Accuracy of film-based, digital, and enhanced digital images for endodontic length determination.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared the accuracy of D- and F-speed intraoral radiographs and digital and enhanced digital radiographic images for endodontic file length determination.


METHODS
Size 15 K-files were bonded in 51 canals of 34 human cadaver teeth. The distance from file tip to root apex was measured on D- and F-speed film and on unenhanced and enhanced digital images. The quality of the images was rated by the observers. Overlying cadaver bone and root structure were subsequently removed to expose the file tip for actual measurement to the apex. The distance measured on each image was compared with the actual measurement. ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, sign test, and Pearson correlation statistical analyses were applied.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in measurement accuracy among the 4 image types (P < or = .05). Subjective ratings showed a preference for the quality of enhanced digital images. Conclusion All 4 image types were similar in accuracy of file measurement. The image quality of enhanced digital images was subjectively superior to the others.
Woolhiser
Gail A
GA
Endodontics Program, University of Detroit, Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, USA. gawoolhiser@juno.com
Brand
John W
JW
Hoen
Michael M
MM
Geist
James R
JR
Pikula
Agata A
AA
Pink
Frank E
FE
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009811:Odontometry / Q000379:methods*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011861:Radiography, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014962:X-Ray Film