Methods for measurement of root canal curvature: a systematic and critical review
ORCiD
Dr. Ove A. Peters: 0000-0001-5222-8718
Department
Endodontics
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
International Endodontic Journal
ISSN
0143-2885
Volume
in press
DOI
10.1111/iej.12996
First Page
1
Last Page
12
Publication Date
8-11-2018
Abstract
The assessment of root canal curvature is essential for clinical and research purposes. This systematic review presents an overview of the published techniques for the measurement of root canal curvature features using imaging and to provide a critique of their clinical application. A database search in PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Virtual Health Library was conducted, using appropriate key words to identify measurement methods for root canal curvatures. The search strategy retrieved 10594 records in total, and 31 records fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From 2D image acquisitions, eleven studies measured exclusively the angle of curvature, an additional thirteen measured other curvature features (level, height, radius, length and shape). Seven reports described methods from 3D imaging (CBCT, μCT). Root canal curvatures should be measured, for clinical proposes, to facilitate endodontic treatment planning, and in research, to reduce the risk of selection bias. This review has revealed that there are many methods described in the literature; however, no consensus exists on which method should be used. Some of the methodologies have potential clinical translation, whereas others are suitable for research purpose only, as they require a specific software or radiographic exposure in the mesiodistal direction.
Recommended Citation
Hartmann, R. C.,
Fensterseifer, M.,
Peters, O. A.,
de Figueiredo, J. A.,
Gomes, M. S.,
&
Rossi-Fedele, G.
(2018).
Methods for measurement of root canal curvature: a systematic and critical review.
International Endodontic Journal, in press, 1–12.
DOI: 10.1111/iej.12996
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/dugoni-facarticles/421