2019 Volume 62 Issue 4 Pages 199-207
Purpose: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides precise 3D images and cross-sectional images in any plane with a low radiation dose, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in endodontic practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of CBCT examinations at the endodontic clinic of Aichi Gakuin University Dental Hospital during 2015-2016.
Methods: This study evaluated data from patients who attended the endodontic clinic during 2015-2016 and had CBCT scans taken. The endodontists who performed the CBCT examinations were asked to provide the following information about their patients: the number of cases, sex, age, tooth type, reasons for taking a CBCT image, findings, and treatment planning from the CBCT scan data.
Results: A total of 237 CBCT examinations were performed: 78 in 2015 and 159 in 2016. The most common reasons for taking a CBCT image were to assess the relationship between the lesion and anatomic structures (16.4%: 2015, 17.8%: 2016), to assess the size and spread of a lesion (17.6%: 2015, 15.2%: 2016) and to detect apical periodontitis (10.1%: 2015, 12.0%: 2016). Valuable additional information such as the presence of cortical bone defects, sinus mucosal thickening, and thinning of root dentin were also obtained. Treatment planning based on the CBCT scan data resulted in some cases of termination of root canal treatment (46.3%: 2015, 50.3%: 2016) and extraction (23.8%: 2015, 11.7%: 2016).
Conclusion: CBCT is effective in complex endodontic cases that are difficult to diagnose by conventional radiographic imaging. Further surveys will be carried out to determine the most appropriate use of CBCT in endodontic practice. It is also necessary for dental students, as well as clinicians, to be educated about the importance of training in CBCT image interpretation.
