The use of CBCT (Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography) in the Oro-Maxillofacial Region

Introduction: Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) provides volumetric imaging with reduced radiation, increased spatial resolution of 100um or less and reduced metal artefacts, compared to Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT). It uses a conical and more recently a pyramidal shaped source of ionizing radiation and an area detector which together provide multiple images that form volumetric data which can be seen in several DICOM viewers, including the PACS. It has been originally developed for vascular cardiac imaging but currently, it is extensively being used for dental purposes although other medical fields such as ENT and head and neck surgery are starting to exploit its use.

Methods: The aim of this lecture was to introduce the use of CBCT, describe its advantages and disadvantages with emphasis on patient’s radiation dose as well as the reconstructed images, commonly employed. Its everyday use both nationally and internationally will also be described and the growing diversity of its use will also be addressed.

Results: CBCT has been introduced to the oro-maxillofacial radiology field in Israel since 2005 and is being used mostly in the dental private practice. During the last decade, it has started to be implemented in the public medical settings for non-dental use as well.

Conclusion: CBCT is an excellent choice for both dental and non-dental uses of cranial radiology imaging, allowing for the demonstration of calcified materials (teeth, jaws, facial bones including the temporal bones, and sialo/tonsilo-liths) as well the demonstration of soft tissue borders, when interfaced with air (nasal and paranasal sinus cavity and airway) or with contrast materials, as done in Sialo-CBCT.