Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 204, 303 - 306 (2008)
Published online: 22 March 2008 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2008.199
Subject Categories: Medical matters | Radiology
Mid-line clefts of the cervical vertebrae – an incidental finding arising from cone beam computed tomography of the dental patient
H. Popat1, N. Drage2 & P. Durning3
- Cone beam computed tomography is not only being used in the hospital setting but also in primary care for dental patients.
- Reviews the development of cone beam computed tomography in dentistry.
- Highlights the advantages of this imaging modality in respect of diagnostic yield and reduced radiation dose.
Abstract
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a rapidly emerging imaging modality in dentistry that offers the advantages of high diagnostic yield with short scanning times and a radiation dose significantly lower than conventional CT. Clinical applications of CBCT are numerous and they are being used both within the hospital and the primary care setting. The need for complete interpretation of CBCT images is essential. This report presents two patients for whom CBCT was carried out for orthodontic related purposes and incidental findings of cervical vertebrae clefts diagnosed. CBCT wherever they are undertaken should be reported by someone who has undergone adequate training in their interpretation particularly when machines using a large field of view are employed.
- Specialist Registrar in Orthodontics, Department of Dental Health and Biological Sciences, University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
- Consultant in Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
- Consultant Orthodontist, Department of Dental Health and Biological Sciences, University Dental Hospital, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY
Correspondence to: H. Popat1 e-mail: hashpopat@hotmail.com