[Digital volume tomography--an extension to the diagnostic procedures available for application before surgical removal of third molars].
BACKGROUND
Trauma to the inferior alveolaris nerve is one of the worst complications of the surgical removal of wisdom teeth. With digital volume tomography (DVT), a new imaging technique has been introduced to dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery, offering the same options for reconstruction as computer tomography (CT). Since mid-2000 we have been performing imaging via DVT in the case of deeply dislocated third molars sited very close to the nerve canal.


RESULTS
In the present study DVT images were made for a total of 81 lower and 11 upper wisdom teeth; the existing orthopantomogram of these teeth had not been sufficiently clear to allow a diagnosis in these cases. Detailed visualization of the wisdom tooth concerned in all planes was possible in each case, and exact reconstruction of the course of the inferior alveolar nerve was successful in 93%.


CONCLUSIONS
In summary, DVT is an advantageous and practical imaging technique that can be used for to extend the diagnosis in surgery on third molars.
Heurich
Th
T
Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Thorsten_Heurich@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Ziegler
C
C
Steveling
H
H
Wörtche
R
R
Mühling
J
J
Hassfeld
St
S
D000328:Adult; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery