Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 4 different post materials on the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in various tooth regions using multiple cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging settings and metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms. Materials and Methods: Forty single-rooted teeth with 4 different post materials were mounted in a skull and scanned using the Planmeca ProMax 3D Max under different conditions: 90 and 96 kVp; no, medium, and high MAR settings;and voxel sizes of 100 and 200 μm. Image analysis was performed with ImageJ software to calculate CNR. The dosearea product (DAP) was recorded, and the effective dose was calculated. Results: When all other parameters were held constant, each factor significantly influenced mean CNR (P<0.05).Higher CNR values were observed in the middle third of roots at 96 kVp, with a voxel size of 200 μm, and with medium or high MAR. No significant difference was found between medium and high MAR. Gold posts showed the lowest mean CNR, while no significant differences were observed among the other post materials. Conclusion The combination of low resolution, medium MAR, and 96 kVp provided the highest image quality and CNR for visualizing teeth with post materials using the Planmeca ProMax, while also producing one of the lowest effective doses.

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans appears to be a valuable method for assessing pulp canal configuration. The aim of this report is to describe endodontic treatment of a mandibular second premolar with aberrant pulp canal morphology detected by CBCT and confirmed by 3D modeling. An accessory canal was suspected during endodontic treatment of the mandibular left second premolar in a 21 year-old woman with a chief complaint of pulsating pain. Axial cross-sectional CBCT scans revealed that the pulp canal divided into mesiobuccal, lingual, and buccal canals in the middle third and ended as four separate foramina. 3D modeling confirmed the anomalous configuration of the fused root with a deep lingual groove. Endodontic treatment of the tooth was completed in two appointments. The root canals were obturated using lateral compaction of gutta-percha and root canal sealer. The tooth remained asymptomatic and did not develop periapical pathology until 12 months postoperatively. CBCT and 3D modeling enable preoperative evaluation of aberrant root canal systems and facilitate endodontic treatment.
Appointments and Schedules ; Bicuspid ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Dental Pulp Cavity* ; Female ; Gutta-Percha ; Humans ; Pathology ; Tooth

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans appears to be a valuable method for assessing pulp canal configuration. The aim of this report is to describe endodontic treatment of a mandibular second premolar with aberrant pulp canal morphology detected by CBCT and confirmed by 3D modeling. An accessory canal was suspected during endodontic treatment of the mandibular left second premolar in a 21 year-old woman with a chief complaint of pulsating pain. Axial cross-sectional CBCT scans revealed that the pulp canal divided into mesiobuccal, lingual, and buccal canals in the middle third and ended as four separate foramina. 3D modeling confirmed the anomalous configuration of the fused root with a deep lingual groove. Endodontic treatment of the tooth was completed in two appointments. The root canals were obturated using lateral compaction of gutta-percha and root canal sealer. The tooth remained asymptomatic and did not develop periapical pathology until 12 months postoperatively. CBCT and 3D modeling enable preoperative evaluation of aberrant root canal systems and facilitate endodontic treatment.
Appointments and Schedules ; Bicuspid ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Dental Pulp Cavity* ; Female ; Gutta-Percha ; Humans ; Pathology ; Tooth