The NewTom 9000 cone beam CT scanner provides better diagnostic and quantitative information on periodontal bone levels in three dimensions than conventional radiography. The accuracy in the anterior aspect of the jaws is limited.

Objectives. To compare the ability of endodontists to determine the size of apical pathological lesions and select the most appropriate choice of treatment based on lesions' projected image characteristics using 2 D and 3 D images. Study Design. Twenty-four subjects were selected. Radiographic examination of symptomatic study teeth with an intraoral periapical radiograph revealed periapical lesions equal to or greater than 3 mm in the greatest diameter. Cone-beam Computed tomography (CBCT) images were made of the involved teeth after the intraoral periapical radiograph confirmed the size of lesion to be equal to greater than 3 mm. Six observers (endodontists) viewed both the periapical and CBCT images. Upon viewing each of the images from the two imaging modalities, observers (1) measured lesion size and (2) made decisions on treatment based on each radiograph. Chi-square test was used to look for differences in the choice of treatment among observers. Results. No significant difference was noted in the treatment plan selected by observers using the two modalities (χ 2(3) = .036, P > 0.05). Conclusion. Lesion size and choice of treatment of periapical lesions based on CBCT radiographs do not change significantly from those made on the basis of 2 D radiographs.

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This report describes the use of the combination of 2 technologies (Cone-beam computed tomography and Optical 3-dimensional scan) to maximize accuracy of implant placement in an area where previous implants failed and had to be removed. This report also stresses the increased efficiency of combining technologies to fabricate stereolithographic surgical guide which, when used intraoperatively, can improve precision of placement.

Our study indicates that there is close correlation of the level of the inferior alveolar canal between cadaver specimens and CBCT images. Well-designed studies would be required to further validate the findings in this study.