Digital Determination of Curvature of Root Canals of Extracted Teeth

Abstract

Introduction: Determination of the curvature of root canals at present is accomplished by complicated or expensive methods. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new digital method by which this curvature can be determined quickly, easily and accurately. The aim of this in-vitro study is to determine the angles of curvature of the root canals of extracted teeth by comparing a new digital method of measurement with an established digital method. Material and Methods: Forty-eight (48) root canals of extracted teeth were studied to achieve the goal. In all roots, curvature is measured by three methods: Method 1 - new digital photographic method and special Software (Screen Protractor); Method 2 - a new digital radiography method and special software (Screen Protractor); Method 3 - approved method, digital by X-ray and special Software (Durr dental). Results: The mean degrees of the measured curvature of the root canals in all three groups are similar and are about 22°. There are no statistically significant differences between them (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This shows that the new digital photographic and x-ray methods for measuring root curvature can accurately determine the curve angle for extracted teeth.