Influence of cone-beam computed tomography in clinical decision-making among different specialists in external cervical resorption lesions

Abstract

Introduction: Inadequate management of external cervical resorption (ECR) lesions may impact the treatment outcome. This study aimed to ascertain the influence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in clinical decision-making choices in cases of ECR among dentistry specialists (endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics orthodontics, and general dentistry). A secondary objective was to evaluate the self-reported level of difficulty in choosing a treatment plan before and after viewing the CBCT images. Methods: Sixty examiners from different specialties were chosen to evaluate 12 cases of ECR lesions. Each case included clinical photographs, digital periapical radiographs, and a small-volume CBCT scan. In the first assessment, the examiners were given all the relevant information of each case, except the CBCT scan. Each examiner was asked to select 1 of the proposed treatment options and assess the difficulty of decision-making. Four weeks later, the examiners randomly reviewed the same 12 cases with additional information from the CBCT data. Results: After the CBCT evaluation, the clinicians changed their treatment plan in 72.2% of the cases (P < .05). The self-reported level of difficulty in choosing a treatment changed in all groups after evaluating the CBCT scans (P < .05). After viewing the CBCT scan, the extraction option increased significantly in all groups (P < .05). Conclusions: CBCT scan had a significant impact on clinical decision-making in cases of ECR evaluated by different specialists.