Cone Beam Computed Tomography Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) market is projected to grow significantly, reaching approximately US$ 2,278.41 million by 2028, up from US$ 1,214.51 million in 2022, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% during the period from 2022 to 2028.

Several factors are driving this market expansion, including the rising incidence of dental issues and the incorporation of advanced software tools into CBCT systems. Nonetheless, the high initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs pose challenges to the growth of the cone beam computed tomography market.
CBCT represents an advancement over traditional computed tomography (CT) systems. These systems, utilized by dental professionals, rotate around the patient while employing a cone-shaped X-ray beam to gather data. This data is then utilized to create three-dimensional images of dental structures, as well as the oral and maxillofacial regions, including the mouth, jaw, neck, and areas related to the ears, nose, and throat.

Dental disorders rank among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), impacting individuals throughout their lives. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Oral Health Status Report 2022, approximately 3.5 billion people globally suffer from oral diseases, with a significant proportion residing in middle-income nations. The prevalence of major oral health issues continues to rise, influenced by global lifestyle changes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 85% of children and around 65% of adults, including those aged 65 and older, experience various dental conditions. Additionally, dental trauma, resulting from injuries or misalignment, is common, with WHO estimating that about 20% of individuals will encounter such trauma in their orodental region at some point in their lives. Research by Nguyen Van Chuyen et al. in July 2021 highlighted dental caries as a significant global health concern. Furthermore, malocclusion is recognized as a critical dental health issue alongside periodontitis and tooth decay, with the Dentistry Journal reporting a malocclusion prevalence rate of 39% in children and up to 93% in adolescents. This increasing prevalence of malocclusion is expected to drive demand for invisible orthodontics, subsequently enhancing the growth of the CBCT market. Digital imaging techniques play a crucial role in dental treatments, with CBCT facilitating anatomical characterization and identifying specific anomalies in dental implants, making procedures more interactive and manageable for dental professionals. Thus, the rising incidence of dental diseases significantly contributes to the growth of the cone beam computed tomography market.
The benefits of CBCT have led to its extensive use across various fields, including dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine, rheumatology, and traumatology. CBCT generates three-dimensional images that are particularly advantageous in orthodontics and periodontology, offering a clear edge over traditional radiography. The quality of the CBCT device is a crucial factor influencing its effectiveness in ENT and reconstructive head and neck surgeries. Additionally, the increasing number of referrals and the diversity of anatomical regions requiring imaging are on the rise. CBCT technology has also introduced dedicated breast CT imaging, utilizing cone beam X-rays and flat panel detectors, marking a significant advancement in breast imaging. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of existing imaging techniques for dense breast tissues and overlapping structures, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer. It also facilitates the easy administration of contrast media for functional imaging.
In diagnosing chronic sinusitis, CBCT is favored due to its lower radiation exposure and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional CT. It provides clear differentiation between air, membrane, and bone density, allowing for detailed visualization of anatomical structures and their pneumatization. Furthermore, it enhances the visibility of inflammation, although it may not distinguish between simple mucous membrane thickening, cysts, polyps, or fluid accumulation. Research on middle ear pathologies has utilized CBCT to focus on auditory ossicles, and in otologic surgery, it is essential for assessing cochlear dimensions and the positioning of cochlear implant electrodes, which are critical for preserving residual hearing.
In orthopedics, CBCT scanners offer enhanced patient positioning flexibility, extending their application beyond the dentomaxillofacial region. These scanners enable rapid, precise three-dimensional imaging with significantly reduced radiation doses. Their compact design allows for the integration of CT imaging into clinical settings, emergency rooms, community facilities, and operating rooms. Vertical alignment of the scanners permits examination of patients in a standing position, with weight-bearing scans providing improved visualization of certain pathologies. Consequently, the expanding applications of CBCT across various healthcare sectors are anticipated to create growth opportunities for market players in the global cone beam computed tomography market in the future.

Patient Positioning Insights
The cone beam computed tomography market is categorized based on patient positioning into standing, sitting, and supine segments. The standing segment dominated the market share in 2021, while the sitting position is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2028. CBCT scans can be performed with patients in various positions, and standing position hardware requires less space, making it particularly appealing in dental, orthodontic, and maxillofacial settings. However, standing may introduce involuntary motion, leading to image artifacts. Dental-maxillofacial practitioners often prefer standing position imaging due to the optimal spatial requirements of these devices.

Application Insights
The cone beam computed tomography market is segmented by application into dental, ENT, breast cancer, skull base, and orthopedic applications. The dental segment held the largest market share in 2021, while the ENT segment is expected to experience the highest CAGR of 11.9% during the forecast period. High-quality CBCT scans are instrumental in post-operative evaluations, middle and inner ear cochlear implant visualization, and intraoperative guidance for temporal bone surgeries. The superior image quality, reproducibility, and reduced radiation exposure associated with CBCT imaging make it an appealing alternative to traditional imaging methods in ENT. This technique is gradually supplanting conventional X-ray methods in ENT applications, including sino-nasal pathology assessment, maxillofacial and nasal trauma evaluation, cochlear implant visualization, diagnosis of middle/inner ear malformations, and obstructive sleep apnea examinations.