A comparison of Ultraspeed and Ektaspeed dental x-ray film: in vitro study of the radiographic appearance of interproximal lesions.

This study investigated the difference between Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed dental x-ray film in detecting incipient interproximal carious lesions, in vitro. Molars and premolars were radiographed with 60, 70, or 90 kVp and 15 mA. Time was varied, so the density of all films was closely matched. The radiographs were viewed by ten dentists who judged the presence and extent of caries according to a predetermined scale. Inter-rater reliability was determined for each film type and tooth surface by using Pearson's Product-Moment Correlation Test. Results showed that inter-rater reliability was high and significant at p less than 0.01. Differences in kilovolt (peak) exposure had no significant effect on Ektaspeed and Ultraspeed film correlation. This study suggests no statistically significant difference in caries-detection ability for Ektaspeed or Ultraspeed radiographic film.