THE ROLE OF MONITORS IN THE VISUALIZATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE INFERIOR ALVEOLAR CANAL

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> The inferior alveolar canal (IAC) is a familiar landmark for dentists. Clear visualization of the IAC and its relationship with developing or impacted mandibular third molars is especially important. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has improved the ability for more accurate assessment of the IAC. <h3>Objective(s)</h3> The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the ability to appropriately assess the third molar–IAC relationship between 3 different monitor types. <h3>Study Design</h3> In all,105 scans were randomized and evaluated by 2 calibrated and masked evaluators. Evaluation was performed on 3 different monitors: BARCO 3 MP medical-grade monitor, a prototype BARCO 2 MP monitor, and DELL ultrasharp monitor. Evaluations were completed in a dimly lit area. The luminance and ambient light were measured using a light meter. All 3 monitors were placed in same position for the evaluators and were adjusted such that the luminance was the same. The gold standard was established by 2 board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologists and 1 oral and maxillofacial radiology resident, who assessed the data sets after the evaluation was completed and reached a consensus on the location of the IAC. <h3>Results</h3> The medical 3 MP monitor demonstrated the best interrater reliability with a percent agreement of 87% and a kappa value of 0.83. Accuracy was significantly greater with the medical-grade 3 MP compared with the consumer-grade display monitor, with an average increase in accuracy of 10.1%. A significantly higher accuracy (7.2%) was also obtained for the medical-grade 3 MP in comparison with the medical-grade 2 MP by 1 observer. <h3>Discussion/Conclusions</h3> This study found that the IAC can be well visualized and with a higher degree of accuracy on medical-grade display (3 MP) monitors compared with consumer-grade display monitors. The 2 MP prototype medical monitor showed a higher degree of accuracy compared with the consumer-grade monitor, although the differences were not statistically significant.