Ultrasound Imaging and Its Craniofacial Applications

Ultrasound imaging has undergone a massive transformation in the last few decades and plays a crucial role in most oral and maxillofacial imaging domains. Its safety, ease of portability, low cost, real-time application, and lack of ionizing radiation make it one of the most widely used imaging modalities. It has shown a promising role in evaluating soft and hard tissue structures depending on the location and physician skills. In dento-maxillofacial region, it has been used to diagnose bone fractures and healing; to differentiate benign and malignancy, temporomandibular disorders, soft tissue pathology; etc. In addition, with the development of colour Doppler, diagnosis and management of vascular and inflammatory lesions have been eased. This book chapter aims to provide insight into the basics of ultrasound and its potential applications in dentistry.