Limited cone-beam CT and intraoral radiography for the diagnosis of periapical pathology.
OBJECTIVE
To compare intraoral periapical radiography with 3D images for the diagnosis of periapical pathology.


METHODS
Maxillary molars and premolars and mandibular molars with endodontic problems and examined with periapical radiographs and a 3D technique (3D Accuitomo) were retrospectively selected and evaluated by 3 oral radiologists. Numbers of roots and root canals, presence and location of periapical lesions, and their relation to neighboring structures were studied.


RESULTS
Among 46 teeth, both techniques demonstrated lesions in 32 teeth, and an additional 10 teeth were found in the Accuitomo images. As regards individual roots, 53 lesions were found in both techniques, and 33 more roots were found to have lesions in Accuitomo images. Artefacts were sometimes a problem in Accuitomo images. In 32 of the 46 cases, all observers agreed that additional clinically relevant information was obtained with Accuitomo images.


CONCLUSIONS
A high-resolution 3D technique can be of value for diagnosis of periapical problems.
Lofthag-Hansen
Sara
S
Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Public Dental Health Service, Göteborg, Sweden. sara.lofthag-hansen@vgregion.se
Huumonen
Sisko
S
Gröndahl
Kerstin
K
Gröndahl
Hans-Göran
HG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging