Which imaging technique is preferred for assessing impacted teeth accurately?

The preferred imaging technique for assessing impacted teeth is cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This method provides three-dimensional imaging, which allows for a detailed visualization of the dental structures and their spatial relationships. CBCT is particularly advantageous in evaluating the position of impacted teeth, as it helps determine their exact location relative to adjoining anatomical structures such as nerves and other teeth.

This three-dimensional perspective reduces the ambiguity and overlap often seen in standard two-dimensional radiography. While conventional CT can also be useful for similar assessments, it typically involves higher radiation exposure and is less commonly used in dental applications due to its cost and complexity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not usually utilized for dental imaging because it is less effective in assessing bony structures compared to other imaging methods. Therefore, CBCT stands out as the most effective and preferred technique for accurately evaluating impacted teeth.