Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Prof. KAKIMOTO Naoya

【Research Keywords】
Oral and maxillofacial Radiology, Videofluoroscopic study, Videoendoscopic study, Dysphagia, Screening, Osteoporosis, MRONJ(BRONJ), Radiation therapy and Interstitial brachytherapy for oral cancer

【Recent highlights】
We are conducting clinical applications by integrating an automatic diagnostic function into panoramic X-ray imaging systems for the early detection of osteoporosis. In the field of dysphagia, we are planning to apply “enzyme infusion (freeze–thaw impregnation method)” to develop soft foods for caregiving. For brachytherapy in oral cancer, we have achieved improved treatment outcomes through the use of ultrasound imaging. We are also engaged in research on AI-based diagnostic imaging in dentistry and the head and neck region.

Profiles of Faculty and Research Scholars

【Major Papers of the Laboratory】
・Comparison of T2 values of the displaced unilateral disc and retrodiscal tissue of temporomandibular joints and their implications. Sci Rep. 2024 Jan 19;14(1):1705. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52092-6.
・Osteoporosis screening support system from panoramic radiographs using deep learning by convolutional neural network. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2022 Sep 1;51(6):20220135. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20220135.
・Radiomics analysis of intraoral ultrasound images for prediction of late cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with tongue cancer. Head Neck. 2023 Oct;45(10):2619-2626. doi: 10.1002/hed.27487.
・Clinical factors associated with jawbone remineralization after nonsurgical treatment and imaging-based insights into its processes. Oral Radiol. 2026 Apr;42(2):361-370. doi: 10.1007/s11282-025-00867-6.

【Education】
Oran and maxillofacial radiology is the study of the core principles of image production, including advanced imaging such as Computed tomography (CT), Cone-beam CT (CBCT), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Ultrasonography (US), basic science of radiation and radiotherapy; and as importantly how to interpret the medical imaging findings.

【Research】

  1. Radiation effects on the bone.
  2. Imaging study for dysphagia.
  3. Early detection of osteoporosis using panoramic radiography.
  4. Diagnostic study of dento-maxillo-facial radiology.
  5. Physiological study of swallowing using magnetic encephalography.
  6. Radiation therapy for oral cancer patients

【Photo explanation】We are diagnosing not only dental x-ray images but also advanced imaging including CT, CBCT, MRI and US.


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