Comparison of sensitometric and diagnostic performance of two films.

The sensitometric properties of Kodak Ektaspeed Plus and Flow E-speed film as well as their diagnostic efficacy for detecting proximal surface caries were compared. Flow and Kodak E-speed films were exposed and processed according to American National Standards Institute and American Dental Association (ADA) specifications, and film speed, contrast, and density of base plus fog were measured. Additionally, 80 premolar and molar teeth were imaged and their proximal surfaces scored by 12 dentists for the presence of caries. The actual depth of the caries was determined by microscopic examination of the teeth after sectioning. Kodak Ektaspeed Plus and Flow E-speed films, although labeled E-speed by the manufacturers, are both slow F-speed films. They have comparable base plus fog densities and comparable contrast curves. Dentists detected carious lesions equally well using both film types. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and receiver operating characteristic area for detecting enamel and dentinal caries were not significantly different between the two films. Kodak Ektaspeed Plus and Flow E-speed films both meet or exceed the ADA performance specifications in terms of sensitometric properties. Both offer equal diagnostic utility for detecting caries.