Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.9
3.3
Journals
Diagnostics
Special Issues
Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry
share announcement

Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 7180

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anastasia Mitsea

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Diagnosis & Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: oral and maxillofacial imaging; oral diagnosis, digital dentistry; 3D printing; metabolic bone diseases; applied artificial intelligence; forensic odontology; forensic dentistry
Prof. Dr. Christos Angelopoulos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Oral Diagnosis and Radiology, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: cone beam CT technology; diagnostic ultrasound; virtual reality in dental imaging
Dr. Aliki Rontogianni

E-Mail
Guest Editor Assistant
Division of Dental Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Interests: craniofacial development; cephalometry; appliance design; facial anomalies; forensic odontology (forensic dentistry); osteoporosis; clinical dentistry; orthodontics 3D; 3D printing; applied artificial intelligence

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is an honor to be the Guest Editors of this Special Issue of Diagnostics, entitled “Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry”.

Technological developments in recent decades have given a new impulse to dental science. The development of more sophisticated dental imaging techniques has offered more options concerning patient evaluation and treatment planning.

Advances in dental imaging, oral diagnosis, and forensic dentistry encompass various innovations and techniques aimed at improving the accuracy of diagnoses and the efficacy of treatments within dental practice and forensic investigations.

The current Special Issue aims to present the new trends in dental imaging, oral diagnosis, and forensic dentistry and highlight the emerging applications which contribute to the most effective treatment. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Automated segmentation;
  • Neural networks in dentistry;
  • Digital intraoral scanning;
  • Radiographic/surgical guides;
  • Virtual reality in dental imaging;
  • 3D surgical stimulation;
  • 3D facial reconstruction;
  • Forensic odontology;
  • Forensic dentistry.

Dr. Anastasia Mitsea
Prof. Dr. Christos Angelopoulos
Guest Editors

Dr. Aliki Rontogianni
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • automated segmentation
  • neural networks in dentistry
  • digital intraoral scanning
  • radiographic/surgical guides
  • virtual reality in dental imaging
  • 3D surgical stimulation
  • 3D facial reconstruction
  • forensic odontology
  • forensic dentistry

