Clinical Professor and Director of Oral Radiology University of Maryland Baltimore, New Jersey, United States
While endodontists have largely embraced CBCT, many general dentists continue to rely on 2D imaging for assessment of pathology prior to diagnosis, limiting information available and subsequently limiting success of endodontic treatment. A new system for intraoral tomosynthesis presents radiographic images in a 3D volume and may be a solution in providing greater information for the general dentist prior to treating patients with endodontic therapy in office or referring patients to an endodontist. The development of the Portray system was made possible through advances in current technology, leading to a system for 3D tomosynthesis that can be seen as a viable option for advanced intraoral imaging, particularly in the general dentist practice. While the concepts of 3D tomosynthesis have been explored in past research, until recently limits in technology have created barriers in the practicality of using such systems at the practice level. Lessons learned through prior research of developing technologies, as well as our understanding of the role of the general dentist in the treatment of endodontic lesions, help to highlight how this new system can be a powerful tool in the field of endodontics. The goal of this table clinic is to present a history of 3D radiographic tomosynthesis, leading to the development of the Portray system, and to discuss the potential benefits for use of the system by general dentists as it pertains to endodontic treatment.
