OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare digital images with radiographs for the perceived clarity of small endodontic file tips at 2 different working lengths, as well as for the visualization of periapical bone lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Standardized conventional radiographic and phosphor-plate digital images were taken of 20 extracted permanent mandibular molars with 06 K-files placed in the distal root canal either 2 mm short or flush with the apical foramen. Similar images were obtained from mandibles with teeth that demonstrated large (n = 10) or small (n = 10) periapical lesions. Four evaluators ranked the clarity of the digital image with that of the radiograph. Results were analyzed by using the 2-sided sign test, ordinal logistic regression, and the kappa test. RESULTS: The perceived clarity of an endodontic file tip, at any position, and of a small or large periapical lesion was significantly (P < .01) less on all digital images compared with conventional films. CONCLUSION: Evaluator ratings indicated that the perceived clarity of fine endodontic files and periapical lesions was significantly less with phosphor-plate digital images than with conventional radiographs.
OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare digital images with radiographs for the perceived clarity of small endodontic file tips at 2 different working lengths, as well as for the visualization of periapical bone lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Standardized conventional radiographic and phosphor-plate digital images were taken of 20 extracted permanent mandibular molars with 06 K-files placed in the distal root canal either 2 mm short or flush with the apical foramen. Similar images were obtained from mandibles with teeth that demonstrated large (n = 10) or small (n = 10) periapical lesions. Four evaluators ranked the clarity of the digital image with that of the radiograph. Results were analyzed by using the 2-sided sign test, ordinal logistic regression, and the kappa test. RESULTS: The perceived clarity of an endodontic file tip, at any position, and of a small or large periapical lesion was significantly (P < .01) less on all digital images compared with conventional films. CONCLUSION: Evaluator ratings indicated that the perceived clarity of fine endodontic files and periapical lesions was significantly less with phosphor-plate digital images than with conventional radiographs.