The Impact of Different Diagnostic Imaging Modalities on the Evaluation of Root Canal Anatomy and Endodontic Residents' Stress Levels: A Clinical Study

Introduction

The purpose of this study was firstly to compare the impact of radiographs, cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging, and 3D Endo software (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) on the assessment of root canal anatomy and radiographic quality of endodontic treatment and secondly to assess stress levels in the same cohort of residents performing endodontic treatment.

Methods

Sixty patients requiring primary molar endodontic treatment were allocated randomly into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 20), conventional radiographs (periapical radiography [PR]) only; group 2 (n = 20), PR and CBCT imaging; and group 3 (n = 20), PR, CBCT imaging, and 3D Endo software. All treatment was performed using a standardized protocol. Residents completed a questionnaire to assess their stress levels and usefulness of the imaging modality used. The radiographic quality of completed cases was assessed by 2 experienced endodontists who were not involved in the supervision of the cases being assessed.

Results

Groups 2 (CBCT imaging) and 3 (PR, CBCT imaging, and 3D Endo) proved significantly better than group 1 (PR) (P < .001) for assessing the number of root canals and anatomy and estimating the working lengths. Group 3 provided a significantly more accurate determination of the working level (P = .002). There were significantly more cases with obturation short of the apex (<2 mm) and voids in group 1 compared with group 3 (P < .05) and a significantly higher number of cases with voids in group 1 compared with group 3 (P < .01). Clinicians found treatment to be moderately or very stressful in 75%, 5%, and 0% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Conclusions

3D Endo software followed by CBCT imaging were found to be more desirable for the evaluation of root canal anatomy and working lengths and reducing the residents' stress levels.