Assessment of Diagnosis of Apical Root Fractures During Tooth Extraction Using Different Radiographic Techniques: An Ex-vivo Study


Öztürk K., Kuzu T. E., Akkoca F., Kis H.

JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC HEALTH RESEARCH, cilt.0, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

Objective: This study aimed to examine the diagnostic ability of different imaging techniques for apical root fractures that occur during tooth extraction by specialist dentists in different branches. Methods: Dry human mandibles used for education at Faculty of Dentistry and teeth extracted for routine treatment were used. After the root lengths were measured using a periodontal probe, the samples were adjusted to different lengths. These specimens were placed on a dry human mandible, and images were obtained and recorded using a periapical device, panoramic device, and computed tomography. Radiographs and recordings were performed by a maxillofacial radiologist. The evaluation process was performed by a maxillofacial radiologist, periodontologist, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Results: The diagnosis of 1 mm root presence and absence on periapical radiographs showed significant agreement among all observers. In the presence of 2 mm and 3 mm roots, all observers stated that the roots were present. On the panoramic radiographs, moderate agreement was observed in teeth with a 1 mm root. However, poor agreement between observers was observed for teeth with 2 mm and 3 mm roots. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was effective for the diagnosis of all observers. Conclusion: Consistent with the literature, the present study showed a higher interobserver agreement in CBCT. However, considering the patient's anxiety during the procedure, the duration of local anesthesia, and the surgeon's fatigue, two-dimensional radiographs are generally preferred over CBCT, which has a longer image processing time. Diagnosis using periapical radiographs was more effective than that using panoramic radiographs.