Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
5. INTERNATIONAL ANKARA SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CONGRESS, Ankara, Türkiye, 7 - 08 Mart 2026, ss.231-241, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
Objective: This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the rising role of magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (US) in dentomaxillofacial radiology, their clinical
applications, and the advantages provided by the multimodal imaging approach.
Conventional ionizing radiation-based imaging modalities have significant limitations,
including cumulative radiation exposure and inadequate soft tissue evaluation. In this context,
radiation-free imaging modalities such as MRI and US are gaining increasing importance in
dentistry. MRI is utilized for the evaluation of the temporomandibular joint, salivary glands,
and soft tissue pathologies due to its superior soft tissue contrast and absence of ionizing
radiation. The development of dental-specific MRI systems, reduced imaging times, and
improved image quality have increased the accessibility of this modality in dental practice. US
offers a wide range of applications in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions, cervical lymph
nodes, periodontal and periapical evaluation, and oral malignancies through its low cost,
portability, and real-time imaging capabilities. Ultra-high frequency ultrasonography systems
provide high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of oral soft tissue lesions.
The multimodal imaging approach combining MRI and US provides superior diagnostic
accuracy in complex dentomaxillofacial pathologies, temporomandibular joint disorders, oral
malignancies, and vascular anomalies by leveraging the advantages of both modalities. It is
anticipated that routine use of these modalities in dental practice will become feasible in the
near future through technological advances, cost reduction, and the expansion of educational
programs.
Keywords: Dentomaxillofacial radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, multimodal imaging,
radiation-free diagnosis, ultrasonography