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Updated: May 13, 2026
Reliability of Artificial Intelligence-Based Cone Beam Computed Tomography Integration with Digital Dental Images
Published on: February 23, 2024
Agreement between periapical radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography for assessment of periapical status of
G S P Cheung1, W L L Wei, C McGrath
1Area of Endodontics, Comprehensive Dental Care, Saiyingpun.
Aim:
To assess the agreement between periapical radiograph (PA) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for periapical assessment of root filled maxillary and mandibular molars.
Methodology:
Periapical radiograph and CBCT (iCat) images of 60 previously root filled molars (30 maxillary and 30 mandibular) were obtained at a review clinic. Agreement between PA and CBCT assessments of (i) number of canals per tooth, (ii) number of lesions per tooth, (iii) mesial-distal dimension of lesions, (iv) coronal-apical dimension of lesions and (v) presence of 'J'-shaped lesions were determined in comparison analyses and correlation analysis.
Results:
There were significant differences between PA and CBCT assessment for the mean number of canals (P < 0.001) and periapical lesions (P < 0.001), mean mesial-distal (P < 0.001) and coronal-apical dimension of the lesion (if present; P < 0.001) and the mean number of 'J'-shaped lesions (P < 0.05). The magnitude of the statistical differences (or bias) was greater for maxillary than mandibular molars regarding the number and size of the lesions identified. Correlation values were weaker between PA and CBCT assessments of maxillary molars than for mandibular molars in all parameters assessed.
Conclusion:
There were substantial disagreements between PA and CBCT for assessing the periapical status of molar teeth, especially for the maxillary arch. The findings have implications in periapical diagnosis and for evaluating the outcome of endodontic care.
