Applicability of X-ray computerized tomography in endodontics

This study was carried out to observe the teeth of the maxillary and mandibular bones in computerized tomographic (CT) scans. In addition to using CT images, a 3-dimensional analysis was conducted for further visualization. The anatomical configurations of the teeth were clearly observed in the CT scans, as was the relation of the teeth to the periodontal tissues. Further, using CT scans made it possible to determine buccolingual and mesiodistal widths of teeth, and the presence or absence of root canal filling materials and metal posts. In addition, carious lesions of a certain size and expansions of the maxillary sinus and proximity to the roots were observed. The 3-dimensional image analysis was interesting, but detailed observations could not be made with this technique.