Comparative study of cone beam computed tomography and intraoral periapical radiographs in diagnosis of lingual-simulated external root resorptions.
BACKGROUND
Owing to a lack of symptoms and difficult visualization in routine intraoral radiographs, diagnosis of external root resorptions can be challenging.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to compare two image acquisition methods, intraoral radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in the diagnosis of external resorption.


METHODS
Thirty-four maxillary and mandibular bicuspids were divided into three groups. Perforations measuring 0.3 and 0.6 mm in diameter and 0.15 and 0.3 mm in depth, respectively, were made on the lingual root surfaces in thirty teeth, and four were used as controls. Next, teeth were mounted on an apparatus and radiographed at mesial, distal, and orthoradial angulations. CBCT images were also taken. The analysis of the intraoral radiographic and tomographic images was carried out by two experts using standardized scores. Data were then compared statistically.


RESULTS
A strong agreement between the examiners was observed in both diagnosis methods, the intraoral radiographic (r = 0.93) and the tomographic analysis (r = 1.0). Tomography had higher statistically significant detection values than intraoral radiography (P < 0.05). In intraoral radiographs, the detection was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the mandibular bicuspids, compared with their maxillary counterparts. The ability to detect 0.6-mm perforations by intraoral radiography was significantly higher than that of 0.3-mm perforations (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Cone beam computed tomography showed better diagnostic ability compared with intraoral radiography, regardless of the tooth or the dimensions of the resorption evaluated.
Brasiliense Dental School, CPO SL Mandic, Brasília, DF, Brazil. dr.ricardoaffonso@uol.com.br
Ricardo Affonso
RA
Bernardes
Renata Silvéria
RS
de Paulo
Luciana Oliveira
LO
Pereira
Marco Antonio Hungaro
MA
Duarte
Ronald
R
Ordinola-Zapata
José Ribamar
JR
de Azevedo
D001641:Bicuspid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007568:Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*