PAGD Keystone Explorer Spring 2021

6 www.pagd.org Q dentistry issues Zubad Newaz, DDS Oral andMaxillofacial Radiologist Both two- and three-dimensional imaging have great utility in dental diagnostics, each with their advantages and limitations. Radiology has the ability to not only answer questions about disease or abnormalities but also to provide anatomic information that is essential to proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment delivery. Cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging has transformed the landscape of the entire dental industry, adding tremendous diagnostic value and broadening the scope of care that dentists can comfortably render to their patients. However, CBCT imaging does carry its limitations and certain dental diagnostic applications remain superior with 2D imaging. Many of the advancements in imaging systems over recent years have been geared toward two main goals — improving image quality and reducing radiation burden, across both 2D and 3D systems alike. Improvements in 3D platforms have reduced the associated risks between 2D and 3D imaging that make CBCT an attractive modality to use across a wider range of dentoskeletal diagnostic tasks, especially given the enormous increase in the amount of information obtained. But, as the adage goes, with great power comes great responsibility — including ordering the right exams and interpreting them comprehensively. When to Recruit the Third Dimension and How to Maximize Your Yield from Radiographic Studies Imaging Pearls