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A special issue of Journal of Imaging (ISSN 2313-433X). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 May 2022) | Viewed by 48967

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Dr. Luca Testarelli

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Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: endodontics; restorative dentistry; oral surgery; dental implantology; prosthetics
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that I propose this Special Issue, entitled "New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry". The significant technological improvements of the equipment have made it possible to obtain significant results in recent years. X-ray imaging is becoming more comprehensive and with a smaller radiation dose. Treatment plans are increasingly oriented towards complete digital planning, and it would be important to have repeatable exams in short periods of time, for follow-up. In addition to the reduction in the dose of ionizing radiation, other tests, thanks to the technical evolution, are increasingly adapting in order to be used in dentistry, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound. I expect to receive articles regarding conventional and 3D imaging, as well as on their technological development, magnetic resonance and ultrasound applied to every branch of dentistry. Original articles, case reports, and reviews in the field of imaging, which aim to enrich scientific knowledge and help not only clinicians but also researchers involved in the development of new dedicated software, diagnostic instruments, technological improvements are warmly welcome.

Prof. Dr. Luca Testarelli
Guest Editor

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Keywords

3D imaging
cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
dentistry imaging
ultrasound
endodontic
implantology
oral medicine and pathology
dynamic navigation
digital treatment plan

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 1579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detection Rate and Variability in Measurement of Mandibular Incisive Canal on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Study of 220 Dentate Hemi-Mandibles from Italy

by Andrea Borghesi, Diego Di Salvo, Pietro Ciolli, Teresa Falcone, Marco Ravanelli, Davide Farina and Nicola Carapella

J. Imaging 2022, 8(6), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8060161 - 7 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3117

Abstract

The mandibular incisive canal (MIC) is a small bony channel located in the interforaminal region; it represents the anterior continuation of the mandibular canal. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the most commonly utilized radiological technique for assessing the MIC. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the detectability and variability in measurements of the MIC on CBCT. A total of 220 dentate hemi-mandibles were retrospectively selected for this study. For each hemi-mandible, the detectability, diameter, and distance of the MIC from anatomical landmarks (cortical plates and tooth apices) were evaluated in consensus by two observers. The analysis was performed at four different levels (first premolar, canine, lateral incisor, and central incisor) and was repeated after one month. The variability of MIC measurements was expressed as the coefficient of repeatability (CR), obtained from the Bland–Altman analysis. The MIC detection rate reduced from the first premolar to the central incisor (from 82.3% to 0.5%). The CR of MIC measurements (diameter and distances from anatomical landmarks) was ≤0.74 mm. Although the MIC is difficult to detect in a non-negligible percentage of cases, the limited variability in measurements confirms that CBCT is an effective technique for the assessment of the MIC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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11 pages, 5161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dental MRI of Oral Soft-Tissue Tumors—Optimized Use of Black Bone MRI Sequences and a 15-Channel Mandibular Coil

by Adib Al-Haj Husain, Esra Sekerci, Daphne Schönegg, Fabienne A. Bosshard, Bernd Stadlinger, Sebastian Winklhofer, Marco Piccirelli and Silvio Valdec

J. Imaging 2022, 8(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8050146 - 22 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4087

Abstract

Soft-tissue lesions in the oral cavity, one of the most common sites for tumors and tumor-like lesions, can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to the wide spectrum from benign indolent to invasive malignant lesions. We report an abnormally large, rapidly growing hyperplastic lesion originating from the buccal mucosa in a 28-year-old male patient. Clinical examination revealed a well-circumscribed, smooth-surfaced, pinkish nodular lesion measuring 2.3 × 2 cm, which suggested the differential diagnosis of irritation fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, oral lipoma, and other benign or malignant neoplasms such as hemangioma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or metastases to the oral cavity. Dental MRI using a 15-channel mandibular coil was performed to improve perioperative radiological and surgical management, avoiding adverse intraoperative events and misdiagnosis of vascular malformations, especially hemangiomas. Black bone MRI protocols such as STIR (short-tau inversion recovery) and DESS (double-echo steady-state) were used for high-resolution radiation-free imaging. Radiologic findings supported the suspected diagnosis of an irritation fibroma and ruled out any further head and neck lesions, therefore complete surgical resection was performed. Histology confirmed the tentative diagnosis. This article evaluates the use of this novel technique for MR diagnosis in the perioperative management of soft-tissue tumors in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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15 pages, 3357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Visualisation Approach for Analysing Incipient and Clinically Unrecorded Enamel Fissure Caries Using Laser-Induced Contrast Imaging, MicroRaman Spectroscopy and Biomimetic Composites: A Pilot Study

by Pavel Seredin, Dmitry Goloshchapov, Vladimir Kashkarov, Anna Emelyanova, Nikita Buylov, Yuri Ippolitov and Tatiana Prutskij

