Sensitometric and clinical evaluation of a new F-speed dental X-ray film

Objectives: To compare the sensitometric properties, diagnostic efficacy an d image quality of the InSight (F-speed) and Ektaspeed Plus (E-speed) denta l X-ray films (Kodak Eastman Co, Rochester, USA). Methods: Characteristic curves were constructed, using manual and automatic processing, in order to compare film speed and average gradient. The diagn ostic yield was compared by assessment of endodontic file length. Endodonti c files, sizes 10 and 15. were placed at the root apex or 1.5 mm short. The exposure time for the InSight films was 20%, lower than that of Ektaspeed Plus. Seven dentists rated the position of file tip using a 5-point confide nce scale. ROC data were analysed by means of analysis of variance. The nul l hypothesis was rejected when P<0.05, In order to compare the image dualit y, 100 pairs of bitewing radiographs of the left (using Ektaspeed Plus) and the right sides (using InSight) of the same patient were made. Four dentis ts viewed the radiographs and the data were analysed using Kendall's coeffi cient of concordance. Results: InSight was faster than Ektaspeed Plus. It was an E-speed film whe n processed in manual conditions and an F-speed film when processed automat ically. The films had comparable average gradient. No significant differenc e was found in the diagnostic yield using the two films (P=0.648) Two obser vers showed a significant preference for Ektaspeed Plus. Conclusion: The first results of the new Insight firm are promising: the ex posure time can be reduced by 20% in comparison with Ektaspeed Plus at no d etriment to diagnostic efficacy.