Comparison of computed tomography and high-field (3.0?T) magnetic resonance imaging of age-related variances in selected equine maxillary cheek teeth and adjacent tissues

摘要

Background Modern imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have the advantage of producing images without superimposition. Whilst CT is a well-established technique for dental diagnostics, MRI examinations are rarely used for the evaluation of dental diseases in horses. Regarding equine endodontic therapies which are increasingly implemented, MRI could help to portray changes of the periodontal ligament and display gross pulpar anatomy. Knowledge of age-related changes is essential for diagnosis, as cheek teeth and surrounding structures alter with increasing age. The aim of the present study was to highlight the advantages of CT and MRI regarding age-related changes in selected equine cheek teeth and their adjacent structures. Results The CT and MRI appearances of the maxillary 08?s and 09?s and adjacent structures were described by evaluation of post-mortem examinations of nine horses of different ages (Group A: p 2?=?0.88) for the distance between alveoli and the infraorbital canal. Conclusions The present study provides information about the dental and periodontal age-related morphology and its visibility using different imaging techniques. These results aid in evaluating diagnostic images and in deciding which is the superior imaging modality for clinical cases.