Radiographic assessment of simulated root resorption cavities

Abstract A study into the sensitivity and accuracy of a standardized radiographic technique for the disclosure of root resorption cavities was performed in a cadaver material. Film contrast and horizontal angulation were varied in order to identify factors in radiographic exposure which resulted in the greatest diagnostic reliability. In an autopsy material of 5 jaw blocks containing both mandibular premolars, “small, medium and large” cavities simulating root resorptions of 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mm in diameter and 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mm in depth, respectively, were drilled at the cervical, middle and apical thirds of the proximal and oral root surfaces of the premolars. Cavity locations were distributed to ensure an equal number of locations with and without cavities and an equal number of cavities of each size. Results of the investigation indicated that the small cavities were never visualized, nor were 6 out of 13 medium cavities nor 1 out of 13 large cavities; that cavities located proximally were more readily seen than those located orally and that there was no clif Terence in cavity visualization between cavities on the apical, middle or cervical thirds of the roots; high density (contrast) films allowed the best cavity visualization. Finally, radiographs from the time of injury (i.e. preresorption radiographs) as well as radiographs taken at various horizontal angulations were found to be of importance in order to increase the possibility of cavity visualization.