Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Periodontology.

Radiographic evaluation plays a decisive role in confirming and establishing diagnoses of periodontal diseases by providing information on the type and severity of damage to the alveolar bone. In the dental practice, twodimensional periapical and panoramic radiographs are routinely used for assessing alveolar bone status. However, two-dimensional image modalities have shown limitations in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of periodontitis. To this end, three-dimensional imaging modalities such as CBCT are currently being investigated as possible complementary diagnostic tools in periodontal therapies. CBCT has no geometric overlapping of anatomical structures; it is relatively accessible; and its radiation dose is lower, as compared to medical computed tomography. Furthermore, the ability to view the alveolar bone in three dimensions and to make measurements at any location could significantly improve periodontal diagnosis. The objective was to identify the best available external evidence for the indications of CBCT for periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning in specific clinical situations. A literature review of the PubMed-Medline database along with the reference lists of relevant articles was performed up to December 31, 2017. The following search terms were used: "periodontal disease", "computed tomography", "imaging", "furcation defect", "alveolar bone loss." Within their limits, the available data suggest that CBCT may improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment planning in periodontal defects, particularly in maxillary molars with furcation involvement, and that the higher irradiation doses and cost-benefit ratio should be carefully analyzed before using CBCT for periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]