title: Accuracy of Linear Measurements Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Comparison with Clinical Measurements.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to evaluate the accuracy and errors of linear measurements of mesiodistal dimensions of Kennedy Class III edentulous space using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in comparison with clinical measurements.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nineteen Kennedy Class III dental arches were evaluated. An impression was made of each dental arch and poured with dental stone. The distance was measured on dental cast using a digital Vernier caliper with an accuracy of 0.1mm and on CBCT scans. Finally, the linear mesiodistal measurements were compared and the accuracy of CBCT technique was evaluated by calculating absolute value of errors, intra-class correlation coefficient and simple linear regression model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In comparison with the cast method, estimation of size on CBCT scans had an error of -8.46% (underestimation) to 5.21% (overestimation). In 26.5% of the cases, an accepted error of ±1% was found. The absolute value of errors was found to be in the range of 0.21-8.46mm with an average value of 2.86 ±2.30mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the measurements revealed statistically significant differences, this does not indicate a lower accuracy for the CBCT technique. In fact, CBCT can provide some information as a paraclinical tool and the clinician can combine these data with clinical data and achieve greater accuracy. Undoubtedly, calibration of data collected by clinical and paraclinical techniques and the clinician's expertise in use of CBCT software programs can increase the accuracy of implant placement.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Dental Implant Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Amir Reza
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Rokn
authors.affiliation: Postdocs Student, Dental Implant Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Kazem
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hashemi
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Dental Implant Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Solmaz
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akbari
authors.affiliation: Epidemiologist, Dental Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad Javad
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kharazifard
authors.affiliation: Researcher, Dental Implant Research Center, Dentistry Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Hamidreza
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Barikani
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Head of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Mehrdad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Panjnoosh
keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Dental Arch; Dimensional Measurement Accuracy