Radiovisiography for length estimation in root canal treatment: an in-vitro comparison with conventional radiography

Radiovisiography (RVG) and conventional film (CF) were compared in an in-vitro study for working length estimation of root canals. Hedstrom files (size 15) were placed in the root canals of 60 extracted teeth and the teeth imaged using both CF and RVG. The length of file observed was assessed on CF, RVG and enhanced RVG images. The results indicated that a greater length of file was imaged with CF than with RVG (P less than 0.05). However, enhanced RVG images were not significantly different from CF images. While clinical studies are now indicated to confirm these results, it is suggested that, when utilizing RVG for length estimation in root canal treatment, the enhancement facility should be used.