows:

Implantology: by means of a computer-assisted 3 D-planning, a backward planning for the production of implant -based dentures of high quality and functionality is guaranteed.

Conservative dentistry: good results of research concerning caries diagnostics and endodontological problems (accessory root canals, etc).

Periodontology: excellent pre- and post-operative documentation of regeneration und bone augmentation.

Oral surgery: fracture diagnostics, maxillary sinus diagnostics, imaging of tumorous changes of the bones, sialolith diagnostics, nerve imaging.

Orthodontics: imaging of the number of teeth and anomalies of tooth shape, dentoalveolar tooth displacement, disturbances in tooth eruption.

The three-dimensional cone beam x-ray technology improves the diagnostic applications concerning changes of the bone. In addition to being easy-to use, this technique yields high resolution images while minimizing radiation exposure. One limitation is for example that the filters provided by the manufacturers can have a negative influence on the processing of the data.