21 March 2025

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Cone beam computed tomography in Endodontics – a review of the literature

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The use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis and/or management of endodontic problems is increasing and is reflected in the exponential rise in publications on this topic in the last two decades. The aim of this paper is to: (i) Review current literature on the endodontic applications of CBCT; (ii) Based on current evidence make recommendations for the use of CBCT in Endodontics; (iii) Highlight the areas in which more research is required.

The three-dimensional radiographic assessment of teeth and their surrounding structures with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is desirable for aiding diagnosis and/or management of complex endodontic problems (Rodríguez et al. 2017a,b).

The use of CBCT in Endodontics is increasing rapidly worldwide, and this is reflected in position statements being published by several specialist societies (European Society of Endodontology 2014, American Association of Endodontists/American Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology CBCT position statement 2015).

The limitations of conventional radiography are well established. The diagnostic yield of the two-dimensional images generated (Brynolf 1967, Velvart et al. 2001) is impaired, to varying degrees, by anatomical noise masking the area of interest (Bender & Seltzer 1961, Paurazas et al. 2000) and geometric distortion (Forsberg & Halse 1994). The three-dimensional nature of CBCT overcomes some of these limitations (Patel et al. 2015).

There are insufficient data within meta-analyses or systematic reviews assessing the use of CBCT in Endodontics. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the most relevant literature highlighting the relative advantages and also disadvantages of CBCT in the various aspects of Endodontics.

Authors: S. Patel, J. Brown, T. Pimentel, R. D. Kelly, F. Abella, C. Durack

Source: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/