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Lookup NU author(s): Matthew Dorman
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Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of dental panoramic tomograph (DPT) in the presurgical assessment of mandibular third molar teeth by correlating the radiologic interpretation with surgical findings. Study design. DPTs of 300 mandibular third molar teeth were assessed by 9 staff oral surgeons for root morphology and proximity to the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle. Detailed records were made at surgery. Results. The sensitivity and specificity for observation of root curvatures (+/-15%) were 29% and 94%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of determining an intimate relationship between the root and the neurovascular bundle were 66% and 74%, respectively. Kappa analysis demonstrated poor levels of agreement between radiologic interpretation and surgical findings when the number of roots was determined (0.191) and also when the roots were fused or separate (0.466). Conclusion. Using DPTs to assess mandibular third molar teeth before surgery gives poor diagnostic accuracy of anatomic form and structures.
Author(s): Bell GW, Rodgers JA, Grime RJ, Edwards KL, Hahn MR, Dorman ML, Keen WD, Stewart DJC, Hampton N
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology
Year: 2003
Volume: 95
Issue: 1
Pages: 119-125
ISSN (print): 1079-2104
ISSN (electronic): 1528-395X
Publisher: Mosby, Inc.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1067/moe.2003.16
DOI: 10.1067/moe.2003.16
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