Imaging Sci Dent.  2021 Mar;51(1):27-34. 10.5624/isd.20200144.

Comparison of limited- and large-volume cone-beam computed tomography using a small voxel size for detecting isthmuses in mandibular molars

• Tolentino EdS
• Amoroso-Silva PA
• Alcalde MP
• Yamashita FC
• Vessoni Iwaki LC
• Rubira-Bullen IRF
• Húngaro Duarte MA

• KMID: 2527046
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.20200144

Abstract

Purpose
This study was performed to compare the ability of limited- and large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to display isthmuses in the apical root canals of mandibular molars.
Materials and Methods
Forty human mandibular first molars with isthmuses in the apical 3 mm of mesial roots were scanned by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and their thickness, area, and length were recorded. The samples were examined using 2 CBCT systems, using the smallest voxels and field of view available for each device. The Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Dunn multiple comparison tests were performed (α=0.05).
Results
The 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat devices detected 77.5% and 75.0% of isthmuses, respectively (P>0.05). For length measurements, there were significant differences between micro-CT and both 3D Accuitomo 170 and i-Cat (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Both CBCT systems performed similarly and did not detect isthmuses in the apical third in some cases. CBCT still does not equal the performance of micro-CT in isthmus detection, but it is nonetheless a valuable tool in endodontic practice.

Keyword

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Endodontics; Molar; X-Ray Microtomography