Cone beam computed tomography – the importance of z-axis

Abstract

Background: Conventional imaging is the backbone of dentistry. Intraoral and extraoral radiographs are commonly used for diagnosis and clinical management for multiple maxillofacial pathologies. However, they are of a two-dimensional nature and have numerous limitations and disadvantages. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) adds a third dimension to the two-dimensional image. The multiple pathological conditions that remain undetected in two-dimensional imaging can be easily diagnosed with CBCT and, to a large extent, help with treatment planning and prognosis. Aim: To compare intraoral and extraoral two-dimensional imaging to CBCT to prove the importance of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning. Setting and Design: Different cases in which patients underwent two-dimensional intraoral / extraoral imaging and CBCT were reported and variations in radiographic diagnosis were compared. Conclusion: CBCT is a boon to dentistry. The third dimension adds invaluable information that modifies the diagnosis and treatment plan and hence helps improve the prognosis.

Keywords

• cone beam computed tomography
• conventional imaging
• third dimension
• z-axis