Effect of intracanal posts on dimensions of cone beam computed tomography images of endodontically treated teeth

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect caused by intracanalposts (ICP) on the dimensions of cone beam computedtomography (CBCT) images of endodontically treatedteeth. Methods: Forty-five human maxillary anteriorteeth were divided into 5 groups: Glass-Fiber Post®, CarbonFiber Root Canal®, Pre-fabricated Post – Metal Screws®,Silver Alloy Post® and Gold Alloy Post®. The root canalswere prepared and filled; after that, the gutta-percha fillingwas removed, and the ICP space was prepared. The postcementation material was resin cement. CBCT scans wereacquired, and the specimens were sectioned in axial, sagittaland coronal planes. The measures of ICP were obtainedusing different 3D planes and thicknesses to determine thediscrepancy between the original ICP measurements andthe CBCT scan measurements. Results: One-way analysisof variance, Tukey and Kruskall-Wallis tests were usedfor statistical analyses. The significance level was set atα = 5%. CBCT scan ICP measurements were from 7.7%to 100% different from corresponding actual dimensions.Conclusion: Gold alloy and silver alloy posts had greatervariations (p>0.05) than glass fiber, carbon fiber and metalposts (p<0.05). Gold alloy and silver alloy post dimensionswere greater on CBCT scans than on original specimens.