Prospective evaluation of lesions of the mandible and maxilla: findings on multiplanar and three-dimensional CT

The treatment of benign and malignant oropharyngeal diseases is greatly influenced by the degree of invasion of the mandible and maxilla. 3D DEN (Columbia Scientific, Inc., Columbia, MD) is a computer software program that reassembles data from a series of axial CT scans into cross-sectional oblique, three-dimensional, and panoramic CT reformations. Multiplanar reformatted CT overcomes many of the problems associated with conventional axial and coronal CT. True cross-sectional and panoramic images are obtained. The contour, height, thickness, and mineralization of the entire alveolar bone along the curvature of the jaw are precisely defined. Also, the course of the inferior alveolar nerve, anatomic features of the incisive canal, and evaluation of the maxillary sinus can be assessed with this technique. This technique was originally developed to evaluate dental implants [1-3]. Other software programs are commercially available that do similar reconstructions. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the findings on multiplanar reformatted and three-dimensional CT in the preoperative evaluation of mandibular and maxillary abnormalities.