Utilização da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na endodontia: aspectos atuais de interesse clínico

Abstract

In order to have a great view of the internal structures of the tooth, and thus a higher probability of success in treatment, periapical radiography is essential during endodontic procedures. Since the diagnosis, when observing a radiolucent area in the periapex of the tooth, indicating the presence of a possible periapicopathy, as during the determination of the working length, apparent number of canals, checking of the gutta-percha cone and filling. However, when evaluating the radiography to determine what is causing the pulp / periapical infectious process, such as root fracture, missed canal, post fracture, among others, overlapping of the two-dimensional image can hinder its interpretation. An image exam that replaces this considerable limitation of periapical radiography is the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). By emitting a certain radiation dose in an area of interest, a three-dimensional image is produced, making it possible to inspect it in three planes (axial, coronal sagittal), and completely eliminating overlaps. The aim of this study was to perform a literature review on the use of CBCT in Endodontics, discussing the clinically relevant aspects to diagnosis and treatment, as well as its advantages, disadvantages, and indications. Full articles were used, extracted from the PubMed database, in English, published between 2009 and 2020. It was concluded that the use of CBCT in Endodontics is very important, especially in more complex cases, where the visualization of structures is indispensable for the diagnosis, proper clinical conduct and proservation.