J. Imaging 2022, 8(5), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8050137 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2345

Abstract

This pilot study presents a practical approach to detecting and visualising the initial forms of caries that are not clinically registered. The use of a laser-induced contrast visualisation (LICV) technique was shown to provide detection of the originating caries based on the separation of emissions from sound tissue, areas with destroyed tissue and regions of bacterial invasion. Adding microRaman spectroscopy to the measuring system enables reliable detection of the transformation of the organic–mineral component in the dental tissue and the spread of bacterial microflora in the affected region. Further laboratory and clinical studies of the comprehensive use of LICV and microRaman spectroscopy enable data extension on the application of this approach for accurate determination of the boundaries in the changed dental tissue as a result of initial caries. The obtained data has the potential to develop an effective preventive medical diagnostic approach and as a result, further personalised medical treatment can be specified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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8 pages, 1045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reliability of OMERACT Scoring System in Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasonography of Minor Salivary Glands: Inter-Rater Agreement Study

by Rossana Izzetti, Giovanni Fulvio, Marco Nisi, Stefano Gennai and Filippo Graziani

J. Imaging 2022, 8(4), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8040111 - 15 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2522

Abstract

Minor salivary gland ultra-high frequency ultrasonography (UHFUS) has recently been introduced for the evaluation of patients with suspected primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS). At present, ultrasonographic assessment of major salivary glands is performed using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) scoring system. Previous reports have explored the possibility of applying the OMERACT scoring system to minor salivary glands UHFUS, with promising results. The aim of this study was to test the inter-reader concordance in the assignment of the OMERACT score to minor salivary gland UHFUS. The study was conducted on 170 minor salivary glands UHFUS scans of patients with suspected pSS. Three independent readers performed UHFUS image evaluation. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed to assess inter-reader reliability. Bland and Altman analysis was employed to test the agreement with a gold standard examiner. ICC values > 0.9 were found for scores 0 and 1, while score 2 and score 3 presented ICCs of 0.873 and 0.785, respectively. The measurements performed by the three examiners were in agreement with the gold standard examiner. According to these results, UHFUS interpretation showed good inter-observer reliability, suggesting that OMERACT score can be effectively used for the evaluation of glandular alterations, even for minor salivary glands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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11 pages, 1977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transverse Analysis of Maxilla and Mandible in Adults with Normal Occlusion: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study

by Kyung Jin Lee, Hyeran Helen Jeon, Normand Boucher and Chun-Hsi Chung

J. Imaging 2022, 8(4), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8040100 - 5 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3857

Abstract

Objectives: To study the transverse widths of maxilla and mandible and their relationship with the inclination of first molars. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six untreated adults (12 males, 44 females) with normal occlusion were included. On each Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image of the subject, inter-buccal and inter-lingual bone widths were measured at the levels of hard palate, alveolar crest and furcation of the first molars, and maxillomandibular width differentials were calculated. In addition, the buccolingual inclination of each first molar was measured and its correlation with the maxillomandibular width differential was tested. Results: At the furcation level of the first molar, the maxillary inter-buccal bone width was more than the mandibular inter-buccal bone width by 1.1 ± 4.5 mm for males and 1.6 ± 2.9 mm for females; the mandibular inter-lingual bone width was more than the maxillary inter-lingual bone width by 1.3 ± 3.6 mm for males and 0.3 ± 3.2 mm for females. For females, there was a negative correlation between the maxillomandibular inter-lingual bone differential and maxillary first molar buccal inclination (p < 0.05), and a positive correlation between the maxillomandibular inter-lingual bone differential and mandibular first molar lingual inclination (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This is a randomized clinical study on transverse analysis of maxilla and mandible in adults with normal occlusion using CBCTs. On average: (1) At the furcation level of the first molars, the maxillary inter-buccal bone width was slightly wider than mandibular inter-buccal bone width; whereas the mandibular inter-lingual bone width was slightly wider than maxillary inter-lingual bone width; (2) A statistically significant correlation existed between the maxillomandibular transverse skeletal differentials and molar inclinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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9 pages, 2526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Pharyngeal Airway Space Changes Following Isolated Mandibular Advancement Surgery in 120 Patients: A 1-Year Follow-up Study

by Sohaib Shujaat, Eman Shaheen, Marryam Riaz, Constantinus Politis and Reinhilde Jacobs

