A comparative study between three-dimensional scanning and conventional imaging techniques

Objectives: Several techniques have traditionally been employed to study and visualize the complex internal organization of craniofacial structures. In contrast to these traditional invasive techniques, modern imaging systems permit non-invasive analyses of the three-dimensional structure of oral and maxillofacial structures. The aims of this study are to review the current state of the 3D imaging techniques and to evaluate their applications in dentistry.
Methods: The relevant contemporary literature was reviewed. French and English publications, clinical human trials, and only comparative studies contrasting the scanner CT 3D and the 2D radiography methods were analyzed .
Results: The 3D scanner CT was found to be more reliable and efficient than the 2D radiography in the majority of those studies. However, the 3D CT scanner exposes the patient to more radiations than conventional radiographs.
Conclusions: The 3D scanner could replace the 2D radiography, the former is more accurate in the diagnosis treatment planning. Moreover, it could not be used on a daily basis because of the high radiation.