title: Cone beam volume tomography: an imaging option for diagnosis of complex mandibular third molar anatomical relationships.
abstract: Complex impacted third molars present potential treatment complications and possible patient morbidity. Objectives of diagnostic imaging are to facilitate diagnosis, decision making, and enhance treatment outcomes. As cases become more complex, advanced multiplane imaging methods allowing for a 3-D view are more likely to meet these objectives than traditional 2-D radiography. Until recently, advanced imaging options were somewhat limited to standard film tomography or medical CT, but development of cone beam volume tomography (CBVT) multiplane 3-D imaging systems specifically for dental use now provides an alternative imaging option. Two cases were utilized to compare the role of CBVT to these other imaging options and to illustrate how multiplane visualization can assist the pretreatment evaluation and decision-making process for complex impacted mandibular third molar cases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Diagnostic Sciences, University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles 90089-0641, USA.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Danforth
authors.forename: Jerry
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peck
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014097:Tooth, Unerupted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery