A comparative analysis of periapical status by using cone beam computed tomography and periapical radiography

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the periapical status of different teeth by using the Periapical (Pa) and the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pa and CBCT ra-diographs were obtained from the patients who required Endodontic treatment. The absence and presence of periapical lesions were inves-tigated using both Pa and CBCT radiographs. Periodontal conditions other than periapical le-sions were also observed by using both radio-graphs and recorded. Cohen's Kappa analysis was performed to observe the inter-rater and in-tra-rater reliability. Descriptive statistics includ-ing frequency and percentages of presence and absence of periapical lesions were analyzed. Independent t-test was conducted to compare the Pa and CBCT for the detection of periapical lesions. Chi-square test was used to investigate the distribution of gender and periapical lesions by both radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 204 teeth from 72 pa-tients (29 female and 43 male) were assessed via CBCT and Pa radiographs. Inter-observer and in-tra-observer reliability showed the absolute level of agreement. T-test showed there is significant difference between Pa and CBCT radiographs re-garding detecting periapical lesions. Chi-square test showed no significant differences between the gender and apical pathosis. CONCLUSIONS: CBCT is more reliable to detect periapical lesions compared to the Pa radiographs.