Accuracy comparison of CBCT scan and radiography with two different horzental angle in vertical root fracture detection of endodontically treated teeth

Accurate diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF) is a fundamental importance in endodontics. Because of poor prognosis of VRF, digital radiographs with two horizontal angles have limitations in VRF detection. Also, Gutta-percha can produce artifacts that impair CBCT scan accuracy. The aim of this study was to compare accuracy of CBCT and digital radiography system in vertical root fracture in endodentically treated teeth.

In this study, 60 endodentically treated single teeth were selected and randomly coded. The teeth were divided into two groups: 30 with induced root fracture and 30 with no fracture. CBCT scan and digital radiographs with two horizontal angles with a difference of fifteen degrees for all teeth were performed. Two observers assessed the CBCT images and digital radiographies for presence of VRF. The statistical analysis used in this study was Weighted Kappa.

CBCT had the highest sensivity (75.8) and specificity (90). Digital radiography with 68.3 sensitivity and 79.1 specificity were not as efficient as CBCT (P<0.05).

According to this study, the accuracy of CBCT seems to be higher than that of digital radiography in detecting VRF and provides the most reliable data in comparison of digital radiography.