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The Use of Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) in Endodontics

  • Modern Approaches to Endodontics (S Kim and B Karabucak, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Oral Health Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Cone beam computed tomography scans have been gaining popularity as a diagnostic aid. The purpose of this review is to understand the benefits and the limitations of this technology and its application in day to day clinical assessment. Familiarity with some basic principles of the technical aspect will aid the practitioner in controlling quality of the scan and the amount of radiation the patient is subjected to.

Recent Findings

Significant findings of this review are that the exposure to ionizing radiation is the main limiting factor in taking CBCT scans. The information obtained can be invaluable in treatment planning by providing a three-dimensional view of teeth and neighboring structures. The sensitivity of a scan to identify low radiodensity areas is significantly higher than two-dimensional X-rays; however, the histological nature of the affected bone is still being investigated.

Summary

In summary, while the clinician should weigh the risk and benefit before obtaining a scan, the industry should evaluate technology to reduce the exposure to radiation per scan further.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Endodontics, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, 240 S 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Meetu R. Kohli & Tom Schloss

  2. Berlin, Germany

    Tom Schloss

Authors
  1. Meetu R. Kohli
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  2. Tom Schloss
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Correspondence to Meetu R. Kohli.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Modern Approaches to Endodontics

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Kohli, M.R., Schloss, T. The Use of Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) in Endodontics. Curr Oral Health Rep 6, 377–384 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40496-019-00239-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40496-019-00239-0

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