Cone-beam computed tomography: Time to move from ALARA to ALADA

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is routinely recommended for dental diagnosis and treatment planning. CBCT exposes patients to less radiation than does conventional CT. Still, lack of proper education among dentists and specialists is resulting in improper referral for CBCT. In addition, aiming to generate high-quality images, operators may increase the radiation dose, which can expose the patient to unnecessary risk. This letter advocates appropriate radiation dosing during CBCT to the benefit of both patients and dentists, and supports moving from the concept of "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) to "as low as diagnostically acceptable" (ALADA).

Accessory mental foramina detection by cone beam Ct in Indian population

The purpose of the present study was to assess the accessory mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography [CBCT] images in Indian population. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study at 3D Facial Imaging Centre, Nashik, India. The mental and accessory mental foramina, which show continuity with the mandibular canal, were assessed using axial and cross-sectional, 2-dimensional CBCT images. The sizes of the mental and accessory mental foramina were measured and statistically analyzed. Also, the distance between the mental and accessory mental foramina was measured. The accessory mental foramen was observed in 8.4% of patients. There was no significant difference regarding the sizes of the mental foramen between accessory mental foramen presence and absence. Also, the mean distance between the mental and accessory mental foramina was 5.3mm. The accessory mental foramen, which shows continuity with the mandibular canal, could be observed in 8.4% of the subjects using CBCT