3D Imaging in Dentistry and Oral Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering employs several equipment and technologies to achieve its goals. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging is one of those techniques that can assist in planning, monitoring, and follow-up of the results in morphological and functional aspects without damaging the tissue-engineered constructs. Each imaging system has its own capabilities and features. Thus, to extract the maximum information required, the best imaging modality must be chosen according to the diagnostic purpose. One of preponderant specifications of “imaging” in evaluation of engineered tissues, besides nondestructive nature, is the possibility of longitudinal assessments. This chapter reviews the 3D imaging systems that may have applications in dentistry and oral tissue engineering including computed tomography (CT), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), micro-CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The physics and the applications of each method in dentistry and tissue engineering, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of them, are discussed. Instead of setting rigid guidelines for specific applications, the authors aim to familiarize the readers with the mechanism of function of each system, so they can select the systems that best suit their intended applications.