| This study assessed the accuracy and reliability of tooth length measurements through axial, coronal and sagittal serial slices of CBCT volumes; conventional panoramic radiographs; and CBCT panoramic reconstructions to that of a digital caliper gold standard. Samples consisted of maxillary premolars collected from patients requiring extractions for routine orthodontic treatment. Extracted teeth were measured directly with digital calipers and images were digitally measured in Dolphin 3D software. Analysis of CBCT serial slices resulted in highly accurate and reliable tooth length measurements for all slice orientations compared to the gold standard. Conventional panoramic radiographs were relatively inaccurate, overestimating tooth lengths by 29%, while CBCT panoramic reconstructions underestimated lengths by 4%. CBCT serial slice volume analysis provides clinicians with greater measurement confidence, while panoramic radiographs, produced either by conventional means or reconstructed from 3D volumes should be considered less accurate and reliable for the detection of mild root resorption. |
