The prevalence and characteristics of external cervical resorption based on cone-beam computed tomographic imaging: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of external cervical resorption (ECR) regarding sex, age, tooth, stages of progression, and portal of entry, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Materials and Methods: CBCT scans of 1,313 patients from a Brazilian subpopulation comprising 883 female and 430 male patients (mean age, 55.2 years), acquired using a PreXion 3D CBCT unit, were evaluated. All permanent teeth included in the scans were evaluated for the presence of ECR according to the 3-dimensional classification and the portal of entry. The association between the presence of ECR and the factors studied was assessed using the χ2 test. Intra-observer agreement was analyzed with the kappa test (α = 0.05). Results: In total, 6,240 teeth were analyzed, of which 84 (1.35%) were affected by ECR. A significant association was found between the presence of ECR and sex, with a higher prevalence in male patients (p = 0.002). The most frequently affected teeth were the mandibular and maxillary central incisors. The most common height was the mid-third of the root. For the portal of entry, 44% of cases were on the proximal surfaces, 40.5% on the lingual/palatal surface and 15.5% on the buccal surface. Intra-observer agreement was excellent. Conclusions: The prevalence of ECR was 1.35%, with a higher prevalence in male patients and a wide age distribution. The mandibular and maxillary central incisors were the most commonly affected teeth, and cases of ECR most frequently showed a height into the mid-third of the root and proximal entry.

Middle mesial root canals in mandibular molars: prevalence and correlation to anatomical aspects based on CBCT imaging.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of middle mesial root canal (MMC) in a Brazilian subpopulation, verify whether its presence is related to anatomical characteristics of the tooth, and propose a classification using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: CBCT scans of 284 patients were evaluated by 2 radiologists to determine the presence of the MMC in mandibular first and second molars. Subsequently, the mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements of the mesial roots were obtained; the measurements between the root canals, and from MMC to the mesiobuccal canal and to the mesiolingual canal were also obtained. The MMC was classified according to its relationship with mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals. The data were analyzed using χ2 and Fisher's exact test, multiple logistic regression analysis, Student's t-test, κ and intraclass correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The intraexaminer agreements for the presence of the MMC and the measurements were considered almost perfect (0.953 and 0.999, respectively). Of 216 mandibular first molars, 11.1% had the MMC, and of 228 mandibular second molars, only 1.75% had the MMC. The presence was significant higher in the mandibular first molar (p < 0.0001). The buccolingual measurement and the measurement between mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals were higher in teeth with MMC (p = 0.024 and p = 0.005, respectively). It was possible to classify the configuration of MCC into four types: independent (60.7%), confluent (14.3%), mesiolingual confluent (14.3%), and mesiobuccal confluent (10.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MMC is more pronounced in mandibular first molars and anatomical measurements, such as greater measurement between mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals, may alert clinicians to its presence. It was found four types of configurations of MMC.

Accuracy and reliability of linear measurements using 3-dimensional computed tomographic imaging software for Le Fort I Osteotomy.

Our purpose was to compare the accuracy and reliability of linear measurements for Le Fort I osteotomy using volume rendering software. We studied 11 dried skulls and used cone-beam computed tomography (CT) to generate 3-dimensional images. Linear measurements were based on craniometric anatomical landmarks that were predefined as specifically used for Le Fort I osteotomy, and identified twice each by 2 radiologists, independently, using Dolphin imaging version 11.5.04.35. A third examiner then made physical measurements using digital calipers. There was a significant difference between Dolphin imaging and the gold standard, particularly in the pterygoid process. The largest difference was 1.85mm (LLpPtg L). The mean differences between the physical and the 3-dimensional linear measurements ranged from -0.01 to 1.12mm for examiner 1, and 0 to 1.85mm for examiner 2. Interexaminer analysis ranged from 0.51 to 0.93. Intraexaminer correlation coefficients ranged from 0.81 to 0.96 and 0.57 to 0.92, for examiners 1 and 2, respectively. We conclude that the Dolphin imaging should be used sparingly during Le Fort I osteotomy.

