Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography in predicting the linear dimensions of impacted maxillary canines- A clinical study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the accuracy of CBCT by comparing the linear measurements of impacted maxillary canines measured by CBCT scans with physical measurements from digital calipers. Method: 18 patients in the age group of 13 years and above having impacted maxillary canine/s classified as sector III or IVwith complete root formation and willing for surgical extractionwere included. CBCT scan was taken of the quadrant of interest using KODAK 9000 3D Extraoral Imaging System. All linear measurements (mesiodistal width, labiolingual width and total length of tooth) were carried out. After the atraumatic surgical removal of impacted canines, the teeth were collected and the same measurements were made by digital calipers, using the same points as those used for the CBCT scans. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Intra and inter observer reliability was excellent as coefficient of correlation was above 0.92 for all digital caliper and CBCT measurements. Comparison of intra-examiner CBCT and Digital Caliper methods in measurements of labiolingual width, mesiodistal width and total tooth length by Paired-t test showed no statistically significant difference for labiolingual width and mesiodistal. Conclusion: The labiolingual and mesiodistal tooth width measurements from CBCT scans were accurate and the differences between the digital caliper and CBCT measurements were not statistically significant. Total tooth length measurements derived from the CBCT images were less accurate compared with the actual measurements.