Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics
As endodontists, we were trained to get to the root of the problem. While this is literally our job and our passion, at times in the past it has also been a source of frustration. Conventional 2-D images sometimes did not provide enough data to make scientific decisions for diagnosis and treatment planning. We rely on a 2-D image and our expertise in endodontics to diagnose and treat. However, we all know that there are limitations to these images.
Since 2014 we have been implementing a high resolution 3-D cone beam imaging system from J. Morita into our practice. We are the first endodontic office to pioneer this technology in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. The Veraviewepocs3D F40 can show fine details we normally cannot see with conventional 2-D X-rays. In a matter of seconds, a high resolution 3-D scan of an area of interest is taken.
Some of the benefits of CBCT in endodontics are:
- Show bone changes and lesions significantly better compared to traditional X-rays. No more waiting for the lesion to penetrate the cortical plate or anatomy to block what we need to see.
- Find canals that were previously left untreated.
- Identify root canal system anomalies and complications.
- Diagnosis of pathology not related to teeth.
- Better visualization of fractures and trauma related injuries.
- Better understand reasons for failure in retreatment and apicoectomy cases.
- Eliminate any unnecessary treatment or treatment of hopeless cases
- Differentiate internal versus external resorption and avoid a guessing game whether or not the damage is repairable.
- Better understand the relationship between upper teeth infections and sinusitis
Morita Veraviewepocs 3D F40 CBCT 
The smallest image possibly taken is a 40 mm by 40 mm scan. This shows the best detail possible and is the ideal image for endodontics. This is also the lowest radiation dosage possible for a CBCT.
