When a root canal fails, advanced imaging can make all the difference. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) recently issued a joint statement on using cone-beam CT (CBCT) in endodontics. For the average reader, here’s the gist: CBCT isn’t the go-to for initial root canal treatment, but it’s highly recommended when a root canal fails, when findings are unclear, or when complications arise.
Why? Standard intraoral X-rays pinpoint the correct diagnosis 36-40% of the time in these tricky cases. CBCT, by contrast, gets it right 76-83% of the time. That’s a leap worth noting. It’s not about every dentist owning a CBCT unit—nor should they—but access is widespread enough that referring for this imaging should be routine. For root canal issues, though, resolution matters. Not every CBCT machine delivers the detail needed, so choosing the right equipment is key.
If you’re navigating a failed root canal or need guidance on imaging options, feel free to reach out to us at oralradiologists.com. For the full details, see the AAE and AAOMR’s joint statement: Cone-Beam CT in Endodontics.