CBCT 1 article

CBCT, or cone beam computed tomography, produces three-dimensional dental and maxillofacial imaging from a volumetric X-ray acquisition. Its value lies in selected questions where conventional two-dimensional imaging may not provide enough information, such as complex endodontics, implant planning or localisation of impacted teeth. Field of view, voxel size, artefacts and radiation dose affect image quality and justification. Appropriate selection, acquisition and interpretation of CBCT are the key issues, with conventional dental radiographs remaining preferable when they answer the question adequately.