What do we (do not) know about the use of cone beam computed tomography in endodontics? A thematic series with a call for scientific evidence

Abstract

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become a common diagnostic method in endodontics. However, the current literature provides insufficient information about different aspects that are related to the use of CBCT, such as: the efficacy of CBCT to support the practitioner's clinical decision making and to affect treatment outcomes; about the required training of the practitioner so he can efficiently examine the entire region that appears in the CBCT scan and diagnose abnormalities or possible pathologies; and on the long-term health risks associated with the use of CBCT in endodontics. In addition, CBCT has the strong potential to be used for accurate diagnosis of complete and uneventful healing. In this thematic series, we call for manuscripts that discuss aspects of the use of CBCT in endodontics.

Cone beam computed tomography in endodontics: the missing link?

“…This approach advocates measures to prevent the potential harmful effect of CBCT even when it is not certain to occur Rosen et al 2015; Science for Environment Policy 2017). This approach is not well applied in endodontic CBCT, maybe due to the (mis-) assumption that the immediate benefit from the use of CBCT is significant (AAE, AAOMR 2010;Rosen et al 2015;Berman and Hartwell 2006), and to the fact that the harmful effects of the CBCT radiation exposure may not be evident until years after the actual exposure ; Science for Environment Policy 2017; EUROPEAN-COMMISSION 2012; Ludlow et al 2015;Pauwels et al 2014;Pearce et al 2012;Wu et al 2015;Yeh and Chen 2018;Kamburoğlu et al 2017).…”