Detection accuracy of approximal caries by black-and-white and color-coded digital radiographs

The objective of this study was to compare detection of approximal caries in vitro by black-and-white and color-coded digital radiographs.

The material comprised 2 groups of tooth sample. One group consisted of 40 premolars mounted in groups of 3 or 4 and the other group included 90 premolars mounted in groups of 5. Radiographs, respectively exposed with the Dixi and the Digora Optime digital radiographic systems, were color-coded using specially designed software. Seven observers in each of 2 centers subjectively evaluated one series of black-and-white and color-coded radiographs. The teeth were subsequently sectioned for histological determination of the lesions. ROC analyses were performed. Differences between the area under the ROC curves for the digital black-and-white and the color-coded radiographs were analyzed by ANOVA.

There were no significant differences between the black-and-white and the color-coded radiographs in detection of approximal caries.

Color-coded digital radiographs may be used as an alternative to digital black-and-white radiographs.