Detection of vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth by a cone beam computed tomography scan

Our aim was to compare the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and periapical radiographs (PRs) in detecting vertical root fractures (VRFs) and to assess the influence of root canal filling (RCF) on fracture visibility. Eighty teeth were endodontically prepared and divided into four groups. The teeth in groups A and B were artificially fractured, and teeth in groups C and D were not. Groups A and C were root filled. Four observers evaluated the CBCT scans and PR images. Sensitivity and specificity for VRF detection of CBCT were 79.4% and 92.5% and for PR were 37.1% and 95%, respectively. The specificity of CBCT was reduced (p = 0.032) by the presence of RCF, but its overall accuracy was not influenced (p = 0.654). Both the sensitivity (p = 0.006) and overall accuracy (p = 0.008) of PRs were reduced by the presence of RCF. The results showed an overall higher accuracy for CBCT (0.86) scans than PRs (0.66) for detecting VRF.