[Cone Beam CT New tool in diagnostic imaging].

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Classical Computerized Tomography (CT) has limitations in specific anatomical regions.
• Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) has emerged as a valuable alternative imaging modality.
• The development of CBCT technology offers enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the advantages of CBCT over conventional CT.
• To explore diverse clinical applications of CBCT in dentistry and beyond.
• To provide an overview of CBCT's utility in various medical fields.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of CBCT and CT imaging principles.
• Review of clinical case studies utilizing CBCT technology.
• Evaluation of CBCT's diagnostic accuracy in different specialties.

Main Results:

• CBCT demonstrates superior resolution for hard tissues, especially in dental and maxillofacial regions.
• Key applications include implantology, oral surgery, periodontology, endodontics, and orthodontics.
• CBCT is effective for characterizing jaw lesions but less so for soft tissues compared to MRI or contrast-enhanced CT.

Conclusions:

• CBCT offers significant advantages for imaging hard tissues in dentistry and maxillofacial applications.
• Its utility extends to paranasal sinus, temporal bone, and small joint imaging.
• While CBCT excels in specific areas, MRI or contrast-enhanced CT remain preferable for soft tissue evaluation.