In Vitro Comparison of D and F Speed Intraoral Radiographic Films in the Detection of Proximal Caries

Abstract

Introduction: The use of fast films is one of the major factors contributing to dose reduction. However, the diagnostic ability of fast film must be determined before current use of the films. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of D and F speed films in the diagnosis of proximal caries.Materials & Methods: Eighty proximal surfaces in 40 extracted unrestored premolars were undergone radiography in standardized conditions using D- and F-speed flowdental intraoral films. True caries diagnosis was based on histological assessment of the surfaces after sectioning the teeth. Two observers read the radiographs using a four-point scale to record their diagnosis. Observer responses were evaluated using ROC analysis and areas under the ROC Curves (Az) was microscopical assessed by pairwise comparison of ROC Curve.Results: D and F speed films had a mean Az of 0.934 and 0.920 respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.548) Difference between observers was also not statistically significant.Conclusion: The efficiency of the new F-Speed films was not statistically different from that D Speed films in caries detection. This film shows the ability of reducing patient’s dose while maintaining diagnostic quality.

Keywords

• Proximal caries
• diagnosis
• radiography
• intraoral film.