A cone beam CT scan can sometimes diagnose issues that cannot be seen with a standard x-ray. Since the radiation dose exposure is higher than with standard radiographs (and much higher than with digital radiographs), they are not necessarily the best choice for routine use. Here is a Cone Beam CT position paper provided jointly by the American Association of Endodontists and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Here in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, we are incredibly fortunate to have an expert at reading these images. Not only is Dr. Bruce Howerton an outstanding oral and maxillofacial radiologist, he used to be an endodontist so he knows what information Dr. Conner needs him to provide. To learn more, visit Carolina OMF Imaging.