Experimental model for measuring and characterisation of the dento-alveolar system using high frequencies ultrasound techniques.

AIMS

The main objective of the study was the realisation of an experimental model and evaluation to establish whether the high frequency ultrasound method can supply credible information concerning the structure of the periodontal tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a 20 MHz, 2D transducer of Dermascan C (CORTEX TECHNOLOGY l) device for examining 20 teeth on 4 healthy pig mandibles. The examination was made in the lateral area of alveolar bones at the lingual surface.

RESULTS

On the images obtained through this type of ultrasonography we identified the cortical bone, tooth crown, tooth root and fixed mucosa. On the images obtained with Dermascan C ver. 3.0 software, very accurate measurements of periodontal space width (mean= 0.45 mm, Std. Dev=0.078) and thickness of cortical bone (mean= 0.31 mm, Std. Dev=0.134) and fixed mucosa (mean= 0.91 mm, Std. Dev=0.176) were made.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the non-invasive nature of the ultrasound method for patients and for medical staff during examination, but also considering the advantages generated by the possibility of making exact measurements of different areas, this method could become a reliable alternative for X-ray examinations in patients with periodontal disease. If a miniaturized transducer would be available, it could be used for ultrasound periodontal assessment in humans.