J. Imaging 2022, 8(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8040082 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2794

Abstract

Lack of evidence exists related to the three-dimensional (3D) pharyngeal airway space (PAS) changes at follow-up after isolated bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) advancement surgery. The present study assessed the 3D PAS changes following isolated mandibular advancement at a follow-up period of 1 year. A total of 120 patients (40 males, 80 females, mean age: 26.0 ± 12.2) who underwent BSSO advancement surgery were recruited. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were acquired preoperatively (T0), immediately following surgery (T1), and at 1 year of follow-up (T2). The volume, surface area, and minimal cross-sectional area (mCSA) of the airway were assessed. The total airway showed a 38% increase in volume and 13% increase in surface area from T0 to T1, where the oropharyngeal region showed the maximum immediate change. At T1–T2 follow-up, both volumetric and surface area showed a relapse of less than 7% for all sub-regions. The mCSA showed a significant increase of 71% from T0 to T1 (p < 0.0001), whereas a non-significant relapse was observed at T1–T2 (p = 0.1252). The PAS remained stable at a follow-up period of 1 year. In conclusion, BSSO advancement surgery could be regarded as a stable procedure for widening of the PAS with maintenance of positive space at follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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8 pages, 3850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnosis of Vertical Root Fractures in Endodontically Treated Teeth by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

by Fumi Mizuhashi, Yuko Watarai and Ichiro Ogura

J. Imaging 2022, 8(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8030051 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5432

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and the detection ability of vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth by intraoral radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images of 50 patients with root fractures in endodontically treated teeth were reviewed, and 36 vertical root fractures were taken in this study. The cause of fracture, core construction, kind of teeth, and fracture direction (bucco-lingual and mesio-distal fractures) were investigated. Detection ability of vertical root fractures by intraoral radiography and CBCT was also examined. Statistical analyses concerning the characteristics were performed by χ² test, and the detection ability was analyzed by cross-tabulation. All of the fractured teeth were nontraumatized teeth. The vertical root fracture occurrence was not differed by core construction. The vertical root fracture number was largest at the premolar teeth (p = 0.005), and the number of the bucco-lingual fracture was larger than the mesio-distal fracture (p = 0.046). Vertical root fractures were detectable using CBCT, while undetectable by intraoral radiography (p < 0.001). Vertical root fractures occurred easily in premolar teeth with bucco-lingual direction, and CBCT is an adequate radiographic method to diagnose vertical root fracture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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10 pages, 2080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infrared Clinical Enamel Crack Detector Based on Silicon CCD and Its Application: A High-Quality and Low-Cost Option

by Yuchen Zheng, Min-Hee Oh, Woo-Sub Song, Ki-Hyun Kim, In-Hee Shin, Min-Seok Kim and Jin-Hyoung Cho

J. Imaging 2021, 7(12), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging7120259 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2970

Abstract

Enamel cracks generated in the anterior teeth not only affect the function but also the aesthetics of the teeth. Chair-side tooth enamel crack detection is essential for clinicians to formulate treatment plans and prevent related dental disease. This study aimed to develop a dental imaging system using a near-IR light source to detect enamel cracks and to investigate the relationship between anterior enamel cracks and age in vivo. A total of 68 subjects were divided into three groups according to their age: young, middle, and elderly. Near-infrared radiation of 850 nm was used to identify enamel cracks in anterior teeth. The results of the quantitative examination showed that the number of enamel cracks on the teeth increased considerably with age. For the qualitative examination, the results indicated that there was no significant relationship between the severity of the enamel cracks and age. So, it can be concluded that the prevalence of anterior cracked tooth increased significantly with age in the young and middle age. The length of the anterior enamel cracks tended to increase with age too; however, this result was not significant. The silicon charge-coupled device (CCD) with a wavelength of 850 nm has a good performance in the detection of enamel cracks and has very good clinical practicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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Review