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

14 pages, 1363 KB  
Article
Nallan’s Direct Ray: An Innovative Gyroscopic-Guided Radiographic Device for Intraoral Radiography
by Nallan C. S. K. Chaitanya, Nada Tawfig Hashim, Vivek Padmanabhan, Riham Mohammed, Sharifa Jameel Hossain, Sadiah Fathima, Nurain Mohammad Hisham, Neeharika Satya Jyothi Allam, Shishir Ram Shetty, Rajanikanth Yarram and Muhammed Mustahsen Rahman
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030386 - 25 Jan 2026
Viewed by 223
Abstract
Background: Intraoral radiography remains highly operator-dependent, with small deviations in beam angulation or receptor placement leading to geometric distortions, diagnostic inaccuracies, and repeated exposures. This pilot study introduces and evaluates a gyroscopic-guided, laser-assisted radiographic device designed to standardize cone positioning and improve [...] Read more.
Background: Intraoral radiography remains highly operator-dependent, with small deviations in beam angulation or receptor placement leading to geometric distortions, diagnostic inaccuracies, and repeated exposures. This pilot study introduces and evaluates a gyroscopic-guided, laser-assisted radiographic device designed to standardize cone positioning and improve the geometric reliability of bisecting-angle intraoral radiographs. Methods: Eighteen dental graduates and practitioners performed periapical radiographs on phantom models using a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor over six months. Each participant obtained six standardized projections with and without the device, yielding 200 analysable radiographs. Radiographic linear measurements included tooth height (occluso–apical dimension) and tooth width (mesio-distal diameter), which were compared with reference values obtained using the paralleling technique. Radiographic errors—including cone cut, elongation, proximal overlap, sliding occlusal plane deviation, and apical cut—were recorded and compared between groups. Results: Use of the gyroscopic-guided device significantly enhanced geometric accuracy. Height measurements showed a strong correlation with reference values in the device group (r = 0.942; R2 = 0.887) compared with the non-device technique (r = 0.767; R2 = 0.589; p < 0.0001). Width measurements demonstrated similar improvement (device: r = 0.878; R2 = 0.770; non-device: r = 0.748; R2 = 0.560; p < 0.0001). Overall, the device reduced technical radiographic errors by approximately 62.5%, with significant reductions in cone cut, elongation, proximal overlap, sliding occlusal plane errors, and tooth-centering deviations. Conclusions: Integrating gyroscopic stabilization with laser trajectory guidance substantially improves the geometric fidelity, reproducibility, and diagnostic quality of intraoral radiographs. By minimizing operator-dependent variability, this innovation has the potential to reduce repeat exposures and enhance clinical diagnostics. Further clinical trials are recommended to validate performance in patient-based settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2047 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Digital Imaging Accuracy Among Three Intraoral Scanners for Full-Arch Implant Rehabilitation
by Tareq Hajaj, Ioana Veja, Cristian Zaharia, Ioana Elena Lile, Mihai Rominu, Cosmin Sinescu, Florina Titihazan, Evelyn-Beatrice Toman, Andrei Bogdan Faur and George Dumitru Constantin
Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010025 - 21 Dec 2025
Viewed by 561
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Accurate full-arch implant impressions are essential for predictable digital prosthodontics, yet the performance of different intraoral scanners (IOSs) remains variable. This in vitro study compared the trueness and precision of three widely used IOSs-Sirona Primescan, 3Shape TRIOS Core, and Medit i700-in a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Accurate full-arch implant impressions are essential for predictable digital prosthodontics, yet the performance of different intraoral scanners (IOSs) remains variable. This in vitro study compared the trueness and precision of three widely used IOSs-Sirona Primescan, 3Shape TRIOS Core, and Medit i700-in a standardized full-arch implant model. Methods: A maxillary model with six multi-unit implants was digitized using a high-accuracy laboratory scanner to obtain the reference dataset. Each IOS was used to perform ten scans, exported as unmodified STL files. Accuracy was evaluated in Geomagic Control X through a two-step alignment and a peri-implant region-of-interest deviation analysis. Trueness (mean absolute surface deviation, µm) and precision (SD) were compared using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Results: Primescan and TRIOS Core showed comparable trueness (202.76 ± 13.89 µm and 204.21 ± 2.61 µm, respectively), while Medit i700 demonstrated significantly higher deviations (221.05 ± 6.28 µm) (p < 0.05). TRIOS Core exhibited the highest reproducibility across repeated scans. Conclusions: The three scanners demonstrated measurable accuracy differences under standardized conditions. Primescan and TRIOS Core performed similarly in trueness, with TRIOS Core achieving superior precision. Medit i700 showed higher deviation values but remained consistent in its performance. These findings highlight measurable differences in accuracy and reproducibility among intraoral scanners under standardized laboratory conditions and may assist clinicians in selecting appropriate devices for full-arch digital implant workflows; however, clinical validation is required to confirm their performance in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1312 KB  
Article
An Evaluation of Four Radiological Methods for Dental Age Estimation in the Montenegrin Population
by Tina Pajevic, Nemanja Marinkovic, Ivan Arsic, Jovan Markovic, Petar Milovanovic, Zorana Stamenkovic and Nenad Nedeljkovic
Diagnostics 2025, 15(14), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15141769 - 13 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1041
Abstract
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four radiological methods for dental age estimation and to test which method is the most reliable in Montenegrin children. Methods: To determine dental age, we examined 351 panoramic radiographs of [...] Read more.
Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four radiological methods for dental age estimation and to test which method is the most reliable in Montenegrin children. Methods: To determine dental age, we examined 351 panoramic radiographs of 190 female and 161 male children between the ages of 6 and 12 using the Demirjian method, Willems method, the European formula, and the BAF. The estimated dental age was compared with the chronological age, and the average, absolute, and standard deviations were calculated. Results: When comparing dental age to chronological age in females, overestimation occurred when using the Demirjian and Willems methods, whereas the European formula and the BAF resulted in underestimations. Only the European formula underestimated dental age in males, while the other three methods caused overestimations in comparison to chronological age. The European formula and the BAF revealed that, when all age groups were included, approximately 57.1–61% of patients deviated from their chronological age by less than six months. When using Demirjian’s method, nearly 30–35% of patients had dental ages that were either overestimated or underestimated by more than a year. Conclusions: The most accurate method for estimating the dental age of children under 13 in the Montenegrin population is the European formula. The Demirjian method had the lowest accuracy, whereas that in the BAF and the Willems method was similar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

