Imaging of Jaw with Dental CT Software Program Normal Anatomy

PURPOSE: Dental CT software program can provide reformatted cross-sectional and panoramic images that cannot be obtained with conventional axial & direct coronal CT scan. The purpose of this study is to describe the method of the technique and to identify the precise anatomy of jaw. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We evaluated 13 mandibles & 7 maxillae of 15 subjects without bony disease who were being considered for endosseous dental implants. Reformatted images obtained by the use of bone algorithm performed on GE HiSpeed Advantage CT scanner were retrospectively reviewed for detailed anatomy of RESULTS: Anatomy related to neurovascular bundle(mandibular foramen, inferior alveolar canal, mental foramen, canal for incisive artery, nutrient canal, lingual foramen and mylohyoid groove), muscular insertion(mylohyoid line, superior & inferior genial tubercle and digastric fossa) and other anatomy(submandibular fossa, sublingual fossa, contour of alveolar process, oblique line, retromolar fossa, temporal crest & retromolar triangle) were well delineated in mandible. In maxilla, anatomy related to neurovascular bundle(greater palatine foramen & groove, nasopalatine canal and incisive foramen) and other anatomy(alveolar process, maxillary sinus & nasal fossa) were also well delineated. CONCLUSION: Reformatted images using dental CT software program provided excellent delineation of the jaw anatomy. Therefore, dental CT noftware program can play an important role in the preoperative assessment of mandible and maxilla for dental implants and other surgical conditions.

Deep cervical space abscess: Role of CT for guiding surgical approach

Deep cervical space abscess may cause life-threatening complications despite the advent of antibiotics, so early detection and localization of the abscess are essential for management decision. To evaluate the efficacy of utilizing CT scanning in deep cervical space abscess, we retrospectively revieweed CT of 17 patients confirmed by surgery. CT was found tobe very accurate in defining the presence, location, and extent of the abscess along with the demonstration of life-threatening complications such as airway compression and mediastinal extension. In conclusion, CT can play and essential role in guiding surgical approach to deep cervical space abscess.