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10 pages, 20722 KiB

Open AccessReview

Visualization of Inferior Alveolar and Lingual Nerve Pathology by 3D Double-Echo Steady-State MRI: Two Case Reports with Literature Review

by Adib Al-Haj Husain, Daphne Schönegg, Silvio Valdec, Bernd Stadlinger, Thomas Gander, Harald Essig, Marco Piccirelli and Sebastian Winklhofer

J. Imaging 2022, 8(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging8030075 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5344

Abstract

Injury to the peripheral branches of the trigeminal nerve, particularly the lingual nerve (LN) and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), is a rare but serious complication that can occur during oral and maxillofacial surgery. Mandibular third molar surgery, one of the most common surgical procedures in dentistry, is most often associated with such a nerve injury. Proper preoperative radiologic assessment is hence key to avoiding neurosensory dysfunction. In addition to the well-established conventional X-ray-based imaging modalities, such as panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography, radiation-free magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the recently introduced black-bone MRI sequences offers the possibility to simultaneously visualize osseous structures and neural tissue in the oral cavity with high spatial resolution and excellent soft-tissue contrast. Fortunately, most LN and IAN injuries recover spontaneously within six months. However, permanent damage may cause significant loss of quality of life for affected patients. Therefore, therapy should be initiated early in indicated cases, despite the inconsistency in the literature regarding the therapeutic time window. In this report, we present the visualization of two cases of nerve pathology using 3D double-echo steady-state MRI and evaluate evidence-based decision-making for iatrogenic nerve injury regarding a wait-and-see strategy, conservative drug treatment, or surgical re-intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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15 pages, 612 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ultrasound Imaging in Dentistry: A Literature Overview

by Rodolfo Reda, Alessio Zanza, Andrea Cicconetti, Shilpa Bhandi, Gabriele Miccoli, Gianluca Gambarini and Dario Di Nardo

J. Imaging 2021, 7(11), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging7110238 - 14 Nov 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5099

Abstract

(1) Background: the frequency with which diagnostic tests are prescribed with exposure to ionizing radiation, a cause of biological damage, has been studied, and with much more attention, patients are subjected to these diagnostic tests for diagnosis and follow-up. This review aimed, given the recent developments of this technology, to evaluate the possible use of ultrasound in different branches of dentistry. The possibility of applying ionizing-radiation-free diagnostic exams in dentistry, overcoming the limits of this application, has led scientific research in this area to obtain interesting results that bode well for the future. (2) Methods: a search for articles on the application of ultrasounds in dentistry was performed using the PubMed electronic database. (3) Results: only 32 studies were included, and these clearly stated that this examination is widely usable and in great progress. (4) Conclusions: regarding the modern application techniques of this diagnostic test, it is essential to consider technological evolution as an objective to reduce the damage and side effects of necessary diagnostic tests. The use of ultrasound in dentistry can represent a valid radiation-free alternative, in certain contexts, to the other most used exams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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17 pages, 1056 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Update of the Possible Applications of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Dentistry: A Literature Review

by Rodolfo Reda, Alessio Zanza, Alessandro Mazzoni, Andrea Cicconetti, Luca Testarelli and Dario Di Nardo

J. Imaging 2021, 7(5), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging7050075 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 9008

Abstract

This narrative review aims to evaluate the current evidence for the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a radiation-free diagnostic exam, in some fields of dentistry. Background: Radiographic imaging plays a significant role in current first and second level dental diagnostics and treatment planning. However, the main disadvantage is the high exposure to ionizing radiation for patients. Methods: A search for articles on dental MRI was performed using the PubMed electronic database, and 37 studies were included. Only some articles about endodontics, conservative dentistry, implantology, and oral and craniofacial surgery that best represented the aim of this study were selected. Results: All the included articles showed that MRI can obtain well-defined images, which can be applied in operative dentistry. Conclusions: This review highlights the potential of MRI for diagnosis in dental clinical practice, without the risk of biological damage from continuous ionizing radiation exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Frontiers of Advanced Imaging in Dentistry)

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