Dear Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure for me to present this Special Issue entitled "Modern applications and innovations of 3D Dental Imaging." Improvements in diagnostics are frequently attributable to 3D diagnostic tests that allow an adequate knowledge of the clinical case in question and provide the information necessary to program an adequate treatment plan. In recent years, improvements in imaging techniques have greatly facilitated the diagnosis of maxillofacial district pathologies. Three-dimensional radiographic diagnostic exams can be analyzed by software that allows for easy viewing of images and various graphic reworkings. These may be applied to dentistry and the maxillofacial district for the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies and conditions that, until a few years ago, required several radiographic examinations. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) represents the most widespread 3D exam in dentistry today, given its presence and availability in dental offices.

In this regard, the patient's exposure to a radiation dose that can cause biological damage must always be kept in mind; as such, there is a growing interest in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for imaging techniques that use ultrasound. The clinical dental uses of both have been increasingly investigated: Recent literature highlights how it is possible to consider MRI as a complete dental diagnostic examination that allows for both an investigation of the anatomy of the soft tissues at certain frequencies as well as the volumes and bone density.

From a practical standpoint, the application of ultrasound in dentistry has been increasingly studied. While traditionally used in gnathology, the superficiality of the other structures to be studied strongly warrants its application. The mucous tissues of the oral cavity or the supporting bone, with the appropriate probes, are simple to apply, free of ionizing radiation, minimally invasive, and easily available in the office for continual use during daily clinical practice. Unlike resonance, ultrasound allows for a more specific evaluation of a superficial mucous or bone site, with specific parameters capable of allowing a detailed analysis.

Future in vitro and in vivo studies will be needed to fully ascertain the effectiveness and innovation brought about by the application of these techniques. The instruments for oral use will have to be implemented, especially the probes for examinations with ultrasound; acquisition times for MRI must be measured. The margins of success are wide, aided by the non-invasiveness of these procedures and by the absence of biological damage caused by ionizing radiation.

Clinicians and researchers with review articles or original research on this broad topic are invited to participate in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Luca Testarelli

Guest Editor