## 5 Enhancement of Dental Imaging Protocols and Applications
### Protocol Optimization in Surgical Imaging  
Advances in imaging technologies have significantly reshaped how dental surgeries are planned, executed, and monitored. Protocol optimization across the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases ensures safer, more precise interventions and better patient outcomes.  
Preoperative Planning: In the early planning phase, high-resolution imaging technologies, particularly CBCT, are essential. CBCT provides detailed, three-dimensional views of bone density, nerve pathways, and vital anatomical landmarks. This information is critical for preparing for procedures such as dental implant placement, sinus augmentation, and periodontal surgeries. Moreover, CBCT data support the design of personalized surgical guides, which help clinicians predetermine the depth, angle, and positioning of instruments, thus reducing the risk of intraoperative complications [40]. The integration of CBCT with virtual treatment planning software adds another layer of precision. These systems enable step-by-step simulations of the surgical procedure, improving accuracy and reducing the likelihood of unexpected complications during surgery. Such virtual planning tools contribute to a patient-specific, precision-based approach, enhancing the overall safety and effectiveness of surgical interventions [41].  
Intraoperative Navigation: During surgery, real-time imaging and navigation technologies further enhance clinical performance. Tools such as AR and 3D visual overlays allow pre-planned surgical pathways and guides to be projected directly onto the operative field. This dynamic feedback enables clinicians to make fine adjustments to instrument positioning, angulation, and depth, particularly useful in complex or minimally invasive procedures like guided implant placements, sinus lifts, or apical surgeries [42]. In addition, intraoperative CBCT provides immediate imaging feedback. It allows surgeons to verify the placement of implants or the extent of bone modifications while the procedure is still ongoing. This real-time validation supports in-procedure corrections, reducing surgical time, minimizing the risk of complications, and increasing accuracy, especially in anatomically challenging areas.  
Postoperative Monitoring: Following surgery, postoperative imaging is important to evaluate healing, detect complications early, and monitor treatment success over time. Both digital radiography and CBCT are effective for follow-up assessments, offering high-detail imaging with relatively low radiation exposure. These modalities help clinicians track implant osseointegration, bone graft integration, and prosthetic stability. Furthermore, serial imaging allows for early detection of issues such as peri-implantitis, infection, or mechanical failures. This proactive approach enables timely intervention and helps prevent long-term complications. Objective postoperative monitoring not only supports clinical decision-making but also enhances the evidence base for future care strategies, contributing to the overall success of surgical outcomes.  
Across surgical applications, CBCT remains the cornerstone of preoperative planning, whereas AI-enhanced intraoperative guidance is still in development. AR-based overlays show promise in enhancing spatial orientation during complex procedures but require more controlled validation in clinical environments.