Comparative evaluation of efficacy of bisecting angle technique, modified bisecting angle technique, and paralleling angle technique in avoiding zygomatic arch superimposition over apices of permanent maxillary molars

Abstract

Background: An intra-oral periapical radiograph (IOPA) taken with bisecting angle technique (BAT) exhibits superimposition of zygomatic buttress on apices of maxillary molars usually. This influences the endodontic treatment procedures. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of BAT, modified BAT (MBAT), and the paralleling technique (PT) evading the superimposition of zygomatic arch in permanent maxillary molars. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and comparative study done on 90 patients (30 patients subjected to each technique). Along with the superimposition, other faults that each technique records while taking the radiograph were also assessed. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test with Fischertechnique records while ta data analysis. Results: Zygomatic superimposition was present in almost all the cases in BAT, 26.7% in PT, and 40% in MBAT. The periapical cut-off was found to be absent, 53.3%, and 33.3% in BAT, PT, and MBAT, respectively. All the three techniques exhibit P < 0.001, which is statistically significant. Distortion was 60%, 33.3%, and 20% in BAT, MBAT, and PT, respectively. Cone-cutting was found to be 33.3%, 26.7%, and 26.6% in BAT, MBAT, and PT, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusions: MBAT successfully avoided superimposition as well as periapical cut-off in most of the cases.

Keywords

• bisecting angle technique
• modified bisecting angle technique
• paralleling technique
• zygomatic arch key messages: modified bat has higher precision in averting the zygomatic interference over the apices of maxillary permanent molars than bat. mbat anticipated undistorted images than bat. due to high ortho-radial projection
• foreshortening of buccal roots was annihilated.