Diagnostic quality of multiplanar reformations obtained with a newly developed cone beam device for maxillofacial imaging

OBJECTIVE: The removal of third molars requires information about the relative position of the root tips and the mandibular nerve. The diagnostic value of conventional radiologic procedures using a panoramic radiograph and symmetrical PA cephalometric radiograph (PAN&PA) was compared with that of a cone-beam volumetric imaging (CBVI) device (Galileos; Sirona, Bensheim, Germany). STUDY DESIGN: Six observers evaluated 30 PAN&PA and 30 CBVI for the position of root tips. Diagnostic information was rated from 1 to 5 (excellent to poor). RESULTS: With PAN&PA, 3 times more scans showed nondetectable information for horizontal position compared with CBVI. The diagnostic information in the vertical dimension received a median rating of 2 (good) for CBVI and for PAN & PA; for the horizontal d imension, CBVI received a median rating of 2 (good), compared with a significantly worse median rating of 3 (sufficient) for PAN & PA (P = .000). The variance was highest for the horizontal dimension with PAN & PA (1.27). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that cone-beam technology improves the localization of third molar for presurgical planning.