Root Canal Anatomy Visualization using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Transparent Preparation

Three-dimensional computed tomography (ct) is used to analyze the topography of the root canal anatomy in order to make a decision in choosing root canal preparation method. there is a method that make extracted teeth transparent maintaining its anatomical shape and size. it is important to compare the accuracy of the two visualization methods. objective: to compare the transmission accuracy of root canals anatomy by two visualization methods, three-dimensional ct and transparent tooth preparation. methods: mandibular third molar was used as sample. the three-dimensional ct scan was performed before extracting the teeth. then teeth were extracted and placed in solutions that made them transparent. results: despite the fact that the character of dental origin in terms of the angle of the crown, the curvature of the crown, the deviation of the root showed in three-dimensional ct, other tooth anatomical parameters were equally well detected using a transparent tooth preparation. overall, the curvature of the root canals is more clearly shown by transparent tooth preparation. conclusion: transparent tooth preparation provides superior visualization of real root canal anatomy compared to three-dimensional ct, however the later could give us more information about the relation of the tooth within the jaw.