title: Comparison of two methods of digital imaging technology for small diameter K-file length determination.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Obtaining the proper working length in endodontic treatment is essential. The aim of this study was to compare the working length (WL) assessment of small diameter K-files using the two different digital imaging methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  The samples for this in-vitro experimental study consisted of 40 extracted single-rooted premolars. After access cavity preparation, the ISO files no. 6, 8, and 10 stainless steel K-files were inserted in the canals in the three different lengths to evaluate the results in a blinded manner: At the level of apical foramen(actual)1 mm short of apical foramen2 mm short of apical foramen A digital caliper was used to measure the length of the files which was considered as the Gold Standard. Five observers (two oral and maxillofacial radiologists and three endodontists) observed the digital radiographs which were obtained using PSP and CCD digital imaging sensors. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS 17 and Repeated Measures Paired T-test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In WL assessment of small diameter K-files, a significant statistical relationship was seen among the observers of two digital imaging techniques (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the two digital techniques in WL assessment of small diameter K-files (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PSP and CCD digital imaging techniques were similar in WL assessment of canals using no. 6, 8, and 10 K-files.
authors.affiliation: Dental Materials Research Center, Assistant Professor, Department of Endodontics, Dental Faculty, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
authors.forename: Ehsani
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maryam
authors.affiliation: Dental Materials Research Center, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, Dental Faculty, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
authors.forename: Abesi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farida
authors.affiliation: Dentist, Student Research Department, Dental Faculty, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
authors.forename: Akbarzade
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Farhad
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor of Social Medical and Health Department, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran.
authors.forename: Khafri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Soraya
keywords: Digital imaging; K-file; Working length