Treatment planning of complicated endodontic cases with the use of CBCT

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging is useful in various clinical situations including assessing dental morphology prior to endodontic treatment, locating tooth perforations, separated endodontic files, and resorptions. The aim of this paper was to present the usefulness of CBCT in endodontic treatment planning, through the review of two complicated endodontic cases. Two cases of failed endodontic treatment were presented in which CBCT allowed for correct diagnosis, as well as endodontic treatment qualification and planning. CBCT is especially useful when assessing endodontic treatment complications such as overextended root canal obturation material, separated endodontic instruments, and/or localization of perforations. Having the pros of CBCT in mind, one always has to weigh the added diagnostic value of CBCT with the economic cost of the tool employed, in order to make the best informed decision regarding accurate diagnosis and treatment.