Possibilities of computed tomography in patients with dentofacial anomalies prior to surgery

Abstract

Objective : to estimate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) data in surgical planning of patients with dentofacial anomalies. Material and methods . The study involved 100 patients with dentofacial anomalies. All patients underwent standard treatment protocol (orthodontic preparation, orthognathic surgery planning, orthognathic surgery, and retention period). During preoperational planning all patients underwent 320-row computed tomography (Toshiba Aquilion ONE, slice thickness – 0.5 mm), in spiral or volumetric tomography mode. Received data was exported to DICOM format. According to CT data, preoperative CT-protocol for this group of patients was developed. Results. The features of dentofacial anomalies were assessed (by Angle's classification, angle β measurement (Baik S.Y., Ververidou M., 2004), assessment of symmetry of upper and lower jaws was performed. Investigation of this patient group included assessment of teeth condition, with special attention to dystopic and impacted teeth due to necessity of their preoperational removal. Mandibular nerves channels were assessed, including localization of mandibular and mental foramens. Temporomandibular joints, paranasal sinuses and nasal cavities were assessed, as it affected the tactics of these patients. Conclusion. Computed tomography is necessary for comprehensive assessment of pathology and surgical planning in patients with anomalies of dental system at preoperative diagnostics and planning steps.