Digitalization in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

CBCT and intraoral scanners are becoming more and more popular among dental practitioners as well. Eventually the use of 3D guides may turn out to be the “go-to” technique to address difficulties in both orthograde and microsurgical endodontic access. However when compared to implant based dentistry we are still in the early phase of digital endodontics. The guided endodontic approach fits with the concept of minimally invasive dentistry or ultraconservative dentistry but the cost time and irradiation related to CBCT the required expertise and knowledge to operate the software and the need to fabricate sterilizable templates with a chairside 3D printer can dispirit some clinicians. Alternatively commercial laboratories with 3D printing expertise in implant surgical and endodontic guide fabrication may be able to deliver printed templates. Though in every case clinicians must check all parameter of the template to avoid mishaps as they are ultimately responsible for their work.