Applications of cone beam computed tomography in dental and oral medicine

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a radiological technique available since 1998 in dental and oral medicine in which a cylindrical volume is acquired with a conical x-ray beam during one rotation around the head of the patient (cone beam computed tomography, cone beam CT). This technique is increasingly replacing conventional radiological procedures due to the possibility of arbitrary reconstructions and views free of superimposition. CBCT focuses on the display of the bones of the jaw, so that its use concentrates on problems in implantology, before surgical removal of impacted and displaced teeth, in traumatology, and in craniofacial malformations. The objective of this overview was to emphasize the advantages of cone beam computed tomography in the individual disciplines. However, schematization of examinations should be avoided for reasons of radiation protection and for avoiding forensic pressure. The limits of CBCT and thus an indication for computed tomography exist where there is suspicion of bone tumors with soft tissue participation as well as in extensive fractures with suspicion of craniocerebral trauma. In the case of tumors in the soft tissues and of functional temporomandibular joint symptoms, magnetic resonance tomography is preferable to CBCT.