Background:The advantage of using a faster film for length determination in endodontic therapy is obvious. However, for such a film to be generally accepted, it must demonstrate comparable diagnostic quality to traditionally used films. Methods: The comparative accuracy of canal length determination of Ultraspeed and Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray films was assessed in maxillary first and second molars; for different canals, for different teeth, for different exposures, and for different examiners (five general dentists and three endodontic specialists). Results: In general, there were no significant differences between films, among examiners, or any interaction between films and exposures. That is, an assessor's ability to estimate lengths was not significantly influenced by the film type or by exposure used. There was a wide divergence in the individual assessor's ability to estimate lengths. Specialists estimated lengths more accurately than general practitioners and estimated lengths more accurately with Ektaspeed Plus film. Length determination in distobuccal and mesiobuccal canals was more accurate than in palatal canals. Most palatal canals were underestimated in length by more than 1mm. The use of file sizes larger in number than size 15 is recommended in these canals. Conclusion: For length determination, Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray film is as effective as Ultraspeed film. Given the acceptable quality and accuracy of Ektaspeed Plus film, there seems to be no clinical reason to subject patients to greater radiation by using a slower film during endodontic therapy. has been shown to be as effective as Ultraspeed for caries detection and oral diagnosis, Ektaspeed has not been generally accepted in the dental community.1-3 The reasons for this lack of acceptance include grainy appearance, reduced image contrast and film sensitivity to processing variables. 4 In 1994, Kodak Eastman replaced Ektaspeed with Ektaspeed Plus. According to the manufacturer, this new film has the same speed as Ektaspeed but exhibits improved image characteristics, principally by replacing the traditional pebble-shaped silver halide granules with tabular granules. Laboratory studies confirm Ektaspeed Plus film is faster, has higher contrast 5 and a more pleasing appearance than Ektaspeed. It was technically suitable for clinical dental use 6-7 while maintaining speed and clarity over useful density ranges.8 Only minor differences were exhibited between Ektaspeed Plus and Ultraspeed when sharpness and granularity were compared.
8-11The advantages of using a faster film for dental radiography are obvious. However, for the film to be readily acceptable, it has to be shown to be of compatible diagnostic quality to Ultraspeed film over all dental uses. The aim of this paper is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Ultraspeed (D Speed) film with Ektaspeed Plus (E-Plus) dental X-ray film for use in endodontic therapy.
Materials and methodsAccess cavities were cut in the permanent first and second maxillary molar teeth in one skull. T...