title: Direct digital radiography versus conventional radiography for estimation of canal length in curved canals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the conventional and digital radiography in the estimation of working length in mandibular molars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty molar teeth were selected and divided into three groups in the basis of canal curves (0-15°, 15-30°, >30°). After the placement of a 15 K-file, radiographs were taken with a conventional film (F-speed) and a digital sensor. Canal lengths were measured in these images by two observers. Statistical analysis was performed with repeated measures of ANOVA and paired sample t-test with 95% confidence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a high inter-observer agreement on the measurements of working length in conventional and digital radiographs. There was no significant difference between the mean values of measurements in conventional and digital radiography. Moreover, there was no significant difference between conventional and digital radiography with the actual values in the basis of canal curves.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The accuracy of conventional and digital radiography in the determination of the working length was in an acceptable range.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Iran.
authors: Seiedeh Tahereh
authors: ST
authors: Mohtavipour
authors: Zahra
authors: Z
authors: Dalili
authors: Nasim Gheshlaghi
authors: NG
authors: Azar