Root canal sealers affect artifacts on cone-beam computed tomography images
Hazuki Miyashita1, Rieko Asaumi2, Ayaka Sakamoto3
1Department of Endodontics, School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, The Nippon Dental University, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan. h-miyashita_d2117008@tky.ndu.ac.jp.
Odontology
|February 7, 2021
Summary
The radiopacity of root canal sealers in 2D X-rays correlates with artifact formation in 3D CBCT scans. Higher contrast in periapical radiographs indicates more significant artifacts in cone-beam computed tomography images.
Area of Science:
- Dental Radiology
- Endodontics
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is crucial for endodontic diagnosis.
- Radiopaque root canal filling materials can cause artifacts in CBCT images, potentially affecting diagnosis.
- Understanding the relationship between sealer radiopacity and artifact generation is essential for image interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate artifact appearance from four root canal sealers on CBCT images.
- To correlate sealer radiopacity on periapical radiographs with CBCT artifact levels.
Main Methods:
- Thirty standardized tooth models were filled using WaveOne Gold gutta-percha and four sealers: AH Plus (AH), CANALS (CA), BioRoot RCS (BR), and MTA Fillapex (MTA).
- Samples were imaged using periapical radiography and CBCT at varying tube voltages (70, 85, 100 kV).
- Radiopacity (aluminum equivalents) and CBCT artifact characteristics (gray-scale values, high-density areas) were quantified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- AH Plus exhibited the highest radiopacity on periapical radiographs.
- On CBCT images, AH Plus showed the greatest artifact levels (RCGV and high-density areas).
- BioRoot RCS and MTA Fillapex demonstrated comparable, lower artifact levels than AH Plus.
Conclusions:
- A positive correlation exists between sealer radiopacity on 2D periapical radiographs and artifact severity in 3D CBCT images.
- Higher radiopacity (contrast) in 2D imaging leads to increased artifacts in CBCT.
- Sealer selection can influence artifact formation, impacting CBCT diagnostic accuracy in endodontics.
