Intraoperative endodontic applications of cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in endodontics for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up has been extensively reported in the literature. Compared with the traditional spiral computed tomography, high-resolution limited CBCT results in a fraction of the effective absorbed dose of radiation. However, it should be prescribed only after weighing the cost of radiation exposure with the benefit of the diagnostic information that can be obtained from the scan.

METHODS: The purpose of this article is to discuss the application and advantages of intraoperative CBCT in endodontics, while reducing radiation exposure during complex endodontic procedures.

RESULTS: In cases of increased difficulty or intraoperative complications such as complex anatomy, dystrophic calcifications, root resorptions, perforations, and root fractures, it is prudent to consider the use of CBCT with its inherent diagnostic value and limited radiation exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of the added diagnostic information provided by intraoperative CBCT images in select cases justify the risk associated with the limited level of radiation exposure.