Cone beam computed tomography in dentistry: Clinical recommendations and indication-specific features

Area of Science:

• Dental Imaging Technology
• Radiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers advanced 3D imaging for dentistry.
• A wide array of CBCT devices with varying technical specifications are commercially available.
• Understanding these features is crucial for optimal clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of commercially available CBCT devices.
• To analyze the impact of technical features on image quality and diagnostic performance.
• To develop decision support tools for selecting appropriate CBCT parameters across dental specialties.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and manufacturer website analysis to identify CBCT devices.
• Data collection on technical features, including field-of-view, resolution, and exposure parameters.
• Development of decision support charts based on specialty-specific indications and parameters.

Main Results:

• Eighty-seven CBCT devices from 34 manufacturers were identified.
• Significant variation exists in technical parameters like field-of-view, tube voltage, tube current, and dose.
• Decision support charts were created for various dental specialties, including prosthodontics, periodontology, and oral surgery.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the diversity of CBCT devices and identifies gaps in reported reconstruction parameters and dose information.
• Clinicians should individualize CBCT acquisition parameters to optimize diagnostic accuracy and minimize patient radiation dose.
• Decision support charts aid in selecting optimal CBCT technical parameters tailored to specific dental needs.