A comparative study of intra oral periapical radiographic e-speed film and Radiovisography (RVG) for detection of incipient proximal caries

Objectives: Objectives of our study were to evaluate the efficacy of intraoral periapical radiographic E-speed film and radiovisiography (RVG) and to compare the efficacy of both in the detection of incipient proximal caries. Methods: 40 extracted human premolar teeth were collected and conventional radiography and RVG were done using the intraoral radiographic machine, using paralleling technique. These images were evaluated for the detection of incipient proximal caries by three observers and graded according to 5 grade scale. The computed tomogram images were taken as the standard images. Results:ROC curve analysis was done to compare the efficacy of Intraoral E speed film and RVG for the detection of incipient proximal caries. The area under the ROC curve for E speed film was 0.719. When the sensitivity and specificity value were compared a p-value of 0.007 was arrived which showed a statistical significance. When comparing the 3 modes of RVG, the area under ROC was 0.733, 0.707 and 0.599 respectively. When sensitivity and specificity values were compared, a strongly significant p value was found for endo mode (0.003) and a moderately significant p value for perio (0.012) and no significance for DEJ mode (0.282). Conclusion: The E speed film can be used as one of effective means in the detection of incipient proximal caries. Among the three modes of RVG the efficacy of endo mode was the best in diagnosing incipient proximal caries followed by perio mode and DEJ mode respectively.