Odontogenic cysts: improved imaging with a dental CT software program.

PURPOSE To evaluate a dental CT software program to determine whether it can provide a better means of assessing odontogenic cysts, lesions of the jaw derived from dental epithelium, than conventional techniques (orthopantomographic, intraoral, and mandibular films), which are of limited usefulness because of the curved configuration of the mandible; and to provide a brief review of these lesions. METHODS Nine odontogenic cysts were studied with conventional radiographs and with the software program, which displays multiple cross-referenced axial, panoramic, and cross-sectional (unique to this program) views of the mandible. The two modalities were compared for delineation of anatomy (inferior alveolar canal, mandibular foramen, mental foramen), detection of neurovascular bundle displacement, detection of cortical bone involvement, and detection of root involvement. RESULTS The software program rated higher regarding all four points. It was found to be superior for delineating anatomy and detecting mandibular canal displacement and cortical and root involvement. CONCLUSIONS This software program should be the study of choice when evaluating odontogenic cysts and other lesions of the mandible.