ABSTRACT
From digital radiography units to office computer systems, there are several pieces of equipment that make up today's high-tech dental office. Recently, advances in dental imaging have allowed cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which is a form of 3-dimensional radiography, to gain increasing popularity as another major office component. In consideration of the current economic conditions, cost has become a definite obstacle for many practitioners. With several brands available, this technology has nonetheless generated considerable attention for use in presurgical treatment planning and diagnosis. However, is there enough evidence for its use in endodontics? This article aims to bring to light the many exciting features of CBCT, including its operation, impact, and feasibility in endodontics.
Subject(s)
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography , Endodontics/instrumentation , Radiography, Dental/methods , Humans , Imaging, Three-Dimensional , Radiation DosageABSTRACT
Endodontics was recognized as a specialty in the mid-1960s, following decades of developing a body of scientific knowledge and proven techniques for managing the etiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. There are now 7000 members of the American Association of Endodontists, about a quarter of whom are board certified. The American Association of Endodontists has identified and is at work addressing the following strategic issues: (a) recruitment and retention of endodontics educators; (b) development and dissemination of educational material to both specialists and general dentists; (c) enhanced biological foundations of therapy, including regenerative endodontics; and (d) advances in technology such as digital radiology, new delivery instrumentation, implants, and enhanced visualization through microscopes. The American Association of Endodontists is working to strengthen relationships with general dentists through education and associate membership, and it is promoting its members' participation in professional and community projects through its Step-Up! program.
Subject(s)
Endodontics , Societies, Dental , Community-Institutional Relations , Endodontics/education , Endodontics/trends , Faculty, Dental , General Practice, Dental/education , Humans , Personnel Selection , Regenerative Medicine , Root Canal Therapy , Specialties, Dental/education , Specialty Boards , Teaching Materials , Technology, Dental , United StatesSubject(s)
Education, Dental/methods , Endodontics/education , Mentors , Databases, Factual , Humans , VolunteersABSTRACT
The IR technique is a clinically successful procedure, so long as the following conditions, as outlined by Niemczyk, are met: 1) Avoid any crushing or scraping contact with the root surface or socket; 2) Root surface must be continually hydrated with tissue culture media (e.g., HBSS); 3) Tooth should be splinted, if indicated; and 4) Soft diet and hygiene instructions must be implemented and reinforced. The IR technique should not be considered a procedure of last resort. Rather, it should be used in situations where conventional apical surgery is difficult or places the patient at risk. The IR technique expands potential treatment alternatives and allows the patient to successfully retain his or her own tooth following treatment.
