CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CBCT) IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL PLANNING OF IMPACTED SUPERNUMERARY TEETH IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS

Background: Accurate diagnosis and surgical planning for impacted supernumerary teeth in pediatric patients continue to be difficult because of anatomical differences and the limitations of traditional imaging. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provides sophisticated three-dimensional imaging that could improve clinical results.
Aim: To assess the diagnostic precision and surgical planning efficacy of CBCT in pediatric patients with impacted
supernumerary teeth in comparison to traditional two-dimensional (2D) radiographs.
Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed on 45 pediatric patients (ages 6–14 years) exhibiting
radiographic evidence of impacted supernumerary teeth. For each case, both 2D imaging (orthopantomogram and/or
periapical radiographs) and CBCT were used to look at it. The data gathered encompassed localization accuracy, tooth
morphology, orientation, and modifications in surgical planning. We used Chi-square and paired t-tests to do a
comparative analysis (P<0.05 is significant).
Results: CBCT showed better diagnostic abilities than regular two-dimensional imaging. CBCT accurately identified
the bucco-palatal or lingual position of supernumerary teeth in 87% of cases, compared to only 34.8% with 2D imaging (p < 0.001). The results of the CBCT had a significant effect on the decisions made about surgery. Surgical access routes were altered in 64.4% of cases based on CBCT imaging (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: CBCT greatly enhances diagnostic precision and enables meticulous surgical planning for impacted
supernumerary teeth in pediatric patients. Its superior anatomical visualization facilitates safer, minimally invasive
interventions and should be considered particularly in complex cases where 2D imaging is insufficient.