Elastography meets dentistry: A novel synergy for better oral health

Abstract

Elastography, or elasticity imaging, is a non-invasive modality that assesses tissue stiffness by measuring elasticity in normal and pathological tissues. When tissues are compressed, they produce strain, causing displacement that allows estimation of tissue hardness. This resulting tissue elasticity is displayed as an elastography. Elastography is particularly useful in preoperative evaluations, as pathological tissues are typically harder than normal ones. This review highlights elastography's principles, applications, and future prospects in the oral and maxillofacial region, emphasizing its transformative impact on dentistry. By detecting and imaging changes in tissue elasticity, elastography represents a significant advancement in dental diagnostics.