Ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging technique, is gaining prominence in dentistry as a supplementary diagnostic tool. Traditional methods such as clinical examination, 2D radiographs, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provide valuable insights but have limitations in imaging soft tissues and capturing the complete anatomical and physiological profile of the oral cavity. Ultrasonography (US), along with emerging technologies like laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and intraoral scans, offers significant advancements in evaluating periodontal and peri-implant tissues. These tissues are typically assessed through clinical signs of inflammation, tissue destruction, and volume changes, with parameters like probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). However, periodontal probing often suffers from inter-clinician variability due to differences in technique and access to the tissue. Radiographs primarily focus on hard tissues, such as bone and enamel, but provide only 2D projections of 3D structures, limiting their utility in assessing the buccal/facial and palatal/lingual aspects of the bone or soft tissues. Ultrasound, on the other hand, offers detailed imaging of both hard and soft tissues, enabling longitudinal monitoring and improved diagnostics. Recent advancements in transducer miniaturization and spatial resolution have enhanced the usability of ultrasound in dentistry, particularly in periodontology and implantology. The technology’s potential to assess both anatomical and physiological changes makes it a valuable tool for monitoring disease progression and treatment outcomes. To fully integrate ultrasonography into clinical practice, efforts are needed to transition it from research to routine use, while also incorporating it into dental education to familiarize practitioners with its applications. By addressing these gaps, ultrasound could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care quality in dentistry.
