Evaluation of the diagnostic advantage of intraoral D and E film for detecting interproximal caries

Clinicians strive to reduce the exposure of patients to X-ray radiation in an effort to decrease its harmful effects on the body. A potential strategy for achieving this goal is the use of high-speed films that require less exposure to radiation to generate a diagnostic image. There are two film types commonly used in intraoral radiography: high speed or "Ekta-speed" film (Type E) and normal speed or Ultra-speed film (Type D). Type E film requires nearly half of the exposure time that is required by Type D films to produce an acceptable diagnostic image; however, the diagnosis quality and usability of these film types are under question. The purpose of this research is to compare the diagnostic quality of Type E with Type D film when used to diagnose proximal caries. In this study 40 pairs of extracted maxillary premolar teeth were chosen and divided into four groups of 10 pairs. Cavities were made on proximal surfaces at different depths (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm) for each group. Bitewing radiographs were then taken on each pair of teeth using Type E film and then again using Type D film. Radiographs were evaluated by two oral radiologists and two operative dentistry specialists who recorded the perceived diagnostic depth of the prepared cavities. Our data showed both Type D and E films are suitable for use in diagnosing proximal caries, and despite a minor discrepancy between them no significant difference was found with regard to their value in diagnosing proximal caries.