The effect of developer age on the detection of approximal caries using three dental films

To compare the diagnostic accuracy for the detection of approximal caries of three dental X-ray films using fresh and aged processing chemicals.

Fifty-six extracted unrestored premolars were radiographed under standardized conditions using the new Dentus M2 (Agfa-Gevaert, Mortsel, Belgium), Ektaspeed Plus and Ultra-speed (Kodak Eastman Co, Rochester, USA) dental films. The films were processed manually using Agfa chemicals (Heraeus Kulzer, Dormagen, Germany). The procedure was repeated once a week until the complete exhaustion of the chemicals (6 weeks). Three independent observers assessed 210 radiographs using the following rating scale: 0 = sound, 1 = enamel lesion; 2 = lesion reaching the ADJ; 3 = dentinal lesion. True caries depth was determined by histological examination (14 sound surfaces, 11 enamel lesions, eight lesions reaching the ADJ and 23 dentinal lesions). True caries depth was subtracted from the values given by the observers and an analysis of variance was performed. The null hypothesis was rejected when P < 0.05.

No significant differences were found in the diagnostic accuracy between the three films when using chemicals of up to 3 weeks old (P = 0.056). After the third week, Ultra-speed was significantly better than the other two films (P = 0.012). On average caries depth was underestimated.

A similar level of diagnostic accuracy for approximal caries is achieved when using the three films. Dentus M2 and Ektaspeed Plus are at present the fastest available films and they should therefore be recommended for clinical practice. Agfa chemicals should be renewed every 3 weeks. Fifty per cent reduction in average gradient is indicative of renewing processing chemicals.