[The reliability of digital periapical films in diagnosis of root resorption].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the difference between digital periapical film and conventional film in the evaluation of tooth length and root resorption.


METHODS
A standard for root resorption in vitro was developed based on 20 extracted upper central incisors. Digital periapical films and conventional periapical films were taken before and after the process of simulating root resorption at six different projection angles respectively. The tooth length and root resorption were measured on these films. The results were analyzed by paired-samples rank sum test.


RESULTS
Significant difference on tooth length measurement was found between two types of films on the same projection angle. No significant difference on the length of root resorption calculated on digital and conventional films was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The accuracy of the digital periapical film was greater than that of conventional periapical films. The conventional periapical film can still be used in the evaluation of root resorption.
Sha
Hai-liang
HL
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Stomatology, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China.
Bai
Yu-xing
YX
Li
Wen-cheng
WC
Bi
Dong-yuan
DY
D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital; D012391:Root Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*