title: The importance of cone-beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems: a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To obtain essential information in clinical endodontics, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging can be used in all phases of treatment including diagnosis, treatment planning, during the treatment phase, and through post-treatment assessment and follow-up. The purpose of this article was to review the use of CBCT imaging in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and assessing the outcome of endodontic complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature was selected through a search of PubMed electronic databases for the following keywords: tooth root injuries, tooth root radiography, tooth root perforation, tomography, cone-beam computed tomography, endodontic complications, tooth root internal/external resorption, root fractures, and broken instruments. The research was restricted to articles published in English. One hundred twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Currently, intraoral radiography is the imaging technique of choice for the management of endodontic disease, but CBCT imaging appears to have a superior validity and reliability in the management of endodontic diagnosis and complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Endodontic cases should be judged individually, and CBCT imaging should be considered in situations in which information from conventional imaging systems may not yield an adequate amount of information to allow the appropriate management of endodontic problems. CBCT imaging has the potential to become the first choice for endodontic treatment planning and outcome assessment, especially when new scanners with lower radiation doses will be available.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Oral Diseases, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors.forename: Tadas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Venskutonis
authors.affiliation: Department of Endodontics, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Electronic address: endo@gianlucaplotino.com.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Plotino
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors.forename: Gintaras
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Juodzbalys
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Oral Diseases, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mickevičienė
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003788:Dental Pulp Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010483:Periapical Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000628:therapy; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000628:therapy; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology
keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography; dental radiography; endodontics; root canal therapy; x-ray diagnosis