Evaluation of the effect of contrast alteration in detecting internal root resorption in single root teeth in cone beam computed tomography

Early diagnosis of internal root resorption is a challenge in endodontics. Image-processing filters are applied to facilitate image interpretation for diagnostic or treatment purposes. The aim of this study was investigation the effect of contrast alterations in detecting internal root resorption in CBCT images.

Fifty single root teeth with were splited mesiodistally in this invitro case – control study. Artificial Internal resorption lesions were created in cervical, middle or apical areas. CBCT images were taken before and after cavity preparation. CBCT images was evaluated by two radiologists in low, intermediate and high contrasts. The data were analyzed using Kappa and MacNemar tests on SPSS software. Overall accuracy evaluated with sub curve analysis of ROC.

Low contrast images have the highest sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy (100%, 100%, 100% for first observer and 92%, 100%, 96% for second observer, respectively). In apical area in low, intermediate and high contrasts, sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy is 100%, 100%, 100%, respectively. There is a significant difference with reality in high contrast-cervical resorption group (p=0.016).

The low contrast may be an acceptable processing filter in detection of internal root resorption. Keywords: Root Resorption, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Image processing