Computerized tomography in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Computerized tomography has revolutionized the art of diagnosis by noninvasive techniques. Until recently, its use in oral and maxillofacial surgery has been limited. Basic principles include the production of a two-dimensional image representing an anatomically accurate slice of tissue. Advantages of computerized tomography are lack of image superimposition, preservation of detail of soft tissue, enhancement of vascular tumors, selective enlargement of areas of interest, tomographic capability, and the future possibility of the production of three-dimensional images. However, the presence of any metallic restoration produces artifacts, which limits the use of computerized tomography to areas excluding the dentition where restorations are present. Clinical application at our institution has been to use computerized tomography in the differential diagnosis of infections, midfacial trauma, vascular lesions, and lesions involving the mandibular ramus and maxilla.