Latest imaging innovations at the European Congress of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (ECDMFR)

Technology is changing dental care at a fast pace. As dental imaging continues to evolve, dental professionals have tools for more accurate diagnoses and questions regarding patient safety are taking on an ever bigger role. Dental professionals gathered at the European Congress of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology in Cardiff, UK to hear about the latest innovations in the field. 

The European Congress of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology (ECDMFR) was held 15–18^thJune 2016 in the Capital of Wales, Cardiff, in the United Kingdom. The theme of the congress this year was ‘Excellence in DentoMaxilloFacial Imaging’. The programme consisted of keynote speakers, who spoke on a variety of topics including radiation protection, digital radiography, head and neck ultrasound and facial reconstruction, as well as round table discussions and workshops.

Future of imaging lies in combining data

Planmeca’s X-Ray Division Product Manager, Antti Airisto, held a presentation at the congress with the topic ‘Versatile imaging and the digital workflow – Creating the virtual patient’. According to Airisto 3D and 4D imaging as well as patient safety are the hot topics of the industry. Airisto was happy with the positive attention Planmeca’s unique virtual patient got at the conference.

Planmeca’s virtual patient is a combination of a patient CBCT image, 3D face photo and 3D model scan. All three can be acquired with just one imaging unit. Planmeca’s innovative Planmeca ProFace™ facial photo option and its applications especially caught people’s eye in Cardiff.

“This realistic 3D face photo, which is also part of the virtual patient, is taken in addition to a maxillofacial CBCT image. The Planmeca ProFace scan can also be taken without the CBCT exposure, in which case no radiation is emitted at all,” said Airisto.

“I believe the future of imaging lies in combining 3D data with intelligent software to create even better treatment plans for patients. Planmeca’s imaging innovations, like the virtual patient and Planmeca 4D™ Jaw Motion, are prime examples of this. Planmeca 4D Jaw Motion was one of the innovations the congress visitors were very keen to hear more about.”

Planmeca 4D Jaw Motion is the only CBCT integrated solution for tracking, recording, visualising and analysing jaw movement in 3D. The system tracks and visualises jaw movements with the Planmeca ProFace camera feature and the movements can be seen in real-time in a 3D CBCT image.

“The possibilities of this kind of 3D and 4D data are endless,” said Airisto.

Planmeca has also recently introduced the new Superimpose module in Planmeca Romexis® software. The module allows easy comparing of two CBCT volumes.

“With the Planmeca Romexis Superimpose module volumes can be simultaneously viewed or overlayed, and measurements can be made between the two volumes. This module has raised a lot of enthusiasm among dental and radiology professionals,” Airisto described.

Staff and patient safety always a top priority

One the key topics of Airisto’s presentation at the Cardiff congress was radiation awareness. The pioneering Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ imaging protocol reduces patient doses without loss of diagnostic quality.

“As dental imaging continues to evolve, questions regarding reduced doses and patient safety are set to take on an even bigger role. The fact that Planmeca’s imaging solutions can produce high quality 3D images at a lower efficient patient dose is an important step towards the safest possible imaging procedures and technology.”

A recent study titled ‘Radiation awareness among dentists, radiographers and students’ found profound knowledge gaps regarding radiation protection among medical professionals and students alike. The study was published in July in the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology journal. Planmeca works tirelessly towards improved radiation awareness.

“Staff and patient safety needs to always be a top priority. We at Planmeca work towards this with technological innovations and imaging education. We offer comprehensive 3D diagnostic training for dental professionals. Our courses focus strongly on educating dentists not only on the most accurate diagnostics, but also on how to achieve this with the lowest patient dose possible,” Airisto concluded.

Photos by: Martin Wood Photography
Text by: Sanna Tolmunen