Cone-beam computed tomography: Third eye for dental surgeons

Abstract

Cone-beam computed tomography is a relatively new three-dimensional imaging technology, which has been specifically developed for imaging of the teeth and jaws. This article gives an overview of the subject and discusses some of the implications for dental practitioners. An understanding of the underlying principles will allow the users of this technology to tailor the imaging protocol to the patient′s individual needs to achieve appropriate imaging at the lowest radiation dose.

Keywords

• Computed tomography
• Gantry
• Artifacts
• Cuboids
• Voxels
• Digital volume tomography