Diagnostic accuracy and radiographic interpretation of pre-eruptive intra-coronal resorption among dental practitioners using eye-tracking technology.

Abstract

Background: Pre-eruptive intra-coronal resorption (PEIR) is a condition in which unerupted teeth exhibit coronal radiolucency consistent with resorptive loss of coronal tooth structure. These lesions are discovered incidentally on routine radiographs.

Aim: To measure the radiographic interpretation and diagnostic accuracy of PEIR among dental practitioners at King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital using eye-tracking technology.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 125 interns, general dentists, and postgraduate residents examined five panoramic radiographs, including a case of impaction, and the rest were radiographs with PEIR of different severities. In this study, PEIR recognition was assessed using a validated questionnaire uploaded to an eye-tracking device (Sensomotoric Instruments SMI).

Results: The findings revealed an association between the severity of the PEIR lesion and the detection of the affected teeth. As the severity increased, the participants were more able to identify the affected teeth, and the percentage of overlooking decreased. The dentist's level of education and years of clinical experience influenced the diagnostic accuracy and radiographic interpretation of the PEIR lesions.

Conclusions: The diagnostic accuracy and radiographic interpretation of PEIR lesions were affected by participants' level of education and years of clinical experience. Based on this study, PEIR lesions may remain undetected until they reach advanced stages.