Surfing the spectrum - what is on the horizon?

Diagnostic imaging techniques have evolved with technological advancements - but how far? The objective of this article was to explore the electromagnetic spectrum to find imaging techniques which may deliver diagnostic information of equal, or improved, standing to conventional radiographs and to explore any developments within radiography which may yield improved diagnostic data. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Medline, Web of Knowledge, Science Direct and PubMed Databases. Boolean Operators were used and key-terms included (not exclusively): terahertz, X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infra-red, magnetic resonance, dental, diagnostic, caries and periodontal. Radiographic techniques are primarily used for diagnostic imaging in dentistry, and continued developments in X-ray imaging include: phase contrast, darkfield and spectral imaging. Other modalities have potential application, for example, terahertz, laser doppler and optical techniques, but require further development. In particular, infra-red imaging has regenerated interest with caries detection in vitro, due to improved quality and accessibility of cameras. Non-ionising imaging techniques, for example, infra-red, are becoming more commensurate with traditional radiographic techniques for caries detection. Nevertheless, X-rays continue to be the leading diagnostic image for dentists, with improved diagnostic potential for lower radiation dose becoming a reality

and E.Whaites, “The potential applications of cone beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems,”

Aim To provide core information on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology and its potential applications in endodontic practice. Summary CBCT has been specifically designed to produce undistorted three-dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton as well as three-dimensional images of the teeth and their surrounding tissues. This is usually achieved with a substantially lower effective dose compared with conventional medical computed tomography (CT). Periapical disease may be detected sooner using CBCT compared with periapical views, and the true size, extent, nature and position of periapical and resorptive lesions can be assessed. Root fractures, root canal anatomy and the true nature of the alveolar bone topography around teeth may be assessed. CBCT scans are desirable to assess posterior teeth prior to periapical surgery, as the thickness of the cortical and cancellous bone can be accurately determined as can the inclination of roots in relation to the surrounding jaw. The relationship of anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus and inferior dental nerve to the root apices may also be clearly visualized. Key learning points • CBCT has a low effective dose in the same order of magnitude as conventional dental radiographs. • CBCT has numerous potential applications in the management of endodontic problems

and E.Whaites, “The potential applications of cone beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems,”

Aim To provide core information on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology and its potential applications in endodontic practice. Summary CBCT has been specifically designed to produce undistorted three-dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton as well as three-dimensional images of the teeth and their surrounding tissues. This is usually achieved with a substantially lower effective dose compared with conventional medical computed tomography (CT). Periapical disease may be detected sooner using CBCT compared with periapical views, and the true size, extent, nature and position of periapical and resorptive lesions can be assessed. Root fractures, root canal anatomy and the true nature of the alveolar bone topography around teeth may be assessed. CBCT scans are desirable to assess posterior teeth prior to periapical surgery, as the thickness of the cortical and cancellous bone can be accurately determined as can the inclination of roots in relation to the surrounding jaw. The relationship of anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus and inferior dental nerve to the root apices may also be clearly visualized. Key learning points • CBCT has a low effective dose in the same order of magnitude as conventional dental radiographs. • CBCT has numerous potential applications in the management of endodontic problems

The potential applications of cone beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems

Aim To provide core information on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology and its potential applications in endodontic practice. Summary CBCT has been specifically designed to produce undistorted three-dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton as well as three-dimensional images of the teeth and their surrounding tissues. This is usually achieved with a substantially lower effective dose compared with conventional medical computed tomography (CT). Periapical disease may be detected sooner using CBCT compared with periapical views, and the true size, extent, nature and position of periapical and resorptive lesions can be assessed. Root fractures, root canal anatomy and the true nature of the alveolar bone topography around teeth may be assessed. CBCT scans are desirable to assess posterior teeth prior to periapical surgery, as the thickness of the cortical and cancellous bone can be accurately determined as can the inclination of roots in relation to the surrounding jaw. The relationship of anatomical structures such as the maxillary sinus and inferior dental nerve to the root apices may also be clearly visualized. Key learning points • CBCT has a low effective dose in the same order of magnitude as conventional dental radiographs. • CBCT has numerous potential applications in the management of endodontic problems