Assessment of cone-beam computed tomography indications in pediatric patients: a retrospective radiographic analysis.

BACKGROUND

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides high-quality, three-dimensional imaging of the maxillofacial region. However, its use in pediatric patients remains controversial due to radiation dose concerns and the sensitivity of immature anatomical structures to radiation damage. This study aims to determine the prevalence and indications of dental CBCT usage in children.

METHODS

All CBCT images of pediatric patients under 15 years old, obtained from 2018 to 2025 at a university hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, indications for CBCT, imaging field of view (FOV), and average kVp and mA values were evaluated. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 266 CBCT images from children aged 5-14 years (mean age 11.06; 128 females, 138 males) were included. The prevalence of CBCT among all pediatric patients in this age group was found to be 2.1%. Of the CBCT scans, 175 were for the pathologies from maxilla, 88 from the mandible, and 3 involving both jaws. Imaging was most commonly performed in the anterior (incisor) region for both sexes, with a statistically significant higher rate in males (p<0.001). Surgical indications accounted for 81.6% of cases, while orthodontic indications comprised 18.4%. The most common reasons for CBCT imaging were impacted teeth (29.3%), pathological lesions (21.4%), supernumerary teeth (17.3%), and mesiodens (15.8%). The most frequently used FOV was 15x12 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CBCT use in pediatric patients is low and is primarily preferred before surgical interventions for impacted teeth and cyst/tumor-like lesions.