EVALUATING THE RELIABILITY OF OPG INDICATORS AND CORRELATING SURGICAL OUTCOMES WITH CBCT FINDINGS IN CASES OF TOOTH-CANAL PROXIMITY- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY"

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between Orthopantomogram (OPG) findings and the actual contact status between mandibular teeth and the inferior alveolar canal, as determined by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The cohort, selected based on suspected tooth-canal proximity from OPG, underwent detailed threedimensional visualization using CBCT.Analysis of various OPG indicators revealed that darkening of roots exhibited a 62.5% correlation with true contact on CBCT, suggesting its potential as a proximity indicator. However, caution is emphasized, as darkening did not align with actual contact in 57.1% of cases.Interruption of the white line of the canal showed a substantial 31.2% correlation with true contact on CBCT. Intraoperative findings included visible Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) in 12.5% of subjects with contact and pulsating bleeding in 4.8% without contact. Transient paresthesia occurred in 6.2% of cases with contact,lasting up to 3 months,with no permanent post-operative paresthesia reported. The study advocates for a judicious evaluation of OPG findings, highlighting their role as initial cues but emphasizing the need for advanced imaging like CBCT for enhanced diagnostic precision.