Academy Publishes ‘Best Evidence Consensus’ on Cone Beam Computed Tomography

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has published a “best evidence consensus” (BEC) on the topic of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The BEC proceedings, which appear in the October Journal of Periodontology, focus on questions related to the use of CBCT in specific clinical scenarios. These include the surgical management of implant patients, determining risk to periodontal structures in patients requiring periodontal-orthodontic treatment, and diagnostic assessment and treatment planning for patients with periodontitis.

The AAP panel determined that CBCT has diverse applications for implant treatment and periodontal-orthodontic therapy, and should be used when the benefit to the patient outweighs the risk of exposure. Additionally, it asserts that use of CBCT in implant and periodontal-orthodontic cases can not only assist in planning a safer approach to treatment, but also facilitate interdisciplinary communication. For patients with periodontitis, traditional full-mouth radiographs, combined with clinical probing, remain the gold standard; however, CBCT may be beneficial in advanced cases, according to the academy.

From Decisions in Dentistry. November 2017;3(11):10.