Evaluation of temporomandibular disorders in children using limited cone-beam computed tomography: a case report

Considerable advances have been made in dental and orthodontic diagnosis resulting from the development of a device known as a limited cone beam dental compact-CT (3DX). This report documents the diagnostic procedures and treatment performed on an eight year old female patient who presented with clinical signs and symptoms of a temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Evaluation of a bony abnormality of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using the limited cone-beam CT (3DX) proved to be of considerable value. A three-dimensional image of the right TMJ showed erosion and flattening of the condyle. Following treatment, there was marked alleviation of the clinical symptoms while considerable improvement of the bony abnormalities was clearly evident on a three-dimensional image.