Dehiscence Detection Using Video Prints of Enhanced Images Acquired with a CCD Intra-Oral Detector

摘要

Objectives: The radiographic determination of dehiscence in the alveolar bone adjacent to teeth is problematic unless it occurs over time and can be displayed by radiographic subtraction. Hence a study was performed to determine whether enhancement of digitally-acquired images might facilitate detection of this condition. Methods: Fresh, non-embalmed dentulous cadavers served as the test model. Areas of natural dehiscence were recorded. In the absence o f natural dehiscence, defects were created in regions of the buccal or labial alveolar bone using a# 15 scalpel. The created defects were categorized either as “natural simulation” or “w ell-definedO ther areas were left intact as normal controls. Periapical radiographs were made using a RVG-S? with an Irix 70? X-ray generator (Trophy Radiologie, Vincennes, France). Constant projection geometry and exposure parameters were maintained. The observers were six orthodontists who examined video prints of enhanced images individually under identical viewing conditions. Results: The effect of presence and type of alveolar bone defect was statistically significant (p<0.002); however, the mode of image contrast enhancement had no significant impact (p<0.05). The overall sensitivity for detection o f the bony defects was only 30%, with a specificity of 79% and overall accuracy of 48%. Conclusions. Irrespective of the mode of contrast enhancement used, video prints from digital readout of images of the teeth and surrounding bone showed low sensitivity for the detection o f naturally occurring dehiscence and created defects simulating this condition.