Transtomography: a new tomographic scanning technique

OBJECTIVES: To introduce and test a new tomographic technique, namely transtomography, making it possible to expose tomographic images employing the narrow beam of an advanced panoramic machine. METHODS: The working principle of the new technique is described. It combines a translational movement with a pendular movement of the beam that creates motion unsharpness analogous to that of conventional tomography. In order to verify whether the new technique works and results in tomographic images, test radiographs were exposed on phantoms. RESULTS: The principle of transtomography works and give images with properties essentially equivalent to those of conventional tomography. With the transtomographic technique using a narrow beam, tomographic images may be exposed with an advanced panoramic machine. CONCLUSION: Transtomography may be employed to expose tomographic images basically on the same indications as for conventional tomography.