Mesiodistal Root Angulation Using Panoramic and Cone Beam CT

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the panoramic projection can accurately determine mesiodistal root angulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A plaster study model of the dentition of each of five patients was prepared. A radiographic stent containing radiopaque markers was fabricated for each of the models. Panoramic and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken on each patient with the radiographic stent seated on the dentition. Root angulations for each of the radiographic images were measured and compared. RESULTS: Root angulation was measured by three independent individuals and good reliability between measurements was demonstrated. Compared to plaster model measurements (the gold standard), the CBCT scan produced very accurate measurements of root angulation. Compared to CBCT images, panoramic projections did not provide reliable data on root angulation. CONCLUSION: Panoramic images did not accurately represent the mesiodistal root angulations on clinical patients.