Description
Cone-beam
computed tomography systems (CBCT) are a variation of traditional computed tomography (CT)systems. The
CBCT systems used by dental professionals rotate around the patient, capturing
data using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. These data are used to reconstruct a
three-dimensional (3D) image of the following regions of the patient’s anatomy:
dental (teeth); oral and maxillofacial region (mouth, jaw, and neck); and ears,
nose, and throat (“ENT”).
Uses
Dental CBCT systems are increasingly used by radiologists and
dental professionals for various clinical applications including dental implant
planning, visualization of abnormal teeth, evaluation of the jaws and face,
cleft palate assessment, diagnosis of dental caries (cavities), endodontic
(root canal) diagnosis, and diagnosis of dental trauma.
Benefits/Risks
X-ray
imaging, including dental CBCT, provides a fast, non-invasive way of answering
a number of clinical questions. Dental CBCT images provide three-dimensional
(3-D) information, rather than the two-dimensional (2-D) information provided
by a conventional X-ray image. This may help with the diagnosis, treatment
planning and evaluation of certain conditions.
Although the radiation doses from
dental CBCT exams are generally lower than other CT exams, dental CBCT exams
typically deliver more radiation than conventional dental X-ray exams. Concerns
about radiation exposure are greater for younger patients because they are more
sensitive to radiation (i.e., estimates of their lifetime risk for cancer
incidence and mortality per unit dose of ionizing radiation are higher) and
they have a longer lifetime for ill effects to develop.
Information for Patients and Parents
The
American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDA recommends that clinicians perform dental
X-ray examinations, including dental CBCT, only when necessary for the
diagnosis or treatment of disease. The clinical benefit of a medically
appropriate X-ray imaging exam outweighs the small radiation risk. However, efforts should be made to help minimize this risk.
The FDA also recommends that for
all X-ray imaging procedures, including dental CBCT, patients and parents of
children should:
·
Talk with their
health care provider.
ü Review the benefits and risks of the procedure before it is
performed.
ü Discuss if the imaging exam is necessary and if there are equally
useful alternative exams that use no or less ionizing radiation.
ü Ask if the facility uses radiation reduction techniques such as
size-based protocols for children.
Information for Dental Professionals
Dental CBCT should be
performed only when necessary to provide clinical information that cannot be
provided using other imaging modalities.
Imaging professionals should
follow the principles of justification and optimization in the protection of
patients undergoing radiological examinations. The FDA recommends that dental
professionals:
·
Discuss
the rationale for the examination with the patient and/or parent to ensure a
clear understanding of benefits and risks.
·
Reduce
the number of inappropriate referrals (i.e., justify X-ray imaging exams) by:
ü Determining if the examination is needed to answer a
clinical question,
ü Considering alternate exams that use less or no
radiation exposure, and
ü Reviewing the patient's medical imaging history to
avoid duplicate exams.
·
Use
exposure settings for dental CBCT exams that are optimized to provide the
lowest radiation dose that yields an image quality adequate for diagnosis
(i.e., radiation doses should be "As Low as Reasonably Achievable").
The technique factors used should be chosen based on the clinical indication,
patient size, and anatomical area scanned, and the equipment should be properly
maintained and tested.
Information for Industry
Dental CBCT systems are medical devices that are also
radiation-emitting electronic products. The FDA regulates manufacturers of dental CBCT devices through the Electronic
Product Radiation Control (EPRC)and medical
device provisions of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Dental CBCT systems are classified
under 21 CFR 892.1750.
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