Computed Tomography
Dental Disease
Basic Information 
Overview and Goal(s)
• Computed tomography (CT) is a cross sectional x-ray imaging modality.
Cross-sectional images eliminate the problems encountered in radiograph interpretation that are caused by superimposition of the complex anatomy of the skull.
Uses x-ray technology so the gray shades within the images represent variations in tissue density making it an excellent modality for the evaluation of osseous and dental tissues.
Indications
• CT is indicated anytime information is needed to augment the clinical, oral, and radiographic examinations.
Most commonly used when dental abnormalities are complicated by secondary disease such as osteomyelitis or sinusitis, granuloma or cementoma formation, or osseous deformation.
Used to identify abnormalities that are sufficiently subtle to be unidentifiable by more routinely available techniques such as radiography.
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