3D Imaging and Dentistry. From Multiplanar Cephalometry to Guided Navigation in Implantology [Perrotti; Testori; Politi - Quintessenza]

Three-dimensional (3D) digital radiology has given clinicians the opportunity to perform diagnoses and to plan treatments in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery with greater awareness and accuracy than with conventional two-dimensional radiology. The use of the third dimension and the feasibility of reconstructing the volume of a skeletal area under investigation has opened new frontiers, not only in diagnosis and treatment, but also in education, allowing one to computer-simulate the steps of future surgical procedures. This textbook aims to provide basic information in volumetric radiology, which is necessary for its correct and rational use, following well-defined internationally acknowledged protocols. The various chapters outline the indications for prescribing 3D scans and explain the wealth of information available from proper image processing. There is a clear and synthetic overview of all dental fields in which cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be applied, from orthodontics to implantology, periodontology, endodontics, and temporomandibular disorders, so as to provide the reader with useful guidance in clinical practice. Great attention has been devoted to the quality of images so as to reproduce as truly as possible the resolution of radiologic images obtained by using dedicated software to process Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) files. This is an important aspect, as the reader can understand how the use of DICOM files is closely linked to the application of technical processing tools from simple viewers to more complex software products. Starting from DICOM files, images are processed and used for planning treatment as it happens in 3D cephalometry, in programming osteotomy procedures, and in guided implant surgery. A considerable part of the textbook is devoted to cephalometric diagnostics and the outlining of a new approach in the anthropometric and esthetic analysis. 3D cephalometry is made possible because of the in-depth knowledge of the anatomy provided by 3D radiologic scans. The textbook also includes an anatomical-radiologic atlas with detailed points in bones and soft tissues so as to develop a cephalometric project. Broad space has been given to investigating the anatomy of the airways for clinical applications: a section describes the structure of the maxillary sinus and its relation to clinical surgery. An extensive chapter covers implant planning and guided surgery, themes that are very topical and of great clinical interest. This publishing project reconciles the objectives of a textbook for students and a valuable tool for continuous education of professionals with clinical experience. I hope this book can be a useful educational tool, helping clinicians to better treat their patients after they have been entrusted with their oral health.