title: Cone-beam computed tomographic scans in comparison with periapical radiographs for root canal length measurement: an in situ study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The primary aim of this study was to compare the precision of root canal length determination on cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) scans and periapical radiographs (PAs) with the actual root canal length. The secondary aim was to examine the influence of tooth type on root canal length measurements as assessed on CBCT scans and PAs.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 40 root canals of 33 teeth (molars, premolars, canines, and incisors) out of 5 dentate maxillas of human cadavers were included. Root canal length measurement was performed by a consensus panel (2 examiners) on CBCT scans (3D Accuitomo 170; J Morita, Kyoto, Japan) and digital PAs. After straight-line access opening, a #15 file was fixated in every root canal at the length measured on CBCT scans. All teeth were extracted, and the root canal containing the file was uncovered. Measurements made on images taken with a digital camera (AxioCam; Carl Zeiss, Sliedrecht, The Netherlands) linked to a stereozoom microscope (Stemi SV6, Carl Zeiss) were used as the actual root canal length.
  
  
  RESULTS
  When all roots were examined together, it was not clear which method is better for all types of teeth. For root canals of anterior teeth, there was no significant difference between the 2 methods. For root canals of posterior teeth, CBCT images gave results significantly closer to the actual root canal length in comparison with PAs (t value = -1.96; critical value is 1.74 with a significance level of 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Root canal length measurements of posterior maxillary teeth were more accurate when assessed by CBCT images than PAs.
authors: Department of Endodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: marellim@gmail.com.
authors: Maria Elissavet
authors: ME
authors: Metska
authors: Department of Endodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Vania May Ling
authors: VM
authors: Liem
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Azin
authors: A
authors: Parsa
authors: Department of Functional Anatomy, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Jan Harm
authors: JH
authors: Koolstra
authors: Department of Endodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Paul Rudolf
authors: PR
authors: Wesselink
authors: Department of Endodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors: Ahmet Rifat
authors: AR
authors: Ozok
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002102:Cadaver; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003481:Cuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007180:Incisor / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009811:Odontometry / Q000379:methods; D010781:Photography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016300:Radiography, Bitewing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
keywords: Cone-beam computed tomographic imaging; periapical radiographs; root canal length