Diagnostic values of conventional radiography and digital subtraction radiography in detection of periapical bone lesions (An invitro study)

The detection of the teeth periapical lesions is associated with some problems clinically. As this diagnosis is based on the observation of radiolucent regions in the periapical area, the radiographic assessments of the lesions are important. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic values of conventional and digital subtraction radiography to improve the diagnostic ability of periapical lesions. Artificial bone lesions in the periapical region of 15 teeth were created. Conventional and digital radiography were taken of all specimens in four stages: preoperative and after lesion creation in cancellous bone by using No.2, No.6 and No.10 slow speed steel burs. Digital radiography images were exposed where as the distance between x-ray source and CCD was 24 cm and position of tube, teeth and receptor was fixed. The data was analyzed by kappa statistics. Diagnostic sensitivity in detection of lesion by conventional radiography and digital subtraction radiography by using bur No. 2 were 34.5%, 71.4%, No. 6 were 54.7%, 95.2% and bur No.10 slow speed steel bur were 92.9%, 100% respectively. The digital subtraction radiography in comparison with conventional radiography had a higher diagnostic value in detection of periapical bone lesions.