Diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography scans with high- and low-resolution modes for the detection of root perforations

Exploring Technological Progress in Three-Dimensional Imaging for Root Canal Treatments: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Root canal therapy is a crucial aspect of endodontic treatment aimed at preserving natural dentition. Over the years, advancements in three-dimensional (3D) technology have revolutionized diagnosis and treatment planning. Different 3D technologies are used in dental care, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), which ensures 3D slice visualization, root canal microanatomy, and dynamic navigation throughout the pulp cavity. By exploring the latest technological progress in this field, we seek to understand how these innovations are enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes, shedding light on the benefits and potential impact of 3D imaging in improving root canal procedures.

METHODS

Literature was searched from different databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria involved studies on 3D technology in root canal therapy with comparison groups, including RCTs and non-RCTs. Excluded studies lacked 3D imaging advancements, a control group, or were review articles or case studies. Quality assessment utilized QUIN for in vitro studies and ROBINS-I for non-RCTs to evaluate the studies' validity.

RESULTS

According to the PRISMA guidelines, among 5015 initial articles, 16 were included. CBCT was the most used 3D imaging technique for root imaging followed by micro-computed tomography (MCT) and limited CBCT (LCBCT) imaging methods. 2D radiographs and 2D histological methods and clearing techniques were the most common comparative modalities. Overall, 3D imaging streamlined dental treatment as clinicians could visualize much clearer and higher-quality images. Different resolutions and voxel sizes were applied to improve imaging quality.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional imaging, especially CBCT, improves root canal treatments by providing superior image quality. CBCT outperforms other techniques like MCT and LCBCT, enhancing clarity. Varying resolutions and voxel sizes optimize the effectiveness of 3D imaging in root canal therapy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The advancements in 3D imaging technology, particularly CBCT, have significantly enhanced the diagnosis and treatment planning for root canal therapy. CBCT provides detailed insights into intricate root canal anatomy, improving diagnostic accuracy.

Diagnostic performance of stitched and non-stitched cross-sectional cone-beam computed tomography images of a non-displaced fracture of ovine mandibular bone

Purpose

This study assessed the diagnostic performance of stitched and non-stitched cross-sectional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of non-displaced ovine mandibular fractures.

Materials and Methods

In this ex vivo study, non-displaced fractures were artificially created in 10 ovine mandibles (20 hemi-mandibles) using a hammer. The control group comprised 8 hemi-mandibles. The non-displaced fracture lines were oblique or vertical, <0.5 mm wide, 10-20 mm long, and only in the buccal or lingual cortex. Fracture lines in the ramus and posterior mandible were created to be at the interface or borders of the 2 stitched images. CBCT images were obtained from the specimens with an 80 mm × 80 mm field of view before and after fracture induction. OnDemand software (Cybermed, Seoul, Korea) was used for stitching the CBCT images. Four observers evaluated 56 (28 stitched and 28 non-stitched) images to detect fracture lines. The diagnostic performance of stitched and non-stitched images was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Sensitivity and specificity values were also calculated (alpha=0.05).

Results

The AUC was calculated to be 0.862 and 0.825 for the stitched and non-stitched images, respectively (P=0.747). The sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 75% for the non-stitched images and 85% and 87% for the stitched images, respectively. The inter-observer reliability was shown by a Fleiss kappa coefficient of 0.79, indicating good agreement.

Conclusion

No significant difference was found in the diagnostic performance of stitched and non-stitched cross-sectional CBCT images of non-displaced fractures of the ovine mandible.

Design and construction of a wireless robot that simulates head movements in cone beam computed tomography imaging

One of the major challenges in the science of maxillofacial radiology imaging is the various artifacts created in images taken by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging systems. Among these artifacts, motion artifact, which is created by the patient, has adverse effects on image quality. In this paper, according to the conditions and limitations of the CBCT imaging room, the goal is the design and development of a cable-driven parallel robot to create repeatable movements of a dry skull inside a CBCT scanner for studying motion artifacts and building up reference datasets with motion artifacts. The proposed robot allows a dry skull to execute motions, which were selected on the basis of clinical evidence, with 3-degrees of freedom during imaging in synchronous manner with the radiation beam. The kinematic model of the robot is presented to investigate and describe the correlation between the amount of motion and the pulse width applied to DC motors. This robot can be controlled by the user through a smartphone or laptop wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection. Using wireless communication protects the user from harmful radiation during robot driving and functioning. The results show that the designed robot has a reproducibility above 95% in performing various movements.

Efficacy of Periapical Radiography and Three Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Systems for Detection of Peri-Implant Dehiscence Defects: An in- Vitro Study

Background:

Early detection of peri-implant bone defects is highly important because these defects eventually lead to gingival recession, bone loss and implant failure.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of periapical radiography and three CBCT systems for the detection of peri-implant dehiscence defects.

Material and Methods:

In this vitro study, 124 titanium implants were placed in bovine ribs. The bone pieces were then mounted in boxes in the form of mandible and red dental wax was used to simulate the soft tissue. Crestal bone defects with 2, 3, and 4 mm depth were created in the ribs using a round bur. Periapical and CBCT images were then obtained. Images were investigated by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists twice with a two-week interval. The results were analyzed using chi-square, Kappa coefficient, Cochrane’s Q and McNemar tests as well as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

The two observers showed good agreement in detection of sound and defective samples on periapical radiographs and CBCT scans. The level of agreement was low in detection of two samples with 2 mm defects on CBCT scans taken with Planmeca and NewTom 3G systems at the time of second assessment. NewTom 3G had the highest sensitivity (68.9%, 74.2% and 86.3%, respectively) and specificity (100% for all three) compared to other systems for detection of 2, 3 and 4 mm crestal bone defects.

Conclusion:

The inter-observer agreement increased with increase in depth of defects. NewTom 3G had the highest accuracy for detection of crestal bone defects.

Assessment of fractures in endodontically treated teeth restored with and without root canal posts using high-resolution cone beam computed tomography

Background

Root fractures are a diagnostic challenge for dentists in endodontic treatment. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the characteristics of tooth fractures and the presence of root canal posts in endodontically treated teeth using high-resolution cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and Methods

Fifty high-resolution CBCT scans of endodontically treated teeth with a diagnosis of fracture were obtained, of which 30 were from women and 20 were from men. These scans were acquired with three Veraviewepocs 3D units and one 3D Accuitomo 170 unit, with a 40 × 40-mm field of view and 125 μm voxel size. The variables assessed included the type of fracture, extent of fracture, type of retention, post length, cause of endodontic failure, location of the lesion, and time required to detect the fracture (difficulty score). For data analysis, the chi-squared test, Student’s t-test, and multiple linear regression (α <0.05) were used.

Results

No association was found between the type of fracture and type of retention or between the type of fracture and its extent (P>0.05). On the other hand, the type of fracture significantly influenced the time required for its detection. Additionally, the most difficult plane for detecting the fracture and the difficulty score were associated, with statistically significant results.

Conclusions

The type of fracture in endodontically treated teeth was not associated with the type of post used for restoration. All of the CBCT systems used to detect tooth fracture showed the same efficiency.

Key words:Cone-Beam CT, Tooth Fracture, Root Canal Post.