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The practitioner placing dental implants has many options with respect to pre-implant radiographic assessment of the jaws. The advantages and disadvantages of the imaging modalities currently available for pre-implant imaging are discussed in some detail. Intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs are generally low dose but the information provided is limited as the images are not three-dimensional. Tomography is three-dimensional, but the image quality is highly variable. Computed tomography (CT) has been the gold standard for many years as the information provided is three-dimensional and generally very accurate. However, CT examinations are expensive and deliver a relatively high radiation dose to the patient. The latest imaging modality introduced is cone beam volumetric tomography (CBVT) and this technology is very promising with regard to pre-implant imaging. CBVT generally delivers a lower dose to the patient than CT and provides reasonably sharp images with three-dimensional information. A comparison between CT and CBVT is provided. Magnetic resonance imaging is showing some promise, but the examinations are not readily available, generally expensive and bone is not well imaged. Magnetic resonance imaging is excellent for demonstrating soft tissues and therefore may be of great use in identifying the inferior dental nerve and vessels. All of the above technology is of little value if the information required is not obtained and so information is also provided on imaging of some of the vital structures. Of particular interest is the inferior dental canal, incisive canals of the mandible, genial foramina and canals, maxillary sinus and the incisive canal and foramen of the maxilla.Key words: Radiography, radiology, implants, computed tomography, cone beam volumetric tomography.Abbreviations and acronyms: CBVT = cone beam volumetric tomography; CT = computed tomography; FOV = field of view; IC = incisive canal; IDC = inferior dental canal; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging.

Fibrous dysplasia is a relatively common disorder of bone. It may affect the bones of the face and skull and, in so doing, produce a wide variety of clinical presentations. Plain film assessment of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia may be difficult because of varying appearances and complex, overlapping structures. The MRI appearances of fibrous dysplasia are often non-specific and may be confusing. Findings on CT are also variable, but more commonly lead to a specific diagnosis. This is because of the characteristic ground-glass appearance of woven bone, seen on CT in most if not all cases of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an aseptic inflammatory disorder of unknown cause occurring in children and adolescents. It is characterized by multifocal bone lesions with pain and swelling recurring over months to years. Lesions usually involve the metaphyses of the long bones and involvement of the jaw is rare. The clinical presentation, radiographic appearance and histology of a case of CRMO involving the mandible in an 8-year-old girl are documented. The radiographic appearance of another three cases is also described.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an excellent three-dimensional (3D) imaging modality. Traditional dental education has focused on teaching conventional (2D) imaging. The aims of this survey-based study were therefore to evaluate the incorporation of CBCT teaching in both the predoctoral/undergraduate (