Transtomography in the localization of impacted teeth

Abstract

Introduction: Impaction is a pathologic condition defined by the lack of eruption of a tooth in the oral cavity within the time and physiological limits of the normal eruption process. Imaging of impacted teeth is often mandatory for the exact localization and to know the precise relationship with adjacent anatomic structures. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of digital trans-tomography in the localization of impacted teeth. Objectives: To assess the localization of impacted teeth, buccolingual or buccopalatal orientation, and to estimate the spatial relationship with the vital anatomical structures like mandibular canal, maxillary sinus, etc. To determine the intra- and inter-observer reliability of cross-sectional digital transtomography in the localization of impacted teeth. Materials and Methods: A total number of 100 patients ranging from 19 years to 30 years were included. Thorough clinical examination was done following which cross-sectional digital transtomographs were taken, localization was assessed, and the linear measurements were estimated on transtomographic images. All measurements were repeated twice within a period of 1 month by two observers. Results: Intra- and inter-observer reliability for crown and root position was calculated and was significant at 1% level, in turn indicating the existence of intra- and inter-observer reliability. The relationship with adjacent anatomical structures were calculated which was significant at 1% level which infers existence of correlation in relation to impacted teeth and vital structures. Conclusion: Transtomographic examination provided cross-sectional information regarding localization of impacted teeth, relationship with adjacent vital structures in buccolingual direction, and linear measurements. The repeated observations showed good correlation and therefore digital transtomography was found to be reliable and accurate in the localization of impacted teeth.