Applications of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Implant Treatment Planning

The objective of this article is to review the literature which describes the evolving role of cone-beam computed tomography in dental implant treatment planning. The literature supports the use of CBCT in dental implant treatment planning particularly in regards to linear measurements, three-dimensional evaluation of alveolar ridge topography, proximity to vital anatomical structures, and fabrication of surgical guides. Despite inherent limitations associated with conventional two-dimensional (2D) radiographs, these continue as the mainstay for assessments of anatomical landmarks and implant site evaluation, CBCT should be considered as an imaging alternative in cases where the projected implant receptor or bone augmentation site(s) are suspect, and conventional radiography may not be able to assess the true regional threedimensional anatomical presentation. This article has specific aim of describing critical anatomic landmark assessment based on four functional implant zones using CBCT.