Soft tissue examination is a crucial aspect of dental diagnosis and treatment planning. Unlike hard dental tissues which are examined well with conventional imaging modalities, soft tissues are not easily assessed visually. Advanced imaging modalities are beneficial in providing valuable information about oral and maxillofacial soft tissues.
Conventional radiographs provide limited soft tissue details like some swelling or soft tissue calcification. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) provides detailed 3D information mainly on hard tissue with poor soft tissues contrast.

This review aim was to evaluate the use of CBCT as an imaging modality for assessment of soft tissue in the dento-maxillofacial region by reviewing the existing literature and formulate recommendations to be considered in future research. The following data were extracted from articles: methodology, applications and clinical significance which clarify the use of CBCT for evaluating soft tissue in the dento-maxillofacial region. Literature searches were performed in web of Science and PubMed. A total of 55 studies were included, most of the studies were review or original articles.
CBCT could be only used in linear measurements of soft tissue thickness. it is a valuable tool in obstructive salivary gland diseases, sinusitis, and help surgeons to avoid damaging vital structures. Finally, CBCT is not the imaging modality of choice when a detailed soft tissue imaging of the head and neck is required.
It is recommended that attempts should be made to use all the possible means to decrease the amount of scatter and hence, enhancing the contrast resolution and image quality of CBCT.