The influence of 3D images and professional experience in the planning of impacted lower third molar extraction

Abstract

The use of 2-dimensional (2-D) or 3-dimensional (3-D) radiographic images in dental treatment plan is under discussion. Therefore, the object of this study is to evaluate the influence of the radiographic images (panoramic - PAN or cone beam computed tomography - CBCT) and the professional's experience in diagnosis and treatment plan of impacted mandibular third molar extractions (IMTM). One-hundred patients with radiographic PAN and CBCT images will be selected and six professionals with more and less experience in IMTM extractions will be separated into two groups (3 Srs=seniors and 3 Jrs=juniors). At this stage, professionals with different levels of experience will plan the case using radiographic PAN and CBCT images. We will evaluate the level of inter (Srs vs Jrs) and intra (PAN vs CBCT) professional agreements in planning IMTM extractions.