Comparison of Different Imaging Techniques for the Evaluation of Proximity between Molars and the Mandibular Canal

Background and Aim: To compare the radiographic distance from the inferior part of mandibular second and third molars to the superior border of mandibular canal on radiographs obtained by conventional periapical radiographs, intraoral photostimulable phosphor plate (Intraoral PSP) and panoramic photostimulable phosphor plate (Panoramic PSP). Subjects and Methods: The study was carried out on 25 patients. Periapical radiographs and photostimulable phosphor plate images were obtained with the paralleling technique. The radiographic distance from the most inferior part of mandibular molar teeth to the nearest superior border of mandibular canal were measured using image analysis software (ImageJ). All measurements were performed by an oral radiologist. Comparisons of the measurements were evaluated by Intraclass Correlation Coefficients. Results: Periapical radiographs and intraoral PSP, periapical radiographs and panoramic PSP, and intraoral PSP and panoramic PSP showed agreement levels of 99%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. Repeated measures of ANOVA showed no statistical significant difference among periapical radiograph, intraoral PSP and panoramic PSP (F=1.409, p=0.234). Conclusion: Periapical radiographs, images obtained by intraoral PSP and panoramic PSP can be used interchangeably for the evaluation of the proximity of molar teeth and the mandibular canal.