Foreign body detection and determining whether it is adjacent to critical organs has a significant role in its removal. Various imaging techniques have been used to locate foreign bodies. This study aimed to compare cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital radiography for detecting foreign bodies in an in vitro model.

Foreign bodies composed of normal glass, barium glass, wood, and stone with two sizes were placed into three different locations of two sheep heads. Digital radiography [lateral cephalometric, submentovertex (SMV)] and CBCT were compared to investigate their sensitivity for detecting foreign bodies.

Diagnostic sensitivity of digital radiography in lateral cephalometric view, SMV view, and CBCT for detecting all types of foreign bodies was 67.2, 32.3, and 76.6% respectively. None of these techniques were successful in detecting wood satisfactory. Stone was detected relatively higher than other foreign bodies (82.6%). Diagnostic sensitivity of CBCT in detecting foreign bodies was 100%, except for wood. Accuracy of imaging techniques in detecting foreign bodies according to locations in descending order was lip, mandibular angle, and maxillary sinus.

It can be concluded that appropriate amount of radiopacity is enough for CBCT to exactly detect foreign body, regardless of its location or size.

In maxillofacial traumatic patients, CBCT seems to be a better and cost-effective technique for detecting hidden foreign bodies than other routine techniques.

Lari SS, Shokri A, Hosseinipanah SM, Rostami S, Sabounchi SS. Comparative Sensitivity Assessment of Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Digital Radiography for Detecting Foreign Bodies. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(3):224-229.