title: Detection of cavitated or non-cavitated approximal enamel caries lesions using CMOS and CCD digital X-ray sensors and conventional D and F-speed films at different exposure conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the ability of digital sensors (CMOS and CCD sensors) and D and F-speed films to detect cavitated and non-cavitated enamel caries lesions at different exposure conditions compared to a gold standard.
  
  
  METHODS
  100 extracted human molars and premolars were selected and mounted in a block between two neighboring teeth. Sensors or films were exposed with voltages of 60 or 70 kVp at varying times. Three observers assessed each approximal site independently. Lesion depth was rated according to an anatomical five-point scale (0 = no lesion to 4 = lesion reaching inner half of dentin). Serial sections of resin-embedded teeth were prepared. Gold-standard scores were established by consensus based on histological sectioning. A carious lesion was present at scores of 1 and higher. Statistical evaluation (sensitivity, specificity and receiver-operating curves) was based on caries-free surfaces and those presenting enamel caries (n=116).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ROC curves had "area under the curve" values (Az) from 0.50 (F-speed, 70 kVp, 0.20 seconds) to 0.58 (CCD 60 kVp, 0.08 seconds). The detection percentage of cavitated lesions was generally higher (0-52%, depending on technique and observer) than that of non-cavitated lesions (3-32%). The CMOS sensor showed Az values comparable to the CCD sensors but required higher exposure times. There was no significant difference between 60 and 70 kVp.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Operative Dentistry, Free University of Brussels, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium. pbottenb@vub.ac.be
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bottenberg
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jacquet
authors.forename: Vitus
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stachniss
authors.forename: Johann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wellnitz
authors.forename: Andreas G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Schulte
mesh_terms: D003731:Dental Caries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012666:Semiconductors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014159:Transducers; D014962:X-Ray Film