Review
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2015. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Stomatol. May 20, 2015; 4(2): 72-80
Published online May 20, 2015. doi: 10.5321/wjs.v4.i2.72
Diagnostic imaging: Morphological and eruptive disturbances in the permanent teeth
Deepak Sharma, Ramneet Kaur, Suneet Monga, Simerjeet Kaur, Ruchika Kundra
Deepak Sharma, Ramneet Kaur, Suneet Monga, Simerjeet Kaur, Ruchika Kundra, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, M. M. College of Dental Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Haryana 133207, India
Author contributions: All authors equally contributed to this paper.
Conflict-of-interest: The authors have no conflict of interest related to the manuscript.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Correspondence to: Deepak Sharma, Professor, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, M. M. College of Dental Sciences and Research, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India. deepaksharmammu@gmail.com
Telephone: +91-9996-235933 Fax: +91-1731-304111
Received: November 28, 2014
Peer-review started: November 29, 2014
First decision: January 20, 2015
Revised: February 4, 2015
Accepted: April 1, 2015
Article in press: April 3, 2015
Published online: May 20, 2015
Processing time: 174 Days and 13.3 Hours
Abstract

This paper reviewed the literature on newer three-dimensional imaging techniques and their applications in diagnosis and treatment planning of various dental anomalies. Developmental anomalies can occur during any of the developmental stages and are manifested clinically after the tooth is fully formed. These dental anomalies may involve a single tooth, a group of teeth, or the entire dentition. Two-dimensional diagnostic imaging, including periapical, occlusal, panoramic, or cephalometric radiographs are essential in localization and management of morphological and eruptive disorders. However, due to their inherent limitations such as insufficient precision because of unusual projection errors and lack of information about spatial relationships, these methods are considered unreliable. Thus, the use of newer image acquisition techniques that allow comprehensive three dimensional imaging and visualization of dental abnormalities is highly recommended for making a confirmatory diagnosis. The significance of accurate endodontic, surgical and orthodontic treatment planning in dental abnormalities cannot be overstated as it pertains to critical anatomic landmarks such as proximity to adjacent teeth or the mandibular canal. The precise information on spatial relationships provided by multiplanar imaging helps the dental surgeon to establish more accurate diagnosis, management strategies and also increases the patient safety. This review highlights the use of high-end diagnostic imaging modalities in diagnosis of the various morphologic and eruptive dental abnormalities.

Keywords: Three-dimensional imaging; Spiral computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Eruptive malformations; Morphological disturbances; Conebeam computed tomography

Core tip: The advent of cone beam computed tomography, Spiral Computerized Tomography and Magnetic resonance imaging in the field of dental radiology has greatly facilitated access to the internal morphology of soft tissue and dental hard tissue structures. These techniques are beneficial in viewing spatial relationship of the suspected anomalous tooth and surrounding structures. Multiplanar imaging resolves the ambiguity of conventional two-dimensional radiographs by allowing the rotation of images at arbitrary angles without image magnifications and distortions.