Performance of Bioceramic-based Root Filling Material with Artifact Reduction Properties in the Detection of Vertical Root Fractures Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography

In Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images, metallic artifacts by root filling materials reduce the quality of images. It seems that bioceramic sealers produce fewer artifacts than gutta-percha. In this situation, the possibility of VRF detection could increase, and therefore, flap and exploratory surgery would not be needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a bioceramic-based root filling material in the detection of Vertical Root Fractures (VRF) in CBCT imaging.

This study was conducted at the dental school from March to August 2019, and 100 healthy human mandibular premolar teeth were obtained and randomly divided into two equal groups. The teeth were filled with either AH26 and gutta-percha or bioceramic root filling materials. VRF was induced on half of the decoronated teeth in each group using a Global Testing Machine, and the others were considered control. CBCT imaging was performed by the Cranex 3D machine. Comparisons of the 2 groups were made using the Mann-Whitney test.

There was a significant difference between the two groups of bioceramic and gutta-percha in the measured indices, including sensitivity (P=0.017), specificity (P=0.018), positive predictive value (P=0.018), negative predictive value (P=0.018), and accuracy (P=0.011). The Area Under Curve (AUC) also showed a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.011). According to Kappa test results, no significant difference was obtained between the findings of the two observers.

Different root filling materials showed a different extent of artifact in CBCT images. Bioceramic root filling material induces fewer artifacts in CBCT images, and the diagnostic value of VRF in CBCT images in the root canals filled with it is greater than those filled with AH26 and gutta-percha.