Recent Advances in the Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Planning of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma

Abstract

This study explored the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the evaluation of traumatic lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region, especially in impacted and supernumerary teeth. The research was conducted through a systematic review of scientific articles, selected from a search in DECS descriptors and the PubMed database, resulting in 10 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results highlight CBCT as a superior imaging modality, capable of generating detailed three-dimensional images with lower radiation dose and high spatial resolution. This technology has proven crucial for accurate diagnosis and planning of surgical treatments, allowing for clear visualization of facial structures and fractures, making it easier to differentiate between conditions such as vertical root fractures and apical periodontitis. The application of CBCT was also effective in the manufacture of customized plates for facial fracture surgeries, demonstrating its value in improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications. The study concludes that CBCT represents a significant advance in dentistry, offering improved diagnostic accuracy and contributing to more targeted care and effective therapeutic approaches, essential in clinical practice for treating complex conditions.