Reliability of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Diagnosis of Root Resorption Due to Impacted Maxillary Canine

 This study aimed to evaluate the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technique considering its reliability to diagnose resorption due to maxillary impacted canine.

 In this cross-sectional study, 68 CBCT images were observed by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists. The position of the impacted maxillary canine was assessed, and the severity of root resorption in adjacent teeth was determined in two rounds by viewing. Finally, statistical analyses were performed according to the percentage of agreement, intra-class correlation coefficient, and kappa. The data sheets were filled out by two radiologists who observed the CBCT images in two separate weeks and recorded their opinions about the position of the crown and root of the impacted maxillary canine. Further, four adjacent teeth were examined for root resorption.

 In most cases, no root resorption was observed in the lateral, central, and first premolars; however, the reported percentage of root resorption in the lateral premolar was higher than that of the others, and no root resorption was reported in the second premolars. Agreement on crown and root position was reported to be above 90% in all observations. In addition, the percentage of agreement was 98.5%, 95.6%, 98.5%, and 100% for root resorption, central incisor, lateral incisor, the first premolar, and the second premolar, respectively. Maxillary impacted canines were examined considering root resorption in adjacent teeth using CBCT, and its interpretation was reliable.

 Utilization of CBCT provides a worthy data about the impacted maxillary canine localization and effects on adjacent teeth, for more explanation and treatment of these cases.