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Computed tomography and scintigraphy for evaluation of dental disease in the horse
Author(s) -
Barakzai S. Z.,
Barnett T. P.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
equine veterinary education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2042-3292
pISSN - 0957-7734
DOI - 10.1111/eve.12288
Subject(s) - medicine , radiography , superimposition , cheek teeth , tomography , soft tissue , dental alveolus , radiology , supernumerary , bone scintigraphy , nuclear medicine , conventional radiography , computed tomographic , computed tomography , dentistry , artificial intelligence , computer science
Summary Computed tomography ( CT ) uses x‐ray beams and reconstructive computer technology to create tomographic slices (sections) of the area being imaged. Computed tomography has higher contrast resolution than conventional radiography allowing for more accurate differentiation of soft tissues and fluids. This form of 3 D imaging removes problems caused by superimposition of multiple anatomical structures, which is a major impediment when viewing radiographs of the equine head. Once the images are acquired, multi‐planar and 3 D reconstructions can be performed to view different teeth or associated structures in an optimal way. Anatomical and pathological changes in the dental tissues, periodontal tissues, alveolar bone and adjacent sinuses can then be assessed. Scintigraphy with 99 m technetium methyl‐diphosphate (methylene‐diphosphonate) can detect changes in bone that precede radiographic changes, and this makes it a very useful imaging modality for diagnosis of early periapical infection of the equine cheek teeth. Additionally, it is invaluable for imaging suspected infections of supernumerary or dysplastic teeth where the results of radiography or even CT may be equivocal. Periapical infections of the cheek teeth typically result in focal and intense increased radionuclide uptake located over the apical region of the affected tooth.