The contribution of cone beam CT in the assessment and management of endodontic-related mental nerve paraesthesia: A report of two cases

Introduction: Sensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves are often associated to endodontic-related causes. For their diagnosis and management, a precise history and imaging of the area are required. The aim of this article is to present two cases of successfully treated endodonticrelated mental nerve paraesthesia, in which cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images aided the precise diagnosis and decision-making for the treatment plan. Case report: In this report, two cases of endodontic-related mental nerve paraesthesia are described. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images supplemented the information obtained from the conventional radiographs and offered superior diagnostic accuracy. In both cases, a non-surgical management of the neurosensory disturbances was decided, including the non-surgical retreatment of a failed root canal treatment and monitoring of the patient in the first case and pharmaceutical coverage and monitoring in the second one. Conclusion: The use of CBCT in cases of endodontic-related neurosensory disturbances is a proven adjunct to the two-dimensional imaging, enabling a more predictable management. Keywords: cone beam CT, mental nerve, paraesthesia, second mandibular premolar