Indications and use of cone beam computed tomography in children and young individuals in a university-based dental hospital

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the indications of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in children and young individuals in a university-based dental hospital and their association with age, gender and field of view. Methods 7131 CBCT scans, taken during 3-year period, were reviewed and a total of 649 pediatric patients (0–18 years) with complete request forms were included. Data related to gender, age, referring department, CBCT indications, field of view (FOV), region of interest (ROI), need for re-exposure and patients received more than one CBCT examination were recorded. Results The mean age was 13.57 ± 3.52 years and “malocclusion and dentofacial anomaly” (28.7%) was the most common clinical indication. Facial trauma, dental trauma and supernumerary tooth in males; “malocclusion and dentofacial anomaly” and implant planning in females were recorded more frequently compared to other gender. Maxilla was the most frequently monitored ROI (35.1%) for patients. Small (≤ 10 cm) FOV was preferred in 58.1% of all patients. Large FOV was selected in the majority of patients who underwent CBCT scan for “malocclusion and dentofacial anomaly” (89.6%). The repeated scans constituted 2.3% of patients and 105 patients (16.2%) underwent multiple CBCT scans on different dates for mainly orthodontic follow-up. Conclusions The justification of CBCT scans was not fully compatible with current guidelines and mainly larger FOV was preferred. The number of CBCT examination in children and young individuals tends to increase. Trial registration number Not applicable