Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of digital imaging by using CCD and CMOS-APS sensors with E-speed film in the detection of periapical bony lesions

Objective. The purpose of this study was to compare E-speed Plus film and d igital imaging with a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor and a complementar y metal-oxide semiconductor active pixel sensor (CMOS-APS) in the detection of periapical bone lesions. Study design. Periapical lesions were created in the cortical and trabecula r bone of 10 dried human mandibles. Seventy radio: graphic images and 140 d igital images were evaluated by 6 endodontists and 2 radiologists. Receiver operating characteristics curves and analysis of variance were used for st atistical analysis. Results. No statistically significant differences were found between film, CCD, and CMOS-APS systems. Lesion detection occurred with significantly gre ater accuracy in cortical bone than in trabecular bone, as well as when the cortical plate was involved. Conclusions. That no differences were found between the two sensors lends s upport for the use of CMOS-APS sensors, which require less system power and may have longer life spans than CCD sensors. Digital imaging required 50% less radiation than film to obtain the same diagnostic information.