In vitro Comparison of Conventional Film and Direct Digital Radiography in Proximal Caries Detection

Abstract

Introduction: Various systems for intraoral digital radiography have been available as an alternative to film-based radiography. In consideration of several advantages of digital radiography such as less patient absorbed dose, manipulation of im- age quality and elimination of processing, it has been extensively used in different fields of denti- stry in recent years. The purpose of this study was comparison of conventional film and digital radiography in the proximal caries diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, 60 extracted premolar teeth were selected and mounted in acrylic blocks. The teeth were radio- graphed using F-speed film and a complementary metal oxide semiconductor digital sensor (CMOS). Two observers evaluated interproximal surfaces for detection of presence and extent of caries. True caries depth was determined by his- tological examination. The diagnostic accuracy of each radiographic system were assessed by means of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Results: There was no significant difference be- tween two imaging modalities. The AZ values in cases without caries and dentinal caries were greater than caries restricted to enamel and Den- tino Enamel Junction (DEJ). The differences among observers also were not statistically sig- nificant. Conclusion: Both imaging modalities were com- parable in the detection of proximal carious le- sions.