Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) - Balancing Benefits and Risks

[Cary Feuerman, DMD]

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs has issued new guidance on the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in dentistry. Their findings appear in an advisory statement in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

The Council concluded that clinicians should prescribe CBCT imaging only when they expect that the diagnostic yield will benefit patient care, enhance patient safety or improve clinical outcomes significantly.

The advisory statement discusses:

• Principles for the safe and appropriate use of CBCT imaging procedures, including sound clinical justification, optimal radiation protection and using the smallest field of view necessary for diagnostic purposes
• Precautions for the safety of the patient and the dental team
• Appropriate education and training for CBCT imaging and evaluation

Read the entire advisory statement in the August issue of JADA.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also posted an informational webpage on dental cone-beam computed tomography. The FDA is promoting the safe use of CBCT in dental and maxillofacial imaging, particularly in the pediatric population. Recommendations are provided for parents, patients and health care providers to help reduce unnecessary radiation exposure from CBCT.

Cary Feuerman, DMD

PERIODONTAL ASSOCIATES

SOURCE:  American Dental Association