Interpretation Basics of Cone Beam Computed Tomography; Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnosis and Applications

Interpretation Basics of Cone Beam Computed Tomography

SHAWNEEN M. GONZALEZ, DDS, MS, Editor

224 pages. $84.99. 2014.

Wiley Blackwell, 1 Wiley Drive, Somerset, NJ 0887.
(800) 225-5945; www.wiley.com.

While two textbooks on the topic of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may seem redundant, I found the volumes reviewed here to be complementary. Dr. Gonzalez's book illustrates common radiographic appearances of the oral and maxillofacial region, providing a systematic review of the entire data volume by anatomic region. The goal is to help practitioners and students gain a better understanding of the anatomy and common disease processes that present on CBCT scans. Although the paperback printed edition is in black and white, as would be expected for this topic, a website link provides color images for five sample cases, PowerPoint files for all the figures, and examples of interpretive radiology reports from the editor.

The first chapter comprises an introduction to CBCT and concise discussions of the technology, radiation dosimetry, data views, and common image artefacts. A brief second chapter deals with legal issues surrounding CBCT, including the standard of care and recommendations. Chapters 3 through 8 are organized by anatomic region: the paranasal sinuses and mastoid air cells, sinonasal cavity and airway, cranial base, soft tissues of the brain and orbits, cervical spine and soft tissues of the neck, and TMJs. The concluding section covers recommendations from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists on the use of imaging for dental implantology, along with software tools for implant planning.

Overall, the book is basic, easy to read, and well illustrated, filling a gap in the current literature on common radiographic appearances of CBCT. It will be particularly helpful to users of medium- and large-field-of-view CBCT devices, which often include the anatomic regions covered in this text. New users of CBCT may also find this to be a handy reference guide as they begin to evaluate their images.

Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnosis and Applications

DAVID SARMENT, DDS, MS, Editor

296 pages. $129.99. 2014.

Wiley Blackwell, 1 Wiley Drive, Somerset, NJ 08875.
(800) 225-5945; www.wiley.com.

Dr. Sarment's book provides a detailed overview of the impact of CBCT on oral and maxillofacial medicine, with 22 contributors including world-renowned engineers and clinicians from industry, academia, and private practice. This paperback volume contains mostly grayscale images, but also features numerous color figures and clinical photographs.

Although the details of multidimensional radiographic imaging are complex, the first chapter does a good job of covering key concepts of image processing and reconstruction at an appropriate level for most readers. The second chapter describes the nature of ionizing radiation and the risks from maxillofacial CBCT; a useful table compares doses from CBCT with those of conventional dental imaging. Subsequent chapters are organized by clinical tasks: diagnosis of jaw pathologies, orthodontic and orthognathic treatment planning, three-dimensional planning of maxillofacial reconstruction, implant planning, assessment of the airway and supporting structures, computer-aided surgical guidance, endodontics, and periodontics.

This is a well-written guide to the clinical utilization of CBCT in maxillofacial diagnosis and treatment. Although some chapters are obviously directed at dental specialists, the book should be a valuable reference for all dentists on the clinical usage of CBCT in specific areas. Indeed, both books reviewed here serve their function admirably and deserve to be included on the reading list of anyone entering the field of CBCT.

JAMES MAH, DDS, MS, DMS