Applications of Dentomaxillofacial Diagnostic Imaging in Different Specialties

Dear Colleagues,

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (DMFR) is one of the dental specialties recognized under different names and divisions all over the world. Diagnostic imaging techniques, specifically X ray imaging, have always been a tremendous asset in clinical dentistry. The use of various imaging techniques is essential in the field of restorative and endodontic treatment, periodontal assessment, prosthetic rehabilitation and surgical procedures including implant placement and orthodontics for different tasks. However, scientists have been searching for safer and comparable alternative imaging modalities to X-ray imaging due to increasing concerns regarding the radiation dose and economic limitations. Today, the imaging procedures utilized to assess oral and maxillofacial regions comprise intraoral imaging, dental panoramic imaging, cephalometric imaging, sialography, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), multislice medical computed tomography, ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Scintigraphy. In addition, visible light, optical coherence tomography, and terahertz imaging are other methods in use or under investigation. In recent years, 3D printing technology has become popular, which is a process whereby a given material is deposited in successive layers to create a 3D object. In dentistry, this technology involves three steps: digital data acquisition using a scanner and/or CBCT, data processing and design within a software application, and manufacturing through 3D printing. Furthermore, 3D-printing technology may be utilized for education and research purposes, and may be helpful to reduce the surgical time, operator bias, and the risk of procedural errors. In addition, applications of computer-aided and image-guided procedures with Haptic and Robotic devices are in progress. Recently, there has been much interest in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. Dentomaxillofacial Radiology is within the scope of these applications due to its compatibility with image processing methods. Further research in the field of AI will make great contributions to dental diagnostic imaging. It is expected that AI will help to reduce the daily workload of physicians as well as the rate of false diagnosis in dental practice. It should be kept in mind that diagnostic images obtained from the dentomaxillofacial region may also show part or the entire nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, airway, cervical vertebrae, and temporal bone. Incidental findings may require follow-up, and further treatment options may be identified in conjunction with clinical findings, including referral to a specialist not directly linked to the field of dentistry in certain cases. It is obvious that further research in the field of DMFR has the potential to make great contributions to dental and medical clinical practice. This Special Issue is designed for anyone who consults, performs, interprets, or uses dentomaxillofacial imaging procedures, including clinicians, specialists, ENT specialists, head and neck radiologists, and oral and maxillofacial radiologists.

Prof. Dr. Kıvanç Kamburoğlu
Guest Editor

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• radiology
• DMFR
• diagnostic imaging
• dentistry