Digital Dentistry Society Quality Forum: Clinical recommendations on cone-beam computed tomography for the digital dentistry workflow

This article investigates the application of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) within digital dentistry workflow and presents clinical recommendations from the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS) Quality Forum. Integration of CBCT into contemporary digital dental practice is examined, with emphasis on its role and clinical value alone or in conjunction with other imaging modalities. A comprehensive review of digital imaging acquisition processes, encompassing both direct and indirect approaches utilizing CBCT as compared to intraoral scanners (IOS), desktop scanners, and face scanners, highlights benefits and limitations of the 3D models generated by these technologies, aiming at the virtual patient creation. Technical parameters related to CBCT imaging relevant to digital dentistry are explored to provide recommended and acceptable features of the CBCT devices to that end. Key findings indicate that, while CBCT offers precise visualization of hard tissues, it can also be an all-in-one solution to capture intraoral and extraoral soft tissues, given some restraints. Nevertheless, a multimodal strategy, integrating CBCT, IOS, and face scan data, is recommended to produce thorough digital representations and achieve optimal patient outcomes. Future perspectives to enhance CBCT value in the digital dentistry workflow include patient movement correction and dual-energy systems. This article serves practical guidance for the clinical use of CBCT incorporated into digital dentistry, while also recognizing its constraints, especially regarding soft tissue imaging and dose considerations.