Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A new horizon in clinical endodontics

• Author Details:   
• Ipsita Maity
• Utpal Kumar Das

---

View PDF

Successful management of endodontic problems depend on diagnostic imaging techniques to provide the critical information about the teeth under examination, and their surrounding hard and soft tissues. The introduction of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) specifically dedicated for imaging the maxillofacial region heralds a true paradigm shift from 2D to 3D approach to data acquisition and image reconstruction. The system overcomes many of the limitations of conventional radiography by producing undistorted, three-dimensional images of the area under examination. It is capable of providing sub-millimetre resolution in images of high diagnostic quality, with short scanning times (10–70 seconds) and radiation dosages reportedly up to 15 times lower than those of conventional CT scans. These systems produce images with small field of view at low radiation doses with adequate spatial resolution that are suitable for many applications in endodontics from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up. This article provides an overview of specific application of various CBCT display modes to clinical endodontic practice.

Keywords: Apical periodontitis, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Computed Tomography scan, Endodontics, Field of view, Periapical radiograph, Root resorption, three dimensional Imaging, Vertical root fracture