Cone beam computed tomography as a first line investigation in the pediatric dental patient

Cone beam computed tomography overcomes many of the limitations of traditional radiographic techniques and has become commonplace in dental practice. Pediatric patients are more likely to move during acquisition of the images and are susceptible to the harmful effects of ionising radiation. Therefore, justification for each individual and clinical scenario must occur before prescription of cone beam computed tomographs. There are clinical situations in which three-dimensional imaging is indicated as a first line investigation such as impacted canines and neighbouring root resorption, internal and external cervical resorption defects, virtual surgical planning for orthognathic surgery, autotransplantation analogues and assessment of TMJ anomalies. In these clinical situations, care should be taken to optimise the lowest radiation dose achievable for the pediatric patient whilst being indication-orientated and patient-specific.