Computed Tomography
Dental Disease
Basic Information 
Definition
• Computed tomography (CT) images are cross sectional and depict variations in tissue density.
• Problems of superimposition of the skull on the dentition that are routinely encountered in dental radiography are largely eliminated using this modality.
• Provides relative density values for tissues that is measured in Hounsfield units (HU).
Typical Normal Range (US units; SI units)
• CT allows for a complete evaluation of the internal architecture of the tooth, the supporting osseous structures, and associated paranasal sinuses.
Excellent contrast resolution allows differentiation of cementum, enamel and dentin, the dental lamina dura, and the surrounding alveolar bone.
• Enamel is the most dense dental tissue represented on CT as the whitest structure with the highest HU value.
Appears as an undulating dense tissue that is present in the crown, reserve crown, and root that is denser than the alveolar bone lamina dura.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary dentin has a density on CT images that is intermediate to enamel and the soft tissues of the pulp chamber or the periodontal ligament.
• Pulp cavity: In the young horse the pulp cavity and apex will appear as a large and well-defined radiolucent space and as the tooth ages, this appearance is lost.
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