Ultrasonic B-scans of the facial/oral periodontium in pigs.

In vitro ultrasonic scans of the oral/facial periodontium of pigs were obtained using a special experimental design and with the help of a newly developed ultrasonic measuring and analysis system. These two-dimensional images distinguish themselves from the one-dimensional RF-echograms and A-scans in that they enable the viewer to have a quick overview of the relationship between different interfaces in a scanned sector. A selection of ultrasonic B-scans proves that the scanned tissues such as gingiva, bone, periodontal ligament, tooth surface and even structures of the inner part of the tooth may be clearly imaged and distinctly differentiated. Furthermore, we demonstrate with manipulations of the pigs periodontium, that the interpretation of the pictures is correct. The primary goal of our investigation was to assess whether the ultrasonic procedure is suitable for the determination of the height of the facial/oral bone crest. On the basis of this study, we may confirm this supposition for the imaging in ultrasonic B-scans.