Influence of cone-beam computed tomographic scan mode for detection of horizontal root fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was (1) to test the accuracy of a small-volume cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) device in detecting horizontal root fractures (HRFs) in teeth with and without an intracanal metallic post (IMP) and (2) to investigate the use of 2 different acquisition protocols of a CBCT device for HRF diagnosis. METHODS: Forty endodontically treated teeth with and without an IMP were examined using PreXion 3D CBCT scanner (Terarecon, San Mateo, CA) with a 5-cm high and 5-cm diameter cylinder at 0.10-mm voxel reconstruction. Two observers analyzed the samples to determine the presence and location of HRFs. RESULTS: Sensitivity values ranged from 0.40-0.80. The most favorable results were found for the samples with no IMP observed using the protocol of a higher number of x-ray projections (0.70-0.80). Accuracy in the groups with an IMP ranged from 75%-90% in the 1024 x-ray projection protocol (HI-HI group) versus 70%-85% for the same samples examined in the 512 x-ray projection protocol (HI-STD group). Intraobserver agreement ranged from relevant to perfect concordance for both protocols (HI-HI = Kappa: 0.60-1.00 and HI-STD = Kappa: 0.55-0.89). Interobserver agreement ranged from moderate to perfect concordance for both protocols (HI-HI = Kappa: 0.79-0.89 and HI-STD = Kappa: 0.42-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Even though there are statistically significant differences for the protocol with the higher number of x-ray projections, we found high accuracy, sensitivity, sensibility, and intra- and interobserver agreement in detecting HRFs for both Prexion 3D protocols.

Detection of simulated incipient furcation involvement by CBCT: an in vitro study using pig mandibles.

The aim of the present study was to test the reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting incipient furcation involvement. Fifteen macerated pig mandibles, with intact second molar teeth and preserved adjacent cortical areas, were used. Simulated lesions were created in the furcation region of these teeth by applying 70% perchloric acid in up to four possible buccal/lingual sites in the right/left sides of each mandible. The mandibles were then submitted to a CBCT scan. Two blinded and calibrated experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists interpreted the exams. Furcation involvement was also assessed in the regions without simulated lesions. CBCT showed high levels of accuracy, ranging from 78% to 88%. The variations in Kappa values for intra- and inter-observer agreement (0.41-0.59) were considered moderate. CBCT can be considered a reliable and accurate method for detecting incipient furcation involvement.

Use of large-volume cone-beam computed tomography in identification and localization of horizontal root fracture in the presence and absence of intracanal metallic post.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was to evaluate the ability of large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to detect horizontal root fracture and to test the influence of a metallic post. METHODS: Through the examination of 40 teeth by large-volume CBCT (20-cm height and 15-cm diameter cylinder) at 0.2-mm voxel resolution, 2 observers analyzed the samples for the presence and localization of horizontal root fracture. RESULTS: The values of accuracy in the groups that had no metallic post ranged from 33%-68%, whereas for the samples with the metallic post, values showed a wide variation (38%-83%). Intraobserver agreement showed no statistically significant difference between the groups with/without metallic post; both ranged from very weak to weak (kappa, 0.09-0.369). CONCLUSIONS: The low accuracy and low intraobserver and interobserver agreement reflect the difficulty in performing an adequate diagnosis of horizontal root fractures through a large-volume CBCT by using a small voxel reconstruction.

Detection of horizontal root fracture with small-volume cone-beam computed tomography in the presence and absence of intracanal metallic post.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to test the accuracy of small-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning in the detection of horizontal root fractures and to assess the influence of a metallic post. METHODS: Forty teeth were divided into four groups based on the presence of metallic posts and horizontal root fracture. The teeth were examined by small-volume CBCT scanning at 0.2-mm voxel resolution. Three observers analyzed the samples for the presence of a horizontal root fracture. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: High values for accuracy (73%-88%) were obtained in the groups without a metallic post, and statistically significant differences were found when the group with a metallic post has been observed (55%-70%). Intraobserver agreement also showed statistically significant differences in the groups with a metallic post. CONCLUSIONS: Small-volume CBCT scanning showed high accuracy in detecting horizontal root fracture without a metallic post. However, the presence of a metallic post significantly reduced the specificity and sensitivity of this examination.

Detection of simulated incipient furcation involvement by CBCT: an in vitro study using pig mandibles

The aim of the present study was to test the reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting incipient furcation involvement. Fifteen macerated pig mandibles, with intact second molar teeth and preserved adjacent cortical areas, were used. Simulated lesions were created in the furcation region of these teeth by applying 70% perchloric acid in up to four possible buccal/lingual sites in the right/left sides of each mandible. The mandibles were then submitted to a CBCT scan. Two blinded and calibrated experienced oral and maxillofacial radiologists interpreted the exams. Furcation involvement was also assessed in the regions without simulated lesions. CBCT showed high levels of accuracy, ranging from 78% to 88%. The variations in Kappa values for intra- and inter-observer agreement (0.41-0.59) were considered moderate. CBCT can be considered a reliable and accurate method for detecting incipient furcation involvement.

