CBCTs, Endo, and the General Practitioner: Maxillary Molars

Erin E. Potts, DDS, Ryan Vahdani, DDS, and Adrienne Williams, DDS

Abstract 

Positive treatment outcomes with the usage of CBCT were bolstered with certain treatment challenges faced by the general practitioner when faced specifically with RCT of maxillary molar teeth, such as calcified canals, difficulty detecting and/or navigating the second mesiobuccal canal (MB2), detection of vertical fractures, determination of root morphology, assessment of fill density, presence of internal or external root resorption, and presence of any pathology. Conversely, there were also contradictions present with a subset of studies, which showed flaws in the use of CBCTs as a diagnostic tool. Case studies will be presented which highlight the use of CBCT as an adjunct when traditional therapy with use of PAs has failed. Maxillary molars present unique challenges for the general practitioner, and these cases demonstrate the positive impact of selective CBCT when sub-standard results are achieved during or after initial RCT for the benefit of the patient.

Keywords: Community dentistry, CBCT, Maxillary molar endodontics, Endodontics, Radiography.

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.70620/CRROA/v6i1/2025/148