Ontario Society of Oral Radiologists
The Ontario Society of Oral Radiologists (OSOR) is a group of oral (or dental) radiologists who liaise with both government agencies such as Health Canada, as well as the dental community at large, to set and maintain standards in dental imaging.
What is an Oral Radiologist?
An Oral Radiologist is a dentist who has obtained additional training and qualifications in the field of dental radiology. This specialized training enables the radiologist to interpret x-rays and, when necessary, diagnose abnormalities. Sometimes an oral radiologist will work hand in hand with other specialists such as an Oral Pathologist, when making a diagnosis. General dentists and other specialists may forward x-rays taken in their own practice for a radiographic opinion.
Oral Radiologists can be found in both teaching facilities such as Universities and in a private practice setting.
Why refer to an Oral Radiologist?
Many types of x-rays are taken for specific purposes. Most dentists take the little films inside the mouth known as periapicals and bitewings. These are routinely taken as part of a patient’s ongoing care. Some dentist will also take a panoramic film to obtain general overview of the patient’s dentition and supporting structures. For more advanced imaging and investigation, such as TMJ disorders, pre-surgical implant imaging, localization or lesions, some dentists and dental specialists feel more reassured referring their patients to an Oral Radiologist, knowing the x-rays taken will meet the highest standards in quality and technique and that a qualified set of eyes will be screening the x-ray(s) for abnormalities. The Oral Radiologist will provide a written report based on their findings.
Advanced Imaging Techniques
Dental Radiology has come to rely heavily on technology. This is an ever evolving field offering state of the art image capture and accompanying software manipulation. The most current
medium for image capture is Cone Beam CT (CBCT).
Volumes of information are gathered during one short scan then manipulated in three dimensions by the Radiologist using specific software.
This type of imaging is especially crucial to dental implant specialists who need to know the internal anatomy of a patient’s jaw bone before surgery. Of particular importance are the location and position of the nerve (inferior alveolar nerve), that runs through the lower jaw (mandible), and/or the location of the sinus in the upper jaw (maxilla).
Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons may need to refer a patient for advanced imaging before moving or removing some incorrectly positioned, misaligned or impacted teeth. Now with the ability to look at the jaw bone three-dimensionally, the Radiologist can determine for example not only the position these teeth, but also their relationship to surrounding anatomic structures.
| Websites associated with Oral Radiologists in Ontario can be reached by selecting any of the following links: |
