Cone beam computed tomography imaging as a diagnostic tool in determining root fracture in endodontically treated teeth

• Main Authors: Eleftherios Terry R Farmakis, Spyridon Damaskos, Christos Konstandinidis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Saudi Endodontic Journal
• Subjects: Cone beam computed tomography; diagnosis; endodontically treated teeth; vertical root fracture
• Online Access: http://www.saudiendodj.com//article.asp?issn=1658-5984;year=2012;volume=2;issue=1;spage=22;epage=28;aulast=Farmakis

Introduction: Vertical root fractures (VRFs) of endodontically treated teeth are serious complications that are associated with a poor survival prognosis. The diagnosis of VRFs is difficult, because the clinical signs and symptoms are often obscure and periapical radiographs (PAs) provide limited diagnostic information. Recently, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has been used to address complicated cases of VRFs with an inconclusive diagnosis. Aim: To determine the clinical diagnostic accuracy of CBCT in detecting VRFs in complex failing cases of endodontically treated teeth, as an adjunct to PAs. Materials and Methods: Evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of CBCT in a series of clinical cases of suspected VRFs, presented via clinical photographs, PAs, and CBCT images. Results: CBCT imaging significantly aided the differential diagnosis in most cases. Conclusions: CBCT imaging provides a 3D image and information in many cases of VRF that 2-dimensional PAs fail to generate. The slice thickness and interslice interval of the CBCT image influence the perception of the normal anatomy and pathoses.