Elsevier

Journal of Endodontics

Volume 33, Issue 9, September 2007, Pages 1121-1132
Journal of Endodontics

Case report/clinical technique
Endodontic Applications of Cone-Beam Volumetric Tomography

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joen.2007.06.011Get rights and content

Abstract

The ability to assess an area of interest in 3 dimensions might benefit both novice and experienced clinicians alike. High-resolution limited cone-beam volumetric tomography (CBVT) has been designed for dental applications. As opposed to sliced-image data of conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging, CBVT captures a cylindrical volume of data in one acquisition and thus offers distinct advantages over conventional medical CT. These advantages include increased accuracy, higher resolution, scan-time reduction, and dose reduction. Specific endodontic applications of CBVT are being identified as the technology becomes more prevalent. CBVT has great potential to become a valuable tool in the modern endodontic practice. The objectives of this article are to briefly review cone-beam technology and its advantages over medical CT and conventional radiography, to illustrate current and future clinical applications of cone-beam technology in endodontic practice, and to discuss medicolegal considerations pertaining to the acquisition and interpretation of 3-dimensional data.

Section snippets

Case 1: Diagnosis and Canal Morphology

A 33-year-old man was referred to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) postgraduate endodontic program for consultation and treatment of #30, with a chief complaint that “I need my root canal redone.” The patient reported having root canal therapy completed on #30 approximately 15 years prior. The patient had been seen in the postgraduate periodontal clinic since 2006 for placement of implants in the areas of #29 and #31. After obtaining a CBVT with the 3D

Discussion

Diagnostic information directly influences clinical decisions. Accurate data lead to better treatment-planning decisions and potentially more predictable outcomes. CBVT is an emerging technology that can offer the clinician clinically relevant information that cannot be gathered from conventional radiography. The ability to assess an area of interest in 3 dimensions eliminates the superimposition that is inherent in conventional radiographic imaging. Cone-beam technology currently has numerous

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