Diagnostic accuracy of Digora Optime storage phosphor plates for proximal subsurface demineralization: effect of different exposure times.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of F-speed film and storage phosphor plate (SPP) exposed with different exposure times for the detection of artificial enamel subsurface demineralization.

STUDY DESIGN

Standard enamel windows of extracted premolars were exposed to a demineralizing solution. All teeth were radiographed before and after acid application with F-speed films and SPPs. Films were exposed for 0.25 seconds and SPPs were exposed using 4 exposure times. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used for diagnostic accuracy (A(z)).

RESULTS

Significant differences were obtained among A(z)s of 0.08- versus 0.12-seconds and 0.10- versus 0.12-second exposed SPPs (P < .05). A(z)s of films were higher than the SPPs exposed with 0.08, 0.10, and 0.12 seconds (P < .05). No difference was found between the A(z)s of the 2 systems when SPPs were exposed for 0.16 seconds (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic accuracy of films and SPPs was not impaired when exposure time was 36% reduced for the latter; however, diagnosis was impaired when reduced 52%.