Assessment of diagnostic accuracy of a direct digital radiographic-CMOS image with four types of filtered images for the detection of occlusal caries

Background: Digital imaging has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and make quantitative diagnoses. In the recent decades, software for radiographic analysis has been investigated and developed for the detection of lesions and the quantitative assessment of the depth of a caries lesion. In addition, the accuracy of diagnosis may also be enhanced by programs that filter the images. These programs can adjust the brightness and contrast, determine the gray level, invert the shades of gray, and apply pseudocolors. Few studies compared different types of digital images in the diagnosis of changes in the tooth crown.

Aim: The main aim of this study was to assess the the diagnostic accuracy of a direct digital radiography (DDR)-CMOS image with four types of filtered images for the detection of occlusal caries.

Materials and methods: Fifty randomly selected patients' teeth were clinically examined and digitally radiographed. Radiographed images are converted into four filter images with the help of software. Filtered images were then selected for inter- and intraobserver examination and the result was subjected to statistical analysis.

Conclusion: DDR-CMOS and negative image were found to be more useful in diagnosing occlusal caries.