The authors evaluated the imaging performance of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for dental use using 3DX multi-image micro-CT (Morita Co., Kyoto, Japan) and four-row multi-detector helical computed tomography (MDCT) using an Asteion (Toshiba, Tokyo, Japan). A dried right maxillary bone was cut into eight slices 2 mm thick toward the zygomatico-palate and used as a phantom. Images of the phantom were then taken using 3DX and MDCT. The images of two bone slices were evaluated by five dentists for image quality and reproducibility of cancellous bone, as well as enamel, dentin, pulp cavity, periodontal ligament space, lamina dura and the overall image. Using the MDCT images as the standard, the 3DX images were evaluated with a subjective 5-level scale: 3 for an image equal to the MDCT image, 4 or greater for better, and 2 or lower for worse. The scores for all parameters exceeded 4 points. Maximum mean score was 4.8 for the lamina dura. Statistically significant differences were found for all items (P < 0.01). Our subjective evaluation of imaging performance clarified that 3DX was superior to MDCT. The results of this study suggest that 3DX is useful for imaging in the dental field.

Our subjective evaluation of image validity clarified 3DX as being superior to MDCT. Taken together with the low skin dose we previously reported for 3DX, the results demonstrate 3DX to be beneficial for imaging diagnosis of hard tissues in the maxillofacial region.

These results suggest that bone thickness measurements of the RGF by 3DX imaging was effective.

This autopsy study investigates the minimum thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa of grossly normal temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and correlates this to gender and age. This study was based on 49 TMJ specimens collected from 26 male and 23 female cadavers whose mean age at death was 73.8 years (range=50-96). No information was available about TMJ symptoms before death. A digital micrometer was used to measure the minimum thickness of the glenoid fossae. Comparisons were made based on gender and age. The mean value for the minimum roof thickness of all joint specimens examined was 0.8 mm. Mean values for male and female specimens were 0.8 and 0.7 mm, respectively, which were not significantly different. In addition, no age-related differences were observed. The average thickness was 0.7 mm for individuals in their fifties, 0.8 mm for those in their sixties and seventies, 0.6 mm for those in their eighties, and 0.8 mm for individuals in their nineties. Although these data indicate that the minimum thickness of the glenoid fossa of the TMJ is not significantly correlated with sex or age in patients 50 years of age and older, they nonetheless provide additional information about normal TMJ anatomy, particularly with regard to our knowledge of joint remodeling and function in the disease and non-disease states. Thickness of the glenoid fossa has also been implicated as a factor in facial trauma involving superior displacement of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa. The thickness of the glenoid fossa is also of potential interest during surgeries involving the glenoid fossa, such as TMJ arthroplasty or joint reconstruction.

In conclusion, the results of this study showed no statistically significant differences between a panoramic radiography with or without the use of lead apron shielding.