Comparison of panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography for qualitative and quantitative measurements regarding localization of permanent impacted maxillary canines

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the correlation between digital panoramic radiography (DPR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluations for localization of impacted permanent maxillary canines (IPMCs) and for other qualitative and quantitative parameters. Materials and Method: DPR and CBCT images of 60 patients (17 men and 43 women) were examined independently by two observers. Correlations between DPR and CBCT images were evaluated regarding qualitative (bucco-palatal positioning of IPMCs, morphology and presence of root resorption of adjacent permanent lateral incisors, and contact relationship between IPMCs and adjacent permanent lateral incisors) and quantitative (angle measurements) variables. All evaluations were repeated 1 month later by each observer. Chi-square and t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Kappa statistics were used to assess intra- and interobserver agreement (Cohen’s κ). Results: No correlation was observed for determination of bucco-palatal positioning of IPMCs between DPR and CBCT images (p>0.05). Correlations were observed for other qualitative variables (p<0.05). Differences between DPR and CBCT images were seen for all examined quantitative variables (p<0.01). Intra- and interobserver agreements were substantial to almost-perfect. Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between DPR and CBCT images for determination of bucco-palatal positioning of IPMCs. All quantitative measurements performed on DPR and CBCT images significantly differed from each other.

Keywords

• Canine tooth
• cone-beam computed tomography
• panoramic radiography