Document Type : Original Articles

Abstract

Introduction: Awareness of the status of the root canal has an important role in the success of endodontic treatment. Radiography is the most important tool for root canal evaluation. Internal resorption is one of the problems of the root canal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the extent of internal resorption by using direct digital radiography with software programs and compare it with pathologic diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 100 extracted human mandibular premolars were stored in formalin. Digital radiographs were taken and the extent of internal resorption was evaluated by Cygnus Media software with the use of Enhancement and Embossed tools by two experienced radiologists. Then the samples were stained with H & E and evaluated by a pathologist. Data was analyzed with McNemar’s test at 95% confidence level. Results: The observer 1 reported 22 cases of internal resorption and 78 sound teeth in the first observation; in the second observation, 25 cases of internal resorption and 75 sound teeth were reported. The observer 2 reported 13 cases of internal resorption and 87 sound teeth in the first observation; in the second observation, 17 cases of internal resorption and 83 sound teeth were reported. In the histopathologic evaluation, 18 cases of internal resorption and 82 sound teeth were reported. No significant differences were observed between the two methods. Conclusion: Digital radiography with the use of Embossed and Enhancement tools has a high degree of accuracy in the diagnosis of internal resorption.   Key words: Digital radiography, Internal resorption, Pathology, Radiology.