[Clinical application of spiral 3-D CT reconstruction for maxillary impacted teeth].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of spiral 3-D CT reconstruction for maxillary impacted teeth.

METHODS

Spiral CT was performed in 47 patients whose maxillary impacted teeth couldn't be judged clearly through the panoramic radiograph and occlusal film. 3-D reconstruction, including MIP (maximum intensity projection) and MPR (multiplanar reconstructions) was made to display the impacted teeth's shape, location and its relationship with adjacent teeth.

RESULTS

There were 67 maxillary impacted teeth in 47 patients. Spiral 3-D CT could clearly demonstrate the dental image including crown, root, neck and root bifurcation, and 3-D imaging could clearly display the maxilla anatomy and the dental structure.

CONCLUSION

Spiral CT 3-D reconstruction is a useful technique to display three-dimensional configuration of teeth.Three dimensional reconstruction is an accurate and effective method to localize impacted teeth before orthodontic treatment.