Evaluation of preference and purpose of utilisation of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) compared to orthopantomogram (OPG) by dental practitioners : a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become a reliable adjunctive tool for both diagnosis and treatment planning in the field of dentistry. There are numerous advantages of CBCT over 2D imaging techniques (OPG). There is a need to evaluate the changing trend of preference and purpose of utilisation of these imaging modalities by dental practitioners. This study was carried out to evaluate and compare the purpose and preference of utilisation of CBCT and OPG by various dental practitioners in their clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out on CBCT and OPG data of 620 different cases treated by different dental practitioners from imaging centres in the twin cities of Telangana (Hyderabad & Secunderabad). For comparisons, we used the Mann-Whitney U test (Z test). RESULTS: The analysis of data showed that among the dental practitioners OPG was more commonly ordered by general dentists (31%) followed by prosthodontists (30%), whereas CBCT was more advocated by general dental practitioners (25%) followed by OMFS (23%). OPG preference was greater for fixed partial denture planning (FPD) 59%, whereas CBCT was highly preferred for implant planning 61%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that general dentists preferred OPG and CBCT compared to other dental practitioners, and OPG was advocated for FPD planning, whereas CBCT was advocated for implant planning. Moreover, and it was found that there had been a drastic increase in the preference of CBCT over OPG in recent times