Diagnostic Accuracy of Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Conventional Radiography on Apical Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Assessing pulp stones by cone-beam computed tomography

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of pulp stones by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to correlate their prevalence with patient's gender, location of tooth (right or left of maxillary or mandibular arch), group of teeth, and restorations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CBCT images of 382 patients randomly selected from the database of the University Oral Radiology Department were retrospectively examined. A total of 2833 tooth images obtained using the i-CAT 3D Imaging System were evaluated. Image analysis was performed with the i-CAT software, and all teeth were evaluated in sagittal, axial, and coronal views. All the measurements were subjected to chi square test, odds ratio, and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The prevalence of pulp stones was similar between patient's genders and tooth locations. Pulp stones were detected in 31.9% of patients and 9.5% of teeth. Maxillary and mandibular molars were the groups of teeth with the highest frequency of pulp stones. The presence of restorations increased the chance of occurrence of pulp stones by 2.1 times in all teeth examined (p < 0.0001) and by 4.7 times in maxillary teeth (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulp stones had a high prevalence with molar teeth showing the highest prevalence. The presence of restorations increased the chance of occurrence of these calcifications, specifically in maxillary teeth.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

CBCT provides accurate anatomical details in three dimensions, offering the possibility to view an individual tooth in axial, sagittal, and coronal views. This study performed an investigation of the occurrence of pulp stones by CBCT.

Detection of Pulpal Blood Flow In Vivo with Pulse Oximetry in Dogs

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of pulse oximetry to detect blood flow within the canine tooth of dogs.

Materials and methods

Dogs aged 18–138 months presenting for oral treatment and meeting the inclusion criteria underwent pulse oximetry evaluation of at least one canine tooth. Oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and pulse rate values were acquired from vital canine teeth of 38 clinical patients (representing 40 total teeth) with a handheld pulse oximeter and compared to a control area. SpO₂ values from the tooth and control area were recorded every 5 s for three 60-s intervals. The sensors were repositioned after each 60-s interval.

Results

The vital teeth consistently recorded SpO₂ values significantly lower than the control area. The mean vital tooth SpO₂ was 85.9% (median = 87%; SD = 8.6), and the mean control area SpO₂ was 97.7% (median = 98%; SD = 1.8). An age-related significant difference was noted in vital tooth SpO₂ values.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present data support the possible use of pulse oximetry to detect blood flow in canine teeth. However, there was no significant correlation between SpO₂ values in the vital tooth and in the control areas. Additionally, the results were not definitive, and validation of the modality with additional studies of non-vital canine teeth is needed before clinical use can be recommended.