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What Is New and on the Horizon?

Background and Overview. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a diagnostic imaging technology that is changing the way dental practitioners view the oral and maxillofacial complex. CBCT uses radiation in a similar manner as does conventional diagnostic imaging and reformats the raw data into Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data. DICOM data are imported into viewing software that enables the manipulation of multiplanar reconstructed slices and three-dimensional volume renderings. DICOM data also may be used in third-party software to aid in dental implant placement, orthognathic surgery and orthodontic assessment.

Conclusions and Clinical Implications. The information gained from using CBCT requires careful interpretation to achieve optimum results for the patient and provider.

Key Words: Computed tomography; oral and maxillofacial radiography; digital radiography; dental radiography

Abbreviations: CBCT: Cone beam computed tomography • CT: Computed tomography • DICOM: Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine • TACT: Tuned-aperture computed tomography • 3-D: Three-dimensional • 2-D: Two-dimensional