3D Ιmaging in Clinical Endodontics – Applications and limitations

Abstract:
Radiographic examination is essential in diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry and especially in endodontics. However, conventional radiographs have inherent limitations such as the lack of three-dimensional information.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been specifically developed to produce undistorted three-dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton, including the teeth and their surrounding tissues, with a significantly lower effective radiation dose compared with medical computed tomography.

The aim of this presentation is to illustrate the basic principles and the potential clinical applications of cone-beam imaging in clinical endodontics.

This webinar will demonstrate the normal anatomic features and dental pathology on CBCT reconstruction images, will provide the basic knowledge to enhance 3D imaging perception and interpretation, will discuss briefly the recognition of examination errors, technical parameters and artifacts that affect the quality of the image. The main part of the webinar will focus on the presentation of clinical cases that highlight the advantages and limitations of the CBCT imaging in order to obtain the best possible diagnostic imaging information.

Furthermore, the recommendations from the AAE/AAOMR and ESE position statement papers on the use of CBCT in endodontics will be presented.

Finally, the positive impact of CBCT imaging in treatment planning decisions and the effect on treatment outcome will be emphasized.