BackgroundRadiography plays an important role in the detection of interproximal caries.ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of chargecoupled devices (CCD), Photo Stimulable Phosphor (PSP) and film radiography in detecting non-cavitated caries.Patients and MethodsSeventy-two non-cavitated approximal surfaces of extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed under standardized conditions using three intraoral modalities: CCD Dixi3 (Planmeca, Finland), PSP Digora PCT (Soredex, Finland),and E-speed film (Kodak, USA). Radiographs were interpreted by four observers and caries lesions were classified as sound (R0), restricted to enamel (R1), reaching the dentinoenamel junction (DEJ) and the outer half of the dentin (R2) and the inner half of the dentin (R3). The teeth were subsequently sectioned for histological analysis which served as the gold standard for radiographic examination.ResultsMicroscopic examinations showed that the distribution of caries were 63.9% sound, 18.1% enamel, 9.7% DEJ and outer half of the dentin and 8.3% into the inner half of the dentin.The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of enamel caries were 38% and 98%; 15% and 96 %; and 23% and 98%, respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of film, CCD and PSP for the detection of both dentin and enamel caries were 55% and 100%; 45% and 100% ; and 55% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of digital images is similar to that of conventional film radiography in the detection of non-cavitated approximal caries.

Background: Using a reliable indicator to identify different phases of skeletal maturation is an important issue in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between stages of tooth calcification and cervical vertebral maturation in Iranian individuals. Patients and Methods: 216 digital panoramic and lateral cephalometry of healthy patients, 99 males and 117 females (aged 8 to 16 years) seeking orthodontic treatment included in the study. To determine dental maturational stage, calcification of the mandibular canine, the first and second premolars and the second molar were assessed according to the method suggested by Demirjian et al. To evaluate the stage of skeletal maturation, cervical vertebral morphologic changes were assessed on lateral cephalometric radiographs according to the method suggested by Baccetti et al. All radiographs were evaluated by two observers and inter-and intra-examiner reliability were examined. Spearman's correlations coefficients were calculated to establish the association between cervical vertebral maturation and teeth calcification. P-values less than 0.001 were considered statistically significant. Results: All correlation values obtained were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Correlations between dental development and skeletal maturity stage due to CVM method ranged from 0.76 to 0.77 (P < 0.001) for females and 0.63 to 0.71 (P < 0.001) for males. The second molar (0.77) and second premolar (0.71) presented the highest correlation for female and male subjects, respectively. Conclusions:The relationship between calcification of tooth and maturation of cervical bones was significant. This suggested that tooth calcification stages from panoramic radiographs might be clinically useful as a maturity indicator.

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