Radiographic assessment of simulated external root resorption cavities in maxillary incisors

Upper central and lateral incisors of three human skulls were used to assess radiographically the possibility of detecting cavities of different sizes and locations, drilled to simulate external root resorptions. The sequence of radiographs was evaluated by three endodontists, who were unaware of the experiment being done, using a 2 x magnifier. The first observation was done without comparing the radiographic images of the different cavities with the preoperative radiograph. For the second round of observation, each sequence was compared with the preoperative X-ray. The results showed that small cavities were more difficult to detect than the medium and large ones. Moreover, cavities located on the proximal surfaces were more easily detected than those located on the buccal surfaces. Finally, when the observers could compare with the preoperative radiographs (second round of observation), the rate of detection was considerably higher.