[Radiological survey imaging of the dentition: dental CT versus orthopantomography]

In this study 15 patients with abnormalities in dentition and jaws were analysed by computer tomography for the purpose of determining the diagnostic value of dental CT scanning in relation to orthodontic problems. The dental CTs were then compared with conventional panoramic x-rays. After describing principles and methodology, the study discusses the possibilities for clinical applications. The study demonstrated that dental CT scanning is definitely superior for diagnosing dentition disturbances, for metrical analysis of maxillary antrum relations, and for examining bony jaw structures. However, the routine use of dental CT scanning as a diagnostic method is at this time constrained due to the relatively high amount of time and labour the procedure requires with resulting implications for cost factors.