CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) was rapidly adopted in dental practices due to its compact size, low cost, and reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional medical CT.

1º CBCT TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

The CBCT machine uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam that rotates around the patient, capturing 2D images at each degree of rotation. These 2D images are transmitted to a computer, where they are reconstructed into 3D images using the Feldkamp algorithm and displayed in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Unlike conventional CT, which uses a fan-shaped X-ray beam and generates multiple slices, CBCT offers a significantly lower radiation dose, between 6 to 15 times less. CBCT provides submillimeter resolution, ranging from 0.4 mm to as small as 0.09 mm, thanks to the use of isotropic voxels, which have uniform dimensions along all three spatial axes. This high resolution allows for a more accurate representation of anatomical structures with a 1:1 projection. Additionally, CBCT systems use flat panel detectors (FPDs) coupled with CCDs, which help convert analog signals to digital, reducing image distortion and enhancing contrast. The images are stored in DICOM format, allowing easy sharing and communication in telemedicine.

The CBCT offers advantages such as detailed 3D imaging and lower radiation exposure compared to other techniques, but its disadvantages include lower soft tissue resolution and limited field of view; however, it remains an optimal tool for assessing temporal bone and petrous bone structures.