Introduction: Determination of the curvature of root canals at present is accomplished by complicated or expensive methods. Therefore, there is a need to develop a new digital method by which this curvature can be determined quickly, easily and accurately.
The aim of this in-vitro study is to determine the angles of curvature of the root canals of extracted teeth by comparing a new digital method of measurement with an established digital method.
Material and Methods: Forty-eight (48) root canals of extracted teeth were studied to achieve the goal. In all roots, curvature is measured by three methods: Method 1 – new digital photographic method and special Software (Screen Protractor); Method 2 – a new digital radiography method and special software (Screen Protractor); Method 3 – approved method, digital by X-ray and special Software (Durr dental).
Results: The mean degrees of the measured curvature of the root canals in all three groups are similar and are about 22°. There are no statistically significant differences between them (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This shows that the new digital photographic and x-ray methods for measuring root curvature can accurately determine the curve angle for extracted teeth.
