Investigating Frequency of Reasons for Referring to CBCT in a Private Imaging Center in Yazd from 2010 to 2012

A CBCT system (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a new method in the application of radiography in dental science that provides three-dimensional data of the hard and soft tissue، without magnification or distotion. Information obtained via this diagnostic imaging can be utilized in treatment planning.

In this retrospective descriptive study، the CBCT prescription of all dentists (DDS & Expert) were investigated in a private Center of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (426 patients) in Yazd from Oct 2010 to Dec 2012 (26 months) and the following information was extracted: age، sex، years of prescription، reason of prescription، academic level of prescriber. Moreover، data was analyzed utilizing SPSS Version 16.

The study results revealed that 64. 8% of patients aged between 30 to 60 years. Prevalence of male and female patients was approximately equal. Most CBCT prescriptions were by general dentists (44%) and then it belonged to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (32. 2%). CBCT was requested most for implant (88%). Number of CBCT requests in 2010 was 18. 5%; in 2011 was 29. 3% and in 2012 was 52. 1%.

Patients referred for evaluation before implant involve one of the main reasons for the CBCT request. However، it seems that the using CBCT was not limited to implant and will be developed in oral and maxillofacial surgery، orthodontics، root canals therapy and other dental treatments.