Evaluation of working length determination based on the analysis of cone-beam computed tomographic images and an electronic apex locator: a retrospective study*

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Determining the length of a root canal is a significant outcome predictor for endodontic treatment. The aim of this retrospective, clinical study was to evaluate the accuracy of working length (WL) determination using pre-existing conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to compare them with data of the clinical WL determined with an electronic apex locator (EAL) in treated teeth, found in patient records. Materials and methods Thirty five medical records of patients who underwent root canal treatment (RCT) by an endodontist in a private dental practice in Łódź, Poland were analysed. Evaluations were conducted on the data concerning: the WL of the treated tooth as found in the patient’s records, the RadioVisioGraphy (RVG) image after final obturation used as a control, and the CBCT scan before RCT. The Shapiro–Wilk normality test and Student’s t-test were used in statistical analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results There were no statistically significant differences between compared groups in terms of WL determined with an EAL than CBCT (p > 0.05). In the case of medical diagnosis (pulpitis vs. necrotic pulp) and treatment (primary vs. retreatment), the obtained results were also statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusions This retrospective, clinical study showed that CBCT scans can be successfully used for endodontic WL determination. Future investigations are needed to evaluate whether pre-existing CBCT scans may replace initial periapical radiographs (PARs).