Surgical treatment utilizing cone beam computed tomography

Abstract

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a diagnostic imaging modality that provides a high-quality, dimensionally accurate three-dimensional (3D) representation of the osseous elements of the maxillofacial skeleton. CBCT has the potential to transform the practice of endodontic microsurgery, much in the same way that other new technologies introduced over the past two decades - such as microscopes, ultrasonic devices, and new root-end filling materials - have led to enhanced safety and treatment outcomes. The different applications of CBCT in diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term outcome evaluation of periapical surgery will be reviewed. In this chapter cases will be presented to demonstrate the value of CBCT information in presurgical assessment, case selection, and treatment planning in endodontic microsurgery. The use of CBCT to identify and manage cases involving close proximity to important anatomical structures (e.g., maxillary sinus, the inferior alveolar, mental, and nasopalatine neurovascular bundles) and to evaluate the outcome of periapical microsurgery will be presented and discussed.