Contemporary Imaging For The Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries: A Review
Contemporary Imaging For The Diagnosis and Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries: A Review
DOI: 10.1111/edt.12339
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
1
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University
of Washington and Private Practice Limited to Abstract
Endodontics, Everett, WA, USA Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) have an array of presentations. Diagnostic challenges
2
Private Practice Limited to Endodontics,
are common and clinicians’ ability to correctly identify specific injuries dictates the
Murrieta, CA, USA
optimal course of treatment(s). The aim of this review was to outline and assess all
Correspondence
dental imaging techniques and their applications to traumatic dental injuries. A par-
Nestor Cohenca, Department of Pediatric
Dentistry, University of Washington and ticular interest is given to the advancement of 3D imaging techniques and their role in
Private Practice Limited to Endodontics,
diagnosis and treatment planning. The benefits of achieving a more accurate diagnosis
Everett, WA, USA.
Email: nestorendo@gmail.com are paramount to perfecting clinical judgments and outcomes.
KEYWORDS
dental trauma, diagnosis, examination, Imaging, Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Dental Traumatology. 2017;33:321–328. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/edt © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. | 321
Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
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322 COHENCA and SILBERMAN
F I G U R E 1 (A-B) Two periapical radiographs taken at different angles demonstrate the presence of complicated crown fractures of the
maxillary right central and lateral incisors. (C) A sagittal view of the maxillary right lateral incisor reveals the presence of a crown-root fracture
(see arrow) that was not diagnosed using conventional 2D imaging
transfer factor (MTF) is a measure of the combined sharpness and res- or background noise. With an increase in the “noise,” there is a de-
olution factors. Generally, the MTF of fast films is superior to the MTF crease in contrast, which may affect the ability to properly interpret
of PSP at high spatial frequencies, which explains the sharpness and the image(s). The anatomical noise may also account for an under-
higher resolution of E-or F-speed films compared with PSP plates. In estimation of periapical radiolucency size on radiographic images26,27
terms of contrast, the displayed image provides up to 8 times more and this would suggest an influence in the ability to properly account
information than the human eye can actually resolve.20 for the details necessary to properly evaluate and diagnose traumatic
It is important to note that diagnosis is knowledge based and re- dental injuries. The root apices of maxillary incisors, the area most
quires training. A clinician must know normal anatomy to identify ab- prone to traumatic injury, lie very close to the adjacent cortical plate,
normalities and features that may be diagnostic. Detector resolution, so anatomical noise would be less of a factor although it must still be
exposure factors, and display systems that enhance or reduce image considered.
quality are secondary to foundation concepts. Despite their limitations, periapical (PA) radiographs combined
with clinical examination remains the standard of care and should al-
ways be considered during the initial evaluation of the patient. The
3 | LIMITATIONS OF CONVENTIONAL information obtained will determine the need for and the specific tar-
2D RADIOGRAPHY IN DENTAL AND get of 3D imaging, particularly in cases of root fractures and lateral
MA XILLOFACIAL TRAUMA luxations, monitoring of healing, and complications.28,29 The combina-
tion of different 2D angles may not be a correct reflection of the true
Conventional images compress three-
dimensional anatomy into anatomy present but will be a basis to determine whether 3D imaging
a two-
dimensional image or shadowgraph. Reading two of three is necessary.
planes, mathematically means 66% of the imaged structures are
in the visible field. Brynolf’s classic studies found that radiographs
taken from varied angles resulted in better perception of depth and 4 | 3D IMAGING TECHNIQUES
spatial relationship of periapical radiolucencies associated with root
apices.21-24 Diagnostic information in the missing “third dimension” Three-dimensional imaging includes a wide range of techniques, in-
is of particular relevance in traumatic injuries where the angulation cluding computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging
of the root to the cortical plate, the thickness of the cortical plate, (MRI), and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The value of
and the relationship of the root to key adjacent anatomical structures both CT and MRI in major maxillofacial injuries, pathology, and re-
such as the inferior alveolar nerve, mental foramen, or maxillary sinus constructive surgery is well established, whereas CBCT has become a
should be clearly visualized and interpreted. Anatomical features may recommended technology in diagnosis of TDI’s due to its low radiation
obscure the area of interest resulting in difficulty interpreting radio- dosimetry, high resolution, flexibility on its field of view (FOV), and
graphic images.25 This effect is given the term anatomical, structured, equipment cost.
COHENCA and SILBERMAN |
323
(A) (B)
of tissues <1% physical density difference to be distinguished com- management of any pulp injury will be based on the basic concepts
pared to the 10% physical density difference required with conven- of endodontics, such as preservation of the pulp if possible when the
tional radiography.43 tooth/root lacks development or endodontic therapy to prevent in-
fection and to promote healing. Vital pulp therapies should always be
considered in situations where further root development and matura-
tion is desired. In mature teeth, where orthodontic extrusion is indi-
7 | DENTAL TRAUMA AND 3D IMAGING
cated, endodontic therapy should usually be performed.
(A) (B)
will provide critical information needed for the development of a com- Regardless of the direction of displacement, luxation injuries
prehensive and appropriate treatment plan. cause severe damage to the periodontium and they often occur with
concomitant alveolar fractures. This is particularly true in cases of lat-
eral luxation in which the crown is displaced lingually/palatally and
10 | LUXATION INJURIES the apical third is displaced buccally. To properly manage these inju-
ries, an accurate diagnosis is required. As the movements and sub-
Luxation is defined as an injury to the supporting tissues with loosen- sequent displacements are mostly in the sagittal plane, intra-oral 2D
ing and clinical and/or radiographic displacement. The terms luxation, radiographs will not always reveal the severity of the injury (Figure 6).
displacement, and dislocation refer to the same injury. The luxation may Failure to diagnose alveolar fractures may lead to incorrect treatment
be intrusive, lateral, extrusive, or a combination of these. The degree of planning and more complications, particularly pulp necrosis and in-
displacement can range from mild to severe, depending on the intensity fection.50 Moreover, failure to reposition the tooth correctly may lead
and the direction of the forces absorbed by the hard and soft tissues. to poor alveolar healing and chronic pain due to apical fenestration.
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326 COHENCA and SILBERMAN
(A) (B)
F I G U R E 6 (A-B) Clinical photographs of the maxillary left central incisor. The patient had repositioned the tooth. (C-D) Periapical radiographs at
different angles demonstrating what appeared to be a well-repositioned tooth, especially when combined with the clinical appearance. (E) A lateral
view of the volumetric 3D reconstruction reveals the presence of an alveolar buccal fracture with involvement of the apical portion of the root
F I G U R E 7 (A-B) Periapical radiographs of the maxillary left and right central incisors, 2 weeks postavulsion and replantation within
20 minutes. (C-D) Radiographs taken at 6-month follow-up demonstrate root development, indicating a viable pulp. (E-F) At 2-year follow-up,
root development is complete for the maxillary left central incisor, but unclear on the maxillary right central incisor (see arrow). (G-H) Coronal
and sagittal views confirm healing of the apical tissues with ingrowth of bone into the root canal and the unusual formation of the apical portion
of the root (see arrows)
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