Estimation of the Сone-Beam Computed Tomography in Diagnostics of the Molar Root System Anatomy of the Mandible and Maxilla

Abstract

The study aim was to estimate possibilities of the cone-beam computed tomography in diagnostics of the molar root system anatomy of the mandible and maxilla. The study design: we evaluated the clinical endodontic examination data, intraoral radiovisiograms and cone-beam tomograms of 240 first and second molars of the mandible and maxilla of 145 patients who were receiving endodontic treatment in the dental clinic. Interobserver agreement the experts was assessed be means of Cohen’s kappa. Diagnostic significance of the results was assessed using Student’s t-test. Results: The second root canal in the mesial root of the first upper molar was detected in 91,7 % of cases. Frequency of the 2 structure type for the root was 30 %, the type 4 — 46,6 %. 36,7 % of the second upper molars had the 2 structure type as per Vertucci for the mesial root, 46,7 % — the 4 structure type. An additional third root was identified in 5 % of the first lower molars. We found the 4 configuration type as per Vertucci for the mesial root in 43,9 % of the second lower molars, the 2 type — in 28 %. Interobserver agreement the radiologists in estimating the number of roots was perfect (k = 0,81 — 0,93; p ˂ 0,001), and it was substantial in defining the number of root canals and the type of structure (k = 0,61— 0,77; p ˂ 0,05).