Utility of small computed tomography for dental use in endodontic treatment : A case report

Abstract

Abstract : This article shows the usefulness of dental micro CT in endodontic treatment.

 Case 1 : On clinical examination, the sinus tract was observed on the lingual mucosa of the right first incisor and the patient complained of slight discomfort of the gingiva.

 A dental radiograph was taken with a gutta-percha point inserted into the sinus, and it reached the periapical area of the right first incisor.

 However, the right first incisor showed pulp vitality using an electric pulp tester. From this result, we decided to perform endodontic treatment.

 One year later, we took a dental micro CT image, and a lateral branch was observed at the apical 1/3 of the lingual root surface and a periapical lesion was observed around the apex.

 Case 2 : The patient was referred to our clinic to receive an apicoectomy. The referring dentist diagnosed that operation was necessary because the periapical lesion was huge and the cortical bone was affected. However, we diagnosed this case as a contra-indication for apicoectomy.

 One year later after root canal filling, the size of the lesion had reduced as observed on the dental micro CT.

 From this finding, the size of the periapical lesion is not an important factor concerning healing of the periapical lesion.