Protocolo estandarizado para la observación de la imagen tomográfica en endodoncia

Abstract

Objective: Establish a standardized protocol for the observation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in endodontics, to systematically determine the dimensions of chronic apical lesions. Methods: Analysis and application of the tools of the specific Cone Beam Computed Tomography software for the exploration of dental and periapical tissues, prior literature review of the subject. Subsequently, the design of standardized systematic steps of observation and measurement of the dental tomographic image in Endodontics, thus establishing the Protocol. Finally, training of 2 Endodontists in the application of the Protocol by an expert Radiologist, measuring the dimensions of chronic apical lesions (height, depth and width) in 45 high-resolution conical beam dental tomographs and checking its usefulness, through a concordance test using the Intraclass Correlation Index (ICC). Results: A written document was generated with explanatory graphic material on the steps to follow by the Standardized Protocol and a statistical concordance test was carried out that evidenced a high degree of agreement between the measurements of the trained endodontists (observers 2 and 3) against the expert radiologist (observer 1). The highest degree of agreement was found among observers 1 and 2 in the sagittal view when assessing the height of the lesion (ICC: 0.9997545), while observers 1 and 3 achieved the highest degree of agreement in axial vision (ICC 0.9996737, 95% CI) when assessing the depth of the lesion. Conclusion: The application of this simple, systematic and standardized protocol for the observation of dental tomography in clinical practice makes it possible to reliably, reproducibly and accurately assess the image of apical periodontitis, prior observer training, allowing a high degree of concordance to be achieved when apical lesions are measured.