Cone-beam CT (CBCT) is an "ideal" alternative to periapical radiographs for diagnosing root fractures, according to a new study in Dentomaxillofacial Radiology (January 9, 2012).
Researchers from Guilan University of Medical Science in Iran compared conventional periapical radiographs and CBCT images of 10 cases, each with a suspected diagnosis of root fracture. The cases were evaluated in accordance with a pre-established scoring system by a maxillofacial radiologist who was unaware of the clinical symptoms of the patients. The radiologist and an endodontist then performed a second evaluation by cross-comparison of these images with clinical findings.
Reconstructed axial views were more effective in confirming specific diagnoses than other reconstructed views, and combining the clinical and radiographic findings further improved the results, the study authors found.
"CBCT can be an ideal alternative in the diagnosis of root fracture in the field of endodontics," they wrote. "This option may also increase assurance of dentists and oral surgeons obtaining an accurate diagnosis of their patients' problems and help decrease the potential failure of treatment and/or the prescription of unwarranted dental procedures."
