Diagnostic Efficacy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in Chronic Periodontitis—A Systematic Review

Background: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is differentiated by progressive loss of periodontal bone. Two-dimensional radiography often fails to exactly identify the extent and morphology of bone defects. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional (3D) imaging, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy. Objective: To systematically assess the diagnostic effectiveness of CBCT in comparison to conventional imaging in CP. Methods: A search of electronic databases was conducted between 2000 and May 2024. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews 2020 requirements were followed in this review, which was registered in PROSPERO with ID CRD42024590967. Two reviewers extracted the data after carefully evaluating the studies for eligibility requirements, and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to do a complete excellence check on the chosen records. Results: Seventeen research studies fulfil the inclusion measures, showing an overall moderate to minimal chance of bias. Owing to high heterogeneity in study design and reporting, meta-analysis was not feasible. Narrative synthesis revealed that CBCT offers greater accuracy, reproducibility, and 3D visualization of periodontal bone defects, particularly for furcation involvement and bone loss, compared to conventional radiography. Conclusion: CBCT provides enhanced diagnostic accuracy and detailed visualization of periodontal bone loss, supporting its value in managing CP.