The detection and management of root resorption lesions using intraoral radiography and cone beam computed tomography - an in vivo investigation

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Periapical Radiography in Internal Root Resorption

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and periapical (PA) radiography in detecting internal root resorption.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eighty single rooted human teeth with visible pulps in PA radiography were split mesiodistally along the coronal plane. Internal resorption like lesions were created in three areas (cervical, middle and apical) in labial wall of the canals in different diameters. PA radiography and CBCT images were taken from each tooth. Two observers examined the radiographs and CBCT images to evaluate the presence of resorption cavities. The data were statistically analyzed and degree of agreement was calculated using Cohen's kappa (k) values.

RESULTS

The mean±SD of agreement coefficient of kappa between the two observers of the CBCT images was calculated to be 0.681±0.047. The coefficients for the direct, mesial and distal PA radiography were 0.405±0.059, 0.421±0.060 and 0.432±0.056, respectively (P=0.001). The differences in the diagnostic accuracy of resorption of different sizes were statistically significant (P<0.05); however, the PA radiography and CBCT, had no statistically significant differences in detection of internal resorption lesions in the cervical, middle and apical regions.

CONCLUSION

Though, CBCT has a higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in comparison with conventional radiography, this difference was not significant.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Evaluation of Dental Root Resorption Associated With Granuloma

The inflammatory resorption of dental root apex (i.e., the process of removal of cementum and/or dentine through the activity of resorbing cells) may show different configurations and damage the apical root structure. As knowing the morphology of resorption areas of human teeth is essential for the success of endodontic treatments, we investigated the apical resorption by scanning electron microscopy, focusing on roots with granulomas. A total of 30 teeth (with penetrating carious lesions and chronic periapical lesions) were examined, the apical third of the roots were removed and analyzed to estimate periforaminal and foraminal resorption, shape and morphology of foramen resorption, centering of the periforaminal resorption area, and diameters of each apical foramen. Periforaminal resorption was present in all samples, whereas foraminal resorption was present in 92% of cases (mainly funnel shaped). Lacunae were observed in the foraminal resorption area with an average diameter of 35±14 μm. The major and minor diameters of the foramina in teeth with resorption were 443 and 313 μm, respectively (higher than in healthy teeth). This result indicates an expansion of the apical diameters caused by the pathology, which could encourage a different clinical instrumentation for these teeth.

Accuracy of digital periapical radiography and cone-beam computed tomography in detecting external root resorption

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital intraoral radiography in diagnosing simulated small external root resorption cavities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cavities were drilled in 159 roots using a small spherical bur at different root levels and on all surfaces. The teeth were imaged both with intraoral digital radiography using image plates and with CBCT. Two sets of intraoral images were acquired per tooth: orthogonal (PA) which was the conventional periapical radiograph and mesioangulated (SET). Four readers were asked to rate their confidence level in detecting and locating the lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of each modality in detecting the presence of lesions, the affected surface, and the affected level. Analysis of variation was used to compare the results and kappa analysis was used to evaluate interobserver agreement.

RESULTS

A significant difference in the area under the ROC curves was found among the three modalities (P=0.0002), with CBCT (0.81) having a significantly higher value than PA (0.71) or SET (0.71). PA was slightly more accurate than SET, but the difference was not statistically significant. CBCT was also superior in locating the affected surface and level.

CONCLUSION

CBCT has already proven its superiority in detecting multiple dental conditions, and this study shows it to likewise be superior in detecting and locating incipient external root resorption.

Assessment of Root Perforation within Simulated Internal Resorption Cavities Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

INTRODUCTION

Internal root resorption lesions may perforate external root surfaces, which may not be detectable on conventional radiographic images. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging in the detection of small perforations within simulated internal resorption cavities.

METHODS

Artificial internal root resorption cavities with minimal (0.1-0.2 mm) wall thickness were prepared at 64 sites on buccal and lingual halves of 32 single-rooted mandibular teeth that had been split mesiodistally. Perforations with 0.5-mm diameters were produced using a #40 K-file in half of the specimens. All teeth were placed in dry sheep mandibles and imaged using a NewTomVGi CBCT scanner (6 × 6 cm field of view, 0.1-mm resolution; NewTomQR srl, Verona, Italy). Two observers evaluated the images. Interexaminer and intraexaminer agreement were assessed using the kappa statistic. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were used to assess diagnostic accuracy.

