Guidelines on radiographic imaging as part of root canal treatment: a systematic review with a focus on review imaging after treatment

Abstract

Mahasneh SA, Horner K, Cunliffe J, Al-Salehi S, Sengupta A, AlHadidi A. Guidelines on radiographic imaging as part of root canal treatment: a systematic review with a focus on review imaging after treatment. International Endodontic Journal, 51, e238-e249, 2018.Aim To identify guidelines on endodontics which make recommendations relating to post-root canal treatment radiological review imaging, to make an objective assessment of their quality using the AGREE tool and to examine the evidence cited in support of their recommendations. Methodology The primary sources to identify published guidelines were MEDLINE (Ovid â ) and EMBASE. The search aim was to identify guidelines pertaining to the post-root canal treatment follow-up recommendations published from 1946 with the final search date being 26 June 2016. The primary search was supplemented by searching Internet search engines and several websites that might have guidelines. The guidelines obtained from the search end-resultwere assessed for quality and scientific evidence using the AGREE II instrument. Similarities and differences in the recommendations were identified.Results Thirty guidelines were identified, seven of which met the inclusion criteria. Two guidelines used and clearly described the methods for obtaining scientific evidence from which the recommendations were set. The recommendations varied, particularly as regards the timing of the first review radiograph. Some guidelines lacked supporting evidence.Conclusions The recommendations for post-root canal treatment radiographic follow-up varied amongst the identified guidelines. However, the methodology for obtaining the scientific evidence was poorly described in most of the guidelines. Guideline development groups should use the AGREE II instrument as a guide to produce higher quality guidelines.

Management of Bilateral Mandibular Fused Teeth

“…In recent years, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is frequently used for complex endodontic diagnosis and management of complications [15]. However, current CBCT images have lower resolution than conventional intraoral radiographs [14] and patients are subjected to higher radiation dose and financial cost [14][15]. The periapical radiographs used to plan and monitor the present case shows the whole image of the roots especially 42-43, and was considered adequate after discussion with the endodontist in charge [4].…”

“…Careful clinical examination aided by clear, high definition radiographs is crucial for optimal treatment planning. Currently, intraoral radiography is the imaging technique of choice for the management of endodontic cases [14]. Conventional intraoral periapical radiographs provide a high definition image at a low radiation dose.…”

Clinical decision‐making and importance of the AAE/AAOMR position statement for CBCT examination in endodontic cases

“…In order to assist dentists and to limit excessive use of CBCT scans, the American Association of Endodontics (AAE)/American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) and the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) released their respective position statements (ESE 2014, Special Committee to Revise the Joint AAE/AAOMR Position Statement on use of CBCT in Endodontics 2015). Although these position statements would have been based on the best published evidence available at that time, Mahasneh et al (2018) in their systematic review determined that these recommendations (ESE 2014, Special Committee to Revise the Joint AAE/AAOMR Position Statement on use of CBCT in Endodontics 2015) were either not 'evidence based' or they were derived from laboratory studies, consensus reports and traditional reviews. Fryback & Thornbury (1991) created a six-tiered hierarchical model to determine the diagnostic imaging efficacy of a system.…”

“…Although these position statements would have been based on the best published evidence available at that time, Mahasneh et al . (2018) in their systematic review determined that these recommendations (ESE 2014, Special Committee to Revise the Joint AAE/AAOMR Position Statement on use of CBCT in Endodontics 2015) were either not ‘evidence based’ or they were derived from laboratory studies, consensus reports and traditional reviews.…”