Optimization of DR imaging for extraoral third molar and its application value
Objective To evaluate the value of digital radiography(DR)imaging of extraoral third molar in evaluating impacted teeth before extraction.Methods DR multi-parameter imaging was performed on the highly simulated standard physiological simulator.The mouth opening and X-ray projection angle of the simulator were changed to obtain DR images of the third molar under different imaging parameters.Optimal imaging parameters were selected by comparing the DR images,and were applied in clinic.According to the definition of DR images,the root display of the third molar on the affected side,and the overlap degree of the upper and lower third molars,the DR images of the third molar were classified and the surgical risk was assessed.The evaluation results of two doctors were tested by Cohen's Kappa test.Results The best X-ray projection angle of extraoral third molars was obtained.The optimal offset distance of limited mouth open was±15 cm,and the optimal offset distance of maximum mouth open was±20 cm.A total of 51 patients completed DR imaging of the third molar,and 69 molars were evaluated.The DR images of the two doctors were consistent(Kappa value=0.809).There were 51(73.91%)first-grade images and 18(26.09%)second-class images.There were 19(27.54%)oblique impacted teeth,24(34.78%)vertical impacted teeth,and 26(37.68%)horizontal impacted teeth.The subcrown position of the third molar was classified,and there were 41 cases(59.42%)of high position,21 cases(30.43%)of middle position,and 7 cases(10.14%)of low position.Clinicians assessed the risk of third molar extraction,including 33 low-risk impacted teeth(47.83%),19 medium-risk impacted teeth(27.54%),and 17 high-risk impacted teeth(24.64%).Conclusion DR imaging of extraoral third molar with different X-ray projection angles at limited mouth open and maximum mouth open positions can obtain high image quality and provide reliable information for clinical evaluation of impacted teeth before extraction.
Third molarImpacted toothDigital radiographyOral DR imaging