First molar radicular bone near the maxillary sinus: a comparison of CBCT analysis and gross anatomic dissection for small bony measurement

ObjectivesThis study assessed agreement of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) measurements against those obtained by gross dissection and physical calipers for dimensions of maxillary bone around first molar roots in cadaveric specimens.Study designA total of 37 human maxilla pairs with 69 first molars were analyzed by CBCT with a resolution of 200 μm and the results compared with gross dissection. Matched data sets of 414 data points (6 data points per tooth) were compared using Bland-Altman statistics. An operational definition of clinical accuracy was proposed.ResultsThe data sets displayed a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.85. Analysis revealed a positive bias for CBCT of 0.4 mm with a standard deviation of 1.1 mm relative to gross dissection. Less bone around first molar roots was demonstrated than reported in available literature.ConclusionsHigh-resolution CBCT measurements were acceptable for clinical accuracy and study of the maxillary sinus.