Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital and Conventional Radiography in the Detection of Non-Cavitated Approximal Dental Caries

Abstract

BackgroundRadiography plays an important role in the detection of interproximal caries.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of chargecoupled devices (CCD), Photo Stimulable Phosphor (PSP) and film radiography in detecting non-cavitated caries.Patients and MethodsSeventy-two non-cavitated approximal surfaces of extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed under standardized conditions using three intraoral modalities: CCD Dixi3 (Planmeca, Finland), PSP Digora PCT (Soredex, Finland),and E-speed film (Kodak, USA). Radiographs were interpreted by four observers and caries lesions were classified as sound (R0), restricted to enamel (R1), reaching the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) and the outer half of the dentin (R2) and the inner half of the dentin (R3). The teeth were subsequently sectioned for histological analysis which served as the gold standard for radiographic examination.ResultsMicroscopic examinations showed that the distribution of caries were 63.9% sound, 18.1% enamel, 9.7% DEJ and outer half of the dentin and 8.3% into the inner half of the dentin.The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of enamel caries were 38% and 98%; 15% and 96 %; and 23% and 98%, respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of both dentin and enamel caries were 55% and 100%; 45% and 100% ; and 55% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of digital images is similar to that of conventional film radiography in the detection of non-cavitated approximal caries.

Awareness of bitewings among polish dentists

“…5 To improve the technique of bitewing radiography and also make it more popular, scientists are trying to minimize the radiation risk connected to its usage. It has been proven recently that lowering the peak voltage of the intraoral X-ray tube from 70 kV to 60 kV has no negative effects on the quality of the picture and, indirectly, on the follow-up of carious lesions 17,18 . It has also been proven that removal of soft tissues (especially the cheek) from the area where the X-ray beam is directed improves the quality of the X-ray of the bone and the contrast of the picture, thereby it increases the sensitivity of a bitewing.…”

“…The sensitivity of approximal caries detection is 2 times higher in bitewing radiography compared to clinical diagnosis; in other words, half of approximal cavities are not diagnosed in clinical examination. [18][19][20] One of the newest inventions is the technique of extraoral bitewing X-ray with a reduced dose of radiation for the patient. 5 This type of X-ray is easier to be taken with patients with whom it is not possible to apply the standard method of taking bitewing X-rays; e.g.…”

Spanning the Horizon of Accuracy of Different Intraoral Radiographic Modalities: A Systematic Review

“…1 It is ubiquitous in all populations worldwide, and is the prime factor responsible for dental pain and tooth loss. Individuals are predisposed to this disease throughout their lifetime.…”

“…Today, the greatest obstacle in caries identification concerns the carious lesion in the initial stages, when it is confined to the enamel layer. [1][2][3] As it has turned out more problematic to diagnose caries in clinical practice, numerous diagnostic methods are being improved and others are being developed. Examples incorporate laser fluorescence, transillumination, electrical conductance measurement, electrical impedance measurement, digital imaging, and imaging processing for caries detection.…”

Accuracy of Panoramic Dental X-Ray Imaging in Detection of Proximal Caries with Multiple Morpological Gradient (mMG) Method

“…The fourth type of caries, the most difficult to detect is the proximal caries [10]. This type cannot be detected visually or manually by simply using the tool of dental Explorers (diagnostic) teeth [11], so that the examination be radiography x-ray image is indispensable to facilitate in identifying the proximal caries [12], [13]. The image of X-ray can show cavities (caries), teeth are hidden, and the bone that seems to disappear which can not be seen during visual examination [14], [15].…”