The Future of Imaging in Endodontics

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Join us for welcome and housekeeping remarks with Drs. Krell, Doyle and Ruparel.

CE: 0.75

Session Description:

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has become an indispensable diagnostic imaging tool in clinical endodontics. In particular, high resolution limited field of view 3D imaging volumes of the jaws provide endodontists with greater diagnostic accuracy for tooth and root morphology and both tooth and bone related pathology when compared to regular intraoral digital 2D imaging. Because the use of CBCT imaging provides clinicians with a greater degree of confidence in detection of anatomic variations and pathology, it acts as an important clinical decision support tool in that it provides valuable information on when to treat, how to treat and, just as importantly when not to treat. CBCT imaging is emerging as the scaffold for upcoming technologies such as 3D printing, dynamic navigation and surgical guides and is being applied to better understand the healing process associated with previously endodontically treated teeth. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE), in conjunction with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR), have developed and recently updated a position statement on the use CBCT imaging in endodontics providing evidence based clinical practice situations in which 3D imaging can be considered as the preferred imaging modality before, during and after endodontic therapy. Currently the position statement does not address best practices involving technical issues such as acquisition parameters and image display settings for optimizing image quality and maximizing the diagnostic capabilities of available CBCT units. Using clinical cases, we will demonstrate the effect of task specific enhancement filters and discuss in which clinical scenarios should they be applied and the impact of newly developed realistic 3D rendering for endodontic diagnosis.

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

Be familiar with current technical advances in CBCT hardware and software;
Understand Contrast Artifacts and how to overcome them
Integrate information presented in this course into efforts to improve the diagnostic imaging skills of participants

Bruno Azevedo, D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Bruno Azevedo is a dual specialist in Endodontics and Oral Maxillofacial Radiology, currently in private practice in Austin, Texas. He has over 21 years of experience utilizing CBCT imaging, with a particular emphasis on Endodontics, and is the author of numerous papers and book chapters on this topic. He graduated from dental school at Gama Filho University- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He holds a Master's in Dental Diagnostic Sciences, a certificate in Oral Maxillofacial Radiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and a certificate in Endodontics from the Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Dr. Azevedo is recognized as a leading North American expert in 3D imaging technologies for Endodontics. He was a founding faculty member of Western University College of Dental Medicine and the former director and division head at the University of Louisville. His passion for advancing the field through education is evident in his frequent speaking engagements worldwide.

Disclosure(s): CDT SOFTWARE: consultant (Ongoing); J.Morita USA: consultant (Ongoing)

Bruno Azevedo, D.D.S., M.S.

In accordance with this policy, I declare I have a past or present proprietary or relevant financial relationship or receive gifts in kind (including soft intangible remuneration), consulting position or affiliation, or other personal interest of any nature or kind in any product, service, course and/or company, or in any firm beneficially associated therewith, as indicated: Consultant, Cone Beam Guy (Self); Previous consultant, J.Morita USA .