RESULTS

Intra- and interobserver agreement on perforation detection were high. The sensitivity and specificity of CBCT-based detection of perforation in internal root resorption were 81.3% and 84.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT imaging is useful for perforation detection in internal root resorption defects.

Cone beam CT assisted re-treatment of class 3 invasive cervical resorption

Invasive cervical root resorption is an uncommon external root resorption which initiates at the cervical aspect of the tooth. This case report involves a case of cervical root resorption which was initially misdiagnosed and managed as cervical root caries. It was later diagnosed with cone beam CT and the lesion microsurgically removed and restored with resin modified glass ionomer cement. The importance of increasing awareness of this uncommon pathology and the role of cone beam CT in mapping the extent of the lesion is emphasised.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Charge-coupled Device Sensor and Photostimulable Phosphor Plate Receptor in the Detection of External Root Resorption In Vitro

Background and aims. Early diagnosis of external root resorption is important for accurate treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor and a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) plate receptor in the diagnosis of artificial external root resorption.

Materials and methods. In this diagnostic in-vitro study, 40 maxillary incisors were mounted in a segment of dry bone and preliminary radiographs were obtained using CCD and PSP sensors. Artificial resorption cavities were produced on the middle-third in half of the samples and on the cervical-third in the other half on the buccal root surfaces. Radiographs were repeated and images were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed using chi-square and diagnostic tests.

Results. There were no significant differences between the two sensors in the sensitivity (p=0.08 and 0.06) and specificity (p=0.13) for the diagnosis of resorption in both root areas. The overall accuracy of CCD was higher than PSP sensor; however, the difference was not statistically significance (p>0.05).

Conclusion. CCD and PSP sensors chosen for the present study produced similar results in diagnosing simulated external root resorption.

Unilateral fusion of maxillary lateral incisor: diagnosis using cone beam computed tomography

Objective. The objective of this paper is to report a dental fusion case focusing on clinical and radiographic features for the diagnosis. Method. To report a case of right maxillary lateral incisor fusion and a supernumerary tooth, the anatomy of the root canal and dental united portion were assessed by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Results. The clinical examination showed dental juxtaposition with the absence of interdental papilla and esthetic impairment in the right maxillary lateral incisor region. The periapical radiography did not provide enough information for the differential diagnosis due to the inherent limitations of this technique. CBCT confirmed the presence of tooth fusion. Conclusion. CBCT examination supports the diagnosis and provides both the identification of changes in tooth development and the visualization of their extent and limits.

Comparison of in vivo 3D cone-beam computed tomography tooth volume measurement protocols

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to analyze a set of previously developed and proposed image segmentation protocols for precision in both intra- and inter-rater reliability for in vivo tooth volume measurements using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

METHODS

Six 3D volume segmentation procedures were proposed and tested for intra- and inter-rater reliability to quantify maxillary first molar volumes. Ten randomly selected maxillary first molars were measured in vivo in random order three times with 10 days separation between measurements. Intra- and inter-rater agreement for all segmentation procedures was attained using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

The highest precision was for automated thresholding with manual refinements.

CONCLUSIONS

A tooth volume measurement protocol for CBCT images employing automated segmentation with manual human refinement on a 2D slice-by-slice basis in all three planes of space possessed excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability. Three-dimensional volume measurements of the entire tooth structure are more precise than 3D volume measurements of only the dental roots apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ).

"Internal root resorption: An endodontic challenge": A case series

Management of internal root resorption is a challenge to the endodontists. It may occur in cases with chronic pulpal inflammation, following caries or due to trauma in the form of an accidental blow. Most cases of internal root resorption are seen in anterior teeth, due to their susceptibility to trauma. However, it may be seen in posterior teeth, most likely because of carious involvement of the pulp. Early diagnosis, removal of the cause, proper treatment of the resorbed root is mandatory for successful treatment outcome. This paper is an attempt to summarize the knowledge on internal root resorption and present various cases, which were successfully managed with different treatment modalities.

The importance of cone-beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems: a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

To obtain essential information in clinical endodontics, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging can be used in all phases of treatment including diagnosis, treatment planning, during the treatment phase, and through post-treatment assessment and follow-up. The purpose of this article was to review the use of CBCT imaging in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and assessing the outcome of endodontic complications.

