Detection method of proximal caries using line profile in digital intra-oral radiography / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate how to detect proximal caries using line profile and validate linear measurements of proximal caries lesions by basic digital manipulation of radiographic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The X-ray images of control group (15) and caries teeth (15) from patients were used. For each image, the line profile at the proximal caries-susceptible zone was calculated. To evaluate the contrast as a function of line profile to detect proximal caries, a difference coefficient (D) that indicates the relative difference between caries and sound dentin or intact enamel was measured. RESULTS: Mean values of D were 0.0354+/-0.0155 in non-caries and 0.2632+/-0.0982 in caries (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The mean values of caries group were higher than non-caries group and there was correlation between proximal dental caries and D. It is demonstrated that the mean value of D from caries group was higher than that of control group. From the result, values of D possess great potentiality as a new detection parameter for proximal dental caries.