Title:
Evaluation of 20 degree Shifted Radiographs in Endodontic Treatment
Author(s):
La-ongthong Vajrabhaya,
Piyanuch Karnasuta, Suwanna Korsuwannawong, Orachorn Thongburan, Nuttapat Suntharapa, Supussorn Netpheng, Teerada Wuttiprasittipol
Keyword(s):
Endodontic treatment, Radiograph, Twenty-degree angulation
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of root canal separation on radiographs of mandibular
molars taken for determining endodontic treatment working length using a 20o mesial (M) or distal (D) shift jig compared
with a perpendicular (0o) angle. Radiographs of 42 human mandibular molars were taken at a horizontal angle of
0o, 20o M shift, or 20o D shift to the tooth. The radiographs were evaluated by two examiners. Seventy-one percent
and 73 % of the 20o M shift radiographs were deemed acceptable (separated roots) by the first and second examiner,
respectively. In contrast, 54 % and 64 % of the 20o D shift radiographs were acceptable to the first and second
examiner, respectively. The strength of agreement from both examiners was at a high level of 0.804-0.904. The
percentage of acceptable M and D shift radiographs for each examiner were similar (P>0.05) and significantly higher
compared with the 0o x-ray beam angle (P<0.05). Radiographs taken using either the 20o M or D shift jigs are more
likely to have distinct mandibular molar root canal separation when determining the working length for root canal
treatment compared with 0o images. The advantage of these jigs is the precise determination of the shifted
radiograph angle.