[Cone beam computed tomography: is more also better?].

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a radiographic technique that has now been available in dentistry for about 20 years. The ability to display three-dimensional structures is of importance for many defects in the maxillofacial area. A disadvantage, however, is that the dose of a CBCT-study is higher than the dose of more conventional imaging techniques. This should be taken into account when prescribing a CBCT-examination. Because a CBCT-image usually displays a larger area than that of conventional radiography, there is the possibility that abnormalities may be shown that are outside the direct field of experience of the dentist. For all these reasons, the user of a CBCT-device needs to have additional knowledge.