Essentials of maxillofacial cone beam computed tomography.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a diagnostic imaging modality that has shown rapid adoption in clinical dental practice over the past 10 years. CBCT images provide high quality, accurate 3-dimensional (3D) representations of the osseous elements of the maxillofacial skeleton. The purpose of this article is to provide (1) an introduction to maxillofacial CBCT technology, (2) an understanding of the relative patient radiation dose, and (3) to underline the appropriate use of CBCTas a diagnostic imaging modality with specific clinical applications.