Radiographic imaging techniques in oral & maxillofacial surgery

The aim of this short article is to highlight significance of various radiographic imaging techniques in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.1, 2, 3 Following are some of the radiographic examination techniques beneficial in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.4, 5

Intra-oral periapical radiograph

This is useful for detection of dental caries, impacted teeth and periapical lesions.

Orthopantomogram

This is useful for examination of various pathologies like cysts & tumours. This can be useful to detect fractures in maxillofacial region. This is an important tool for the assessment of severity & management of impacted teeth.

Cephalograms

These are useful for growth studies in Orthodontics. True lateral skull radiograph is useful to detect skull base fractures & cranial fractures. PA view skull is useful for investigations of frontal sinuses. It is also useful for detection of fractures of skull vault.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging [MRI]

This is useful for detection & assessment of soft tissue malignancies like neoplasia involving tongue, neck etc. It is useful for assessment of soft tissue swellings like space infections and muscle hypertrophy.

Computed Tomography [CT] Scans

These are useful to detect fractures involving maxillofacial skeleton.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography [CBCT] Scan

This tool is useful in craniofacial & dental implants. This can be significant in the management of impacted teeth, maxillofacial trauma, TMJ analysis.

Positron Emission Tomography[PET] Scan

This is significant in the assessment of malignancies and osteomyelitis of jaws.

Sialography

Sialography is useful for the detection & assessment of calculi.

Angiography

This is an important & beneficial tool in the management of arteriovenous malformations.

Nuclear Medicine

Radioisotope Imaging and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography [SPECT] are also useful in the field of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Radioisotope Imaging is useful for the assessment of tumour staging, salivary gland functions and thyroid abnormalities.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Aknowledgement

Nil.