Which type of radiographic scan did Wood et al. suggest needs improvement for clinical applications regarding maxillary molar buccal bone?

The suggestion made by Wood et al. regarding the improvement of radiographic scans for clinical applications in assessing maxillary molar buccal bone relates specifically to the resolution of the imaging. A voxel size of 0.4 mm refers to a relatively larger voxel compared to 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm options. In the context of dental imaging, smaller voxel sizes generally provide a clearer and more detailed representation of structures. A voxel size of 0.4 mm may result in a loss of fine detail that can be critical for accurately evaluating bone quality and architecture around maxillary molars.

As such, the recommendation points toward the need for advancements in resolution, which could allow for better diagnostic capabilities and treatment planning in orthodontics and related fields. By highlighting the limitations of the 0.4 mm voxel scans, Wood et al. emphasize the importance of utilizing imaging technologies that can reveal more intricate anatomical details, which are crucial in orthodontic assessments.