Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is gaining popularity and becoming more integral in dentistry, particularly in dental implant procedures. Prior to treatment, it is necessary to take radiographic images to evaluate the position for the implant and study the surrounding structures to avoid important anatomical features, preventing complications and ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
How Cone Beam Computed Tomography Works
CBCT is a type of extraoral radiography. The resulting images can show the relationship of structures in all three planes and can be reconstructed into a 3D image, which traditional radiographs cannot achieve. These images are extremely useful for diagnosing diseases and planning treatments in various dental fields, such as implant dentistry, oral surgery, and the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other pathologies.
Advantages of Diagnosis with Cone Beam Computed Tomography
- High Detail: CBCT images provide superior detail regarding boundaries, shapes, internal structures, and their relationship with surrounding structures compared to other radiographic techniques. There is no overlap of structures in the desired planes.
- Pathological Assessment: CBCT can accurately display the position and boundaries of various pathologies in the jawbone, such as cysts, benign and malignant tumors.
- Lower Radiation Dose: CBCT uses significantly less radiation compared to medical CT scans.
- Computer Software: It aids in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Benefits of CBCT in Dentistry
- Assessment of Bone Quality and Size: Radiographic images from CBCT show bone characteristics such as cortical bone volume, shape, height, width, and thickness, with measurements that match the actual bone dimensions. It also shows the positions of anatomical structures near the implant site, such as the maxillary sinus, incisive nerve, nasal cavity, mandibular nerve, and mental foramen.
- Evaluation of Impacted Lower Molars and the Mandibular Nerve: Unlike periapical or panoramic radiographs that provide only 2D images and can overlap structures, CBCT shows the relationship between tooth roots and the mandibular nerve in all planes, aiding in precise surgical planning and reducing the risk of complications from nerve damage during surgery.
- Study of Pathological Boundaries and Shapes in the Jawbone: CBCT allows for detailed assessment of infections, inflammations, cysts, benign and malignant tumors, and fractures due to accidents. It enables more accurate surgical planning for cysts, tumors, or root end surgeries.
