Digital radiology and image analysis for approximal caries diagnosis.

The aim of this study was to determine if radiology combined with digital reception and image analysis, radiovisiography (RVG), is effective in the early diagnosis of simulated approximal carious lesions. An experimental lesion similar to the one produced by caries was made in 39 permanent molars and premolars. Radiographic images of these lesions were obtained under standardized conditions using RVG. The image obtained was magnified 700 times and the densities of the lesion, the enamel, the dentin, and the pulp were measured using an image analysis program (Visualdent). The results showed statistically significant differences between the density of the produced lesions and that of healthy enamel. This measurement was independent of the differing thickness of the approximal enamel surface in molars and premolars. These results indicated the potential usefulness of the system tested in the diagnosis of incipient approximal caries.