The cone beam computer tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. The machine uses a special type of technology to generate three dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and bone areas in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone beam CT allow more precise treatment or surgical planning of impacted teeth, the diagnosis of jaw joint problems, the evaluation of bone disorders such as cysts, tumors, fractures. Using special software a surgical guide can be constructed based also on data received by intraoral scanners, useful in implantology or reconstructive surgery. The digital smile design, the cephalometric analysis and others applications are based on CBCT data.