16 pages, 456 KB  
Review
Forensic Odontology in the Digital Era: A Narrative Review of Current Methods and Emerging Trends
by Carmen Corina Radu, Timur Hogea, Cosmin Carașca and Casandra-Maria Radu
Diagnostics 2025, 15(20), 2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15202550 - 10 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2953
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Forensic dental determination plays a central role in human identification, age estimation, and trauma analysis in medico-legal contexts. Traditional approaches—including clinical examination, odontometric analysis, and radiographic comparison—remain essential but are constrained by examiner subjectivity, population variability, and reduced applicability in fragmented or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Forensic dental determination plays a central role in human identification, age estimation, and trauma analysis in medico-legal contexts. Traditional approaches—including clinical examination, odontometric analysis, and radiographic comparison—remain essential but are constrained by examiner subjectivity, population variability, and reduced applicability in fragmented or degraded remains. Recent advances in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), three-dimensional surface scanning, intraoral imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) offer promising opportunities to enhance accuracy, reproducibility, and integration with multidisciplinary forensic evidence. The aim of this review is to synthesize conventional and emerging approaches in forensic odontology, critically evaluate their strengths and limitations, and highlight areas requiring validation. Methods: A structured literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Search terms combined forensic odontology, dental identification, CBCT, 3D scanning, intraoral imaging, and AI methodologies. From 108 records identified, 81 peer-reviewed articles met eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. Results: Digital methods such as CBCT, 3D scanning, and intraoral imaging demonstrated improved diagnostic consistency compared with conventional techniques. AI-driven tools—including automated age and sex estimation, bite mark analysis, and restorative pattern recognition—showed potential to enhance objectivity and efficiency, particularly in disaster victim identification. Persistent challenges include methodological heterogeneity, limited dataset diversity, ethical concerns, and issues of legal admissibility. Conclusions: Digital and AI-based approaches should complement, not replace, the expertise of forensic odontologists. Standardization, validation across diverse populations, ethical safeguards, and supportive legal frameworks are necessary to ensure global reliability and medico-legal applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

22 pages, 516 KB  
Systematic Review
Positron Emission Tomography–Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a New Hybrid Imaging Modality for Dentomaxillofacial Malignancies—A Systematic Review
by Anastasia Mitsea, Nikolaos Christoloukas, Spyridoula Koutsipetsidou, Periklis Papavasileiou, Georgia Oikonomou and Christos Angelopoulos
Diagnostics 2025, 15(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15060654 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Emerging hybrid imaging modalities, like Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) and Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI), are useful for assessing head and neck cancer (HNC) and its prognosis during follow-up. PET/MRI systems enable simultaneous PET and MRI scans within a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Emerging hybrid imaging modalities, like Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) and Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI), are useful for assessing head and neck cancer (HNC) and its prognosis during follow-up. PET/MRI systems enable simultaneous PET and MRI scans within a single session. These combined PET/MRI scanners merge MRI’s better soft tissue contrast and the molecular metabolic information offered by PET. Aim: To review scientific articles on the use of hybrid PET/MRI techniques in diagnosing dentomaxillofacial malignancies. Method: The available literature on the use of PET/MRI for the diagnosis of dentomaxillofacial malignancies in four online databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) was searched. Eligible for this review were original full-text articles on PET/MRI imaging, published between January 2010 and November 2024, based on experimental or clinical research involving humans. Results: Out of the 783 articles retrieved, only twelve articles were included in this systematic review. Nearly half of the articles (5 out of 12) concluded that PET/MRI is superior to PET, MRI, and PET/CT imaging in relation to defining malignancies’ size. Six articles found no statistically significant results and the diagnostic accuracy presented was similar in PET/MRI versus MRI and PET/CT images. Regarding the overall risk of bias, most articles had a moderate risk. Conclusions: The use of PET/MRI in HNC cases provides a more accurate diagnosis regarding dimensions of the tumor and thus a more accurate surgical approach if needed. Further prospective studies on a larger cohort of patients are required to obtain more accurate results on the application of hybrid PET/MRI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Dental Imaging, Oral Diagnosis, and Forensic Dentistry)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop