Number of basis images effect on detection of root fractures in endodontically treated teeth using a cone beam computed tomography machine: an in vitro study

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2013-05, Vol.115 (5), p.676-681
• Main Authors: Bechara, Boulos, DDS, McMahan, C. Alex, PhD, Nasseh, Ibrahim, DDS, DSO, FICD, Geha, Hassem, DDS, MS, Hayek, Elie, DDS, DU, Khawam, Georges, DDS, DU, Raad, Michel, DDS, MS, Noujeim, Marcel, DDS, MS
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Area Under Curve; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography - statistics & numerical data; Dentistry; False Positive Reactions; Gutta-Percha - therapeutic use; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - statistics & numerical data; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - statistics & numerical data; Observer Variation; ROC Curve; Root Canal Filling Materials - therapeutic use; Root Canal Therapy - methods; Rotation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Surgery; Tooth Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Tooth Root - diagnostic imaging; Tooth Root - injuries; Tooth, Nonvital - diagnostic imaging
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.01.026

Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of root fracture detection in endodontically treated teeth using scans acquired with a 180° rotation motion compared with a 360° after which the patient exposure and number of basis images are doubled. Methods Sixty-six roots were collected and decoronated. All were treated endodontically. One-half of the roots were fractured, resulting in 2 root fragments which were then glued together. The roots were placed randomly in 8 prepared beef rib fragments. Five reviewers independently reviewed the scans twice, at different times. Results The specificity of the 360° scan was significantly higher than the 180° scan; doubling the basis images leads to a significant decrease in false-positive rates. Accuracy and sensitivity were not significantly different. Conclusions Only the specificity is improved by the increased rotation and doubling of images. The accuracy and sensitivity are not improved.