Application of e-Vol DX Software in the Identification of Lateral Canals in Mandibular Molars

Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of two cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) software in detecting lateral canals in mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: A total of eighty-six CBCT scans containing mandibular molars with a field of view between 40x40mm and 80x80mm were selected and analyzed using two different software: e-Vol DX and i-Dixel. Brightness, contrast, and grayscale were individually adjusted in all CBCT scans to allow for optimal visualization. The presence and location of lateral canals were computed. The data were analyzed using McNemar's test (p<0.05). Results: e-Vol DX identified 135 lateral canals in 100 mandibular molars, while i-Dixel detected only 39 lateral canals. The majority of lateral canals were found in the distal root (59%) and middle third (45%). Conclusions: According to the methodology and results found in this research, it is possible to conclude that the e-Vol DX software is more effective in detecting small structures such as lateral canals in mandibular molars.