Three-dimensional spiral computed tomographic imaging: A new approach to the diagnosis and treatment planning of impacted teeth

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2006.02.024
• Publication Date: 2006-07-18T07:13:15Z
• Authors: Yuxue Chen; Peijia Duan; Yukun Meng; Yangxi Chen
• Keywords: Spiral computed tomography

The aim of this investigation was to explore the validity of 3-dimensional (3D) spiral computed tomographic (CT) images to examine impacted teeth before surgical or orthodontic treatment.Two patients with impacted teeth were examined with both spiral CT and traditional radiographs.3D CT images clearly showed the impacted teeth, including crown, root neck, and root bifurcation; the labial or palatal location; and the eruption orientation and relationship to the dentition.3D CT images obtained with 3D surface reconstruction of spiral CT images is accurate and effective for examining impacted teeth before orthodontic treatment.