Use of cone beam computed tomography in periodontology: An overview

Abstract

Radiographs play an important role in making a diagnosis and treatment planning. Conventional radiographs including intraoral and panoramic imaging are used very frequently for this purpose. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new era in the field of oral radiology making the innovation provide high-quality, thin-slice imaging. CBCT is capable of providing information in three dimensions simultaneously making the process of diagnosis and treatment planning easy for the clinicians. It has got the advantage of less exposure of radiation to the patient and reduced scan time. In the field of periodontology, it best enables the clinician about the crestal alveolar bone architecture and helps in treatment planning for implant placement. This review gives a general idea for how the technology is applicable in the clinical practice.