Detection of proximal caries using digital radiographic systems with different resolutions

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Digital radiography is a key advancement in dental imaging for caries detection.
• Spatial resolution is a critical factor influencing image quality in digital receptors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the diagnostic accuracy of two digital radiographic systems at different resolutions.
• To evaluate the detection of noncavitated proximal caries using varying image resolutions.

Main Methods:

• Seventy premolar teeth were radiographed using Digora Optime and RVG Access systems.
• Six observers assessed proximal caries depth on a 4-point scale; histological analysis served as the gold standard.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with Kruskal-Wallis test and P <0.05 significance.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in proximal caries detection accuracy were observed across different resolutions (P > 0.05).
• RVG Access exhibited the highest specificity (87.7%), while Digora Optime at high resolution had the lowest (84.2%).
• Digora Optime demonstrated higher sensitivity for detecting caries extending into the outer enamel half; oral radiologists showed greater reliability than specialists.

Conclusions:

• The tested resolutions of Digora Optime and RVG Access systems demonstrated comparable accuracy for detecting noncavitated proximal caries.
• Digital radiography systems offer similar diagnostic performance for early caries detection.