Cone beam computerized technology (CBCT) offers 3-dimensional visualization and more complex and more accurate imaging compared to analog and digital radiographs. It is an accurate tool for many clinical oral-maxillofacial indications, with lower radiation doses than computerized tomography. The clinician must determine the risk:benefit of imaging for each patient. Clinicians are rapidly realizing the significant advantages of CBCT imaging. Factors to consider in determining whether to purchase a CBCT device or to refer patients to imaging centers include cost, training, time required to generate images and reports, data transmission and storage,and responsibility for interpretation and pathology review.
