Studying the Efficacy of Reverse Contrast Option of Digital Radiography in Detection of Horizontal Root Fracture

Detection of horizontal root fracture is a clinical difficulty that can only be detected through radiography in most cases. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of reverse contrast option of digital radiography in detection of horizontal root fracture.
In this ex.vivo study, 85 permanent maxilla single root central teeth were mounted in a dry skull alveolar socket. Conventional periapical and digital radiographs were taken in two vertical angles (40 and 55 degrees). Then, horizontal fractures were created in the middle-third of the roots using a hammer and the two pieces were stuck to each other. Afterwards, the fractured teeth were mounted in the dry skull alveolar socket and all radiographs were repeated in the same position. Digital images were processed with reverse contrast option. All radiographs were assessed by two radiologists and one endodontist. Two weeks later, 10% of the radiographs were assessed by one radiologist. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software (p>0.05).
There was no significant difference between digital and reverse contrast images in detection of horizontal root fractures (p>0.05) and both were better than conventional radiographs (p The reverse contrast option and digital radiography showed equal diagnostic accuracy, which was higher compared to conventional radiography. Additionally, 40-degree radiographs were better compared to 55-degree ones.