Cone Beam Computed Tomography In Diagnosis Research Articles

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) assessment for referral reasons and impact of pre-operative CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning in endodontics

Background and objectives: Cone Beam Computed tomography (CBCT) has become an important part of the diagnosis and treatment planning of various dental procedures including endodontics. Modern endodontics has become very advanced and it need very fine radiographic details which can be obtained through CBCT. The present study was carried with a purpose of evaluation of main reasons for referral of endodontic subjects for Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and impact of preoperative CBCT over the diagnosis and treatment planning in these referred cases. Materials and methods: In this study complete case study of patients who reported for endodontic procedures were examined. From this data those cases were selected which were further referred for CBCT examination. The CBCT images were analysed and information were gathered regarding the number of patients and teeth examined with CBCT, the main purpose to refer the case for CBCT examination, whether the teeth were endodontically treated previously, if there was presence of endodontic lesion, whether symptoms were present at the time of CBCT examination, if there was change in the diagnosis and treatment planning after CBCT examination and what type of treatment was carried out for each tooth after CBCT examination.

Cone beam computed tomography – the importance of z-axis

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.

Role of cone-beam computed tomography for the diagnosis of the labially inverted impaction of maxillary central incisor

Impaction of permanent maxillary central incisor is very rare. Inverted impaction of the maxillary central incisor is even more uncommon. Impacted central incisor can cause esthetic concern to the patient or can be associated with the dentigerous cyst. Conventional radiographs including intraoral periapical radiograph, occlusal radiograph, and pantomograph are most commonly advised for the diagnosis and evaluating the location of the impacted tooth. Two-dimensional imaging modality may not exactly locate and evaluate the tooth, root dilacerations, and effect on the surrounding structures. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) will assist in locating the tooth and evaluating the morphology. Inverted impaction of the central incisor has been reported as a rare entity in literature. This article discusses the case report along with the role of CBCT in diagnosis and evaluation of the labially inverted impaction of the central incisor.

When Is Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Imaging Appropriate for Diagnostic Inquiry in the Management of Inflammatory Periodontitis? An American Academy of Periodontology Best Evidence Review.

Clinical and radiographic examinations are essential in establishing correct periodontal diagnoses as well as providing appropriate treatment options. Current radiographic examinations, however, do not provide adequate information regarding the severity of periodontal disease, presenting a need to investigate alternative methods. The aim of this best evidence consensus is to determine when cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is appropriate for diagnostic inquiry in the management of inflammatory periodontitis. Literature was systematically reviewed to answer three clinically relevant focused questions regarding the role of CBCT in the management of inflammatory periodontitis. 1) Clinical situation: In patients with periodontitis, what (if any) clinical situations/conditions exist where CBCT imaging improves diagnostic acumen and subsequent treatment recommendations compared with two-dimensional radiographic interpretation? 2) Intervention: Does CBCT imaging improve the accuracy of a diagnostic assessment and establishment of a prognosis in the analysis of furcation and/or intrabony defects? Is the execution of therapy improved and facilitated, or is it therapeutically challenged? 3) Outcomes: Does the use of CBCT imaging provide superior short-term or long-term clinical outcomes, more favorable patient-reported outcomes, or more consistent clinical treatment decisions affecting tooth prognosis (as measured by defect fill, improvements in bone anatomy, mobility patterns, and ultimate tooth survival)? An extensive literature search was performed using the MEDLINE database and the most respected journals in the field. An electronic database search identified 885 citations, and a manual search yielded an additional five citations. After screening of article titles and abstracts, studies were excluded if irrelevant to the topic of this systematic review. Of the remaining full-text articles, 74 were obtained and reviewed. Sixty-two articles not meeting inclusion criteria were further excluded. Twelve total references met the inclusion criteria to determine the role of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment of both intrabony and furcation defects. Intrabony and furcation defects were the two most commonly discussed bony defects when comparing efficacy of CBCT versus intraoral radiographs (IRs). After a review of the literature, while diagnostic aspects of intrabony and furcation defects can be improved via the use of CBCT, limited evidence supported the use of CBCT imaging improving the execution of therapy for both types of defects. There was also a lack of literature to support the use of CBCT imaging for superior short-term or long-term clinical outcomes. None of the literature reported patient-reported outcomes when CBCT imaging was used. Currently, limited evidence supports the utilization of CBCT for diagnosis of intrabony and furcation defects. Despite the fact that there is rapidly accruing literature on CBCT, there are still no current evidence-based guidelines on its necessity and use for periodontal treatment planning. In selective cases, however, limited field of view CBCT may be useful for periodontal disease diagnoses due to less radiation dosage to the patient, higher spatial resolution, and shorter volumes to be interpreted.

Role of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment plan of Impacted teeth: A Case Report

In recent years Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become a widely accepted radiographic tool for diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up in dentistry. 3D imaging has improved diagnostic efficiency and the practice of dentistry in a variety of ways; from routine evaluation to complex analysis of unusual pathology and congenital deformities. The technology available today makes dentistry better, easier, and more accurate. The most recognized need for CBCT imaging in orthodontics is that of the impacted canine evaluation. This article reports a patient having impacted right maxillary lateral incisor and canine; which is evaluated by 3D CBCT and was found beneficial particularly in terms of anatomical detail of root resorption and labiolingual relationships of the impacted tooth with the roots of neighboring teeth. Linear and angular measurements on CBCT images were accurate and helped in determining the exact location of the impacted teeth making it convenient for the surgical exposure of impacted teet

Two Cases of Submandibular Sialolithiasis Detected by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Salivary gland stones can be detected with different diagnostic methods. Plain radiography, sialography, computed tomography (CT), cone-beam CT (CBCT), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear scintigraphy / positron emission tomography (PET) all play roles in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesion. The aim of this report was to present clinical and radiological features of two submandibular sialoliths detected by CBCT and to discuss the clinical value of CBCT in diagnosis of submandibular gland sialolith.