METHODS

Literature was selected through a search of PubMed electronic databases for the following keywords: tooth root injuries, tooth root radiography, tooth root perforation, tomography, cone-beam computed tomography, endodontic complications, tooth root internal/external resorption, root fractures, and broken instruments. The research was restricted to articles published in English. One hundred twelve articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review.

RESULTS

Currently, intraoral radiography is the imaging technique of choice for the management of endodontic disease, but CBCT imaging appears to have a superior validity and reliability in the management of endodontic diagnosis and complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Endodontic cases should be judged individually, and CBCT imaging should be considered in situations in which information from conventional imaging systems may not yield an adequate amount of information to allow the appropriate management of endodontic problems. CBCT imaging has the potential to become the first choice for endodontic treatment planning and outcome assessment, especially when new scanners with lower radiation doses will be available.

Detection of Apical Inflammatory Root Resorption Associated with Periapical Lesion Using Different Methods

The aim of this study was to detect apical inflammatory root resorption (AIRR) associated with periapical lesion using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). This clinical study evaluated AIRR in 88 root apexes, from 52 permanent teeth of 14 patients, extracted for different reasons. The patients were submitted to a clinical interview, review of dental/medical histories and clinical/imaging examinations for treatment planning. All selected teeth showed unrestorable condition because of the extensive coronal breakdown due to carious lesions, and root canal infection associated with periapical lesions. CBCT images were obtained from the patients with the aim of diagnosing the periapical diseases which showed complex or doubtful conditions. Two examiners assessed the presence or absence of AIRR. Apices were also analyzed under SEM. Chi-square test was used to compare the imaging methods for detection of AIRR. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. AIRR associated with root canal infection and apical periodontitis was found in 61.4% of the cases studied by using SEM, and at least half of the cases by CBCT. The microscopic analysis remains as a reference standard against the imaging method to identify AIRR.

A comparative study of cone-beam computed tomography and digital periapical radiography in detecting mandibular molars root perforations

Purpose

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital periapical radiography in the detection of mesial root perforations of mandibular molars.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, 48 mandibular molars were divided into 4 groups. First, the mesial canals of all the 48 teeth were endodontically prepared. In 2 groups (24 teeth each), the roots were axially perforated in the mesiolingual canal 1-3 mm below the furcation region, penetrating the root surface ("root perforation"). Then, in one of these 2 groups, the mesial canals were filled with gutta-percha and AH26 sealer. Mesial canals in one of the other 2 groups without perforation (control groups) were filled with the same materials. The CBCT and periapical radiographs with 3 different angulations were evaluated by 2 oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The specificity and sensitivity of the two methods were calculated, and P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of CBCT scans in the detection of obturated root canal perforations were 79% and 96%, respectively, and in the case of three-angled periapical radiographs, they were 92% and 100%, respectively. In non-obturated root canals, the sensitivity and specificity of CBCT scans in perforation detection were 92% and 100%, respectively, and for three-angled periapical radiographs, they were 50% and 96%, respectively.

Conclusion

For perforation detection in filled-root canals, periapical radiography with three different horizontal angulations would be trustworthy, but it is recommended that CBCT be used for perforation detection before obturating root canals.

CBCT evaluation of multiple idiopathic internal resorptions in permanent molars: case report

BACKGROUND

Internal inflammatory root resorption is a rare condition in permanent teeth, which requires the presence of necrotic and infected pulp tissue within the coronal portion of the root canal system as well as inflamed pulp tissue apical to the resorptive defect. The aetiology of internal root resorption is not completely understandable, trauma and chronic pulpitis are considered the main risk factors.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a rare case of the multiple idiopathic resorption in the permanent maxillary and mandibular molars in a healthy 33-year-old female patient. In addition to clinical examination the patient was imaged using conventional radiography techniques and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).The patient had recurrent throbbing pain in her # 46. The radiographic examination including "panoramic radiography and CBCT" revealed that radiographic evidence of internal resorption in #37 #36 #35 #34 #33 #47 #46 #45 #44 #43 #16 #15 #14 #13 and also including in unerupted #17, #26, #27, #28 teeth. The definitive diagnosis was made with the histopathological examination of the extracted tooth.

