Oral and maxillofacial radiology

This article is about the dental specialty. For the various imaging techniques, see dental radiography.
ConeBeam computerized tomography image of a post-operative orthognathic surgery

Oral and maxillofacial radiology, also known as dental and maxillofacial radiology, or even more common DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology, is the specialty of dentistry concerned with performance and interpretation of diagnostic imaging used for examining the craniofacial, dental and adjacent structures.[1][2]

Oral and maxillofacial imaging includes cone beam computerized tomography, multislice computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, panoramic radiography, cephalometric imaging, intra-oral imaging (e.g. bitewing, peri-apical and occlusal radiographs) in addition to special tests like sialographs. Other modalities, including optical coherence tomography are also under development for dental imaging.[3][4]

The first point of focus of oral, dental and maxillofacial radiology is to identify the problem from the patient's complaints.[5][6][7] All areas of the mouth and teeth are examined, not just existing complaints, and problems arising in these areas are referred for treatment without causing more serious problems in the future.[8] Therefore, early detection of disorders and the application of protective and some preventive methods can prevent various disorders that may develop and make the treatment process easier and simpler.

Radiologic methods of research are leading in the diagnosis of diseases of the maxillofacial region, which is due to their reliability and informativeness.[9][10] For example, the CBCT scanning protocol is a valuable examination tool in oral and maxillofacial radiology and is available in dental offices because of its ease of use.[11][12] X-ray diagnostic methods are widely used in the practice of therapeutic dentistry (to detect peri- and periodontal diseases); in orthopedic dentistry (to assess the condition of preserved teeth, periapical tissues, periodontium, which determines the choice of orthopedic measures). Radiological methods are also in demand in maxillofacial surgery in the diagnosis of traumatic injuries, inflammatory diseases, cysts, tumors and other pathological conditions. The methodology and technique of radiologic examination of teeth and jaws has its own peculiarities.

  1. ^ "Specialty Definitions". American Dental Association. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  2. ^ "Oral Maxillofacial Radiology". Your Dentistry Guide. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
  3. ^ Machoy M, Seeliger J, Szyszka-Sommerfeld L, Koprowski R, Gedrange T, Woźniak K (2017). "The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography in Dental Diagnostics: A State-of-the-Art Review". Journal of Healthcare Engineering. 2017: 7560645. doi:10.1155/2017/7560645. PMC 5534297. PMID 29065642.
  4. ^ Shah N, Bansal N, Logani A (October 2014). "Recent advances in imaging technologies in dentistry". World Journal of Radiology. 6 (10): 794–807. doi:10.4329/wjr.v6.i10.794. PMC 4209425. PMID 25349663.
  5. ^ "Oral, Dental, and Maxillofacial Radiology". dental.kyrenia.edu.tr. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  6. ^ "Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology". uskudardishastanesi.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  7. ^ "Clinical Preceptorship in Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology" (PDF). cde.sdm.rutgers.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  8. ^ "Exploring the World of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Radiology". ostrowonline.usc.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  9. ^ "Principles of Diagnosis of Benign Neoplasms of the Maxillofacial Area". ohi-s.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  10. ^ "Abscesses And Phlegmon In Admaxillary Tissues Of The Upper Jaw" (PDF). rep.bsmu.by. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  11. ^ "Reduced radiation dose in maxillofacial radiology yields comparable diagnostic results". cameronparkfamilydentistry.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
  12. ^ "Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Dental Practice". www.dentalnews.com. Retrieved 2024-10-27.