Abstract

COVO-MORALES, Eduardo; GONZALEZ-MARTINEZ, Farith; ZABALETA-GARCES, Gisela  and  ARBELAEZ-FLOREZ, Margarita. Validity and reliability of two radiographic techniques to identify radiculars canals in endodontics. CES odontol. [online]. 2013, vol.26, n.1, pp.33-41. ISSN 0120-971X.

Introduction and objective: Radiograph is the head tool used for the endodontist to verify the characteristics of the root canal system; the problem is its two-dimensional character that could hide important information to ensure the success of the treatment, for that reason, it is necessary to evaluate the coadjutant contrast methods that increase the sensitivity of the instrument. To determine validity and reliability of two identifying techniques of radicular lateral ducts. Materials and methods: A diagnostic study was carried out in 82 recently extracted human lower premolars, with complete radicular formation. The measures were carried out by means of periapical radiographs with and without contrast media, using three dimensions (ortho-radial, medialradial and distoradial). For the analysis, tests of sensitivity and specificity were used with a level of significance of 5%. Reliability of the test for the type of radicular duct was evaluated by means of Kappa Cohen. Results: Radiographic technique with the contrast media and with distal orientation was the most sensitive (p=0.000). While the radiographic technique without contrast media and with mesial orientation was the most specific (p=0.000). No concordance was found between both techniques for the identification of radicular ducts. Conclusions: Radiographic technique with contrast media showed a low sensitivity to identify anatomic variants in the radicular duct, except in delta type ducts, where the results were overestimated. There was no concordance between both techniques to identify the type of duct what suggests not to be reliable at the moment of being used to endodontic treatment.

Keywords : Dental pulp cavity; Contrast media; Sensitivity and specificity; Reproducibility of results.

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