Accuracy of scanography using storage phosphor plate systems and film for assessment of mandibular third molars

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two digital photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) systems and film for assessment of mandibular third molars before surgery. Methods: 110 patients were referred to have both their mandibular third molars removed. Each patient underwent a radiographic examination with scanography using either Digora (Soredex, Helsinki, Finland) and film or VistaScan (Dü rr Dental, Beitigheim-Bissingen, Germany) and film in a randomized paired design. Two observers examined the following variables on the scanograms: bone coverage, angulation of the tooth in the bone, number of roots, root morphology and the relationship to the mandibular canal. In 75 of the pairs (Digora/film pair 5 38 and Vista/film pair 5 37) both third molars were eventually removed. During and after surgery the same variables were assessed, which served as reference standard for the radiographic assessments. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test tested differences in accuracy (radiographic compared with surgical findings) between Digora/film and between Vista/film. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the diagnostic accuracy of film and either of the two digital receptors for assessment of mandibular third molars before surgery (P . 0.05), although Digora obtained a higher accuracy than film. Conclusions: Scanography is a valuable method for examination of mandibular third molars before removal and the PSP digital receptors in this study were equal to film for this purpose.

Influence of cone beam CT on treatment plan before surgical intervention of mandibular third molars and impact of radiographic factors on deciding on coronectomyvssurgical removal

“…32 Another frequently used method in our department is stereo-scanography, with four differently angulated projections, which has been shown to be a valid method, and even more valid than intraoral eccentric radiography for assessment of mandibular third molars. 8,10,33 If this modality is not available, an alternative may be a posteroanterior open mouth projection, which is frequently used in other departments. 18 Even with the use of stereopsis it may not always be easy to determine the relation between the molar and the mandibular canal in stereo-scanograms.…”

Should removal of lower third molars be included in the pre-graduate curriculum for dental students? An evaluation of post-operative complications after student operations

“…The initial radiographic examination consisted of a panoramic or intraoral radiograph and additional images were recorded when needed, e.g. stereo-scanograms [5] for assessment of the relationship between the third molar and the mandibular canal if the root was projected over the canal on the initial image [6]. The clinical examination consisted of an anamnesis to clarify the patient's health conditions, use of medication, use of oral contraceptives, dental history and current symptoms from the teeth and jaws and a clinical examination of the dentition, temperomandibular joint, masticatory muscles and oral mucosa.…”