A Digital Approach to Evaluating Tooth Root Position Without Repeated Cone-beam Computed Tomography Scans.

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT The purpose of this report is to introduce a digital approach to evaluating three-dimensional root position without radiation using virtual tooth model which is composed of intraoral-scanned crown and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-scanned root. Successful treatment depends not only on the formulation of a proper initial diagnosis, but also on an accurate assessment of treatment progress, which should include the monitoring and evaluation of tooth and root movements. Although CBCT allows the visualization of the true root position and angulation in three-dimensions, the obtaining of serial CBCT scans for this purpose is associated with concerns regarding radiation exposure. This report introduces a method for monitoring three-dimensional root position following tooth movement during treatment that does not require repeated CBCT scans. This method uses an individual virtual tooth model composed of intraoral-scanned crowns and CBCT-scanned roots. When an evaluation of root positions is needed during treatment, only additional intraoral scan is needed and is integrated into the tooth model; this allows root positions to be estimated without the need for another CBCT scan. The use of a virtual tooth model can potentially allow clinicians to accurately monitor tooth position in routine clinical practice, without the hazards of increased radiation exposure.