Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Assessment of Dental Impactions

Radiographic interpretation and diagnosis of dental impactions and different associated pathology have long posed a challenge to the clinician. Dental impactions can occur due to pathologic or developmental factors, both of which can be evaluated more accurately using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Three-dimensional localization of the impacted teeth and determination of the type of impaction can be performed using the multiplanar reformats of the CBCT data, as well as three-dimensional reconstruction to give the clinician a sense of the position of the teeth in the bone and their relationship to their adjacent structures, In the event of treatment planning for extraction, the location of vital structures can be determined accurately. The advent of CBCT has been a monumental event for improving the diagnostic options and capabilities of the orthodontist. Familiarity and full utilization of its many options can provide the dentist with a valuable treatment planning tool.