Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

The accuracy of dental panoramic tomographs in determining the root morphology of mandibular third molar teeth before surgery

Lookup NU author(s): Matthew Dorman

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of dental panoramic tomograph (DPT) in the presurgical assessment of mandibular third molar teeth by correlating the radiologic interpretation with surgical findings. Study design. DPTs of 300 mandibular third molar teeth were assessed by 9 staff oral surgeons for root morphology and proximity to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Detailed records were made at surgery. Results. The sensitivity and specificity for observation of root curvatures (+/-15%) were 29% and 94%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of determining an intimate relationship between the root and the neurovascular bundle were 66% and 74%, respectively. Kappa analysis demonstrated poor levels of agreement between radiologic interpretation and surgical findings when the number of roots was determined (0.191) and also when the roots were fused or separate (0.466). Conclusion. Using DPTs to assess mandibular third molar teeth before surgery gives poor diagnostic accuracy of anatomic form and structures.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Bell GW, Rodgers JA, Grime RJ, Edwards KL, Hahn MR, Dorman ML, Keen WD, Stewart DJC, Hampton N

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology

Year: 2003

Volume: 95

Issue: 1

Pages: 119-125

ISSN (print): 1079-2104

ISSN (electronic): 1528-395X

Publisher: Mosby, Inc.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1067/moe.2003.16

DOI: 10.1067/moe.2003.16


Altmetrics

Altmetrics provided by Altmetric


Share