Estimation of Remaining Dentine Thickness (RDT) Under Caries Lesion with a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Standardized Paralleling Technique in Comparisons to Actual Measurement. In Vitro Comparative Study

Abstract

Objective: Determining a viable and reliable method for estimation of remaining dentine thickness before starting caries excavation thus reducing the incidents of post-operative sensitivities and direct pulpal exposure through finding a logistic and accurate relationship between the amounts of actual remaining dentine thickness and the radiographic remaining dentine thickness. Methods:In three-stage experiment 60 extracted human teeth were examined by digital radiography, cone beam computed tomography, and microscopically after hand excavation of remaining caries, the results were compared and statistically analyzed for each tooth.Result: No significant difference between actual clinical and CBCT measurements (P=0.98) but a significant difference between actual clinical and periapical radiographs (P=0.000021). Conclusion:Determining the remaining dentine thickness through everyday periapical radiographs is inaccurate, finding a reliable and cost-effective method remains a challenge.