An in vivo comparison of diagnostic information obtained from tuned-aperture computed tomography and conventional dental radiographic imaging modalities.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare diagnostic information obtained by means of 3-dimensional tuned-aperture computed tomography (TACT) and by means of conventional radiography of patients requiring surgery.


METHODS
TACT produced digital images that yielded a series of tomographic slices viewed interactively. Controls were conventional periapical and/or panoramic radiographs. Each of 4 independent dentists performed 2 tasks, one requiring an estimation of confidence in their clinical assessments of the patient and the other requiring an estimation of the resulting diagnostic potential for altering associated treatment options. Data were analyzed through use of the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U Wilcoxon rank sum W test.


RESULTS
A statistically significant difference for both tasks was observed (2-sided; P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
TACT displays were more diagnostically informative and had more impact on potential treatment options than did conventional radiographs.
Webber
R L
RL
Department of Dentistry, School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1093, USA.
Messura
J K
JK
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging