Comparison of Tooth Length Measured with Conventional Periapical Versus Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Keywords:
Tooth Length, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Intraoral Periapical Radiograph, Endodontic Measurement, Root Apex LocalizationAbstract
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES
To compare tooth length measurements obtained using intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPA) and CBCT in extracted single-rooted premolars.
METHODOLOGY
This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Operative Dentistry Department, Riphah International Dental Hospital, Islamabad. Forty extracted single-rooted premolars from Pakistani patients aged 12-50 years were included. Teeth with incomplete root development, structural defects, metallic restorations, or severe attrition were excluded. After extraction, teeth were cleaned, disinfected, and mounted in a dry human mandible with modelling wax to simulate soft tissue. Tooth lengths were measured using IOPA with the paralleling technique and CBCT in the sagittal plane. Measurements were compared using paired t-tests, with stratification by age and gender.
RESULTS
The mean tooth length measured on IOPA was 19.78 mm (SD 1.44), while CBCT measurements were shorter at 18.18 mm (SD 1.37) (p < 0.001). This difference was consistent across all age and gender groups. Females had CBCT lengths of 17.98 mm versus 19.64 mm on IOPA, and males had 18.44 mm versus 19.96 mm. Participants aged 13–30 years had CBCT lengths of 17.91 mm versus 19.94 mm on IOPA, and those aged 31–50 years had 18.37 mm versus 19.66 mm.
CONCLUSION
CBCT consistently produced shorter tooth length measurements than IOPA, suggesting that periapical radiographs may overestimate tooth length. Its three-dimensional imaging allows precise localisation of the root apex, making it a reliable modality for endodontic measurement and treatment planning.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ijaz Ul Haq, Alia Ahmad, Perkha Ali, Arooba Nazami, Toqir Ahmad
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