Detection of interproximal caries using methods applicable to a field environment : Digital radiography, manually processed film, and self-developing film

The purpose of this study was to determine if the alternatives to conventional dental radiography are diagnostically equivalent to conventional film in a field setting. These alternatives, digital radiography and self-developing film, could significantly decrease the weight and cubic size of a field X-ray set. Five radiographic methods were evaluated: self-developing film, manually processed film, film developed in an automatic processor, digital images on a liquid crystal diode, and digital images on a cathode ray tube screen. The results indicate that the liquid crystal diode system adversely affected the ability of the dentist to detect small interproximal lesions. The other methods were statistically equivalent. A recommendation for an "image acquisition" system to be included in a field dental treatment facility should be based on clinical factors as well as nonclinical factors such as cost, reliability, and logistical support requirements.