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Ideal Horizontal X-Ray Beam Angulation for Maxillary Molars. A Retrospective Clinical Study Using Cone-Beam Computed
Jörg Philipp Tchorz1, Nathalie Konstantiniuk1, Johann Julian Alfons Sistig1
1Division for Endodontics, Center for Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria.
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The aim of this study was to analyse cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images to determine the ideal horizontal X-ray beam angulations for maxillary first and second molars. CBCT scans from 85 patients were retrospectively analysed to measure the angles at which buccal root canals (MB, DB) of maxillary first (n = 170) and second (n = 157) molars superimpose the palatal one (P) at coronal and apical levels. The mean angles and standard deviations for both tooth types combined at which MB1 and MB2 overlap with P, as well as the angle at which DB overlaps with P, were 114.01° (±9.30), 119.47° (±11.05) and 87.48° (±12.02), respectively. Angles at coronal levels were higher for both tooth types and all canals. If maxillary molar teeth show no signs of tilt, rotation or unusual anatomy, a distal tube shift of > 18°, based on the orthoradial direction (90°), should be chosen to achieve ideal visual canal separation.
