Dental Panoramic Tomography Research Articles

Non-syndromal multiple buried supernumerary teeth: report of two cases from the English-speaking Caribbean and a review of the literature

Multiple supernumerary teeth affecting all four quadrants of the jaw are a rare dental anomaly which has become a chance finding on routine dental panoramic tomography (DPT). In this paper, two cases from the English-speaking Caribbean are reported. The role of radiography in the diagnosis and management of this rare developmental dental anomaly is emphasized. The paper stresses the importance of ruling out associated syndromes such as Gardner's Syndrome, cleidocranial dysostosis and cleft lip and palates, as multiple supernumerary teeth are usually related to such conditions. There is a review of the literature as it relates to supernumerary teeth.

Assessment of pain in temporomandibular disorders: the bio-psychosocial complexity

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) affect the joint, the masticatory muscles, or are expressed as a clinical combination of these two factors. The aims of this study were to: (i) identify the clinical and psychosocial factors that aid in the diagnosis and classification of acute and chronic TMD, (ii) determine specific initiating and perpetuating factors which may act as a guide to differentiate between acute and chronic TMD, (iii) identify factors which might predispose to conversion from acute to chronic TMD. Twenty-two patients were examined in the pain clinics at the Eastman Dental Institute. The assessment technique incorporated questionnaires, clinical history and examination including dental panoramic tomography. The results of this pilot study show a significant correlation between mood and enjoyment of life in both groups, mood and relationships in the chronic group, average pain and sleep in the chronic group, average pain and eating–chewing in the chronic group, and phobia for physical disease with trust in clinicians in the chronic group. The bio-psychosocial model of pain is an important appraisal tool. The newly designed TMD Pain Assessment is described with good results.

Dose Evaluation and Quality Criteria in Dental Radiology

Radioprotection in dental radiology is of particular interest in the framework of the Revised Medical Exposure Directive for the great number of examinations involving the adult as well as the paediatric population (Article 9: Special Practice). The present study is intended to find the quality criteria of orthodontic imaging and for evaluating the dose absorbed within the dental and maxillary volume in connection with radiological examinations performed with either spiral CT, dental panoramic tomography or teleradiography. The X ray dose to organs sited in the body, neck, ocular and intracranial area was measured using lithium fluoride dosemeters, positioned in a Rando phantom. Quality criteria have been established by an expert radiologist considering the diagnostic information obtained in the images. The dosimetric data obtained were comparable with other authors', although with some differences due to technical characteristics. These result data are useful for choosing the patient's diagnostic path, considering the radiobiological risk associated with increasing orthodontic imaging.

Dose and Risk in Dental Radiography

Dental panoramic tomography (DPT) is a technique by which an image of the entire dentition may be obtained on a single film, without superimposition of structures superficial or deep to the teeth and jaws This is achieved by wrapping a flat tomographic plane around the curve of the jaw. A facility of modern units is the ability to sclect programmes which image specific areas of the mandible and dentition. One such programmable DPT unit (Siemens Orthophos) was used to irradiate an anthropomorphic phantom loaded with lithium fluoride thermoluminescence dosemeters. For each of the 12 programmes available. organ absorbed dose and effective dose (E) were calculated. The suitability of entrance surface dose (ESD) and effective dose (as defined by ICRP) for use as reference doses is discussed. ESD may be a poor indicator of organ absorbed dose distribution due to the complex nature of the dynamic bean geometry: and E underestimates the cancer risk for head-and-neck radiography as a whole due to the exclusion of highly irradiated organs (salivary tissue ) from its calculation, A modification of the calculation of E to include the salivary tissue may provide an appropriate quantity for use as a reference dose, but the time and facilities required to measure the organ doses necessary for its calculation may limit its widespread adoption. Energy imparted may be the easiest quantity to measure for use as a reference dose, but the adequacy with which it represents the risk for head-and-neck radiography is open to question.

Book reviews

The main authors of this A4 format book are two experienced radiographers working in collaboration with several consultant dental surgeons, a representative of Siemens Ltd, and the College of Radiographers. The slim volume is a collection of articles previously published in Radiography, together with a supplement, and is intended to provide general radiographers with not only an insight into dentistry, so that the value of various radiographic techniques becomes apparent, but also a resumé of the shortcomings of some of these techniques. The first chapter is divided into two to deal initially with a history of the development of dental panoramic tomography, the principles and practice of the technique and radiation doses. There are also illustrations of normal radiographic anatomy and the results of faulty patient positioning. The second half outlines the shortcomings of the panoramic technique with particular reference to width of focal trough, production of secondary shadows, image overlap and superimposition.

A rare earth screen‐film system for dental panoramic radiography

Abstract— The use of rare earth intensifying screens and green sensitive film can contribute substantially to radiation reduction in dental panoramic tomography without loss of image quality. Reduced radiation output means a shorter cooling period for the X‐ray tube between exposures. Thus the equipment can be used more efficiently and it can also be expected that the tube life will be increased.

A guide to dental radiography

Protection factors affecting the radiograph processing intra-oral radiography occlousal radiography extra-oral radiography radiography of the facial bones dental panoramic tomography radiography of the salivary glands and ducts sialography paediatric radiography image quality assurance.