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

To provide a narrative overview of commercially available CBCT devices, highlight the wide range of technical features and their impact on image quality and diagnostic performance, and develop decision support charts to guide clinicians in selecting appropriate CBCT parameters for different dental specialties.

Data collection involved reviewing published articles on CBCT devices and accessing manufacturer websites. Additional manufacturers were identified through a literature search and by attending scientific and commercial events held in 2023 and 2024. Information on CBCT features was obtained from websites, manuals, and inquiries until February of 2025. Data were categorized and analyzed descriptively and quantitatively to recommend device requirements for dental specialties. Decision support charts were developed for each specialty based on common indications and technical parameters (e.g., field-of-view, scout need, spatial resolution, X-ray exposure parameters, and post-processing tools).

Eighty-seven commercially available CBCT devices from 34 manufacturers across 11 countries were identified, with information confirmed for only 10 companies. Missing data varied, however FOV and voxel size were commonly reported. Tube voltage ranged from 50-120 kV, and tube current mostly varied between 1-17 mA. Dose considerations varied widely, with dose-product-area ranging from 10 to 5600 mGy.cm2 and typical effective dose estimates from 3 to 500 µSv. Decision support charts were created, outlining necessary image acquisition and reconstruction-related parameters for prosthodontics and implant dentistry, periodontology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, and endodontics.

This study provides an overview of the technical features of commercially available CBCT devices, highlighting gaps in reconstruction parameters and dose considerations. Tailored recommendations based on patient-specific needs are essential, with clinicians individualizing CBCT acquisition to optimize diagnostic accuracy and minimize biological risks.

This study provides valuable insights into commercially available CBCT devices in terms of their features and provides decision support chart to help clinicians select optimal technical parameters tailored to specific dental specialties.