Value of 3-D reconstruction technique of multi-slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of maxillary embedded teeth

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of 3-D reconstruction of multi-slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of maxillary embedded teeth.Methods: The data of 16-slice spiral CT scan of embedded teeth with ambiguous location diagnosed by X-ray orthopantomography in 45 cases were imported into AW4.3 workstation,the volume rendering,maximum intensity projection,multi-planar reconstruction and curved planar reconstruction of teeth were analyzed.Results: Fifty-nine embedded teeth in 45 cases were found,which included 14 impacted teeth and 45 embedded supernumerary teeth.Conclusions: The profile and 3-D images of teeth can be observed by multi-slice spiral CT 3-D reconstruction technique,which can identify the number of embedded teeth,lip-palatal side position,direction of tooth form,and anatomical relationship with adjacent teeth,have great significance in pulling the embedded teeth and orthodontic treatment,and is worthy of further clinical application.