Comparison of cone-beam computed tomography with intraoral photostimulable phosphor imaging plate for diagnosis of endodontic complications: a simulation study

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity and reliability of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral photostimulable phosphor (PSP) imaging plate for diagnosis of endodontic complications.Study DesignSeventy-two human mandibular teeth were used, including 24 incisors/canines, 24 premolars, and 24 molars. Three images were taken from each group of teeth with intraoral PSP, CBCT-NewTom, and CBCT-ProMax.ResultsThe sensitivity of PSP, CBCT-NewTom, and CBCT-ProMax was 76.39%, 80.56%, and 94.44% for detecting cast post deviation; 98.61%, 100%, and 100% for external root resorption; 86.11%, 31.94%, and 36.11% for fractured file; and 66.67%, 90.28%, and 86.11% for lateral root perforation respectively. The intertechnique reliability (kappa statistics) was 58.4% for the 2 CBCT techniques, 20.1% and 18.8% for CBCT-NewTom and CBCT-ProMax versus PSP respectively.ConclusionsGiven strengths and weaknesses of the techniques as well as the cost, CBCT is recommended as a complementary but not routinely used diagnostic method for endodontic complications not usually detected by conventional methods.