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Comparative Study
. 2018 May;47(4):20170371.
doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20170371. Epub 2018 Feb 13.

Assessment of impacted and partially impacted lower third molars with panoramic radiography compared to MRI-a proof of principle study

Barbara Kirnbauer  1 , Norbert Jakse  1 , Petra Rugani  1 , Michael Schwaiger  2 , Marton Magyar  3
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Assessment of impacted and partially impacted lower third molars with panoramic radiography compared to MRI-a proof of principle study

Barbara Kirnbauer et al. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2018 May.

Abstract

Objectives: Third molars often require surgical removal. Since three-dimensional radiological assessment is often indicated in difficult cases to avoid surgical complications, the radiation burden has to be considered. Here, MRI may offer a dose-free alternative to conventional X-ray techniques. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the assessment quality of MRI compared to panoramic radiography in impacted and partially impacted lower third molars.

Methods: Panoramic radiographs and MRI scans of 28 Caucasian patients were assessed twice by four investigators. Wisdom teeth were classified according to Juodzbalys and Daugela 2013.

Results: When radiological lower third molar assessments with panoramic radiography and MRI were compared, staging concurred in 73% in the first round of assessments and 77% in the second.

Conclusions: The presented study demonstrates that MRI not only provides much the same information that panoramic radiography usually does, but also has the advantages of a dose-free three-dimensional view. This may facilitate and shorten third molar surgery. Image interpretation, however, can differ depending on training and experience.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Example of panoramic radiograph
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Sagittal MRI slices at tooth 48 from buccal to lingual (left to right)
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Axial MRI slice with inferior alveolar nerve at the lingual side of distal apex
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Grading according to Juodzbalys and Daugela 2013 (15)
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Intraobserver agreement for panoramic radiography (PR) and MRI
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
Interobserver agreement for panoramic radiography (PR) and MRI
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Percentual accordance PR versus MRI
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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