Fracture patterns can also be visualized in certain cases. Here the foreshortened periapical radiograph was noncontributory, and the decision was made to acquire a low volume CBCT scan of the anterior maxilla.
Here this sagittal view slice demonstrates a fracture pattern in the apical third.
The coronal view also confirms a root end fracture, which was not visible on the periapical radiograph.
Every working day we as dental clinicians are asked to diagnosis, and therefore interpret radiographs, trying to determine etiologies of our patient’s symptoms. The density of the cortical bone has often been a “cloaking” tissue preventing clinician’s visualization of pathology contained within the cancellous osseous anatomy. The incorporation of CBCT scanning technology within the dental environment has unveiled the “cortical cloaking” making way for 3-D imaging of the osseous medullary space. Many of us now have access to this technology, and when appropriate we best serve our patient’s needs, visualizing more diagnostic information. Familiarize yourself, and your staff with the low exposure levels of these modern machines, integrating them into an “uncloaked” standard of care within our profession.
Please share with your colleagues. There will be weekly additional CBCT scans presented on this blog for your educational benefit.
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