RADIOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF CANAL LENGTH - DIRECT DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY

This research compared the length determination images produced by Tro phy and Regam direct digital radiographic systems with conventional E- speed radiographs. Size #15 K files were placed in the canals of 19 te eth of cadaver specimens and radiographed in a geometrically standardi zed bench device. Three evaluators estimated the length adjustment nec essary to position the file at the apex. The mean estimated adjustment lengths were compared with the true, anatomically determined adjustme nt lengths. Statistical analysis with analysis of variance and the Stu dent-Newman-Keuls test indicated no significant difference between dir ect digital thermal print images and conventional radiographs (p > 0.1 0). Length adjustment estimates with conventional radiographs were sig nificantly more accurate than Regam high-resolution computer monitor i mages (p < 0.01). Additionally, it was determined that length adjustme nt estimates were significantly more accurate when the file was placed short of the apex (p < 0.001). The clinical relevance of these differ ences is discussed.