CONCLUSIONS

Internal root resorption is a rare clinical process that should be examined using different radiographic modalities. CBCT seems to be useful in evaluation of the lesions with superior diagnostic performance.

Management of internal resorption of central incisor using hybrid technique

Internal inflammatory root resorption is characterised by progressive destruction of intraradicular dentin and dentinal tubules along the root canal wall. A number of theories have been proposed as a possible cause for internal resorption. It is usually asymptomatic and detected during routine radiographic investigations. Prompt diagnosis and early management of such defects is essential to maintain the integrity of the tooth. Non-surgical and surgical methods are the two main strategies involved in the management of internal resorption. The non-surgical method is usually preferred, but in cases of extensive resorption with external root perforation, surgical intervention has been advocated. The present case illustrates repair of perforating internal resorption by hybrid method, using mineral trioxide aggregate and gutta-percha, following surgical exposure. After a 10-month follow-up, no clinical and radiographic abnormalities were observed. Additionally, there was also marked reduction in periodontal pocket depth.

Management of a Large Internal Resorption Lesion with Metal Reinforced Glass Ionomer Cement

Mineral trioxide aggregate is the mainstay of treatment of large internal resorption defects. But its cost may be a deterrent to its use in some patients. The present case report describes the successful endodontic management of an extensive internal resorptive lesion in a mandibular molar with metal reinforced glass ionomer cement.

Diagnosis of invasive cervical resorption by using cone beam computed tomography: report of two cases

A radiographic interpretation is essential to the diagnosis of invasive cervical resorption (ICR) and the difficulty in distinguishing this lesion from internal root resorption has been highlighted in the literature. This paper reports the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of ICR. The cases reports describe how CBCT can be used to make a differential diagnosis and also show that the use of this technology can provide relevant information on the location and nature of root resorption, which conventional radiographs cannot. As a result, the root canal treatment was not initially considered. The patients will be monitored and will undergo a scan after a short period of time to detect any small changes. It was observed that both cases benefited from CBCT in the diagnosis of ICR, because this imaging modality determined the real extent of resorption and possible points of communication with the periodontal space.

Management of internal root resorption on permanent teeth

Internal root resorption (IRR) is a particular category of pulp disease characterized by the loss of dentine as a result of the action of clastic cells stimulated by pulpal inflammation. This review article explains the etiology, the prevalence of IRR, and, in addition to the clinical data, the contribution of the three-dimensional imaging (CBCT) to the diagnosis, the clinical decision, and the therapeutic management of IRR. The authors discussed the various therapeutic options including the orthograde or retrograde fillings of the root canal resorption area. Root canal treatment remains the treatment of choice of internal root resorption as it removes the granulation tissue and blood supply of the clastic cells. The authors describe with different clinical cases the modern endodontic techniques including optical aids, ultrasonic improvement of chemical debridement, and the use of alternative materials such as calcium silicate combined with thermoplastic filling (warm gutta-percha). In these conditions, the prognosis of the conservative treatment of internal resorptions, even if root walls are perforated, is good.

Endodontic management of a mandibular second premolar with perforating internal resorption by using MTA and cone beam computed tomography as a diagnostic aid

This case report demonstrates the benefits of utilizing Cone Beam Computed tomography (CBCT) in the assessment and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in the management of perforating internal resorption in a 54-year-old woman. The advent of CBCT has enhanced the clinician's ability to make a confirmatory diagnosis and determining the treatment plan before undertaking the actual treatment. Thorough cleaning and shaping of the root canal space and the resorptive defect was achieved by mechanical instrumentation, irrigation, and interim calcium hydroxide dressing. Following this obturation of the canal below, the resorptive defect was done with gutta percha using lateral and warm vertical condensation. The resorptive defect was filled with mineral trioxide aggregate. Follow-up intraoral periapical radiographs and CBCT scans at 6 months showed adequate repair of the resorption and periapical rarefaction and the tooth remained asymptomatic.

