title: The 3DX multi image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the usefulness of 3DX multi-image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Images of 198 examinations performed with a 3DX device during a 6 month period in a private dental practice were evaluated retrospectively for the benefit of additional information compared with panoramic or intraoral radiographs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main indication for the use of 3DX micro-CT was planning of dental implant placement in 49% of the examinations. Diagnosis or exclusion of dental infection or peri-implantitis represented 28% of the examinations and tooth, root or foreign body localization represented 13%. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging and cyst or tumour diagnosis represented 7.5% and 2.5% of the examinations, respectively. In implant planning and tooth, root or foreign body localization examinations, the required information was obtained in every case except three implant planning examinations, in which the exact measurements were hampered by artefacts caused by root fillings and retrograde fillings or metal posts. When compared with conventional radiography, additional radiographic information was obtained in 51% of the micro-CT examinations performed to confirm or exclude dental infection or peri-implantitis. Micro-CT also showed the bone structure of TMJs precisely.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3DX micro-CT device visualizes bony anatomical structures precisely, which makes it a reliable tool for, for example, planning of implant treatment. The device is highly suitable for diagnosing dental infections. Dental restorations may cause disturbing artefacts and in 4.5% of the examinations the small imaging area resulted in re-examination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO Box 263 (Kasarmikatu 11-13), FI-00029 HUS, Finland. anni.suomalainen@hus.fi
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Suomalainen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salo
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Peltola
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016477:Artifacts; D002648:Child; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D006801:Humans; D008852:Microradiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*