Evaluation of Referral of Cone-Beam Ct Investigations at a Dentomaxillofacial Radiology Clinic of University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Recent researches provided an overview for advantages, disadvantages and indications/contraindications of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) as well as some thoughts on the current educational status of CBCT in dental schools. Reviews of recent publications reveal that CBCT is an important tool in the diagnostic process, even it plays an integral role in treatment planning and outcome assessment at different departments like maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontology and endodontics. The aim of present study is to find out the indications and the most frequently used ones by reviewing the indications of CBCT at Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (DMFR) clinic, which were referred by other clinics/departments of the hospital. Materials and Method:1590 CBCT indications defined from 1503 patients and their reports retrieved from the archieves of the DMFR clinic. Besides; referral reports, and Field of View (FOV-region) were also noted. Results: CBCT imaging has mostly focused on applications for dental implant planning, impacted tooth extraction, orthodontic purposes and temporomandibular joint imaging. Conclusion:CBCT is a 3D diagnostic tool contributing additional information to the clinical situation if the appropriate indication is used with the right FOV selection. In addition, the recent spread of implant treatments has led to the use of CBCT for implant planning.