Cone-beam computed tomography: time for an evidence-based approach

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an imaging technology that has revolutionised dental imaging in the last decade. Although of particular value to specialists performing implant treatment, it is increasingly being adopted by general dental practitioners. As the radiation dose is higher than that of conventional radiography, it is important to consider its diagnostic efficacy for the common tasks performed in general dental practice, such as caries diagnosis, endodontics and the detection of periapical pathosis. Any new imaging technique needs to have proven advantages over existing techniques before it is adopted, yet the evidence remains quite limited. Furthermore, image quality and radiation doses vary enormously between different manufacturers' equipment, so that extrapolating results of one piece of research from one CBCT machine to another is fraught with pitfalls. Radiation doses with CBCT are typically an order of magnitude higher than conventional radiography. There is scope, however, for reducing these doses by judicious adjustment of exposure factors and limiting the field of view to the smallest dimensions consistent with the clinical situation. There is still a long way to go before we understand the value of CBCT in dentistry. High quality research evidence is needed, particularly with regard to assessing whether using BCT improves patient outcomes.

Tooth resorption part II - external resorption: Case series

External tooth resorption usually follows trauma to the periodontal ligament. It can be classified into five categories based on its clinical and histological manifestations. Calcium hydroxide has long been used as an intracanal medicament to slow down the resorption process due to its alkaline pH. A combination of both external and internal resorptions can also occur on the same tooth, making the management more complex. Five case reports of external resorption have been presented in this article along with pertinent review of literature. Successful management was possible in two cases, while extractions had to be advised in 3 cases due to advanced nature of the lesions.

Surgical intervention for treating an extensive internal resorption with unfavorable crown-to-root ratio

Internal resorption is a rare lesion in permanent teeth. Managing perforating internal resorption is a great challenge for dentists. This report presents a successful surgical treatment of a maxillary central incisor that had extensive root perforation due to internal resorption. After unsuccessful nonsurgical approach, during surgical intervention apical part of the resorption defect was removed and the coronal part was filled with mineral trioxide aggregate. Three years later the tooth was symptom free with normal mobility and pocket depth despite unfavorable crown-to-root ratio. This case report have shown that surgical intervention and using mineral trioxide aggregate as root canal filling material in a tooth with extensive internal resorption and unfavorable crown-to-root ratio can be considered as a treatment option.

Application of cone beam volumetric tomography in endodontics

In a 2008 article on cone beam volumetric tomography (CBVT) and dentoalveolar applications, Tyndall and Rathore wrote: 'It is in the area of endodontic applications that the literature has proved most fruitful to date.' This statement is even truer today than in 2008. A review of the literature has demonstrated that, in many cases, CBVT is more efficacious than traditional forms of 2-D imaging. Endodontic applications of CBVT include the diagnosis of periapical lesions due to pulpal inflammation, identification and localization of internal and external resorption, the detection of vertical root fractures, the visualization of accessory canals, and elucidation of the causes of non-healing endodontically treated teeth. Prior to 2008, most published articles on CBVT applications in endodontics were either case reports or in vitro studies. Since that time more well designed clinically related scholarly activity has been published. This article attempts to survey the field of CBVT applications in endodontics and provide the readers with an overview of what has been found. The authors hope that this knowledge will form a foundation for appropriate clinical decision making with specific reference to selection criteria for the endodontic applications of CBVT.

Apical root resorption due to orthodontic treatment detected by cone beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of apical root resorption (ARR) due to orthodontic treatment using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a sample of 1256 roots from 30 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients had Class I malocclusion with crowding. Of the 30 patients evaluated, 11 were boys and 19 were girls; their mean age was 13 years (11 to 16 years). Orthodontic treatment followed the nonextraction treatment. CBCT images were obtained before and after orthodontic treatment, and ARR was determined using Axial Guided Navigation of CBCT images.

RESULTS

All patients had ARR. No statistically significant association was found between resorption frequency, gender, and age. ARR was detected using CBCT in 46% of all roots that underwent orthodontic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT was effective for detecting in vivo even minimal degrees of ARR due to orthodontic treatment and allowed three-dimensional evaluation of dental roots and visualization of palatine roots of maxillary molars. The highest frequencies and the most significant ARR occurred in incisors and distal roots of first maxillary and mandibular molars.

