**10.1 Introduction**

In April of 1972 Godfrey Hounsfield a senior research scientist at EMI limited in Middlesex, England announced the invention of a revolutionary imaging technique.

**57**

X-rays [33, 34].

**Figure 5.**

evaluation [35].

tic value [36–39] (**Figure 5**).

**11. Advantages of CBCT in dentistry**

**10.2 Cone beam computed tomography**

*the mandibular right second molar (red arrow).*

*Role of Radiographic Evolution: An Aid to Diagnose Periodontal Disease*

He referred this technique as computerized axial transverse scanning for which he received a Nobel prize in 1979. With this technique he was able to produce an axial cross sectional image of the head using a narrowly collimated, moving beam of

*Periapical radiograph (A) and sagittal (B), cross-sectional (C), and axial (D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections of the mandibular right second molar. No pathology is detected on the periapical radiograph. However, CBCT images clearly illustrate a deep, vertical, three-wall defect on the distal surface of* 

In the last decade, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the field of oral and maxillofacial imaging. However, CBCT finds application in almost every diagnostic task of clinical dentistry, including evaluation of periodontal and periapical structures. CBCT offers many advantages over conventional radiography, including the accurate three-dimensional imaging of teeth and supporting structures. Although not recommended for every dental patient, CBCT avoids the problems of geometric superimposition and unpredictable magnification and can provide valuable diagnostic information in periodontal

Periapical and bite-wing radiographs provide information mostly for the interdental bone. However, a three-wall defect that preserves the buccal and/or lingual cortices can be difficult to diagnose, and the buccal, lingual, and furcational periodontal bone levels are hard to evaluate in conventional radiographs. When clinical examination raises concerns for such areas, CBCT imaging can add diagnos-

Being considerably smaller, CBCT equipment has a greatly reduced physical footprint and is ~20–25% of the cost of conventional CT. CBCT provides images

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.88035*

#### **Figure 5.**

*Periodontal Disease - Diagnostic and Adjunctive Non-surgical Considerations*

• Tomography of facial bones, to study facial fractures.

• Assessment of the extent of orbital blow-out fractures.

• Evaluation of grossly comminuted facial fractures to determine all the fracture sites.

• Fractures are conventional radiography and it is still believed to be the most

• As an additional investigation of the TMJ and condylar head particularly useful if.

• It gives a more precise evaluation of sinus pathologies, which are poorly

• A high level of cooperation is required as the patient has to remain in the same

In April of 1972 Godfrey Hounsfield a senior research scientist at EMI limited in Middlesex, England announced the invention of a revolutionary imaging technique.

• Assessment of the size, position and extent of antral tumors.

• Sphenoid and ethmoidal sinuses are more clearly visualized.

• Similar optimum definition is obtainable on each slice.

• The radiation dose to the patient may be high.

• The technique is time-consuming.

• Images appeared to be blurred.

**10. Computed tomography (CT)**

position throughout the investigation.

• The most commonly used radiographic modality for demonstrating

• Postoperative evaluation of implants.

• Patients are unable to open their mouths.

• Tomography of sinuses.

maxillo-facial.

• Diagnostic tool.

visualized on.

*9.1.3 Disadvantages*

**10.1 Introduction**

• Routine radiography.

reliable.

*9.1.2 Advantages*

**56**

*Periapical radiograph (A) and sagittal (B), cross-sectional (C), and axial (D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) sections of the mandibular right second molar. No pathology is detected on the periapical radiograph. However, CBCT images clearly illustrate a deep, vertical, three-wall defect on the distal surface of the mandibular right second molar (red arrow).*

He referred this technique as computerized axial transverse scanning for which he received a Nobel prize in 1979. With this technique he was able to produce an axial cross sectional image of the head using a narrowly collimated, moving beam of X-rays [33, 34].
