OR06 - Accuracy of Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Systems in the Diagnosis of Mesio-buccal Canal Anatomy of Maxillary Molars

The incidence of second mesiobuccal canals (MB2) in maxillary molars is well-documented. Identification and treatment of canal anatomy has been enhanced by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The aim of this study was to compare the five CBCT systems’ accuracy in the anatomical analysis of maxillary molars. 52 extracted maxillary molars, mounted in plaster/ground rice casts to replicate trabeculation and using wax to simulate periodontal ligament and periapical bone loss, were scanned by all five machines (3D Accuitomo 80, Veraviewepocs 3D R100, iCAT FLX, Carestream CS9300, Planmeca ProMax 3D Max) with a microCT scan used as the gold standard. Scans were reviewed by two board-certified endodontists and one oral maxillofacial radiologist using the corresponding system’s viewer for MB2 anatomy and apical exit numbers. No significant difference was found between the five CBCT systems and microCT in MB2 identification (McNemar, p< 0.05). MicroCT detected significantly higher numbers of apical exits than all five systems (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, p< .0001). Accuitomo showed significantly higher numbers of apical exits compared to iCAT, CS9300, and ProMax. Veraviewepocs reported significantly higher numbers of apical exits compared to iCAT and ProMax. There was no significant difference in apical exit identification between Veraviewepocs and Accuitomo. Currently available CBCT systems are highly accurate as compared to microCT in MB2 identification. MicroCT was significantly better in identifying apical anatomy than all CBCT systems. Among CBCTs studied, 3D Accuitomo 80 better identified the number apical exits than iCAT FLX, Carestream CS9300, and Planmeca ProMax 3D Max but not Veraviewepocs 3D R100.