Diagnostic value of two modes of cone-beam computed tomography in evaluation of simulated external root resorption: an in vitro study

PURPOSE

Field of view and voxel resolution of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) might affect the diagnostic capability. This study was performed to compare between the standard and HiRes zoom modes in the diagnosis of external root resorption (ERR) using CBCT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty three small cavities (0.25 mm depth and 0.5 mm diameter) were simulated on the buccal, lingual, and proximal surfaces at three different levels of 16 roots of teeth. After covering the root with nail varnish, the roots were inserted in the sockets and the model was placed in a water-containing lacuna. CBCT scans were taken in both standard and HiRes zoom modes using NewTom VG (QR srl Company, Verona, Italy). Then, an observer assessed the images to determine the presence or absence of the cavities. This process was repeated by increasing the size and depth of cavities to 0.5 mm depth and 1 mm diameter. Data were analyzed by McNemar test. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio in evaluation of the simulated cavities were calculated.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the two imaging modes in diagnosing the shallow cavities (p=0.02).The sensitivity of the standard zoom in detecting the shallow cavities was lower than that of the HiRes zoom. The likelihood ratio of the HiRes zoom was higher in the diagnosis of both cavity types.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that a smaller voxel size in the HiRes zoom mode of CBCT is preferred for diagnosis of ERR.

Imaging techniques in endodontics: an overview

This review provides an overview of the relevance of imaging techniques such as, computed tomography, cone beam computed tomography, and ultrasound, to endodontic practice. Many limitations of the conventional radiographic techniques have been overcome by the newer methods. Advantages and disadvantages of various imaging techniques in endodontic practice are also discussed.

Pre-operative diagnostic radiograph interpretation by general dental practitioners for root canal treatment

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate which radicular radiographic features general dentists want to interpret, determine which of the radicular radiographic features general dentists interpret and which ones they miss in a diagnostic radiograph and correlate how accurately general dentists are able to interpret radiographic features.

METHODS

20 general dental practitioners were selected and given 2 sets of questionnaires. The first set asked them to fill out the findings they would elucidate in a diagnostic radiograph while the second set consisted of 30 randomly selected intraoral radiographs to interpret.

RESULTS

In the first set of questionnaires, more than 50% of dentists said they would interpret periapical changes, calcification, root curvature and the number of root canals. Less than 50% said they would interpret canal morphology, open apex, resorption, fracture, number of roots and lamina dura. In the second set of questionnaires, more than 90% missed grade 1 or 2 periapical changes (according to periapical index scoring), resorption and canal calcification. More than 80% of dentists missed extra roots and root curvature buccally while no dentists were able to interpret the periodontal ligament width changes, lamina dura and canal variation (C-shape). Using a paired t-test, there was significant variation in answers between the first set and second set of questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded from this study that general dental practitioners are able to detect radiographic changes when they are extensive but they miss periodontal ligament width and lamina dura changes.

Cone beam computed tomography in endodontics

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a contemporary, radiological imaging system designed specifically for use on the maxillo-facial skeleton. The system overcomes many of the limitations of conventional radiography by producing undistorted, three-dimensional images of the area under examination. These properties make this form of imaging particularly suitable for use in endodontics. The clinician can obtain an enhanced appreciation of the anatomy being assessed, leading to an improvement in the detection of endodontic disease and resulting in more effective treatment planning. In addition, CBCT operates with a significantly lower effective radiation dose when compared with conventional computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature relating to the limitations and potential applications of CBCT in endodontic practice.

Endodontic application of cone-beam computed tomography in South Korea

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) associated with endodontic procedures during 2009 in South Korea and to retrospectively evaluate information from CBCT with large field of view (FOV), which is popular in South Korea.

METHODS

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment agency, which reviews all medical and dental expenses covered under the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) system, was queried for data on the nationwide number of CBCTs associated with some treatment procedures. To compare digital periapical radiography and CBCT retrospectively, 470 roots of 257 root canal-infected teeth were enrolled.

RESULTS

In total, 13,209 cases of NHI-covered CBCT were performed in South Korea during 2009, excluding cases for implant restoration and orthodontics. In total, 1253 and 95 CBCT cases were combined with root canal length measuring and apicoectomy, respectively. In a retrospective comparison, CBCT with large FOV provided more information about the presence of apical periodontitis, distortion of cortical bone, and identification of root compared with digital periapical radiography.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT with large FOV is useful in nonsurgical endodontic treatment and provides more information compared with digital periapical radiography.