Performance of an artefact reduction algorithm in the diagnosis of in vitro vertical root fracture in four different root filling conditions on CBCT images.

Abstract

To evaluate the influence of an artefact reduction algorithm (ARA) and several root filling materials on the detection of root fractures on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Forty-four teeth were divided into control and fractured groups and scanned on a Picasso Trio CBCT device under four conditions: unrestored, filled with gutta-percha cones, cast-gold or fibreglass posts; either with or without applying the ARA. Three calibrated examiners assessed the images. ROC analysis, anova and pairwise Tukey LSD test were performed. No significant difference between the groups with and without the ARA was observed. There was no significant interaction between the algorithm and root condition. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in the mean values of sensitivity (Sn) and accuracy (Ac) amongst the different root filling groups (P≤0.001). The application of the ARA did not influence the diagnosis of root fractures, and its effects did not depend on root conditions. In relation to the filling materials, gold posts reduced the overall CBCT diagnostic ability, regardless of the use of the ARA.