Cone beam computed tomography in dentistry: practitioner awareness and attitudes. A scoping review

Abstract

Familiarity with cone beam computed tomography is a requisite for all dental practitioners involved in its use or referral. This scoping review examines the knowledge, attitudes, competence and confidence of dental practitioners and students towards cone beam computed tomography in the dental setting. A search of Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted to identify and chart existing evidence. Relevant studies written in English and published after 1998 and up to July 2020 were included. Of 679 papers, 39 studies were included for analysis. Key findings include deficient knowledge despite a widespread recognition of its importance and willingness to increase proficiency in its use, as well as a largely positive and optimistic view of the technology. Future studies on practitioners’ knowledge and attitudes towards cone beam computed tomography are suggested to consider the contexts of an Australian setting.

An overview of three‐dimensional imaging devices in dentistry

“…A CBCT scanner is an imaging device that uses a collimated x‐ray source that produces a cone‐ or pyramid‐shaped beam of x‐rays and makes a single full or partial circular revolution around the patient, producing a sequence of discrete planar projection images using a digital detector. CBCT scanners are increasingly used by radiologists and dental professionals for various clinical applications in contemporary dentistry where regular dental or facial X‐rays are not sufficient 57–60 . In 1995, Attilio and his colleagues introduced the first CBCT device, the New Tom 9000, in dentistry 61–63 .…”

“…CBCT scanners are increasingly used by radiologists and dental professionals for various clinical applications in contemporary dentistry where regular dental or facial X-rays are not sufficient. [57][58][59][60] In 1995, Attilio and his colleagues introduced the first CBCT device, the New Tom 9000, in dentistry. [61][62][63] As mentioned, unlike conventional medical computed tomography (CT), CBCT uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam rather than a fan-shaped beam, and because a cone can radiate a much larger volume in a single rotation, it delivers a much T A B L E lower radiation dose than that by a fan-shaped beam.…”

“…Most notably, compared to conventional CT, the extent of metal artifacts and the effective radiation dose can be minimized in CBCT (by varying patient positioning (tilting the chin) and supplementary usage of personal protection (thyroid collar)). 57,59,67 However, because the radiation dose burden delivered increases with spatial resolution, the limitations of CBCT include other artifacts, poor soft tissue contrast, noise, and high radiation dose compared to conventional radiographic techniques, such as intraoral and panoramic radiography. 59,65,66 Metal artifacts in CBCT also have a negative influence on the diagnosis.…”

“…57,59,67 However, because the radiation dose burden delivered increases with spatial resolution, the limitations of CBCT include other artifacts, poor soft tissue contrast, noise, and high radiation dose compared to conventional radiographic techniques, such as intraoral and panoramic radiography. 59,65,66 Metal artifacts in CBCT also have a negative influence on the diagnosis. 68 Despite its disadvantages, the popularity of CBCT in dentistry is increasing exponentially.…”

Innovación Educativa en Odontología. Espacios, estilos y modelos de enseñanza y aprendizaje

“…El empleo de CBCT (cone-beam computed tomographic) es fundamental en el diagnóstico, elección del tratamiento, planificación del caso y la confianza en la toma de decisiones en el ámbito odontológico porque presenta numerosas ventajas en comparación con la tomografía computerizada y las radiografías convencionales como son la ortopantomografía y las periapicales (Stokes et al, 2021).…”