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High-Resolution Ultrasonic Imaging of Dento-Periodontal Tissues Using a Multi-Element Phased Array System
Kim-Cuong T Nguyen1,2, Lawrence H Le3,4, Neelambar R Kaipatur1
1School of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
High-resolution intraoral ultrasonography non-invasively images dental tissues. This advanced ultrasound technique accurately measures periodontal structures, showing great potential for quantitative diagnostics in oral care.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Imaging
- Ultrasonography
Background:
- Intraoral ultrasonography offers a portable, cost-effective, and radiation-free method for examining dento-periodontal tissues.
- Previous research utilized single or array transducers for basic measurements like enamel thickness.
- A need exists for advanced imaging techniques to quantitatively assess periodontal structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 128-element phased array ultrasound system for high-resolution imaging of dento-periodontal tissues.
- To investigate novel methods for analyzing ultrasound data, including waveform analysis and wavefield simulation.
- To compare ultrasound measurements of periodontal structures with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 20-MHz phased array ultrasound system with a 128-element transducer on porcine lower incisors.
- Employed waveform analysis, travel-time calculation, and wavefield simulation for ultrasound data interpretation.
- Performed quantitative measurements of the enamel-dentin interface, dentin-pulp interface, cemento-enamel junction, and alveolar crest.
Main Results:
- High-resolution ultrasonographs provided clear cross-sectional images of hard and soft dental tissues.
- Successfully identified key anatomical interfaces: enamel-dentin, dentin-pulp, and cemento-enamel junction.
- Measurements of alveolar crest level, cemento-enamel junction location, and alveolar crest thickness showed less than 10% difference compared to CBCT.
Conclusions:
- Intraoral ultrasonography with phased array systems demonstrates significant potential for non-invasive imaging of periodontal structures.
- The integration of advanced data analysis techniques enhances the diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound in dentistry.
- Ultrasonography is a promising tool for quantitative assessment of periodontal health, supporting improved oral care delivery.
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