Assessing Validity of Actual Tooth Height and Width From Cone Beam Images of Cadavers With Subsequent Dissection to Aid Oral Surgery

Abstract

Cone-beam computed technology (CBCT) is a relatively new medium for maxillofacial conditions. Developed in 1998, commercial cone beam technology has been commonly used since 2000. CBCT offers less radiation than computed tomography (CT) in 3D image construction. With the meteoric rise in the number of dental implant surgeries, CBCT could become a common machine in dental offices. The objective of this study is to validate the accuracy of CBCT tooth measurements. Twelve embalmed cadavers had a complete CBCT of the head and neck region. Ninety-six teeth (8 per cadaver) were extracted in total, but only 69 were collected and measured. CEN-TECH electronic calipers were used to measure the extracted teeth. iCAT measurements were used for imaged teeth. A literature search was conducted on the validity and use of CBCT regarding tooth measurements for implant surgery. Extracted teeth were measured in the vertical, facial to lingual, and mesial to distal dimensions. Exclusion factors included crown or root fracture damage during extraction. A literature search revealed studies that validated bone measurements using 14 different location points on the maxilla and 17 anatomical landmarks on the skull. Both studies validated bone measurements on CBCT. However, no studies were identified measuring teeth lengths for implant surgery. Three, two-tailed, paired t-test compared the iCAT image measurements to the extracted teeth measurements for each dimension. There was no statistical significance for each dimension. This study suggests using iCAT measurements on teeth from CBCT imaging would reflect the actual tooth length and could be beneficial for implant surgery.