(PO54) Assessing Obturation Voids Between Radicular Dentin and Single Cone Gutta-Percha Using a Novel Photon Counting Intraoral Sensor

Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the level of intra- and inter-examiner accuracy and agreement in using a novel photon counting sensor versus a traditional intraoral sensor to determine if a void is present between gutta-percha and a root canal wall. Twenty-five mandibular incisors with a single canal were decoronated and prepared to a 45.04 taper with K3xF rotary files (Kerr, USA) 1 mm short of the visible root apex. This working length was recorded, and single-cone gutta-percha (Dia-Dent, USA) of 45.04, 40.04, 35.04, 30.04, 25.04, 20.04, 15.04 were placed at length and imaged with a novel photon counting sensor and a traditional intraoral sensor. A total of 576 images were captured. Significant voids will be present in every cone except for the 45.04 cone. Micro-CT scans for the 45.04 cone were completed to verify appropriate fit and provide the ground truth for whether or not voids are present (Micro-XCT 200, USA). Four calibrated examiners viewed these 576 images. Observers were asked to determine their level of certainty as to whether or not a void was present between the gutta-percha cone and the canal wall. The statistical analysis, including Kappa Coefficient to determine intra- and inter-observer agreement, ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, will be performed to find differences between the observers’ findings and whether or not an actual void was present, and a ROC curve was produced to help determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this assessment method. Results are pending. Conclusions to be determined.