Imaging has a precious role to play in the clinical diagnosis and assessment of a dental patient. Almost all the imaging techniques used earlier that is in and around 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s suffered from the same limitation of magnification, distortion, superimposition, and misrepresentation of structures as they were all two-dimensional (2D) images. We have witnessed the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) imaging modalities in the form of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging technologies that have had a splendid influence in the field dentistry. The image selection rationale for several areas of head and neck region has been given by (American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology).[1,2] The fundamental element of radiology is exposure of the patients and most likely the clinical staff to X-rays. Any exposure to X-rays is risky, so the dentists should follow all measures to ensure protection. Dentists usually use radiology to a reasonably greater amount on children and young adults and hence the need for wise use is of prime importance. The advent of cone beam CT (CBCT) has been extensive advancement in dental imaging. Numerous efforts for 3D radiographic imaging (e.g. stereoscopy, tuned aperture CT) have been made, but its use in dentistry has become limited due to dose factors, access, and cost.[3] CBCT generates 3D images to guide diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.[4] It has created a revolution in the field of dentistry by enabling the transition of radiology from 2D to 3D.[3] Sir Godfrey Hounsfield introduced CT in 1967, and there has been a steady progress to what is currently in use today.

Two types of beam used in CT are the fan beam and cone beam. In fan-beam scanners, the X-ray source and solid-state detector are mounted on a rotating gantry. Acquisition of data is by a narrow fan-shaped beam.[5] In the axial plane, the image obtained is in the form of slices, and the interpretation is done by stacking the slices in 2D representation. The linear array detector elements used in conventional helical fan-beam CT scanners are in reality a multi-detector array. This configuration allows multi-detector CT scanners 64 slices acquisition simultaneously, which greatly reduces the scanning time when compared to single-slice systems and thus allows generation of 3D images at considerably lower doses of radiation than single detector fan-beam CT arrays.[5]

Scanning of image is done in three positions: (1) Sitting (2) standing (3) supine. Out of the three the sitting position is the most comfortable position.

Four main steps in the acquisition of a CBCT image are:

Acquisition configuration

A review of the literature available till date shows that CBCT has an important role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of a disease. We can say for sure that if used rationally it would outweigh its inherent risks. Hence, we conclude by saying that various clinical trials and evidence-based studies is the need of the hour that will favor its application in dentistry.