In vitro comparison of Kodak Ultra-speed, ektaspeed, and Ektaspeed Plus, and Agfa M2 Comfort dental x-ray films for the detection of caries

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two new dental x-ray films, Kodak Ektaspeed Plus (Plus) and Agfa M2 Comfort (M2), respectively, with the current Kodak Ultra-speed (Ultra) and Ektaspeed (Ekta) films for the detection of caries. A total of 103 occlusal and 224 proximal surfaces were examined independently by three observers. A histologic examination performed after the teeth were sectioned served as the validation method for lesion depth. Receiver operating characteristic curve areas were calculated to express the diagnostic accuracy. In the occlusal surfaces the receiver operating characteristic curve areas ranged from 0.764 (in Ultra films) to 0.800 (in Ekta films). In the proximal surfaces the receiver operating characteristic curve areas ranged from 0.550 (in Ultra films) to 0.696 (in Plus films). No statistically significant differences were found between the different film types.