Evaluation of accuracy of two digital radiography systems in two high-resolution and standard modes in the diagnosis of interproximal caries

Great advantages of digital radiographic techniques have resulted in ever-increasing use of these techniques by dental practitioners. Contrast, density and other factors influecing the diagnostic quality of digital systems can be manipulated. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic accuracy of two digital radiographic systems of Schick and Sordex in standard and high-resolution modes in the detection of interproximal caries. In this in vitro study twenty-four extracted human premolars with interproximal caries were selected and divided into four groups. Each group was radiographed using the two Schick and Sordex systems. The sensors in the two systems were fixed at 10-mm and 100-mm distances from the teeth and the tubes, respectively. All the radiograms were coded by an oral radiologist at standard and high-resolution modes in a blind manner. The teeth were sectioned in a mesiodistal direction in order to confirm caries diagnostic accuracy and determine its depth as a gold standard and coded by an oral pathologist under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and gamma test at 95% confidence interval. There was significant relationship between the results of different digital radiographic techniques and pathologic evaluations (p value < 0.001). The highest correlation with pathologic results were observed in radiograms taken in the standard resolution mode of Schick radiographic system. Under the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that the diagnostic accuracy of Schick radiographic system in the standard mode is highly appropriate for detection of interproximal caries.