Dental Digital Imaging: Odontogenic Causes of Sinusitis and Cone Beam Diagnostics

By Dr. Mark Weingarden

On May 7th of this year, the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences & Department of Otoloaryngology held their 5th Annual Update in Sino-Nasal Disorders and Allergy. One of the topics discussed was "Clinical Assessment of Dental Pathology for Otolaryngologists and Review of Emerging Dental Imaging".

With the recent addition of the 3D cone beam imaging, a new technology for the dental community, dentists and periodontists have been able to radiographically diagnose periodontal or endodontic problems that may be causing, or contributing to, unresolved or difficult to treat sinusitis in patients.

The trend for the future may be for dental/periodontal practitioners who have cone beam to work hand-in-hand with ENT's and physicians, helping them to be on the lookout for dental issues such as periodontitis and possible endodontic (root canal) issues that may be a possible cause of sinusitis. It is suggested that there may be value in physicians referring their patients for dental or periodontal evaluation, if there is evidence of dental problems. Indications could include:

1. Red, swollen or bleeding gums
2. Extensive dental work, crowns, root canals or large fillings in the upper molars
3. Sensitivity to chewing, temperature or percussion in upper molars

A simple examination to detect potential dental issues can be completed by a physician in 5 minutes, and the instruments needed to do so are few and inexpensive. Some questions that will guide the examiner are:

1. Is there any tooth discomfort? When did it start? What prompts it? Was any treatment rendered?
2. When was the patient's last dental exam? How often do they see their dentist?
3. Does the patient have any crowns, large fillings or root canals in the maxillary posterior teeth?
4. Is the patient missing upper teeth? When and why were they lost?
5. Was the patient ever diagnosed with periodontal disease? Do they smoke, have loose teeth or bleeding gums?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Mark_Weingarden

The Next Generation of Dental X-Rays - 3D Cone Beam Technology

By Gary R. O' Brien

Fifteen years ago I introduced digital imaging into the practice to improve diagnostic capabilities and reduce the radiation requirements of each exposure. Now we are introducing the latest in radio graphic technology called 3D Cone Beam Technology. This technology allows me to capture and reproduce the detailed 3D anatomy of the skull in a reliable, affordable way, while emitting low doses of radiation. Using the combined advancements in CT scanning and 3D Sterio-lithic surgical and prosthetic computerized reconstruction, I am continuing my commitment to my patients of providing them with the most advanced and safest technology available.

Cone beam imaging is one of the most important breakthroughs in dental radiology, and has proven effective for a wide range of care and treatment applications. Cone beam technology has several features that make high-resolution, 3D imaging a reality. A digital x-ray scanner is mounted on a rotating arm that circles the patient's head. As it rotates, the x-ray is projected in a carefully controlled, cone-shaped beam through the patient and onto an amorphous silicon flat panel or image intensifier sensor. The beam encompasses the patient's entire head, so it only takes one pass to capture the complete skull anatomy. The resulting images are displayed on a computer screen.

The Benefits:

• Dramatically lower radiation emission: An average CT scan is about 600-700 microsieverts, while cone beam imaging is usually less than 70 microsieverts.
• Short scan and reconstruction times: Scans take an average of about 20 seconds, and less than a minute later, images are reconstructed on the computer screen allowing to see-in 360°-undistorted, virtual, rotating models of the patient's anatomy.
• Better diagnosis: Bone thickness can be accurately measured to better determine implant candidates and better diagnosis of diseases or conditions.
• The Cone Beam images have more intense details: Soft tissue, missing teeth, location of the nerve canals and the relationship between proposed implants and the opposite jaw are fully visible.

It comes back to the Patient

Cone beam imaging is undoubtedly essential as I strive for excellence in patient care. Its 3D detail and precision reveals what 2D can't: the true spatial relationships, shapes and measurements of every structure in the human skull.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com