title: Incidental findings on cone beam computed tomography in orthodontic patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to find out the incidence of incidental findings seen in cone beam computed tomography scans taken for orthodontic purposes and to see if these findings influence orthodontic treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three hundred and twenty-nine consecutive scans carried out for orthodontic purposes using an i-CAT Classic were included in the study. Each scan was evaluated by a single radiologist and any incidental findings recorded. The incidental findings were further classified depending on whether the finding would influence orthodontic management.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were a total of 370 incidental findings in the 329 scans, with at least one incidental finding in 66% of patients. The most common incidental findings were dental (n = 120) and included retained deciduous roots (n = 24) and periapical disease (n = 15). Of the incidental findings 200 required no follow-up. A total of 168 findings required follow-up, but the overall orthodontic treatment plan was not altered. Only two findings were significant in that the orthodontic treatment was amended in light of the incidental finding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Incidental findings are very common on CBCT. However the majority of these findings do not affect orthodontic treatment planning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Radiology, University Dental Hospital, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XY, UK. nicholas.drage@wales.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Drage
authors.forename: Sheelagh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rogers
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Greenall
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Playle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D007568:Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015588:Observer Variation; D009970:Orthodontics; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010485:Periapical Periodontitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult