Cone Beam Computed Tomography & Its Application in Periodontics

The presence of periodontal diseases is diagnosed on the basis of evaluation of clinical signs and symptoms followed by radiographs. Radiographs provide diagnostic information about the quality localization of the bone defect and the pattern of the bone resorption, changes in the bony trabeculae, condition of the lamina dura, length and shape of the root, furcation defects, subgingival calculus, and additional pathology. Two dimensional periapical and panoramic radiographs are routinely used for diagnosing periodontal bone levels.The amount of information obtained from conventional film and digitally-captured periapical radiographs is limited by the fact that the three-dimensional anatomy of the area being radiographed is compressed into a two-dimensional image. As a result of superimposition, periapical radiographs reveal limited aspects of the three-dimensional anatomy. Three dimensional imaging (3D) evolved to meet the demands of advanced technologies in delivering the treatment and at the same time responsible for the evolution of new treatment strategies. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) generates 3D volumetric images and is also commonly used in dentistry. All CBCT units provide axial, coronal and sagittal multi-planar reconstructed images without magnification. CBCT displays 3D images that are necessary for the diagnosis of intra bony defects, furcation involvements and buccal/lingual bone destructions. CBCT applications provide obvious benefits in periodontics, however; it should be used only in correct indications considering the necessity and the potential hazards of the examination.