Magnetic resonance imaging benefits preoperative diagnosis in third molar surgery

Two reviewers performed multiple database searches (PubMed MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis, and Cochrane databases) following the PICOS search strategy using medical subject headings (MeSH) terms, keywords, and their combinations. Ten studies were included in this systematic review. By providing high spatial resolution and excellent soft tissue contrast, black bone MRI sequences such as 3D Double Echo Steady State (DESS) and 3D Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) imaging protocols have the potential to become a valuable alternative to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in future dental clinical routines. Overall, radiation-free MRI represents another step toward personalized dentistry and improved decision-making that avoids ineffectiveness and minimizes risks in oral surgery by taking into account additional patient-side factors such as comorbidity, anatomical norm variations, and imaging biomarkers.

Reference:

Al-Haj Husain, A., Stadlinger, B., Winklhofer, S. et al. Magnetic resonance imaging for preoperative diagnosis in third molar surgery: a systematic review. Oral Radiol 39, 1–17 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11282-022-00611-4

Keywords:

Magnetic, resonance, imaging, preoperative, diagnosis, third, molar, surgery, beneficial, Al-Haj Husain, A., Stadlinger, B., Winklhofer, Oral radiology