Detection of MB2 canals in mesiobuccal roots of maxillary first molars using film, digital images and Tuned Aperture Computed Tomography (TACT(TM))

Purpose. The objective of this study is a comparison of TACT, CCD (Trophy) and conventional radiographic film (Kodak, D and F speed). The specific aims were to use TACT Workbench™ Software, CCD (Trophy) images and conventional D and F speed film to detect the presence of two canals within the MBR of maxillary first molars.; Methodology. Maxillary first molars were mounted in simulated bone models and images were generated using TACT, digital radiography with a CCD (Trophy), conventional D and F speed film. Observers viewed sets of images to determine the number of canals present within the mesiobuccal root (MBR) of each tooth. Roots were horizontally cross-sectioned and viewed under an operating microscope to determine the number of canals present.; Results. A weighted chi-square showed no statistically significant difference in the ability of TACT, digital radiography or conventional radiography to discriminate the number of canals present in each mesiobuccal root. Mean intra and inter-rater reliability was calculated for each imaging modality and TACT showed a higher correlation coefficient than the other three modalities, however this difference was not statistically significant.; Conclusions. (1) There is less than a 40% chance of locating MB2 canals in the MBR of maxillary first molars using TACT, digital or analog radiographs. (2) There is no statistically significant difference in the ability of TACT, digital radiography or analog radiography to determine the presence of MB2 canals within the MBR of the maxillary first molar.