Diagnostic performance of radiovisiography in combination with a diagnosis assisting program versus conventional radiography and radiovisiography in basic mode and with magnification.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and compare the diagnostic efficiency of a digital radiographic system (RadioVisioGraphy -RVG-) in combination with a diagnostic assisting program (Logicon) with RVG in basic mode, magnification and conventional radiography (Kodak). STUDY DESIGN A study was made of 384 proximal surfaces corresponding to 192 posterior teeth. The diagnostic techniques employed comprised Kodak DF-58 Ultraspeed X-rays and a Trophy RVG system used in normal mode, magnification, combination with a caries diagnosis assisting program by Logicon; Kodak DF-58 Ultraspeed radiographs were used. The same X-ray source was used in all cases. The images obtained were compared to histological sections of the teeth used. These were brewed by abrasion and observed using a light microscope. A single operator made all observations. Sensitivity, specificity, the positive and negative predictive values, and the probability ratio were calculated. RESULTS Application of the Logicon program increased sensitivity, specially in lesions with caries extending into the dentin. In contrast, conventional radiography yielded a higher specificity and positive predictive value. The negative predictive values were similar for both techniques. CONCLUSIONS The RVG digital radiography and the Logicon assistance program was effective in diagnosing caries.