Endodontic applications of cone-beam volumetric tomography

J Endod. 2007 Sep;33(9):1121-32. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2007.06.011. Epub 2007 Jul 19.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Pulp Cavity / diagnostic imaging
  • Dental Restoration Failure*
  • Dental Restoration, Temporary / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paresthesia / etiology
  • Periapical Periodontitis / therapy
  • Pulpitis / diagnosis
  • Retreatment
  • Root Canal Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Root Resorption / complications
  • Root Resorption / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, Spiral Computed*
  • Tooth Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Tooth Resorption / diagnostic imaging
  • Toothache / etiology*
  • Toothache / therapy

Substances

  • Dental Implants