Ultrasound in Dentistry: Toward a Future of Radiation-Free Imaging.

Ultrasonography (US) is a noninvasive, nonionizing, inexpensive, and painless imaging tool proven to be a valuable diagnostic tool in soft tissue assessment that also shows promise for hard tissue evaluation in dentistry. US has been investigated for its capability to identify carious lesions, tooth fractures or cracks, periodontal bony defects, maxillofacial fractures, and more. It has been used as a diagnostic aid in temporomandibular disorders, implant dentistry, and to measure muscle and soft tissue thickness. Unfortunately, the use of US in dentistry is still in its infancy; however, relevant research is promising.