CBCT as Diagnostic Modality in Radiographic Assessment of 3rd Molar
Author(s): Sakshi R Agrawal*, Rozina Vishnani and Seema Sathe
Abstract
3rd molar extraction is a commonly performed procedure by dental surgeons. 3rd molar extraction is performed for various reasons such as inadequate space for eruption of the molar caries pathologies resorption of root, fracture of teeth which can’t be conserved. The extraction of molar sometime cause’s injury to Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) and maxillary sinus, so it’s better to know the position of the tooth, so radio graphs are taken to see the position of the tooth and adjacent structures. Commonly used radiographs are OPG and CBCT but nowadays CBCT is widely used due to its advantages and applications. Some classifications associated with CBCT of third molar are given to assess proximity of root apices with Inferior Alveolar Canal (IAC). CBCT has advantage when compared to conventional and panoramic radio graphs. The accuracy is superior when compared to Ortho Pantomo Gram (OPG) and radiation exposure is less when compared conventional Computed Tomography (CT). The major drawback of panoramic radiographs is they produce 2 dimensional images of 3 dimensional object bur CBCT produces 3D images. The IAC position and the mandibular 3rd molar position is often related so the classification according to the canal’s position and the according to the position of mandibular 3rd molar in CBCT is described. Furthermore the consequences of the IAN injury and principles of CBCT are discussed.