Using computers to diagnose and plan treatment of approximal caries detected in radiographs

Article Abstract:

An image analysis and decision-support software system (CariesFinder) appears to be as accurate as experienced dentists in diagnosing cavities and in recommending appropriate treatment. Fourteen dentists examined x-rays to diagnose cavities in 80 tooth surfaces and to determine whether fillings were necessary. Researchers compared the accuracy, consistency, and appropriateness of the clinician's findings with the diagnoses and treatment recommendations provided by CariesFinder. Dentists' diagnoses and treatment decisions were approximately as accurate as the computer-based system. CariesFinder was more likely than dentists to incorrectly diagnose decay in sound tooth surfaces. Dentists were less precise and less consistent in detecting cavities and in recommending treatment than CariesFinder. Dentists were more likely than the computer-based system to correctly recommend treatment for cavities and were also more likely to recommend filling cavity-free surfaces.

Evaluation, Software, Diagnosis, Dentistry, Dental caries, Decision support systems, Image interpretation, Computer assisted, Computer assisted image interpretation

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Assessing the quality of radiographs: accompanying biopsy specimens

Article Abstract:

Oral X rays may often be of poor quality. Researchers evaluated the quality of 114 oral X rays taken as part of the evaluation of 89 patients who had lesions of bony structures. Surgeons need X rays that locate the lesion and show its relationship to teeth and other structures to plan surgery. Overall, 69 dentists, mostly general practitioners in private practice, contributed X rays of which 42 were panoramic and 72 were intraoral. Only 7% of X rays provided three-dimensional coverage. Eighty percent showed the entire lesion, but this is not sufficient to show the relationships among structures. Distortions of image rendered 22% of intraoral and 61% of panoramic X rays unacceptable. Eighteen percent of intraoral and 31% of panoramic X rays had processing errors that diminished image quality. Twenty-one percent of intraoral and 36% of panoramic X rays were too dark or too light. Thirty-nine percent of intraoral and 2% of panoramic X rays had no date.

Practice, Quality management, Dentists, Diagnosis, Radioscopic, Radioscopic diagnosis

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Estimating distances on direct digital images and conventional radiographs

Article Abstract:

Dentists should be able to accurately estimate distances on direct digital images. Direct digital images are an alternative to dental X-rays and are displayed on a monitor. Researchers asked six dental students and six radiologists to estimate distances on images of a tooth prepared for root canal. The images were produced by dental X-rays and two types of direct digital systems. Distance estimates using the direct digital images were as good or better than those using dental X-rays.

Teeth, Image quality, Radiography

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