A comparison of phosphor-plate digital images with conventional radiographs for the perceived clarity of fine endodontic files and periapical lesions

Objective. We sought to compare digital images with radiographs for the perceived clarity of small endodontic file tips at 2 different working lengths, as well as for the visualization of periapical bone lesions. Study design. Standardized conventional radiographic and phosphor-plate digital images were taken of 20 extracted permanent mandibular molars with 06 K-Files placed in the distal root canal either 2 mm short or flush with the apical foramen. Similar images were obtained from mandibles with teeth that demonstrated large (n = 10) or small (n = 10) periapical lesions. Four evaluators ranked the clarity of the digital image with that of the radiograph. Results were analyzed by using the 2-sided sign test, ordinal logistic regression, and the x test. Results. The perceived clarity of an endodontic file tip, at any position, and of a small or large periapical lesion was significantly (P < .01) less on all digital images compared with conventional films. Conclusion. Evaluator ratings indicated that the perceived clarity of fine endodontic files and periapical lesions was significantly less with phosphor-plate digital images than with conventional radiographs.