Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy for the detection of isthmuses of mandibular molar teeth using micro-CT as reference

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic visualisationto detect the presence and type of isthmuses within the mesial root canals ofmandibular first molar teeth compared with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images as reference.Materials and MethodsThirty-two mesial roots of mandibular first molars presenting isthmuses wereselected based on micro-CT scans. In all, 12 type I and 20 band-shaped isthmuseswere collected. The specimens were mounted in the posterior socket of dentalphantom manikin for endoscopic visualisation. The ability of endoscopes to visualizethe presence of isthmuses and distinguish the type of isthmuses was compared.Micro-CT images of the specimens were used as references. Data were analyzedusing Fisher’s exact tests.ResultsSensitivity of endoscope to detect isthmuses were also calculated for eachisthmus type. In 37.5% of the samples, isthmus presence was correctly diagnosedvia orthograde endoscopic visualization. Type I istmuses were significantly moredetected than band-shaped isthmuses (P<0.05). Endoscope showed highersensitivity to detect type I isthmus than band-shaped isthmus.ConclusionThe endodontic endoscope could detect type I isthmuses more accurately thanband- shaped isthmuses.