Use of cone-beam volumetric tomography in the diagnosis of root fractures.
OBJECTIVE
The diagnosis of root fractures by conventional radiographs is still difficult because of limitations of 2D images. Cone-beam volumetric tomography improves the diagnosis capacity in dentistry, such as increased radiation dose to the patient and presence of artifacts on the image.


METHODS
This study compared the images obtained on conventional periapical radiographs and 3D scans (Accuitomo 3DX) for the diagnosis of root fractures. Twenty patients with suspected root fractures were submitted to examination by periapical radiography and CBCT. Two professionals, unaware of the symptomatology, examined these radiographs and CBCT images according to pre-established scores, which were later checked against the signs and symptoms.


RESULTS
The results revealed statistical difference for cone-beam volumetric tomography compared with conventional radiographs in the diagnosis of root fractures.


CONCLUSIONS
It could be concluded that cone-beam volumetric tomography was better than conventional radiography in the diagnosis of root fractures, thereby constituting an excellent alternative for diagnosis in general practice.
Bernardes
Ricardo Affonso
RA
Department of Endodontics, CPO Sl Mandic, Brasiliense Dental School, Brasília DF Brazil, Brazil. dr.ricardoaffonso@uol.com.br
de Moraes
Ivaldo Gomes
IG
Húngaro Duarte
Marco Antonio
MA
Azevedo
Bruno C
BC
de Azevedo
José Ribamar
JR
Bramante
Clovis Monteiro
CM
D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015588:Observer Variation; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D019553:Tooth, Nonvital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*