Spectrum of mandibular and maxillary pathologies as assessed with dentascan: A pictorial essay

Abstract

Introduction: Dentascan is a CT imaging software that provides three dimensional display and high resolution panoramic views of the jaw. It has become an important aspect of evaluation of mandibular and maxillary pathologies due to its advantages over two dimensional techniques and conventional CT. Materials and Methods: 60 patients presenting with jaw lesions, were studied using Dentascan software. The aim of the study was to explore the spectrum of findings in various mandibular and maxillary pathologies as well as define their extent and involvement using DentaScan. Results: Impacted mandibular molars constituted 45% of cases followed by tumors and inflammatory lesions (36.6 %). Of the 22 tumors and inflammatory lesions, giant cell granulomas and radicular cysts, accounted for 22.7% each while osteomyelitis constituted 18%. Other lesions included osteosarcoma, buccal space infection, ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cysts and carcinoma alveolus. Trauma leading to facial fractures and TMJ pathologies constituted 8.3% and 10% of cases respectively. Conclusion: DentaScan is a valuable tool in evaluation of maxillary and mandibular pathologies including tumors/cysts, inflammatory /infectious lesions, TMJ ankylosis and facial fractures. By providing information superior to radiographs and conventional computed tomography, it plays a valuable role in pre-operative assessment of various pathologies.