IMAGING DIAGNOSTICS IN THE DENTAL MEDICINE. TWO-DIMENSIONAL AND THREE-DIMENSIONAL METHODS OF EXAMINATION – INDICATIONS AND BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF THE IMAGES.

Assoc. Prof. dr. Petya Hadzhigeorgieva-Kanazirska, PhD, DDM

Department of Imaging, Dental Allergology and Physiotherapy

Faculty of Dental Medicine

Medical University – Plovdiv

Bulgaria

X-ray examination is decisive for: the treatment plan; the choice of treatment methods; control and monitoring of treatment.

When choosing an X-ray method for examination, the benefit:risk ratio must be assessed and the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle must be observed – a low dose of ionizing radiation, but providing adequate diagnostic information.

Orthopantomography and intraoral radiographs are the most commonly used imaging methods in dental practice – diagnostic capabilities and limiting factors. Basic rules for their implementation and errors that can affect correct diagnosis.

3D examination methods – Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Indications for 3D diagnostics. Advantages and limiting factors. Basic principles for working with three-dimensional images, types of reconstructions and additional software processing of images. Interpretations of three-dimensional images.