Cone beam computed tomography for root resorption diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive, rapid, reliable, and highly accurate diagnostic method. The frequency of impacted canines in the maxilla is 7 times greater than in the mandible and they are related to resorption of adjacent teeth. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and classify the degree resorption of teeth adjacent to upper canines with disturbance eruption by CT. Materials and Methods: The images of 55 patients with 73 maxillary canines with eruption disorders were analyzed using a specifi c navigation software for cone beam CT scans in two planes, transverse and axial, looking for root resorption in maxillary incisors adjacent to canines with an eruption disturbance. For statistical analysis, the data were subjected to Student’s t-test for paired samples and Pearson’s correlation test (P < 0.05). The Kappa coeffi cient was used to evaluate the agreement between the fi rst and second readings performed by the examiner (0.758). Results: In the presence of retained canines observed increased risk of resorption in lateral incisors; most likely position of these elements is lingual; the reading of the cutting planes are indiff erent diagnosis. Conclusion: From the sample analyzed in this study, it is possible to conclude that when canines with eruption disorders exist, a tomographic analysis should be asked by the risk of reabsorption in surrounding tooth roots.