Avaliação da interferência de artefatos metálicos dentários na visualização da integridade radicular utilizando a Tomografia Computadorizada por Feixe Cônico / Evaluation of interference from dental metallic artifacts on diagnosis of root integrity using cone beam computed tomography

O propósito deste estudo foi o de avaliar a acurácia, sensibilidade, especificidade e concordância inter e intra-observador do exame de tomografia computadorizada por feixe cônico (TCFC) na detecção de fraturas radiculares horizontais, na presença e ausência de núcleos metálicos. Foram realizados exames de TCFC em dentes permanentes humanos extraídos e manipulados endodonticamente na presença e ausência de núcleos intracanais. Estes foram inseridos em mandíbula e examinados através de três diferentes tomógrafos de grande e pequeno volume (Picasso Master, PaX-Uni3D e Prexion 3D). Os observadores avaliaram as imagens em um programa de visualização independente e os mesmos deveriam definir precisamente o local das fraturas nas raízes dentárias. Nas amostras avaliadas através do PaX - Uni3D, os valores de acurácia encontrados nas amostras sem núcleo metálico variaram entre 75 a 88%; no Picasso Master, variaram entre 33 a 68% e no Prexion 3D, variaram entre 85 a 90%, no protocolo com 1024 projeções e entre 79 a 85%, no protocolo de 512 projeções. Todos os valores de acurácia encontrados sofreram interferências nas observações das amostras com núcleo metálico. No PaX - Uni3D, os valores encontrados variaram entre 55 a 70%; no Picasso Master, variaram entre 38 a 83% e no Prexion 3D, entre 75 a 90% no grupo de 1024 projeções e entre 70 e 85% no grupo de 512 projeções. O protocolo onde a interferência por artefatos metálicos se deu com maior intensidade foi o do Picasso Master. O protocolo de 1024 projeções de raios-X do Prexion 3D foi o que encontrou menor interferência. A interferência dos artefatos metálicos no diagnóstico de fraturas radiculares horizontais foi comprovada visto que a presença de material metálico intracanal reduziu a acurácia, sensibilidade e especificidade em todos os aparelhos e protocolos utilizados nesta pesquisa.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and inter and intra-observer concordancy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the detection of horizontal root fractures in the presence and absence of intracanal metal post (IMP). CBCT exams were performed on endodontically treated teeth in the presence and absence of IMP, using three different devices. These teeth were inserted in a mandible and examined through three different large and small volume scanners (Picasso Master, PaX-Uni3D and Prexion 3D). The observers evaluated the images in a DICOM-viewer software. They should precisely define the location of the horizontal root fracture of the sample. The accuracy values found in samples without IMP evaluated by PaX - Uni3D ranged between 75 and 88%; in Picasso Master ranged between 33 and 68%, and Prexion 3D ranged from 85 to 90% in the protocol with 1024 projections and between 79-85%, in 512 projections protocol. All accuracy values suffered interference in the observations of the samples with IMP. PaX - Uni3D values ranged from 55 to 70%, Picasso Master, from 38 to 83%, and Prexion 3D, between 75 to 90% in the 1024 projections and 70 to 85% in 512 projections group. The protocol where the interference by metallic artifacts occurred with greater intensity was the Picasso Master. The 1024 X-ray projections of Prexion 3D suffered less. The interference of metal artifacts in the diagnosis of horizontal root fractures was confirmed as the presence of intracanal metallic material reduced the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for all devices and protocols of this research.

Tratamento endodôntico em sessão única: levantamento da opinião de endodontistas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro / One-appointment endodontic therapy: endodontists opinion in Rio de Janeiro city

Pesquisa de opiniäo realizada, através de um questionário, entre endodontistas do município do Rio de Janeiro sobre o tratamento endodôntico em sessäo única. A ampla maioria dos entrevistados realiza esse tipo de terapia, principalmente em casos de dentes com vitalidade pulpar. Esse percentual diminui consideravelmente quando se está diante de dentes com necrose pulpar e lesäo periapical, especialmente se associados a fístula