Comparative Measurement of Tooth Length: Actual vs. Orthopantomography and CBCT-Based Measurements

Santosh Rayagouda Patil

doi:10.4034/pboci.2019.191.38

Abstract

Objective: To compare the reliability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing the tooth length in comparison to orthopantomography (OPG). Material and Methods: Forty patients scheduled for extraction as result of caries or periodontal involvements were randomly selected. Panoramic radiographs and CBCT images were obtained and subsequently patients were subjected for extraction. Teeth with poor prognosis were extracted and stored in 10% formalin. Radiographic teeth measurements were carried out on OPG and CBCT images using a software and the actual tooth length (A-L) measurements were carried out with a digital vernier caliper. The data collected were statistically analyzed for paired “t” test significance of differences and Pearson’s correlation at 5% level of confidence. Results: There was significant difference comparing all three actual tooth length ( A-L) and CBCT- and OPG-measured tooth lengths. A significant positive correlation was observed among all the measurements. Conclusion: CBCT images exhibited accuracy over panoramic images even though the measurements are still significantly different from actual anatomical tooth lengths.

Highlights

A radiographic examination is an essential part of the diagnostic process in dentistry and it is known that tooth length plays an important role in many branches of dentistry
The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained at a field of view (FOV) of 5 × 8 cm and each tooth was individually localized in the multiplanar reconstruction view in axial, coronal and sagittal planes and the tooth lengths were recorded on each respective section in the sagittal plane
The mean, standard deviation and standard error values of tooth length measurements by actual length, CBCT length and OPG length are presented in the Table 1

Summary

Introduction

A radiographic examination is an essential part of the diagnostic process in dentistry and it is known that tooth length plays an important role in many branches of dentistry. Radiographic tooth length is useful in evaluating the orthodontic treatment effects such as root resorption, development and anchorage. It helps in assessing the working length. In prosthetics it helps in making better judgment about the selection of abutment and in periodontics it helps in comparing tooth length or root length and alveolar crestal levels [1,2,3]. Several methods of determining tooth length exists [2], but most preferred way of determining the root canal length is by radiographs mainly by the intraoral periapical radiography and orthopantomography. This study was carried out to assess the reliability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing the tooth length in comparison to orthopantomography (OPG)

Material and Methods

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion