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Clinical Applications of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Dental Practice

William C. Scarfe, BDS, FRACDS, MS; Allan G. Farman, BDS, PhD, DSc; Predag Sukovic, BS, MS, PhD

Contact Author

Dr. Scarfe Email: wcscar01@louisville.edu

ABSTRACT

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. CBCT is capable of providing sub-millimetre resolution in images of high diagnostic quality, with short scanning times (10–70 seconds) and radiation dosages reportedly up to 15 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. Increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an imaging modality capable of providing a 3-dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. This article provides an overview of currently available maxillofacial CBCT systems and reviews the specific application of various CBCT display modes to clinical dental practice.

© J Can Dent Assoc 2006; 72(1):75–80 This article has been peer reviewed.

MeSH Key Words: radiography, dental/instrumentation; tomography, x-ray computed/instrumentation; tomography, x-ray computed/methods

adiology is important in the diagnostic assessment of the dental patient and guidelines for the selection of appropriate radiographic procedures for patients suspected of having dental and maxillofacial disease are available.1 The American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) has established “parameters of care” providing rationales for image selection for diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of patients with conditions affecting the oral maxillofacial region, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (Parameter 2), diseases of the jaws (Parameter 3) and dental implant planning (Parameter 4).2 Although combinations of plain x-ray transmission projections and panoramic radiography can be adequate in a number of clinical situations, radiographic...