Which statement about cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is true?

• A. It provides three-dimensional images.
• B. It uses more radiation than a medical CT.
• C. It is usually performed in a radiologist's office or hospital.
• D. It cannot be used for planning dental implants.

Answer: (A)

Three-dimensional imaging is what CBCT provides. It creates a volumetric dataset from a single rotation that can be reconstructed into axial, coronal, and sagittal views, giving precise spatial relationships of teeth, roots, bone, and vital structures. This capability makes implant planning, evaluation of complex anatomy, detection of pathology, and planning of surgical guides much more accurate because measurements and relationships can be assessed in three dimensions rather than on flat 2D images. Radiation dose varies with the machine and settings, but CBCT is generally lower than that of a typical medical CT, especially when a targeted field of view is used. It’s also common for CBCT to be performed in a dental office rather than a radiology department, and it is widely used for dental implant planning.