An in vitro comparison of linear measurements of panoramic views acquired via 2D or 3D imaging

Introduction: Panoramic radiography and CBCT are common imaging techniques in general dental practice. Some clinicians still refer patients for additional conventional digital panoramic radiographs despite the fact that CBCT data has already been acquired. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Digital panoramic radiographic images derived from conventional and CBCT generated methods, regarding their linear measurements’ accuracy in different anatomical sites in dry human mandibles compared to real measurements obtained by a digital vernier caliper.
Materials and Methods: Measurements from five adult human dry mandibles were made separately on the right and left sides ending up with ten evaluated samples. Several linear measurements related to mental and mandibular foramina were obtained. All were compared to real measurements.
Results: Cronbach’s alpha inter- and intra- observer agreement in all modalities used ranged from “very good to perfect”. No statistically significant difference between linear measurements’ means in all modalities used when compared to real ones. Only two measurements; one was significantly underestimated in all modalities, the other was significantly overestimated in manual reformatted panoramic.
Conclusion: Comparable results were shown when linear measurements’ means from Digital panoramic, CBCT derived Auto and Manual reformatted panoramic were compared to real ones. Radiation dose to patients must be concerned.