The accuracy comparison of direct digital radiography (DDR) and conventional radiography in detecting chemically created lesions

Diagnosis of periapical pathology is of paramount importance in enabling the clinician to provide immediate and appropriate dental treatment. Both intraoral digital radiography and film radiography are used to detect periapical pathology. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital radiographic imaging with conventional radiography in detecting chemically created lesions. For conducting this experimental study one cow cadaver mandibular Jaw was used. After building four 1×1cm2 pools at first molar areas, 35% Hydrochloric acid solution used to create chemically lesions. The designed time for chemically lesions was 4, 12, 24 and 36 hrs following acid exposure. Then, 1 digital and 1 conventional image with E-Speed film was taken from each half-jaw and images evaluated by five examiners. Wilcoxon signed Ranks test used for statistical analysis. The results of this study showed that diagnosis were more precise in detecting lesions with RVG than conventional radiography. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Regarding the acceptable quality of digital radiographs comparing to conventional radiographs we suggest using this method for detecting bone lesions.