Use of spiral computed tomography for multiplanar dental reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
To compare spiral with conventional CT for multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) prior to dental implant placement.


METHODS
Ten patients underwent conventional and then Spiral CT at 1 mm slice thickness. In six patients (Group A) the pitch was 1:1; the other four (Group B) it was 2:1. Image quality and clinical features were evaluated separately on axial and reconstructed images by two experienced radiologists who scored each parameter from 1 (poor, non-diagnostic) to 3 (good, diagnostic).


RESULTS
Loss of spatial resolution with spiral CT was not significant and the diagnostic yield poorer only for trabecular bone structure. The MPRs were better and depiction of the mandibular canal more reliable.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the use of spiral CT instead of conventional CT for dental MPR because examination time is shorter and patient comfort is improved. Use of a pitch of 2:1 permits a marked reduction in X-ray dose with no loss of image quality.
Preda
L
L
Istituto di Radiologia, IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo, Università di Pavia, Italy.
Di Maggio
E M
EM
Dore
R
R
La Fianza
A
A
Solcia
M
M
Schifino
M R
MR
Campani
R
R
Preda
E G
EG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003757:Dental Implantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008437:Maxilla / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012984:Software; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data