Radiological accuracy of two different systems (Digital & Conventional) in endodontic apical fitness

Abstract

Aim: The present study compares the accuracy of conventional and digital
radiographic system in the determination of apical fitness in endodontic therapy.
Method: Thirty three root canals of first upper and lower molar teeth were used in
this study; a K-file was inserted into the canal until its tip was fit snuggly one
millimeter shorter than the apex. Each tooth was radiographed twice with two
different radiographic systems; conventional & digital systems. The right-angle
paralleling technique with film holders was used in both systems. The distance
between the file tip and the center of radiographical apex from both imaging systems
was measured by two examiners and the mean of each two measurements was
recorded, the data was collected and analyzed statistically by paired t- test.
Results: The mean value of radiographic length reveals that there is a very small
difference between the measurements of conventional radiographic system
(0.8727mm) and those measurements of digital radiographic system (0.8367mm)
when compared with the real length measurements (1mm). Paired t-test shows
that there is no significant difference (p < 0.05) was founded between the real
measurements and the radiographic measurements are taken from both conventional
and digital systems. In conclusion both the conventional and digital imaging systems
can be used accurately for working length determination in an endodontic therapy.