Title : Effect of voxel size on detection of fenestration, dehiscence and furcation defects using cone-Beam computed tomography
Abstract:
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of voxel size on the detection of fenestration, dehiscence, and furcation defects using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Materials and Methods: In vitro, the experimental study evaluated 4 sheep skulls with both the maxilla and mandible accompanied by the surrounding soft tissue. Fenestration (n=30), dehiscence (n=65), and furcation defects (n=46; 18-grade I, 25 grade II, and 3 grade III) were randomly created by round and needle burs in both jaws, and 40 areas served as control sites. CBCT scans were obtained with 0.300 and 0.150 mm3 voxel sizes and 8x11 mm2 field of view (FOV) and were randomly observed by four observers (two oral and maxillofacial radiologists and two periodontists). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), kappa values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for each voxel size.
Results: With an increase in image resolution, diagnostic sensitivity increased while specificity decreased. The kappa values for fenestration (0.602-0.623), and grade III furcation defects (0.903-1.00) were optimal (>0.6), and almost similar for both voxel sizes. The kappa values for dehiscence and grades I and II furcation defects were unfavorable (<0.6) and almost similar for both voxel sizes, except for grade I furcation defects, which had a significant difference in kappa values between the two voxel sizes (0.014 and 0.34).
Conclusion: Reduction in voxel size significantly improved the detection of dehiscence, and grades I and II furcation defects but not for fenestration or grade III furcation defects.