Three-dimensional localisation of impacted teeth with cone-beam computed tomography: A case series

Since its introduction into dentistry in 1998, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an increasingly important source of three-dimensional volumetric data in clinical orthodontics. CBCT should be used only in specific cases in which conventional radiography cannot supply satisfactory diagnostic information; these include patients with cleft palate, assessment of position of unerupted tooth, supernumerary teeth, identification of root resorption, and for planning of orthognathic surgery. Two-dimensional diagnostic imaging, such as traditional radiographs, cephalometric tracings, photographs, and video imaging have been routinely used as orthodontic diagnostic records since many years. The limitations of these imaging modalities include geometric distortion, magnification, superimposition of structures, projective displacements, rotational errors, and linear projective transformation. These errors can be easily overcome by the CBCT. The purpose of this is to highlight the significance of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning in the orthodontics.

Cone-Beam CT in diagnosis of scaphoid fractures.

This prospective study investigated the sensitivity of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), a low dose technique recently made available for extremity examinations, in detecting scaphoid fractures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used as gold standard for scaphoid fractures. A total of 95 patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture were examined with radiography and CBCT in the acute setting. A negative CBCT exam was followed by an MRI within 2weeks. When a scaphoid fracture was detected on MRI a new CBCT was performed. Radiography depicted seven scaphoid fractures, all of which were also seen with CBCT. CBCT detected another four scaphoid fractures. With MRI another five scaphoid fractures were identified that were not seen with radiography or with CBCT. These were also not visible on the reexamination CBCT. Sensitivity for radiography was 44, 95% confidence interval 21-69%, and for CBCT 69%, 95% confidence interval 41-88% (p = 0.12). Several non-scaphoid fractures in the carpal region were identified, radiography and CBCT depicted 7 and 34, respectively (p < 0.0001). CBCT is a superior alternative to radiography, entailing more accurate diagnoses of carpal region fractures, and thereby requiring fewer follow-up MRI examinations. However, CBCT cannot be used to exclude scaphoid fractures, since MRI identified additional occult scaphoid fractures.

Evaluation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Diagnosis and Treatment Plan of Impacted Maxillary Canines

Introduction: Maxillary canines have important roles in facial appearance, development of arch, and functional occlusion. Radiographs are important in evaluating the location and nature of these anomalies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate two types of 2D and 3D imaging technique in diagnosis and treatment of maxillary impacted canines. Methods: Thirty eight patients (50 impacted canines) were enrolled. An oral radiologist assessed all of patients’ panoramic radiographs and then cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine the presence of adjacent teeth root resorption, root dilacerations before dental extraction, dental rotation, and buccolingual localization ofimpacted canine crown and root contact with sinus and nasal cavity.Then using the patient’s radiographs the treatment plan of each impacted canine was determined by an orthodontist. Results: Differences between panoramic radiography and CBCT in diagnosis of root resorption and dental rotation were significant. There was an agreement between panoramic radiographs and CBCT in localization of impacted teeth crown. Only the treatment plans of 20% of impacted canines were different between panoramic radiographs and CBCT and treatment plan of 80% of impacted teeth was similar. Conclusion: These results showed that 2D and 3D images of impacted maxillary canines can produce different diagnoses and treatment plans.

Cone beam CT in orthodontics: The current picture

The introduction of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to dentistry and orthodontics revolutionized the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of orthodontic patients. This review article discusses the use of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. The steps required to install and operate a CBCT facility within the orthodontic practice as well as the challenges are highlighted. The available guidelines in relation to the clinical applications of CBCT in orthodontics are explored.

Aberrant Anatomical Variation of Maxillary Sinus Mimicking Periapical Cyst: A Report of Two Cases and Role of CBCT in Diagnosis

Most periapical lesions are associated with microorganisms from infected root canal systems. Maxillary sinus can pose a diagnostic dilemma radiographically because of its anatomical variation which can mimic a periapical pathosis. The aim of this study was to describe two cases of aberrant anatomical variation of the maxillary sinus that presented radiographic similarities to a periapical cyst in order to call the attention of clinicians to the fact that several different diseases are able to mimic endodontic periapical lesions. An accurate assessment of this morphology was made with the help of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

The current status of cone beam computed tomography imaging in orthodontics

Cone beam CT (CBCT) has become an increasingly important source of three dimensional (3D) volumetric data in clinical orthodontics since its introduction into dentistry in 1998. The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the current understanding of, and evidence for, the clinical use of CBCT in orthodontics, and to review the findings to answer clinically relevant questions. Currently available information from studies using CBCT can be organized into five broad categories: 1, the assessment of CBCT technology; 2, its use in craniofacial morphometric analyses; 3, incidental and missed findings; 4, analysis of treatment outcomes; and 5, efficacy of CBCT in diagnosis and treatment planning. The findings in these topical areas are summarized, followed by current indications and protocols for the use of CBCT in specific cases. Despite the increasing popularity of CBCT in orthodontics, and its advantages over routine radiography in specific cases, the effects of information derived from these images in altering diagnosis and treatment decisions has not been demonstrated in several types of cases. It has therefore been recommended that CBCT be used in select cases in which conventional radiography cannot supply satisfactory diagnostic information; these include cleft palate patients, assessment of unerupted tooth position, supernumerary teeth, identification of root resorption and for planning orthognathic surgery. The need to image other types of cases should be made on a case-by-case basis following an assessment of benefits vs risks of scanning in these situations.