CBCT vs Panoramic Xray for Detecting Hidden Infection? Caries?

[EmBee]

Which is more effective at detecting hidden tooth infections - CBCT or Panoramic Xrays?

Will either one of them also be able to detect cavities inside teeth?

Thank you!

 

[MattKW]

Neither. The resolution of ordinary dental Xrays is 10-20x better than CBCT or OPG. I have seen government dental clinics use OPGs for cost-cutting purposes when looking for decay, and it is such a stupid waste of radiation and resources. And CBCTs won't give you better resolution, but significantly more radiation.