It is important for patients who show Rood’s criteria on their panoramic image to be well informed about the need of a CBCT image. We do this to give them the best opportunity to avoid damage to the mandibular neurovascular bundle also known as the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) peri-operatively. Damage to the mandibular IAN can present as temporary or permanent numbness and tingling of the lower lip or chin. The risk of this occurring is usually low (around 1%), however some anatomic outliers may have increased risk. We do our best to identify these outliers on 2D imaging (signs of nerve compression or entrapment) and suggest the CBCT imaging when it is needed. Treatment such as a coronectomy may be recommended in cases where risks are determined to be increased.

CBCT imaging can also be paramount for other impacted teeth, such as canines, when treatment planning expose and bond procedures. CBCT imaging is becoming the standard of care for root canal treatment to avoid missing anatomy (E.g. accessory canals).