Comparison of diagnostic sensitivity between conventional and direct digital radiography for small periapical bone lesion

AIM:To study the dental radiography for periapical bone lesions,and compared with conventional dental radiography.METHODS: Experimental periapical bone lesions were made in six dry human mandible using #1/2 to 7round burs.The sizes of round burs were 0.6mm,0.8mm,1.0mm,1.2mm,1.6mm and 2.0mm.Radiographic images were took by digital and conventional dental radiography.The digital dental radiographic images and films were reading by 5 observers.RESULTS:Results were evaluated with statistically analysis.As the bone lesions were small(0.6mm in diameter),the sensitivity of digital dental radiography was higher than the conventional.Both of the sensitivity of two radiographic ways became higher in larger bone lesions,but the difference of two radiographic ways is smaller.The sensitivity of conventional radiography was higher than the digital dental radiography as the bone lesions were 1.6mm in diameter.CONCLUSION: The diagnostic performance of direct dental radiography and conventional dental radiography are both promising techniques in smaller periapical bone lesions.The direct digital dental radiography is better than the conventional dental radiography with more large lesions.