Journal of Dentistry

Stationary Intraoral Tomosynthesis: A Step Toward the Future of Routine Dental Imaging

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors

Shahram Hamedani 1
Sepideh Zaeri 2

1 Oral and Dental Disease Research Center, School of Dentistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/dentjods.2026.109821.2917
Abstract
Stationary intraoral tomosynthesis (s-IOT) is an innovative imaging modality designed to overcome limitations of conventional bitewing radiography, notably proximal overlap. Based on carbon nanotube field emission technology, s-IOT acquires multiple projections across a 12° span and reconstructs them into high-resolution tomographic slices. Research indicates lower radiation dose compared to standard techniques and improved detection of proximal caries, periodontal bone loss, root fractures, and complex root morphologies including the direction and degree of dilaceration. Integration with synthetic radiography reduces artifacts and enhances interpretation. Future developments combining s-IOT with artificial intelligence and dual-energy imaging may further expand diagnostic potential, positioning s-IOT as a promising clinical tool.

Keywords

Carbon nanotube (CNT)
Proximal overlap
2D and 3D images
Bitewing technique
Vertical root fracture (VRF)
  • Mauriello SM, Broome AM, Platin E, Mol A, Inscoe C, Lu J, et al The role of stationary intraoral tomosynthesis in reducing proximal overlap in bitewing radiography. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2020; 49: 20190504. 
  • Shan J, Tucker AW, Gaalaas LR, Wu G, Platin E, Mol A, et al. Stationary intraoral digital tomosynthesis using a carbon nanotube X-ray source array. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2015; 44: 20150098.
  • Inscoe CR, Platin E, Mauriello SM, Broome A, Mol A, Gaalaas LR, et al. Characterization and preliminary imaging evaluation of a clinical prototype stationary intraoral tomosynthesis system. Med Phys. 2018; 45: 5172-5185.
  • Johnson KB, Kay EM, LaPrade JC, Ludlow JB. Bitewing radiography dosimetry of the PORTRAY stationary-intraoral tomosynthesis imaging system. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2023; 136: 360-370.
  • Puett C, Inscoe CR, Hilton RL, Regan Anderson MW, Perrone L, Puett S, et al. Applying synthetic radiography to intraoral tomosynthesis: a step towards achieving 3D imaging in the dental clinic. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2021; 50: 20200159.
Journal of Dentistry
Volume 27, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 192-194

  • Receive Date 30 November 2025
  • Revise Date 04 January 2026
  • Accept Date 21 February 2026
  • First Publish Date 23 February 2026
  • Publish Date 01 June 2026

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Guide for Reviewers

Contact Us