The effectiveness of ultrasound examination to assess the healing process of bone lesions of the jaws: a systematic review

Overview of Ultrasound in Dentistry for Advancing Research Methodology and Patient Care Quality with Emphasis on Periodontal/Peri-implant Applications

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, cross-sectional imaging technique emerging in dentistry. It is an adjunct tool for diagnosing pathologies in the oral cavity that overcomes some limitations of current methodologies, including direct clinical examination, 2D radiographs, and cone beam computerized tomography. Increasing demand for soft tissue imaging has led to continuous improvements on transducer miniaturization and spatial resolution. The aims of this study are (1) to create a comprehensive overview of the current literature of ultrasonic imaging relating to dentistry, and (2) to provide a view onto investigations with immediate, intermediate, and long-term impact in periodontology and implantology.

METHODS

A rapid literature review was performed using two broad searches conducted in the PubMed database, yielding 576 and 757 citations, respectively. A rating was established within a citation software (EndNote) using a 5-star classification. The broad search with 757 citations allowed for high sensitivity whereas the subsequent rating added specificity.

RESULTS

A critical review of the clinical applications of ultrasound in dentistry was provided with a focus on applications in periodontology and implantology. The role of ultrasound as a developing dental diagnostic tool was reviewed. Specific uses such as soft and hard tissue imaging, longitudinal monitoring, as well as anatomic and physiological evaluation were discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Future efforts should be directed towards the transition of ultrasonography from a research tool to a clinical tool. Moreover, a dedicated effort is needed to introduce ultrasonic imaging to dental education and the dental community to ultimately improve the quality of patient care.

Ultrasound Imaging in Dentistry: A Literature Overview

(1) Background: the frequency with which diagnostic tests are prescribed with exposure to ionizing radiation, a cause of biological damage, has been studied, and with much more attention, patients are subjected to these diagnostic tests for diagnosis and follow-up. This review aimed, given the recent developments of this technology, to evaluate the possible use of ultrasound in different branches of dentistry. The possibility of applying ionizing-radiation-free diagnostic exams in dentistry, overcoming the limits of this application, has led scientific research in this area to obtain interesting results that bode well for the future. (2) Methods: a search for articles on the application of ultrasounds in dentistry was performed using the PubMed electronic database. (3) Results: only 32 studies were included, and these clearly stated that this examination is widely usable and in great progress. (4) Conclusions: regarding the modern application techniques of this diagnostic test, it is essential to consider technological evolution as an objective to reduce the damage and side effects of necessary diagnostic tests. The use of ultrasound in dentistry can represent a valid radiation-free alternative, in certain contexts, to the other most used exams.