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Do something or do nothing? anatomical variants and incidental findings on cone beam CT. part 1 Jimmy Makdissi Amanda Loughlin Mohammed M Dungarwalla Dental Update 2024 49:2, 707-709.
Authors
JimmyMakdissi
DDS, MMedSc, FDS RCS(Eng), DDRRCR, FHEA
Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, The Royal London Dental Hospital; Clinical Director, JM Radiology CBCT Training
Specialist in Oral Surgery, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Royal London Hospital
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a popular and often indispensable imaging modality used for the dento-alveolar tissues and immediate surrounding structures. It can be used across several dental disciplines including endodontics, implant planning, oral surgery and orthodontics. Furthermore, it is also commonly used in the medical specialities of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery. In many of the images taken, there will often be findings/presentations that may not be expected, or familiar, to the reporting clinician.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: Many incidental findings are innocuous, yet their recognition and documentation are essential because some will warrant medical or surgical intervention.
Article
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an indispensable imaging modality in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) because of its ability to visualize the hard tissues of the maxillofacial skeleton in three dimensions (3D). It is also readily available in general dental practice, which has advanced the diagnostic and treatment capacity of the primary care practitioner. Further advantages include the fast scanning time and the ability to merge scans with implant planning and diagnostic software.
The main uses of dental CBCT can be divided into the planning of dental procedures (for example, where vital anatomical structures may be compromised in a surgical intervention), in planning complex endodontic treatment, or in the investigation of complications (for example, when a root has been displaced into the sinus or there is a persistent peri-apical radiolucency following endodontic treatment).
Although CBCT technology has been in use in Europe since 1996, its widespread use in dentistry is a more recent advancement. The introduction of a new imaging modality carries with it many concerns that must be addressed. Personnel who wish to use CBCT in their practice must be adequately trained to ensure the safety of patients and staff, and there must also be appropriate selection of cases, and maximum diagnostic yield from each study. Studies must be adequately interpreted to ensure any information acquired can be acted upon or taken into account in treatment planning.
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