Advances in diagnostic imaging in dentistry.

Advances in optical and x-ray imaging will affect dramatically the practice of dentistry in the next decade. "Hard copy" of these images will be on thermographic paper from videoprinters as well as x-ray film. Reconstruction of images in both (two and three dimensions) will allow better visualization of disease processes and allow quantification of disease changes over time, thus assisting the treatment planning decisions of the dentist and improving patient care. Some of these innovations are here, others are in the research and development stage. All dentists eventually will use these techniques routinely.