Diagnostic efficacy of cone beam computed tomography in paediatric dentistry: a systematic review
To determine in which clinical situations it is indicated or contra-indicated to prescribe cone beam computed
tomography (CBCT) for paediatric patients.
• Methods Systematic review of in vivo paediatric research studies of diagnostic efficacy using CBCT, with supplementary
searches for guideline documents on CBCT and for systematic reviews permitting inclusion of ex vivo and adult studies.
• Results After screening, 190 publications were included, mostly case studies. No systematic reviews were found of in vivo
paediatric research. Fourteen studies of diagnostic efficacy were identified.
The supplementary searches found 18 guideline
documents relevant to the review and 26 systematic reviews. The diagnostic efficacy evidence on CBCT was diverse and often
of limited quality. There was ex vivo evidence for diagnostic accuracy being greater using CBCT than radiographs for root
fractures.
The multiplanar capabilities of CBCT are advantageous when localising dental structures for surgical planning.
Patient movement during scanning is more common in children which could reduce diagnostic efficacy.
• Conclusions No strong recommendations on CBCT are possible, except that it should not be used as a primary diagnostic tool
for caries. Guidelines on use of CBCT in the paediatric age group should be developed cautiously, taking into account the
greater radiation risk and the higher economic costs compared with radiography.
CBCT should only be used when adequate
conventional radiographic examination has not answered the question for which imaging was required. Clinical research in
paediatric patients is required at the higher levels of diagnostic efficacy of CBCT.
